Graham Lowe appointed Manly CEO

Former New Zealand rugby league coach Graham Lowe has been appointed chief executive of the Manly Sea Eagles, the club said today.

The club's website said Lowe's appointment had received "unanimous support" from the Sea Eagles board.

Former chief executive Grant Mayer resigned in June after months of in-fighting between factions aligned with the club's co-owners Scott Penn and Max Delmege.

Lowe said in a statement he was looking forward to his new role.

"This is a dream job for me - I have some unfinished business at the club I learned to love when I coached for two years from 1990. To come back almost 20 years later as CEO is something really special.

"The football staff and coaching area is one of the best in the NRL and I know some people in the front office so I will be joining an established and successful team.

"I see coach Des Hasler as the real strength and a vital part of the club and my initial thoughts are to support the coach in what he needs. Football clubs need to be successful on the field and Des has reignited that at Manly over the past five years."

Lowe could start work as early as next Monday and will represent the Sea Eagles at next week's chief executives conference.

Chairman Scott Penn said it had been a "long journey" to find the right appointment.

"We believe we have the right man for the job - Graham Lowe understands where we are and where we want to go.

"He has a real passion for the Sea Eagles and is well skilled in all parts of the requirements we sought."

- NZPA