Meet the contenders: Who’s in frame for the NRL’s top job
Andrew Abdo has long been touted as Todd Greenberg’s replacement — and while he has a host of rivals for the NRL’s top job, one key figure has withdrawn from the race.
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Some of the leading contenders to fill the vacant NRL chief executive role quickly ruled themselves out, leaving the door open for interim boss Andrew Abdo to assume the role full-time.
Early favourite Accor Pacific Hotels chief operating officer Simon McGrath was the first to distance himself from the position on Tuesday morning telling The Daily Telegraph he had no interest in replacing Todd Greenberg.
South Sydney chief executive Blake Solly soon followed as did Raiders boss Don Furner. Solly made a commitment to Rabbitohs owner Russell Crowe and chairman Nick Pappas he would oversee a period of change at the Rabbitohs following Shane Richardson’s departure and Wayne Bennett being moved on at the end of next year.
Other contenders including Melbourne chief executive Dave Donaghy and Brisbane’s Paul White remained tight-lipped about succeeding Greenberg. While NSWRL boss Dave Trodden would not comment about speculation linking him to the top job.
McGrath is a rugby league tragic and had growing support from those at club level. He was originally in the mix for the NRL’s top post four years ago, before the job went to Greenberg.
“My position is that whilst I acknowledge the NRL role is so critical and worthwhile to our community – I am not interested,” McGrath said. “My role heading Accor Hotels as the leading hotel operator, is one that I remain very loyal to now more than ever I have a responsibility to lead.
“That being said Accor hotels has a very deep history with the NRL and we intend to play a major role in the rebuild of the code.”
Furner would only say he “loved the Raiders” when quizzed on his intentions to run for the job.
Solly also distanced himself from the position.
“I’m committed to the Rabbitohs and love being part of a great team on and off the field,” Solly said. “The first priority for the game is to unite behind Peter and Andrew for the 2020 season to ensure the game and the 16 clubs survive these unprecedented times. I won’t be applying for the role.”
Donaghy added he was “happy and focused in Melbourne with lots of work to do at the Storm.”
White’s 10-year reign as Broncos CEO will end in October this year, paving the way for him to step up to the NRL role.
He did not comment yesterday but had the backing of Broncos chairman Karl Morris.
“He understands what it takes to run a successful club,” Morris said. “He’s able to deal with a variety of stakeholders and is used to the complexities of rugby league. ”
MEET THE BOSS: WHO IS ANDREW ABDO?
A South African born commercial guru is now tasked with leading the NRL through one of the most turbulent times in the game’s history.
Andrew Abdo has long been touted as Todd Greenberg’s replacement and the game’s chief commercial officer will get his chance to shine after being appointed interim boss.
Abdo has been in his role for the past six years and generated commercial revenue growth of about $200 million last year.
His brief includes coming up with marketing campaigns for the season launch, locking in grand final entertainment and everything else that comes with promoting the game.
Other responsibilities include commercial revenues such as sponsorship, bringing in new brands and commercialising the digital network.
Abdo led the relaunch of the controversial Simply The Best campaign earlier this year and helped secure superstar Macklemore to perform at the NRL grand final in 2017.
He joined the NRL having spent 15 months as a director of Deloitte — his first job in Australia. He has a bachelor of business science, accounting and finance from the Cape Town University and a master of business administration from the Pretoria University.
Abdo has quickly built the trust of ARLC chairman Peter V’landys and is held in high opinion by most in clubland and members on the commission.
He has played a large part in discussions with the game’s broadcast partners and led a meeting with Fox Sports executives last week.
Originally published as Meet the contenders: Who’s in frame for the NRL’s top job
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