TONY Mestrov played the toughest position in rugby league so he won't be backing down from any fight as he prepares to take on one of the most challenging roles in rugby league. The former Manly, Souths, Wigan and London Broncos front-rower will officially be appointed the Sea Eagles' new CEO in coming days, taking on a job that has claimed 13 men in 22 years.
A born-and-bred northern beaches boy who went to school across the road from Brookie Oval and realised his dream of playing for Manly in the 1990s, Mestrov was headhunted by Sea Eagles owner Scott Penn after successfully leading Greyhound Racing NSW and Hockey NSW over the past decade.
The 52-year-old implemented root and branch change in hockey, upsetting some rusted-on officials but significantly improving the sport's governance before turning his attention to the under-fire world of greyhound racing. The dishlickers had only just survived execution from the NSW state government following damning reports into the treatment of dogs, but Mestrov revitalised the sport with big money races and won praise for improving animal welfare through a range of programs.
Inside Back spoke to Mestrov last weekend and he declined to go on the record out of respect for his current employer.
But lifelong friend, leading broadcaster and former head of sport at Network 10, Matt White, believes Manly have struck gold with his old mate. "Those who got to see Tony's rugby league career know what he was like as a footballer, but a lot of people haven't seen the administrator side of him," White told us. "I can tell you he is without doubt one of the best administrators in the country. I have dealt with him at the highest level and at boardroom level and he is in that top echelon. What he brings to this role is not just history of the club and a history of the game, but a degree of old school values mixed with a new-age administrative style."
Mestrov is unperturbed at the long list of CEOs to have gone before him but is well aware of the big personalities - not to mention agendas - he will be dealing with at the Sea Eagles. They'll be left in no doubt where they all stand once "Messie" gets his feet under the table in August.
Have something to say? Send a letter to the editor at: editor@northernbeachesreview.com.au
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.northernbeachesreview.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Facebook
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
