FFA boss David Gallop in contention to replace Bill Pulver as ARU CEO

DAVID Gallop could become the first person to lead three of Australia’s four football codes after emerging as a shock candidate to replace Bill Pulver as ARU boss.

Convincing Gallop to leave FFA would be quite a coup. (Matt King/Getty Images)

DAVID Gallop could become the first person to lead three of Australia’s four football codes after emerging as a shock candidate to replace Bill Pulver as Australian Rugby Union chief executive.

The Football Federation Australia boss and former NRL CEO is one of several administrators with NRL experience being considered to take over rugby.

The Daily Telegraph understands the ARU is yet to contact Gallop but his name has been discussed among rugby union powerbrokers after Pulver announced last week he was quitting.

Gallop, 52, was a highly successful NRL CEO for 10 years before rejuvenating football in Australia as FFA chief executive. His experience and credentials as a sporting administrator would be attractive to the struggling ARU.

Another former NRL boss, David Moffett, has also been linked to the vacancy, as have Canterbury chief executive Raelene Castle, Brisbane Broncos boss Paul White and former Cronulla player Greg Harris, who has had a decorated career as the former Rugby Union Players Association, NSW Waratahs and Western Force CEO.

Moffett led the NRL between 1999 and 2001 and held down senior roles as an administrator with the IRB, SANZAR, New Zealand Rugby Union and Welsh Rugby Union. However, it is believed he is not a frontrunner for the ARU job.

Convincing Gallop to leave FFA would be quite a coup. (Matt King/Getty Images)

White helped the Broncos amass a record $42 million in revenue last season.

Broncos chairman Dennis Watt has thrown his full support behind White.

“Paul White is an outstanding sports administrator, heading up an outstanding team made up of committed, passionate people,” Watt said.

Panthers general manager of football, Phil Gould, also has a massive opinion of White.

Brisbane CEO Paul White with coach Wayne Bennett. (AAP Image/Dan Peled)

Castle will end her successful tenure at Canterbury after this season. She has been well liked and respected in rugby league. She has also been discussed as a possible CEO at Manly.

There are three women on the ARU board — Elizabeth Broderick, Pip Marlow and Ann Sherry — who may be attracted to Castle’s strong results at Belmore.

Harris understands the sporting landscape through his involvement in rugby union, rugby league and the AFL.

Former Wallaby Phil Kearns is also well in the running, while Sydney Rugby Union president David Begg is another contender.