V8 chief joins speculation list for NRL spot
V8 SUPERCARS boss and former Channel 10 chief executive James Warburton has become the latest high-profile administrator linked to rugby league’s vacant CEO position.
Warburton would not comment yesterday but is a known rugby league fan who supports the Canterbury Bulldogs.
The current CEO of V8 Supercars, he had been poached to Ten by then network chairman Lachlan Murdoch from Channel 7.
There were suggestions Warburton may leave the V8s in May but that speculation was cut down.
Warburton has been with the V8s for two years, growing the sport considerably, including securing a $240 million TV deal with Ten and Fox Sports.
It is understood Warburton has not made any contact with the NRL but does have a significant portfolio, which boasts strong involvement in television and the fact he is running a well-known sport.
Warburton does have equity in the V8s.
A source close to Warburton said: “He’s not coveting the NRL job but he certainly ticks a lot of boxes. He has put the V8s on a secure financial footing. He understands TV and sport. He has brought a lot of money into the V8s.”
Penrith Panthers group general manager Warren Wilson was also being discussed heavily yesterday as a replacement for Dave Smith, who quit on Tuesday.
Wilson is a former CEO of the NSW-based TAB Ltd and an ex-Sky Channel chief executive. He is also a former rugby league player who once said: “I just love sport and rugby league.”
Another candidate to emerge yesterday was Bernie Gurr, a former Roosters forward who has carved a successful business career in the US.
Gold Coast Titans chief executive Graham Annesley would be another robust candidate but he has played down speculation.
“I’m not sure how potential names get thrown into the public arena but I’ve not said or done anything to fuel the speculation,” Annesley said.
NSWRL chief executive David Trodden has emerged as another candidate. Trodden won last year’s NSW Sports Administrator of the Year award, has a strong legal background and a long history in rugby league.
He did not want to be quoted yesterday but Trodden was heavily involved in the formation of the ARL Commission.
The name of Broncos boss Paul White will be pushed hard to the commission.
White, who is undergoing chemotherapy, is rated highly by influential rival NRL chairmen Nick Politis (Roosters) and Ray Dib (Bulldogs).
White was coy, because of his health, when asked about the position but like most club chiefs he would be interested in the job if approached.