The chair of the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC), Peter V'landys, has now taken on the role of executive chair at the National Rugby League (NRL) competition in that market.

The former head of the NRL, Andrew Abdo, was himself unveiled as the chief executive at the Tennis Australia governing body back in late May (but only left the NRL a few days ago, on July 15).

At that point, V'landys was confirmed as the interim chief of the rugby league top-tier competition in Abdo's place - this has now been made official.

It was also announced in May that V'landys would be taking long service leave from his role as CEO of the Racing New South Wales organization (which he has held since 2004), in order to focus on his NRL responsibilities.

The ARLC is now hunting globally for a replacement for V'landys.

Abdo said a few months ago: "Peter is a genuine leader, and he has backed me from the start. His vision for the future, his loyalty, support, guidance, and drive, has provided me with both inspiration and confidence.”

“Peter is someone you want with you for any challenge or opportunity."

It has been suggested by V'landys that he will take the next few months to look at the NRL's current strategic direction and structure, after which he will decide whether he wishes to continue in a permanent capacity.

V'landys has been in charge at the ARLC for close to seven years, with his tenure starting not long before the economic chaos caused by the Covid-19 pandemic hit the league.

This news comes soon after the NRL announced a record domestic media rights agreement with Foxtel, Nine Network, and Sky New Zealand worth A$5.3 billion ($3.7 billion) for the next cycle.

The new seven-year contract, which runs through 2034, is claimed to be the largest broadcast and media partnership in Australian sporting history.

The agreement will begin in 2028 and represents a 90% uplift per annum compared to the current deal - it also returns control of competition scheduling and structure to the ARLC.