Racing NSW boss Peter V’landys will take four months long service leave in order to run the NRL.
V’landys, currently the chair of the Australian Rugby League Commission and the CEO of Racing NSW, will reportedly act in former CEO Andrew Abdo’s place, who resigned on Monday.
“Mr V’landys has asked for four months Long Service Leave to take an interim executive role at the Australian Rugby League Commission following the departure of CEO Mr Andrew Abdo,” Racing NSW Chairman Dr Saranne Cooke said.
“Mr V’landys has made this application so he is not spending more time on the Australian Rugby League Commission while performing his Chief Executive duties at Racing NSW.
“Having carefully considered Mr V’landys’ application, the Racing NSW Board unanimously supported the professional approach that Mr V’landys has taken.
“The Racing NSW Board has appointed Mr Graeme Hinton as Acting Chief Executive while Mr V’landys is on leave. Mr Hinton has been with Racing NSW since 2012 and has been Chief Operating Officer since 2016.
“As this will not occur until early July, a number of important initiatives benefiting the NSW Thoroughbred Racing Industry will be finalised and announced shortly.”
V’landys said on Monday he will review his future at the end of 2026.
His four-month long service leave will take him through until the NRL grand final and will miss the Sydney spring carnival.
V’landys has been a master negotiator in his time at Racing NSW, securing deals worth billions of dollars for the sport, including compensation for a papal visit, the creation of The Everest and numerous agreements with bookmakers and TAB.
The NRL is in the middle of a broadcast rights deal, where Abdo and V’landys were central. V’landys’ knowledge and deal-making mentality will be needed to complete the most important TV deal in the history of rugby league.
There is no time to bring anyone up to speed with the negotiations, so he has to take control of the NRL.
