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Ben Ikin to quit as Queensland Rugby League boss
Jasper Bruce, AAP • May 7th, 2026 5:40 pm
Queensland Rugby League chief executive Ben Ikin will leave his post at the end of July | Photo: Russell Freeman/AAP
Queensland Rugby League chief executive Ben Ikin has announced his resignation only weeks out from the State of Origin opener.
One of the sport's most respected thinkers, Ikin will remain in charge of the QRL for the upcoming Origin series and leave his post at the end of July to pivot into a non-football role.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working at the QRL," Ikin said in a press statement on Thursday.
"I've met so many great people and created some incredible memories, I leave feeling very grateful."
Ikin's departure from the QRL comes with Maroons coach Billy Slater approaching the end of his contract, having signed a three-year deal in 2023.
Ben Ikin at a Maroons State of Origin fan day at Gympie in 2025 | Photo: Darren England/AAP
The 49-year-old will remain involved with the Maroons Foundation, the QRL's non-profit arm that works in the community.
"Ben's leadership has placed the QRL in a very strong position in the sporting landscape and our ongoing strategies and programs are well advanced," said QRL chairman Brian Canavan.
Ikin joined the QRL in 2023 after helping oversee Brisbane's rebuild as football boss under then-coach Kevin Walters.
He has previously served in management roles at NRL sides Gold Coast and North Queensland, and was a long-time analyst for Fox Sports' rugby league coverage.
Ikin won the 2000 premiership with Brisbane and played 17 State of Origin matches for Queensland during his professional playing career.
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