The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) has announced the inaugural board members of the Perth Bears franchise.
The initial nine members of the board include business and industry leaders in Western Australia and across Australia, identities both inside Rugby League and outside the sport, as well as those with an innate knowledge of sport in Western Australia and the North Sydney Bears.
The first ever board of the Perth Bears franchise will comprise:
- 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)
ARLC Chairman Peter V'landys AM said the group would be a strong and experienced Board to ensure the Perth Bears are well governed from the start.
"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," Mr V'landys said.
"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.
"Combining this board with Anthony De Ceglie as CEO, Mal Meninga as Head Coach, and Ben Gardiner as Assistant Coach, the Club will be a powerhouse for the game in a key market.
"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."
