Looks like Bracey is joining Billy (possibly) on Perth Bears board and current Chairman Daniel Dickinson also in line for a director role.
@Red&BlackBear where you at?
Channel 9 presenter James Bracey set to join Perth Bears board despite conflict of interest fears
A Channel 9 presenter with deep ties to North Sydney is set land a key role with the Perth Bears despite the NRL harbouring concerns over the potential for conflict given he works for the Nine Network.
Brent Read and
Michael Carayannis
less than 2 min read
June 12, 2025 - 3:00PM
News Sport Network
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Former Bears forward Josh Stuart says nephew Nathan Cleary would be "unreal" for the incoming Perth side and shares a detail about his relationship with Mary Fowler.
Nine Network sports presenter James Bracey is set to be part of the inaugural board of the Perth Bears.
Sport Confidential can reveal that despite concerns over a potential conflict of interest given his role at the game’s host commercial broadcaster, Bracey is expected to fill one of the seven spots on the board.
North Sydney chair Daniel Dickson is also expected to be an inaugural director.
Bracey’s anticipated role with game’s newest franchise, who will enter the premiership in 2027, comes as the NRL deals with challenges in Western Australia with Seven West media.
The NRL have been targeted by the local newspaper while
Seven in Sydney was instructed to avoid asking questions about the Bears at a press conference last week to announce Mal Meninga as the maiden coach.
They were also asked to frame their shots to avoid including recently-appointed Bears chiefs executive Anthony De Ceglie.
De Ceglie is the former editor-in-chief of The West Australian newspaper, a significant arm of Stokes’ media empire which also includes Seven West Media.
North Sydney legends and fans are looking forward to their reincarnation as the Perth Bears, while returning to North Sydney Oval for the Beer Footy Food festival.
Bracey is one of the most respected figures in sports media but his appointment has the potential to inflame tension between the NRL and Seven West bosses.
Bracey is a rabid Bears fan, having campaigned long and hard for the club’s return to the NRL.
He had made it known that he was interested in being part of the Perth Bears board but the NRL were known to harbour concerns over the potential for conflict given he works for the Nine Network.
James Bracey (L) is set to join Perth Bears board.
Bracey is set to join a short list of television personalities who hold positions of power in the NRL.
Bracey’s colleague
Phil Gould is the head of football at the Bulldogs while Fox League expert Greg Alexander sits on the board of the Penrith Panthers.
Gould, in particular, has
come under heavy fire at times for seeming to use his position on Nine as a vehicle to wield influence on behalf of the Bulldogs.