Brief
Parramatta Eels appoint Mike Rush as CEO and sign Spencer Leniu
The club announced the appointments on the same day, aiming to boost on‑field performance.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Parramatta Eels announced on 8 October 2026 that former St Helens chief executive Mike Rush will take over as the club’s new chief executive, replacing Jim Sarantinos after ten years. The same day the Eels confirmed a four‑year contract for Spencer Leniu, the four‑time NRL premiership winner who is leaving the Sydney Roosters.
Mark O’Neill, the Eels’ general manager of football, said the club is "thrilled to have Spencer join the Parramatta Eels and become part of what we’re building at this club" and praised Leniu as "one of the elite middle forwards in the game".
Rush, who stepped down from his 13‑year stint at St Helens in February, oversaw five premierships there, including four straight grand‑final wins from 2019 to 2022. He previously considered hiring Jason Ryles as coach, and the two will now work together at Parramatta.
Key facts
- Mike Rush appointed as Parramatta Eels chief executive (smh.com.au)
- Spencer Leniu signed a four‑year deal with the Eels (smh.com.au)
- Rush left St Helens in February after 13 years as CEO (smh.com.au)
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “NRL 2026: Parramatta Eels appoint new chief executive on same day they announce Spencer Leniu deal”
