Outgoing rugby league boss David Gallop has left the game in a better position that when he started, Prime Minister Julia Gillard says.
After 10 years as NRL chief executive, and just four months into a four-year deal with the Australian Rugby League Commission, Mr Gallop shocked the footballing world on Tuesday by announcing his immediate departure.
Ms Gillard said the popularity of rugby league today was testament to Mr Gallop’s leadership.
“He acutely understood where the game had come from and the future direction the League needed to take in order to grow,” she said in a statement.
“David appreciated the power of sport to build strong communities, inspire our kids and bring people together through a shared love of the game.”