From dust bin to Perth board: Cumins back with Bears
Scott Bailey |
The man who spearheaded Perth’s initial bid to return to the NRL has been placed on the Bears’ board, eight months after being told his bid was “in the dust bin”.
Peter Cumins was on Saturday unveiled as one of nine directors, who will sit under inaugural chair and former Liberal party federal MP Ben Morton.
The board also includes former treasurer Joe Hockey, ex-WA Cricket CEO Christina Matthews, North Sydney chair Daniel Dickson and Bears tragic James Bracey.
But it is Cumins’ name which is of most interest ahead of Perth’s 2027 entry.
The Cash Converters executive chair had spent more than a decade trying to have a Perth side back in the competition and led a high-profile consortium bid.
But his dream looked dashed when he was accused of low-balling the NRL last year, not offering a license fee as part of the Western Bears’ push for inclusion.
The consortium later responded by offering up a $20 million fee, but by that point the NRL had moved on and decided to negotiate with the state government instead.
Even so, Cumins’ consortium remained crucial in the establishment of the 18th franchise.
It was the consortium who reached an agreement with North Sydney for Perth to link with the Bears, while the bid document remains with the NRL.
Despite the rejection, Cumins had long maintained he was open to assisting with any Perth side if it was to be admitted to the NRL.
“It is very disappointing for us, but if they can get a team up in Perth and there is anything I can do to help, then I will,” Cumins told AAP in January.
“That was my motivation for being involved.
“I am a rugby league man. I would love to see a Perth team get up. If it is not privately owned and is owned by the NRL then I am not fussed.
“I will do anything to assist … if asked.”
The appointment of the Bears’ board puts the framework in place for coach Mal Meninga to hit the open market in November.
Meninga has already appointed Penrith assistant Ben Gardiner as one of his deputies, while former Seven West news boss Anthony de Ceglie is CEO.
“The Perth Bears is a club which is taking shape by the day and will quickly capture the hearts and minds of fans as we approach 2027,” ARL Commission chair Peter V’landys said.
“The inaugural and historic Perth Bears Board is comprised of a diverse group of individuals with the right skills to ensure the Perth Bears Club is successful and thrives.
“The group comprises industry leaders both in Western Australia as well as across Australia more broadly, as well as sporting leaders.
“The heritage of the North Sydney Bears, the energy of the west, all combined with an innovative and talented board of exceptional individuals will set the new club on the right path immediately.”
PERTH BEARS INAUGURAL BOARD:
Ben Morton (Chair; Western Australian Business and Community Leader, Former Australian Government Minister)
Emma Garlett (Western Australian lawyer)
John Dumesny (Experienced Sports Administrator)
Joe Hockey (Former Australian Treasurer and Diplomat)
Christina Matthews (Western Australian Sports Administrator and Tourism Leader)
Daniel Dickson (Chair of North Sydney Bears)
James Bracey (TV sports presenter and journalist, former North Sydney Bears board member)
Jacqueline Johnstone (Governance, integrity and strategy expert)
Peter Cumins (Western Australia Businessman)
AAP
