NRL News 2024: John Khoury replaced by Adam Driussi on Bulldogs board

As two former Bulldogs greats were given life membership, the club looked to turn a corner with the introduction of tech guru businessman to help rebuild their embattled board.

Sydney businessman Adam Driussi has officially assumed the chairmanship at Canterbury-Bankstown as two former Bulldogs stars were awarded life membership.

Driussi replaced incumbent chairman John Khoury – and David ‘Cement’ Gillespie and Josh Reynolds were bestowed life membership – at Sunday morning’s football AGM at Canterbury Leagues Club.

This masthead exclusively revoked Khoury’s surprise demise on Friday afternoon.

Gillespie was part of coach Warren Ryan’s feared Dog of War forward pack during the 1980s while Reynolds has always been a true fan-favourite at Belmore.

Former Canterbury skipper James Graham was also due be awarded life membership but he asked for the honour to be deferred to a later date due to work commitments.

Beloved: Josh Reynolds is now officially a Bulldog for life. Picture: Adam Yip

Graham was a key player during coach Des Hasler’s reign as coach.

All three players did move to rival clubs but arguably played their best footy at Belmore.

Khoury, who took over as Bulldogs chairman in 2020, will remain a director on the football club and Canterbury Leagues Club boards.

Khoury has a close personal relationship with Driussi and fellow board member Paul Polly.

Driussi co-founded the billion-dollar data analytics business, Quantium, in 2002 and remains the company’s CEO.

He has been earmarked as chairman for more than a year.

Board members denied any bloodshed at the AGM but Khoury has told friends of his disappointment at being replaced.

Bulldogs chairman John Khoury (R) has been replaced on the Canterbury board. Source: Supplied.

Driussi, who was vice-chairman, has already built a robust relationship with Bulldogs general manager of football, Phil Gould.

There were no candidates for board positions with the seven incumbent directors being automatically returned.

Quantium’s client list has included Woolworths, Qantas, Telstra, Commonwealth Bank and Walmart. Woolworths bought a 25 per cent stake in Quantium for nearly $225m.

Driussi’s elevation was confirmed by 10.30am at the AGM.

Khoury, a football director since 2018, is enormously respected at Belmore. He spoke passionately at the AGM. Driussi also addressed members.

A partner at Deloitte between 2000 and 2002, Driussi joined the Bulldogs board in June, 2022.

He has a strong friendship with Bulldogs CEO Aaron Warburton.

Peter Winchester is Leagues Club chairman with Jim Koutsouklakis his deputy.

Canterbury started its 2024 on-field campaign with an impressive 24-12 win over Melbourne at Belmore Sports Ground on Thursday night.

Originally published as NRL News 2024: John Khoury replaced by Adam Driussi on Bulldogs board