Former St Helens chief executive Mike Rush has been appointed Parramatta’s new chief executive, The Sydney Morning Herald has reported, with the Eels settling on a replacement for Jim Sarantinos on the same day they signed Spencer Leniu.
The Herald’s chief rugby league reporter Adrian Proszenko reported on Thursday night that Parramatta had appointed the respected Super League administrator to the top job. Fox League also reported the appointment. The Eels had not announced it on their website at the time of writing.
Sarantinos announced in August that he would step down at the end of the 2026 season, bringing to a close more than a decade at the club. He joined the Eels in 2016.
“This Club has meant so much to me for so long, but I feel that the time is right,” Sarantinos said at the time.
The Herald reported the Eels interviewed several candidates and had eyed Penrith chief executive Matt Cameron. Cameron is committed to overseeing the Panthers’ move from coach Ivan Cleary to Peter Wallace at the end of 2027.
Who is Mike Rush?
Rush stepped down as St Helens chief executive in February after 13 years in the role, ending a 27-year stint at the club, according to the Herald.
During his time as chief executive, Saints won five premierships, including four straight grand final wins from 2019 to 2022, and beat Penrith in the 2023 World Club Challenge.
Before running the club, Rush held roles including head of youth and head of performance, and was acting head coach after Royce Simmons was sacked early in the 2012 season, the St Helens Star reported. Zero Tackle reported he led the side to 18 wins from 25 games in that interim stint.
When he left Saints, Rush said: “The Club has been such a huge part of my life for nearly three decades, but I believe now is the right time to step aside.”
Reunited with Jason Ryles
In a twist, the Herald reported that Rush once tried to sign Jason Ryles as coach of St Helens.
The pair will now work together at Parramatta, who have missed every finals series since their 2022 run to the grand final against Penrith.
A big day for the Eels
The appointment capped a busy Thursday at Parramatta, who signed Spencer Leniu on a four-year deal after the prop won his fourth premiership with the Roosters.
The Herald reported the club has already recruited Jarome Luai and Jaydn Su’A from 2027.
More News
