Seismic switcheroo: Peter V’landys quits Racing NSW for unprecedented NRL job

September 24, 2026 — 5:45am

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As far as soft landings go, the one Peter V’landys has just orchestrated for himself is about as good as they come.

The 66-year-old sporting administrator – easily one of the most powerful figures in Australian sport, media and politics – has resigned as chief executive of Racing NSW following 22 years at the helm. V’landys is due to be unveiled as the NRL’s new executive chairman – an unprecedented role for the game and the man himself.

Seismic? Yes. Surprising? It shouldn’t be. This has been in the works for a good six months. The catalyst for the switcheroo was the mid-season departure of Andrew Abdo as NRL chief executive. The big-vision loving V’landys and the details-focused Abdo and were a good yin and yang, but the latter jumped at the chance to become Tennis Australia boss and have a breather from his unpredictable and demanding chairman.

A worldwide search would have ordinarily found a new chief executive to lead the booming NRL into the 2030s. But wouldn’t you know it, the search ended up settling on V’landys, who will combine the role with his existing duties as Australian Rugby League Commission chairman. There is talk he may be paid up to $3 million a year – roughly double what Abdo was banking.

V’landys has told friends he feels a genuine emotional pull about leaving Racing NSW. Fair enough. While things have become tricky of late –........

© The Sydney Morning Herald