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.
