SYDNEY ROOSTERS CEO KELLY RESIGNS AFTER NRL SUSPENSION; BENNETTS APPOINTED SUCCESSOR
Sydney Roosters chief executive Joe Kelly has officially stepped down from his role today, following a suspension by the NRL over his prior involvement in the Manly Sea Eagles salary cap scandal, with the club announcing Easts Group CEO Scott Bennetts as his immediate replacement.
Kelly, who has led the Roosters since 2017, faced a 12-month ban from the NRL relating to breaches during his tenure as Manly CEO between 2014 and 2016. The scandal, uncovered in 2018, involved $1.5 million in undeclared payments to 13 players over five years, with Manly fined $750,000 and forced to operate with a reduced salary cap for two seasons. The NRL found Kelly and former Manly COO Neil Bare had organised undisclosed third-party agreements to attract players, prompting the suspension that ultimately led to his resignation.
During his eight-year tenure at the Roosters, Kelly oversaw significant strategic growth and financial stability, drawing on his background in finance honed during stints with the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Chelsea Football Club. A key achievement was his 2024 appointment as an independent director of the USARL, strengthening ties between the Roosters and American rugby league as the NRL expanded into Las Vegas. The club became the first to sign an American player from the Vegas talent combine, with US sevens star Liz Tafuna joining the NRLW team earlier this year. Kelly also championed athlete welfare initiatives and forged new partnerships, contributing to the Roosters’ sustained off-field success.
In announcing Bennetts as the new CEO, Roosters chairman Nick Politis highlighted his proven track record in sports administration. Bennetts served as Easts Group CEO from 2011 to 2020, where he played a pivotal role in establishing the Roosters’ feeder club alliance with the North Sydney Bears in 2018. With extensive experience in operations, revenue management and business strategy, he is tasked with guiding the club through its next chapter as it builds on recent on-field milestones, including the 2025 NRLW minor premiership and a record home attendance of over 300,000 fans.
