In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY — ‘We always stay hopeful’: Umaga on Moana Pasifika’s future
2. RUGBY — World Rugby launches new six-year strategy to power rugby, unite the game and enrich lives
3. RUGBY LEAGUE — Pherrus Report reveals FNRL ‘rot’
4. RUGBY LEAGUE — Origin stars set to represent seven nations at RLWC2026
5. FOOTBALL — Individual excellence acknowledged at OFC Pro League final
6. RUGBY — Late rugby switch pays off for Drua rookie
7. RUGBY LEAGUE — AJ in PNG, Johnston jets in for short visit
8. RUGBY LEAGUE — ‘He deserves his shot’: Fresh face Fifita ready to fire
9. RUGBY LEAGUE — ‘Family is everything’: Saifiti dedicates Origin recall to brother
10. RUGBY LEAGUE — ‘Crucial junction’: NRL begins era-defining CEO search
PAC – RUGBY: RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 26 May 2026
‘We always stay hopeful’: Umaga on Moana Pasifika’s future
AUCKLAND, 26 MAY 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC)–Moana Pasifika’s head coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga says they are still hopeful the team continue on in Super Rugby Pacific in 2027.
Speaking at the post-match press conference following Saturday’s clash against the Reds in North Harbour, Umaga said there have been discussions last week between the Moana Pasifika management and team.
“Even this week there was meeting around what the future looks like. There’s some certainty but not a lot.
“We always stay hopeful. Who would have thought I would get a job after this but I got one. I had actually given up hope on that.
“So, if it can happen to me it can happen to anyone.”
RNZ Pacific has been told that there are at least two organisations which had shown interest in securing the licence from Pasifika Medical Association (PMA), after it announced last month the club would be disbanded.
One of the bidders is Kanaloa Consortium, which are based in Hawaii and Auckland.
The consortium is backed by a number of Pasifika heritage former All Blacks players that includes Joe Rokocoko, Ben Atiga, John Afoa, Anthony Tuitavake and Jerome Kaino.
Kanaloa’s CEO Tracy Atiga confirmed last week they have sent in their proposal, as per requirements of New Zealand Rugby, and are awaiting an update.
New Zealand Rugby has remained tight-lipped on who the bidders are but said they had opened to process to all bidders.
RNZ Pacific has requeseted NZ Rugby for an update on what the process now includes and when an announcement is expected on Moana Pasifika’s future…. PACNEWS
IRELAND – RUGBY: WORLD RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 26 May 2026
World Rugby launches new six-year strategy to power rugby, unite the game and enrich lives
DUBLIN, 26 MAY 2026 (WORLD RUGBY)—World Rugby has launched a bold new six-year strategy to unite rugby and grow investment into the sport.
A plan by the game, for the game, it sets out a clear, ambitious, and realistic plan to ensure rugby continues to thrive within a rapidly changing global sports and entertainment environment.
World Rugby’s vision for investing in rugby is built around three pillars:
*Iconic events
*Impactful investment
*Leadership and support of our members
Each pillar includes measurable targets and long-term aspirations aimed at setting the sport up for success beyond the lifecycle of the strategy.
The new strategic approach was led by World Rugby’s Executive Board following wide-ranging consultation with member unions, regions and other key stakeholders, and was unanimously approved by the World Rugby Council in September 2025.
It is expressly designed to address the biggest challenges and opportunities facing rugby in an evolving landscape – financial sustainability and growing rugby’s relevance and impact.
The strategy encapsulates men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups in Australia in 2027 and 2029 respectively, and culminates with Men’s Rugby World Cup 2031 hosted in the USA, with World Rugby targeting a surplus of more than US$1 billion from that RWC to power rugby worldwide.
The USA is a powerful beacon for an ambitious growth markets development plan that will see World Rugby partner with unions and invest £200 million in the US in the lead up to 2031 aimed at unlocking rugby’s potential within the world’s biggest sports market.
With World Rugby investing more in the game than ever before, the strategy will be supported by a more agile, efficient and resilient governing body.
The strategy will also guide how World Rugby invests in the game and pivot its investment approach to generate impact where the game needs it most, supporting new strategic competitions such as the World Rugby Nations Cup and WXV Global Series, aimed at growing impact, value and competitiveness, and recognition of the women’s game as a growth, impact and value accelerant. It will also ensure a fan-focused approach to developing the game, while maintaining an unwavering commitment to player welfare advancement.
The international federation is moving away from a differentiated high-performance funding model which supports preparation for its iconic Rugby World Cups and towards one which rewards qualification for and performance in those competitions.
Alongside this, the overall participation fee for Men’s Rugby World Cup will more than double from 2031 onwards, while also rewarding the teams that progress furthest into the tournament.
Welcoming the launch, World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said: “The next few years will be really exciting for the game of rugby. We have a fantastic sport, incredible players and fans and real impact opportunities ahead, particularly with landmark Rugby World Cups in the USA on the horizon.
“Driven by a clear and purposeful new strategy, we can work with our members to set the sport up for success like never before, unlocking the full potential of Rugby World Cups by focusing on a game that is fan and player centric, exciting to play and watch, investing impactfully where the sport needs it most, harnessing the power of the women’s game and providing strong expertise and values-focused leadership and support for our members.
“There will be changes in the way that we operate, invest and approach the sport, and whilst rugby isn’t famous for embracing change, I’m certain that come 2031 the whole sport will reap the benefits of what we’re putting in place today.”
World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin added: “We are grateful to the Executive Board, unions, regions, competitions and World Rugby staff who have helped design and shape a clear strategy which tells the game exactly what to expect from their international federation over the next few years.
“With a new vision of powering rugby, uniting the game and enriching lives, World Rugby stands ready to take our sport to new levels over the coming six years in partnership with our members and key stakeholders.”….PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY LEAGUE: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 26 May 2026
Pherrus Report reveals FNRL ‘rot’
SUVA, 26 MAY 2026 (FIJI SUN)—The Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) was on the brink of bankruptcy because of an unpaid debt of AUD$31,200.82 (FJ$49,146.13) owed to Catapult Sports Pty Limited.
The debt led to a legal wind-up notice, placing the organisation at risk of serious legal action.
The details were outlined in an independent report by Pherrus Financial Services, tabled during the FNRL Annual General Meeting in Suva last Saturday.
The report provided a summary of FNRL’s current financial and governance situation.
The review identified several weaknesses in the management of the organisation, including:
*No clear procedures for approving expenditure or handling funds;
*Poor separation of duties, with the same individuals approving, processing and recording transactions;
*Missing supporting documents such as receipts and invoices;
*Incomplete financial records and poor cash tracking;
*Lack of cooperation from the FNRL office when transaction records were requested; and
*Weak transparency and accountability measures.
The report also confirmed the matter was under investigation by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
A search warrant was executed on 13 May , with FICAC investigators entering FNRL headquarters and removing files that included employment contracts, appointment letters, suspension letters, termination letters and payroll records relating to Akuila Masi, Elesi Ketedromo, Epeli Tagivetaua, Senikau Malata, Josaia Dakuitoga and Waisake Kativerata.
The report further revealed that FNRL accumulated a Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) debt of $65,795.89 (US$32,897) after failing to pay staff and player contributions on time.
The organisation also incurred penalties amounting to $89,277.72(US$44, 638).
“It was mentioned that funds were available to cover salaries and FNPF, but they were used for other expenses,” the report stated.
After partial payments, the outstanding amount now stands at $14,499.61(US$7,249).
The report also stated that FNRL failed to pay required tax deductions to the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) despite having funds available.
The organisation accumulated unpaid taxes of $44,855.29 (US$22,427) and penalties totalling $22,329.37(US$11,164), bringing the total debt to $67,184.66(US$33,592).
A letter from Fiji National Sports Commission executive chairman Peter Mazey raised concerns regarding the unpaid taxes.
Pherrus Financial Services was appointed as financial adviser in October 2025 and began a financial review, which remains incomplete because of delays in obtaining information.
The firm said several documents, including receipts and invoices, were missing and that there was a lack of cooperation from staff when information was requested.
FNRL chairman Rajesh Singh said he remained committed to transparency and good governance.
“There’s a resolution waiting for our audited accounts. Unfortunately, there was a setback. Ernst and Young accounting firm was ready to start the audit in the third week of March,” he said.
“We still had setbacks from staff not providing documents and all those things. Hopefully, we can get everything sorted and from Monday we’ll take office and speak to the staff.”
Singh said Ernst and Young would begin audits on 01 June.
“There are two audits — for the 2023/24 and 2024/25 financial years. Once the audited accounts are ready, we will hold a special general meeting where we will present them,” he said.
Singh said another audited account for the 2026 financial year would also be presented in November.
“The date for the special general meeting will be determined after the audited accounts are completed. Remember, we only took office two months ago. I’m trying to get the audits done for 2023/24 and 2024/25,” he said.
“I cannot confirm exactly, but Ernst and Young says one audit will take about one-and-a-half months and the second audit will take the same amount of time.”
A 21-day notice will be issued under Article 21 of the organisation’s constitution before the special general meeting is held.
“We then have to attach the audited accounts and send them to all the clubs,” Mr Singh said.
“We respect the clubs. There was a lot of confusion out there and a lot of clarification has been done. It’s all about transparency, good governance and accountability.
“Whatever staff or anybody implicated will answer through the proper process. We are just following the law and allowing the process to take its course.”…PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 26 May 2026
Origin stars set to represent seven nations at RLWC2026
SYDNEY, 26 MAY 2206 (NRL)—Tonga captain Addin Fonua-Blake’s Origin call-up for NSW has finally enabled him to answer the burning question family and friends have been asking for most of his career.
“There’s always conversations like, ‘do you think you could have made it’,” Fonua-Blake said.
Changes to the State of Origin eligibility rules have paved the way for Fonua-Blake, England backrower Victor Radley and the Kiwis duo of Briton Nikora and Casey McLean to play in the series opener on 27 May at Accor Stadium.
“I’ve always said, ‘I don’t know if I would have made it, but I would have loved to have given it a shot’,” the Blues prop said.
“Now we don’t have to think about the ‘what ifs’. I’m here and I can’t wait for my chance.”
Fonua-Blake has no regrets about his decision to play for New Zealand in the 2017 World Cup, before switching his allegiances to Tonga, whom he will represent at RLWC2026 along with Blues team-mates Haumole Olakau’atu and Tolu Koula.
Nor does Radley, who has been named on the NSW interchange after believing he had given up the chance to play Origin by choosing to represent England at the last World Cup in 2022.
“It wasn’t taken away from me, I chose to play for England and I’ve had some great experiences playing for them, but it’s good that I’m going to get this opportunity,” Radley said.
“As soon as they changed the rule, I said ‘happy days’. It was good that it wasn’t up to a rule whether I was going to play or not; it was whether I was good enough.”
Radley and Fonua-Blake are among players from seven World Cup nations in the NSW side – Australia, England, Fiji, Lebanon, New Zealand, Samoa and Tonga.
Queensland have players who are eligible to represent six nations at RLWC2026.
Rookie Maroons halfback Sam Walker qualifies for England as he was born in Leeds, while NSW debutants Blayke Brailey and Ethan Strange are eligible through their mothers.
Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga successfully applied to change his international eligibility from Australia to New Zealand and is expected to join Nikora and McLean in the Kiwis squad for RLWC2026. Strange is also eligible for the Kiwis through his paternal grandmother.
Blues pair Brian To’o and Stephen Crichton will play for Samoa at the World Cup, along with Maroons star Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and there is speculation that Tino Fa’asuamaleaui could also pledge his allegiances to the Toa.
In total, 18 of the 40 players named by NSW and Queensland could play for nations other than Australia at the World Cup, including Maroons trio Robert Toia, Jo Jo Fifita and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, who have previously represented Tonga.
Blues centre Kotoni Staggs, who was a member of last year’s Kangaroo tour to England, has also played for Tonga and starred in the Pacific nation’s 2019 upset win against the Kangaroos in Auckland.
NSW five-eighth Mitch Moses was the Lebanon halfback at the last two World Cups, steering the Cedars to the quarter finals in Australia in 2017 and England in 2022, while interchange prop Jacob Saifiti has played seven Tests for Fiji….PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 26 May 2026
Individual excellence acknowledged at OFC Pro League final
AUCKLAND, 26 MAY 2026 (OFC)—As well as crowning Auckland FC the inaugural OFC Pro League champions, four individual awards were presented following the conclusion of Sunday’s final at Eden Park.
Two Auckland FC players snapped up individual awards, and the club added the Fair Play Award to wrap up a history-making night, whilst Vanuatu United FC striker Alex Saniel finished as the competition’s top goalscorer.
Golden Ball | Daniel Normann (Auckland FC)
As well as receiving a winner’s medal, Auckland FC midfielder Daniel Normann was presented with the Golden Ball Award for the best player of the inaugural OFC Pro League season.
Normann started in all 19 of his side’s matches throughout the campaign, anchoring Auckland’s midfield with authority and control. He scored twice and grabbed one assist throughout the season, including scoring the opening goal of the final.
It was the Norwegian’s ability to shield the back four that earnt a lot of plaudits – playing a crucial part in helping Auckland FC maintain the best defensive record of the competition.
Golden Boot | Alex Saniel (Vanuatu United FC)
Despite having had his Pro League campaign cut short in the semi-finals four days earlier, Vanuatu United FC striker Alex Saniel was present at Eden Park to collect the Golden Boot Award for the top goalscorer of the season.
Saniel scored 11 goals across the course of the campaign for the Chiefs, including the Pro League’s very-first goal at Eden Park on January 17, in a 2-2 draw with Bula FC.
He helped lead Vanuatu United’s late surge into the final four, scoring three goals in the Challengers Group, and finished one goal ahead of his nearest rival, South Melbourne FC’s Jordan Swibel, in the Golden Boot race.
Golden Glove | Oscar Mason (Auckland FC)
On top of lifting the trophy, young Auckland FC goalkeeper Oscar Mason was also awarded the Golden Glove for the best goalkeeper of the tournament.
Despite being just 21 years old, Mason showed experience above his years throughout the campaign, and kept eight clean sheets – the most of any other goalkeeper in the league.
He also played a key role in organising a backline that kept the best defensive record in the competition, and surely has a bright future ahead of him.
Fair Play Award | Auckland FC
On top of their stellar defensive performances, Auckland were also awarded the Fair Play Award for the best disciplinary record of the season.
They received just 25 yellow cards and 1 red card across their 19 OFC Pro League fixtures….PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 26 May 2026
Late rugby switch pays off for Drua rookie
NADI, 26 MAY 2026 (FBC SPORTS)—Just a year ago, Vilisi Tivalele had never played rugby. Today, the former netball player is part of the McDonald’s Fijian Drua Women squad after a rapid rise through the local rugby ranks.
Tivalele’s sporting journey took a dramatic turn after returning from a netball tour in Samoa last year, when she decided to give rugby a try with the Nadroga women’s side.
What started as a new challenge quickly turned into a life-changing opportunity.
“I just started rugby last year as soon as I came back from the netball tour in Samoa.”
Before switching codes, Tivalele had spent years pursuing opportunities in netball and admitted rugby was never originally part of her plans.
“I’ve never played rugby… I was focusing on netball.”
Her strong performances with Nadroga soon earned her selection into the High Performance Unit program, where she continued developing her game through daily gym and training sessions.
“I got selected to be part of the HPU and then continued doing the everyday program in the gym.”
Tivalele represented Fijiana at this year’s Oceania Championship, where her performances eventually caught the attention of the Drua Women selectors.
“From there I participated well, and then I got a contract from the Drua.”
Despite the excitement surrounding the opportunity, the rookie forward admitted joining the professional environment was initially intimidating.
“I was a little bit scared coming to this level and meeting new girls.”
However, Tivalele says she is now embracing the challenge as she continues adapting to life within the Drua Women setup.
The Fijian Drua women’s side will open their 2026 Super W season against the Waratahs on the 6th of next month….PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 26 May 2026
AJ in PNG, Johnston jets in for short visit
PORT MORESBY, 26 MAY 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—Rugby league fans in Port Moresby will have the chance to meet NRL’s all-time leading try scorer, Alex Johnston, who is in Port Moresby for a short but special visit.
The South Sydney Rabbitohs winger will headline a public meet-and-greet today (Tuesday) at the Range View Plaza, an event expected to draw large crowds, particularly young supporters eager to meet one of Papua New Guinea’s most-celebrated rugby league representatives.
Organised with support from Lae Biscuit Company Ltd, the programme will feature fan activities, media appearances, photo opportunities, and promotional shoots.
Customer service manager Roy Cruz confirmed Johnston will return to Australia on Wednesday, but noted that his brief stay will be packed with engagements.
“The programme starts from 10.30am, while the official meet-and-greet with fans will begin at 1.30pm,” Cruz said.
He added that the morning schedule will focus on production work, including photos and video sessions, before Johnston connects with supporters later in the day.
Johnston’s visit comes at a pivotal moment for rugby league in PNG, following his recent inclusion in the inaugural PNG Chiefs squad alongside West Tigers playmaker Jarome Luai. His presence is expected to fuel excitement around the new franchise as preparations continue for its historic NRL entry in 2028.
For fans, the return of Kumul #294 is more than just a celebrity appearance. Johnston remains a proud symbol of PNG rugby league, with his NRL achievements continuing to inspire the next generation of players across the country.
According to Cruz, Johnston’s involvement also represents a significant boost for the PNG Chiefs brand, strengthening public support and building momentum ahead of the club’s journey toward NRL competition in 2028…..PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 26 May 2026
‘He deserves his shot’: Fresh face Fifita ready to fire
BRISBANE, 26 MAY 2026 (NRL)—As a former series-winning Queensland Maroons centre, Josh Hannay knows what it takes to find success in the Origin arena.
That’s why he fully has endorsed the selection of fresh face Jojo Fifita to make his debut in Game One at Accor Stadium.
As coach of the Titans, Hannay has seen exactly what Fifita can bring to a team and having served as an assistant coach to Maroons mentor Billy Slater for the past few seasons, knows what he’s looking for to support the balance of the team.
“Over the last little period, Jojo’s really developed his game,” Slater said.
“And that’s not the highlight stuff, it’s more the preparation stuff, it’s his defence.
“I think he’s a wonderful player. We had him in camp last year. We brought a few players in just to give us a training run against our Queensland team and he was one of those guys.
“Speaking closely with Josh Hannay, I know that he has a really high opinion of Jojo.
“I think he’s only just scratching the surface of where he can go in his career and hopefully, we can help him get there in this Queensland jersey.”
For Fifita – the surge into the representative arena has been a goal since making the switch from rugby union – a game where his father Pila Fifita made his name a former Tonga international who featured at the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
“I called Josh after I called my parents, and he was over the moon for me,” Fifita said.
“He was just happy and proud that I’ve got to here because I spoke with him last year and he knew this was one of my goals that I wanted to strive for.
“He’s helped me every chance he can get; every chance he can this year in the pre-season and the season.
“He just does what’s best for me and he was stoked for me.”
In his support for Fifita, Hannay said like many of Slater’s Queensland selections, the centre’s key attributes could sometimes be missed unless you are seeking them out.
“I think anyone who watches the game closely and understands football would watch that guy and understand that he deserves his shot,” Hannay said.
“We know what he’s capable of.
“(But) there’s probably a lot of people that don’t yet and I think they’ll have a better understanding of his capabilities after Wednesday night.
“He’s built for that arena and I’m really happy that he’s been given this opportunity.
“(It’s) just the way he applies himself to the game when he doesn’t have the ball; his off-ball effort, the way he moves defensively, the consistency of it puts him in really good positions to make really good decisions and affect the play positively.”…PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 26 May 2026
‘Family is everything’: Saifiti dedicates Origin recall to brother
SYDNEY, 26 MAY 2026 (NRL)—No need to guess who Jacob Saifiti contacted after being recalled to the NSW Blues Origin team for Game One at Accor Stadium on Wednesday night.
Saifiti’s good news came just two weeks after his twin brother Daniel announced his medical retirement from rugby league at the age of 30 after 191 NRL matches across 10 seasons.
“He was the first person I rang,” Jacob told NRL.com “I was really feeling for him but he’s not the kind of person to get jealous or envious. He was really happy for me.”
Daniel played seven Origins for the Blues across the 2019, 2020 and 2021 series but never played with Jacob, whose two appearances were in 2022 and 2023.
No surprises who has a ticket waiting for them ahead of Game One next Wednesday (May 27) at Sydney’s Accor Stadium.
“He hasn’t asked me yet, but he’s the first person I’d give my (family allocation) tickets to,” Jacob said.
Daniel’s reconstructed shoulder has not allowed him to play any games for the Dolphins this year and only eight in 2025.
Jacob himself broke his shoulder in 2018 but has made it back to be one of Newcastle’s most prolific forwards averaging 10 hit-ups and 115 metres a game in 2026.
“That was a fracture on the shoulder blade where Daniel’s has been a couple of surgeries,” he said.
“The last one especially didn’t heal like it was supposed to. He tried to come back in the pre-season and test it with contact and such, but it still wasn’t good.
“Ater one session, he couldn’t lift up his kids over the next two days.
I know it was such a hard decision for him, but in the end he told me it was easy because family is everything.
“The thought of not being able to pick up kids made it easy.”
Jacob has never questioned Daniel’s support throughout his career, including the nine years they had together at the Knights after debuting in 2016.
And Jacob also didn’t question his belief he would make it back into the Origin team.
“You always have hope, especially when it comes to being in the Blues. All I could do was play my best footy, let the rest take care of itself and thankfully it’s worked this year.
“I’m still nervous. I’d get worried if I wasn’t nervous but it’s exciting as well.
“For me there’s one rule – go your hardest.”
The brothers played two Tests together for Fiji in 2015 and 2017. They made a pact to try and make this year’s World Cup team.
“A goal of Daniel and mine was to play together for Fiji once before we retired,” Jacob said.
“We played together about eight years ago but a World Cup together would have been something.”
Now that Jacob is back among the NRL elite, he’s setting his sights on an Australian jersey.
“That’s the ultimate goal. I was born in Newcastle, raised on the Central Coast,” he said.
“If that opportunity came up obviously I’d take it with both hands. If that’s not the case then so be it. So, if the body is still good I’d like to be there to represent.”…PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 26 May 2026
‘Crucial junction’: NRL begins era-defining CEO search
SYDNEY, 26 MAY 2026 (AAP)—Peter V’landys says only “Superman and Jesus added together” could possibly replace Andrew Abdo as the NRL begins an era-defining search for its next chief executive.
Abdo shocked the NRL world in announcing his resignation on Monday after six years at the helm, having been hired as Tennis Australia’s new CEO.
“Today’s a pretty emotional day for me,” Abdo said at a snap press conference in Sydney on Monday.
“I’ve loved every aspect of being part of this sport.
“Rugby league is just getting started on its growth potential … I will be cheering from the side.”
Abdo’s last day will be July 15, after which Australian Rugby League Commission chair V’landys will take charge in an interim capacity.
At that time, V’landys will take four months of leave from his post as Racing NSW boss, but the league’s constitution would need to be changed if he wanted to serve as both ARLC chair and CEO beyond then.
V’landys, synonymous with the game’s recent expansion and financial growth, would not be drawn on his aspirations to take the CEO job full time.
“Today’s about Andrew. I haven’t really given it much thought at all,” he said.
“I’m still recovering from the foetal position when Andrew resigned.”
Previously the NRL’s chief commercial officer, Abdo took over as CEO in April 2020 and was tasked with helping resuscitate the league following its COVID-enforced shutdown.
Under Abdo’s leadership, the NRL became the first Australian sporting code to resume in May 2020, doing so to a spike in broadcast ratings and, ultimately, finances.
Since then, the league has secured a $2 billion (US$1.43 million) broadcast deal, posted record-breaking $845.6 million (US$6 million) revenue last season, introduced new expansion side the Dolphins and executed ambitious plans to open its season in Las Vegas.
Radical changes to the sport’s rule book have polarised fans and pundits during Abdo’s tenure, particularly the introduction of the set-restart rule.
But V’landys on Monday described Abdo as “by far the best CEO’ the NRL has had.
“He’s irreplaceable. His conscientiousness, his professionalism, his loyalty, his mass intelligence,” V’landys said. “We’re going to need Superman and Jesus added together.’
V’landys acknowledged the NRL was at a “crucial junction” in the game’s history and faced a “very, very important” decision on its next chief executive.
Across the next 24 months, the NRL will finalise its most daring expansion project since the competition’s inception in 1908.
More than just rugby league is at stake on the PNG Chiefs’ arrival in 2028, with the team propped up by millions in government funding from Canberra in the hope it can act as a diplomatic tool.
With the Perth Bears’ entry in 2027, the NRL is making an ambitious play to infiltrate diehard AFL territory for the first time this century.
The biggest broadcast deal in the game’s history also needs finalising, though V’landys was hopeful that could be achieved by the time of Abdo’s departure.
The next CEO will also be tasked with helping broker a new collective bargaining agreement with the players’ union for 2028 and beyond, and overseeing ongoing plans for the NRL’s global round.
“We’ll get the person that’s best and we have the ability to do the job. It doesn’t have to be (from) within the NRL,” V’landys said.
“We’ll take our time. I’m not going to rush it, because it’s a very, very important decision. We’re at a crucial junction in the game with everything that’s occurring.
“We want to make sure that the next person is at least 80 per cent as good as Andrew,” he said…. PACNEWS
