Johnston confirmed he will stand down from the role at the end of March, with the CEO to guide the Dragons through the coming off-season and Jack de Belin's rape trial in February.

Johnston served as chairman of the club before moving into the CEO position last August and former Dragons board member Peter Newell said he was dedicated to ensuring St George Illawarra achieved success both on and off the field.

"He's a thoroughly decent man," Newell said. "I couldn't speak more highly of him. Through my time with him, when he was the first CEO when we did the joint venture, he stepped aside, but then he came back.

"There's not much more I can say, he's a thoroughly decent bloke, well grounded in the game, he played it at the top level. Administratively he's intelligent and an asset to the place."

The inaugural CEO of the joint venture before Peter Doust stepped into the role in 2000, Johnston also served as chairman during a tricky period for the Illawarra half of the joint venture.

The financial struggles came to an end last August, when WIN Corporation bought out the Steelers. That saw Doust stand down as CEO, Johnston shift from chairman to CEO and Andrew Gordon step in as the new chair.

Read more: St George Illawarra Dragons prepared for tough pre-season after disappointing year

Newell credited Johnston for helping the joint venture thrive despite the Steelers struggles and said he played a key role in ensuring the Illawarra remained well-represented at the club.

"In my view he certainly was supportive of the Illawarra. He was a faithful and ethical person in regards to the dual obligations of the joint venture.

"I've never forgot his support. During this period the Steelers had a lot of financial assistance from St George, we held our end up in other areas, but we received some financial assistance.

"The joint venture has gone on for more than 20 years now and Brian's certainly played his part in seeing its ideals be upheld."

While the prospect of a new CEO brings uncertainty, Newell expects the Gordons to ensure the Illawarra is not neglected in the future.

"I don't think the Illawarra should be worried. There's a strong Illawarra influence remaining at the Dragons via WIN Corporation and Mr Bruce Gordon.

"They'll do an excellent job in seeing the respective ends of the joint venture upheld. I've got no doubts about that."

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