In a bombshell development, Andrew Abdo has confirmed he is leaving the NRL to head up Tennis Australia.
Abdo announced his resignation as NRL chief executive in Sydney on Monday and will replace long-serving TA boss Craig Tiley, who declared in February he was stepping down this year to become head of the US Tennis Association.
Tiley has been far and away Australia's highest-paid sporting administrator, earning several million dollars a year.
Abdo's resignation comes as the NRL stands on the cusp of unprecedented expansion, welcoming teams in Perth and Papua New Guinea in 2027 and 2028 respectively.
After taking over during COVID-19, Abdo has been lauded as one of the code's great CEOs.
But he will also not be on hand to finalise the NRL's next broadcast deal nor a collective bargaining agreement with the Rugby League Players' association. Both are due for renewal after the 2027 NRL season.
