Ben Ikin

Ben Ikin's Biography

The CEO of Queensland Rugby since May 2023, Ben Ikin is a former professional rugby league footballer who played 150 games in the NRL with the Gold Coast Seagulls, North Sydney Bears and Brisbane Broncos.

Ben represented QLD 17 times and played 2 tests for Australia and still holds the record as the youngest player ever to play State of Origin football. Ben was also lucky enough to win a premiership with the Brisbane Broncos in the 2000 season.

Following a triumphant playing career, Ben Ikin, who is renowned in football circles as having a great footy intellect, launched himself into a successful media career. He became a regular panel list on the Nine Network’s The Sunday Roast and One HD’s One Week at a Time before joining Fox Sport in 2012. In his role at Fox Sports, Ben provides expert analysis during live match coverage and hosts the weekly entertainment program, NRL 360 with Paul Kent every Monday to Wednesday. The former centre turned five-eighth is now recognised as one of Rugby League’s most established media personalities.

Ben is a two-time Australian representative and was a State of Origin mainstay for the Queensland Maroons, where he first shot to prominence in 1995. Becoming the youngest player ever to debut for the Maroons at the age of 18, a record that still stands today.

He represented his state on 17 occasions and made 150 first grade appearances in the NRL over a decade-long career with Gold Coast Seagulls, North Sydney Bears and Brisbane Broncos.

Along with his Fox Sport duties, Ben is also a rugby league columnist for The Australian and has previously hosted Off the Bench NRL throughout Queensland, a weekly regional radio show syndicated by Crocmedia.

Ben was also previously Football & Performance Director for the Brisbane Broncos until 2023.

Before moving into a full time role in the media, Ben worked for 10 years in various senior commercial roles in the property and construction industry. Additionally, he was a board member of the Queensland Rugby League and the Men of League Foundation. He is passionate about delivering game models, competitions and pathways that drive growth and engagement.

Ben is a former director of the North QLD Cowboys and is high in demand as a keynote speaker and Master of Ceremonies. His presentations are a mix of sport and business, intertwined with his enriching life experience.

Speaking Topics Include

High performance teams and individuals

Success - what is it and how can it be yours

Building and leading a team

Tackling Generation Y - the mindset of today's young professional