Timeline of David Gallop's 10 years as CEO of the NRL

CHECK out the highs and lows of David Gallop's 10-year reign as CEO of the NRL:

CHECK out the highs and lows of David Gallop's 10-year reign as CEO of the NRL:

February 2002: Takes over from David Moffett as NRL chief executive. Gallop previously acted as the NRL's director of legal and business affairs, including during the Super League vs ARL war.

August 2002: Just five months after his appointment, Gallop faces massive test of leadership when Bulldogs admit to rorting the salary cap. Gallop announces docking of 37 points and fined $500,000 and is widely lauded for his tough stance and calm, considered approach.

December 2002: Named NSW Sports Administrator of the Year.

April 2004: Announces Bulldogs club fined $150,000 after a number of unidentified players were accused of gang raping a woman in Coffs Harbour, though no charges were laid. Gallop said the fine was because during the months of media scrutiny the club had failed to behave "in a way which protected the game's image".

July 2005: Leads negotiations for a new television rights deal and announces contract with Nine and Fox Sports is worth $500 million over six years, representing a 60 per cent annual increase on existing arrangement.

December 2006: Voted Australian Sports Administrator of the Year at the Confederation of Australian Sport Awards.

March 2007: Oversees NRL competition expansion to 16 teams with the inclusion of Gold Coast Titans for the new season.

March 2009: Manly fullback Brett Stewart accused of assaulting a 17-year-old girl following the club's season launch. Gallop announces Stewart, who was included in the NRL's new season advertising campaign, will be suspended for four matches. Stewart acquitted in September 2010 and feuds with Gallop over perceived lack of support during saga.

April 2010: Announces Melbourne Storm to be stripped of two NRL premierships and three minor premierships and to play out the remainder of the 2010 season for no points due to massive salary cap rorting.

September 2011: Attracts controversy for comparing Melbourne Storm fans' passion in booing him to that of terrorists after presenting the 2011 minor premiership. He later apologises.

February 2012: Coinciding with the formation of the rugby league's new independent commission and the exit of News Limited from its control of the game, Gallop signs four-year contract to continue as CEO with the new body.

June 5, 2012: Steps aside as ARLC CEO after "mutual agreement" with commission chairman John Grant, saying he accepts it's time for a fresh approach. He departs in the midst of negotiations for a lucrative new rugby league media rights deal expected to be worth more than $1 billion over five years.