Ikin has committed to staying at the Broncs.
“It was flattering to have my name mentioned, but I’m committed to helping ‘Kev’ (coach Walters) get the Broncos firing again,” Ikin said.
“The QRL is a great organisation doing important work for the game, and I’m sure they will end up with a stack of quality applicants.”
“Ben certainly would have been a great candidate for the chief executive role,” Hatcher said.
“As friends, we had a chat, we never spoke in any official capacity, but when his name was mentioned as a candidate, I felt Ben had all the attributes to be the CEO of a rugby league organisation, I had no doubt about that.
“I respect people who honour their contracts and I can understand if Ben wishes to remain at the Broncos.
“Ben was very open with us about going to the Broncos for all the right reasons as head of football and that was his passion, he felt he could make a difference to the Broncos and there’s no doubt he has already.
“I have enormous respect for Ben’s leadership nous. He is a wonderful asset for the Broncos.
“If you asked me if I could put a wish list out there of your preferred candidates for the job, Ben would have been high on that list. He is still hugely respected by the QRL, he made a huge difference to our board and he was quite instrumental in recommending Cooper Cronk to fill his shoes.
“From my point of view, the fact Ben has indicated he is staying loyal to the Broncos does not surprise me at all.
“He is supporting Kevin Walters, he wants the best for the Broncos and I respect that.
“I hope he is given the opportunity at the Broncos to deliver on his credentials.”
