NRL star Josh Mansour ‘was headhunted’ to run for office against Chris Minns
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NRL star Josh Mansour was ‘sought’ to run for office against the man many believe will be New South Wales’ next premier, but the winger turned him down to return to football.
Josh Mansour turned down the chance to run for office in the March state election, after being proposed to run for the New South Wales Liberal Party.
A representative of Dom Perrottet’s government approached Mansour, 32, to ask if he would be interested in running against Labor leader Chris Minns for the fringe Kogarah seat.
Minns is heavily tipped to succeed Perrottet, but Mansour was apparently backed by Liberals to seriously challenge the seasoned politician.
Josh Mansour has revealed how he was approached by liberals about running for office.
Mansour had previously considered a switch from rugby league to politics, but decided to reject the approach and focus on his return to top level.
“It started as a conversation to see if he was interested in trying to make a difference,” Mansour told the Sydney Morning Herald.
“Although I was flattered to be considered and approached, I gave it some thought and decided not to take the opportunity.
Dom Perrottet’s party wanted Mansour to face Chris Minns (L) in Kogarah
‘I want to focus on my young family. I also still believe that I have something to offer in the NRL. I do not lose hope of continuing my career. I am training hard and I am hoping that an opportunity will present itself in the NRL.’
Mansour was a fan favorite during his NRL career where he played for the Panthers and Rabbitohs. He is of Lebanese and Portuguese descent and has a strong following among those communities.
The 32-year-old has represented New South Wales and Australia during his career, while he played for Lebanon during the Rugby League World Cup last year.
He played just five games for Souths last season but still believes he has a future in the NRL.
“I know I can still play in the NRL,” Mansour added. ‘I’m still in the best shape of my career and I haven’t stopped training. I’m not ready for a new chapter yet. I still think I have something to offer an NRL team with my experience.’
However, Mansour is desperate to revive his NRL career and has rejected the approach.