Dominic Perrottet could walk away from NSW politics as job at Wests Tigers NRL club is mooted

There are growing rumours Dominic Perrottet could soon swap parliament for the boardroom at his beloved NRL club.

The former NSW Premier stepped down as Liberal leader following the party’s state election defeat in March and currently serves as the member for Epping.

Rumours are circulating that the self-confessed Wests Tigers tragic could quit politics before Christmas and may even be tempted by a director or chairman role at the struggling club if the opportunity rose.

The Tigers currently sit bottom of the NRL ladder and haven’t played finals football since 2011.

It is reported that the ex-premier would be interested in a role at the club if he was approached as he considers his future after politics

In April, the club’s director Simon Cook stepped down as he said the club needed a transformation as John Dorahy took the reigns

‘I believe that Wests Tigers needs change and regeneration,’ Mr Cook said.

‘It is time for Wests Tigers to look to new people with the right skill set who can provide the club with the success our loyal fans deserve.’

The Daily Telegraph sports editor Phil Rothfield has reported the ex-premier would be interested in a role at the Tigers if he was approached.

‘I’m told Perrottet, if approached, would be keen to get involved once he steps out of politics, most likely by Xmas,’ he wrote.

Last month, sources reported Mr Perrottet will likely tap out of politics by Christmas as he feels it is time for a career change.

The father-of-seven first hinted at a move away from politics five weeks out from the March 25 election, telling the Australian Financial Review: ‘Politics isn’t something you do forever’.

‘I’ve always seen my time in politics and gone into it as something I wanted to do for a short period of time and make a difference,’ he told the publication in February.

‘And then go and make a difference somewhere else.’

There are reports Dominic Perrottet (pictured with wife Helen) could be tempted by a director or chairman role at his beloved Wests Tigers if the opportunity rose

Perrottet (left) may now choose to follow in the footsteps of former Liberal Premier, Barry O’Farrell – who was the Tigers chair in 2019 – and take the reigns of the struggling football club

If he does take up a role, Perrottet would follow in the footsteps of another former Liberal Premier, Barry O’Farrell – who was the Tigers chair in 2019. He lasted just six months in the role.

Perrottet entered politics in 2010 when he gained Liberal preselection for the safe Liberal seat of Castle Hill and has remained in the political sphere ever since.

He previously served as state treasurer and deputy leader of the NSW Liberal Party for almost five years from January 2017.

Perrottet then won a leadership ballot to become Premier following the shock resignation of Gladys Berejiklian in October 2021.

He stepped down as NSW party leader in March after Labor was elected to power for the first time in 12 years.