SYDNEY, Australia – In a significant move aimed at reshaping the leadership of the Manly Sea Eagles, the club has appointed former captain and premiership-winning star Jason King as its new chief executive officer. King will succeed Tony Mestrov, who has stepped down after three years at the helm, a period marked by several high-profile contract negotiations that drew significant attention from both media and fans. Despite speculation, the Sea Eagles have firmly stated that Daly Cherry-Evans’ high-profile contract saga played no role in Mestrov’s departure.
King’s appointment is being widely regarded as a homecoming. Having spent a decade working within the NRL as the executive general manager of legal, integrity, and risk, King brings a unique combination of first-hand playing experience and deep knowledge of league administration. 
For the Sea Eagles, the timing of his return could not be more critical. The club is embarking on major long-term projects, including the planning and construction of a new stadium — a development that will require skillful negotiation with government, corporate partners, and fans alike. King’s blend of on-field leadership and off-field expertise positions him as an ideal candidate to navigate these challenges.
Scott Penn, the majority owner of the Sea Eagles, emphasized that Mestrov’s departure was part of an “orderly transition” rather than a consequence of the controversies that have surrounded the club in recent years. He acknowledged that the club had endured several complicated contract situations, including Cherry-Evans’ surprise announcement earlier this year that he would be leaving Manly, and Tom Trbojevic’s contract disputes, which involved the club board reducing his previously agreed salary.
“Everyone agrees that it’s time to move forward,” Penn said, stressing that the club’s priority is now on long-term growth and infrastructure. “We’ve got a fully-costed plan for a new stadium. Peter V’landys and Andrew Abdo are fully aware of it, and what we need now is someone who can engage with all the stakeholders to see it through. Jason is well positioned, with his experience at the NRL and his legal background, to make that happen.”
The transition comes at a delicate time for the Sea Eagles. Veteran halfback Daly Cherry-Evans stunned the rugby league world in March when he revealed that he would be departing Manly, with a move to the Sydney Roosters reportedly imminent. Trbojevic, meanwhile, faced a tense period after the board altered his previously agreed three-year deal, cutting almost $100,000 from his annual salary. Although Trbojevic eventually re-signed for one year, these disputes created uncertainty around the club’s leadership and player retention strategies.
King, who captained the Sea Eagles to premiership glory during his playing career, has spoken openly about the deep personal significance of returning to the club in a leadership role. In a statement issued upon his appointment, he described the position as “an incredible honour” and expressed his gratitude to the club’s ownership, board, and broader NRL network for trusting him with the role.
“This club has been a defining part of my life,” King said. “I feel humbled to return in this leadership role. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve a club that means so much to me and the wider community. I look forward to working with Scott, the Board, our players and staff, corporate and government partners, and our passionate members and fans to deliver on the club’s strategy and drive sustained success.”
King also took the time to acknowledge his colleagues at the NRL, including Peter V’landys and Andrew Abdo, noting their support over the past decade. He emphasized the health of the game at all levels and its potential for growth, and highlighted the Sea Eagles’ rich history as a source of pride and motivation.
The leadership change is expected to bring renewed focus to several strategic initiatives. Beyond day-to-day operations and player management, King’s priorities are likely to include the advancement of the new stadium project and strengthening relationships with corporate and government stakeholders. Scott Penn stressed that these objectives are central to the club’s vision for the next 12 months.
“We’ve never been in a position before where we fully understand the costs and the deliverables,” Penn said. “We now have all the ingredients in place to sit down with the Premier and present the best options. Jason’s role will be crucial in driving that process forward and ensuring that the project reaches fruition.”
King’s return also carries symbolic significance. As a former player who has experienced the highs and lows of professional sport, he embodies the club’s values and culture. His leadership style — combining practical experience, legal expertise, and a deep connection to the club — is expected to resonate with players, staff, and the wider Sea Eagles community.
While the transition marks the end of Mestrov’s tenure, it is being framed as a positive evolution rather than a sudden departure. The club’s messaging has been consistent in emphasizing that the change is forward-looking and not influenced by past disputes or controversies. This approach seeks to reassure players, fans, and stakeholders that the Sea Eagles remain focused on growth, stability, and long-term success.
King’s appointment comes at a critical juncture for the club, as it seeks to maintain competitive performance on the field while also navigating complex off-field challenges. By bringing someone with intimate knowledge of both playing and administrative aspects of rugby league, the Sea Eagles are signaling their intent to blend tradition with modern management expertise.
The announcement has been met with a wave of support from the rugby league community. Fans and former players alike have highlighted King’s deep understanding of the club’s culture, his commitment to integrity, and his ability to lead by example. For many, his return symbolizes both a connection to Manly’s storied past and a commitment to building a sustainable future.
As the 2026 season approaches, King will face multiple challenges, including guiding the club through player contracts, fostering a winning team environment, and advancing the stadium development plan. Yet his experience and stature within the game provide a strong foundation to tackle these tasks.
In addition to operational duties, King is expected to play a mentoring role for younger staff and players, instilling values of leadership, professionalism, and resilience. His presence is anticipated to have a stabilizing effect on the club, particularly as it navigates the ongoing complexities of professional sport administration.
Ultimately, Jason King’s return as CEO represents a blend of continuity and renewal for the Sea Eagles. With a deep personal connection to the club, a wealth of professional expertise, and the backing of both ownership and league officials, King is poised to lead the club into a new era of strategic growth and on-field success.
As the Sea Eagles look to the future, all eyes will be on how King leverages his dual experience as a former player and NRL executive to guide the club through its next chapter — one that promises both challenges and opportunities. For fans, players, and stakeholders, the message is clear: the Sea Eagles are charting a course that honors their rich legacy while positioning the club for sustained success in the years to come.
King’s appointment is more than a simple staffing change; it is a symbolic return of one of Manly’s own, a homegrown leader ready to take the reins and help shape the club’s destiny both on and off the field. With King at the helm, the Sea Eagles are signaling a commitment to stability, integrity, and ambition — the hallmarks of a club that hopes to soar to new heights in the coming seasons.
