‘Might not see out the term’: ARLC chair Peter V’landys’ huge succession plan admission

ARLC chair Peter V’landys has celebrated his appointment for a further three years by revealing that he may not see out his term - and has already begun succession planning.

ARL Commission chair Peter V’landys has celebrated his appointment for a further three years by revealing that he may not see out his term - and has already begun putting plans in place for his departure.

V’Landys, who has turned rugby league into a financial juggernaut with revenues of nearly $700 million and back-to-back profits in excess of $50 million, will have his tenure officially extended on Wednesday morning at the game’s AGM.

As the game prepares for a historic season launch in Las Vegas next week - a cause that he has personally championed - V’landys has revealed the personal toll that he has endured as the game’s most powerful figure and the prospect that he may prematurely walk away as a result.

“It’s hard,” V’landys said.

“It’s a pressure role, there’s no doubt. There are days where I’ve wanted to chuck it all in.

“I’m only human. Some days I think to myself, why the hell am I doing this? Why am I putting my family through this?

“But other days when you see the positive results, you are glad you are doing it. I love helping and representing the fans.

Peter V'landys has begun planning his exit from the NRL. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

“This job is the greatest rollercoaster ride you can ever be on. One day you are on top of the world and looking at the game and thinking how good is this?

“And then the next day something bad happens and you are in the basement thinking how do we get ourselves out of this?”

As well as V’landys, fellow commissioners Megan Davis and Kate Jones will have their tenures extended for a further three years on Wednesday.

“It’s great to be appointed for another term but there’s no guarantees I do the whole term,” V’landys said.

“It’s always an honour to represent so many stakeholders in rugby league and especially the fans. The fans have never had a representative and I pride myself on making sure that we look after the fan.

“Without the fans, you have nothing. For many years, they were the last ones considered and I just want to make sure they are well represented.”

Asked whether he could leave early, V’landys said: “I might not see out the term to be honest, no. I’ve been given a three-year term but you have to look at succession planning and I’m doing that.”

V’landys lauded the contribution of Jones, the former Queensland politician who shapes as a possible ARL Commission boss.

“Kate Jones has done an outstanding job,” V’landys said.

“I’m a big fan of Kate Jones, but Megan Davis has done an excellent job for a long time.

“We have some very good talent. Kate is one of our superstars on the commission … she has done a brilliant job with game participation.”

Jones has been widely tipped to eventually replace V’landys but there is no rush for him to leave given rugby league’s rude health.

“The good news for the NRL is that we will have Peter V for another three years to continue the reforms so necessary to grow the game,” V’landys predecessor Peter Beattie said.

“On the eve of the season launch in Las Vegas it shows stability for the future of the NRL.

“Rugby League is in the best shape it has ever been in since its formation. Peter is the best administrator the game has ever had.

“We are so lucky to have his determination and commitment. He is the bulldozer rugby league so desperately needed.”

Chief executive Andrew Abdo added: “Peter is an outstanding leader, sports administrator and chairman. The game is lucky to have him.

“Peter has brought great knowledge, insight and passion to improve every element of rugby league. He challenges us all to think differently.

“He was the visionary and driving force behind getting the NRL back on the field on May 28 during Covid, expansion of the men’s and women’s competitions and the acquisition of revenue generating assets.

“He is also incredibly passionate about participation and growth at grassroots level and genuinely cares about fans.

“We have a really strong relationship, we talk often and both of us love the game and have the best interests of the game at heart.”

Originally published as ‘Might not see out the term’: ARLC chair Peter V’landys’ huge succession plan admission