Former federal treasurer Joe Hockey is poised to take up a seat on the board of the Perth Bears, with the revived North Sydney outfit preparing for its long-awaited return to top-flight rugby league in 2027.
Hockey, a lifelong Bears tragic and former ambassador to the United States, is expected to be announced as one of North Sydney’s representatives on the club’s seven-member board this weekend.
It marks a significant move for the former North Sydney MP, who reportedly lobbied Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys three years ago to bring the Bears back.
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Backed by $60 million in West Australian government funding, the Bears will be based in Perth but retain a symbolic link to their roots, playing one match per season at North Sydney Oval.
Led by media executive Anthony De Ceglie and coached by Kangaroos legend Mal Meninga, the club has assembled a heavyweight cast off the field as well.
Nine’s James Bracey and North Sydney Bears chairman Daniel Dickson are also set to join the board, alongside at least three Perth-based directors. One of them will take up the chairman’s role.
V’landys has long supported Hockey’s involvement. “I asked Joe if he would do it – he indicated he would, so I’m going to hold him to it,” he said earlier this year.