NRL Chief's Bold Play for Media Talent
In a surprising move that bridges sports administration and journalism, Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V'landys has reportedly launched an audacious attempt to recruit one of the game's most respected reporters. Michael Chammas, a prominent journalist with nearly two decades of experience covering the NRL, is being courted for a strategic role within the league's administration.
From Newsroom to Boardroom
The approach represents a significant potential career shift for Chammas, who has established himself as one of the sharpest operators in sports journalism through his work with The Sydney Morning Herald, Channel Nine, and Triple M. According to reports, initial discussions centred around a senior executive position with the Perth Bears, the franchise scheduled to become the NRL's 18th team in 2027.
However, these negotiations reportedly stalled when V'landys appointed former Channel Seven boss Anthony De Ceglie as the franchise's chief executive instead. Despite this setback, The Australian newspaper reveals that V'landys remains determined to bring Chammas into the NRL fold, with potential roles now including positions within NRL CEO Andrew Abdo's executive team or even the league's head of football role, currently held by ex-referee Graham Annesley.
A Relationship Built on Trust and Exclusives
The recruitment push is understood to be underpinned by the close professional relationship between V'landys and Chammas. This bond has previously yielded significant news breaks, including Chammas's exclusive reporting about the NRL's considerations to host opening round fixtures in multiple countries beyond Las Vegas. Though V'landys later dismissed these claims as preliminary discussions, the episode demonstrated the journalist's access to high-level league intelligence.
The approach comes during a period of transition in Chammas's media career. In May, he was dropped from his regular appearances on Channel Nine's 100% Footy show after footballer Mitch Moses and his agent threatened to boycott the programme if Chammas remained involved. This was followed by a tense on-air confrontation with Canterbury Bulldogs boss Phil Gould, during which Gould denied misleading fans about signing player Lachlan Galvin. Fellow presenter Braith Anasta later revealed that the argument continued even after cameras stopped rolling.
Neither V'landys nor Chammas has commented publicly on the potential career move, leaving the rugby league community speculating about whether one of its most influential journalists will soon be shaping the game from within the administration.
