NSW Liberals accused of ‘star hunting’ after ex-NRL player Tim Mannah turns down Parramatta offer

A meeting between senior Liberals and a former NRL player has triggered an uproar among some local branch members who have accused the party of “star hunting”.

Former Eels prop Tim Mannah has met with senior Liberals who want him to run in the seat of Parramatta in the upcoming state election in a move that is set to trigger a revolt among local branches.

The meeting took place two weeks ago in Parliament House with the former Lebanon international rugby league footballer not ruling out a tilt in the future, but declaring how he wanted to focus on his business this time around.

However, the meeting has triggered an uproar among some local branch members who have accused the party of “star hunting”.

One Liberal source said while Mr Mannah had turned down the offer, there were now plans to recruit a “star female” candidate with TV presenter Erin Molan and Ladies Who League founder, lawyer and passionate Eels fan Mary “Kaye” Konstantopoulos among the names doing the rounds.

With the retirement of Corrections Minister Geoff Lee – and with the federal seat of Parramatta held by Labor – the Liberals are desperate to find a candidate that can keep the Western Sydney heartland seat in Coalition hands.

Senior Liberals wanted former Parramatta Eels rugby league player Tim Mannah to run in the NSW seat of Parramatta, but he turned the offer down. Picture: Brett Costello

However, local party members wanting to choose their own candidate with several contenders already believed to have nominated.

These included Tanya Raffoul, who is the chief of staff to Transport Minister David Elliott, Gabriel Harb who has been an adviser in Mr Lee’s officer and lawyer Katie Mullens.

Parramatta's Tim Mannah after an NRL game. Picture: Brett Costello

MP Geoff Lee will retire at the next state election. Picture: Julian Andrews

The lack of a nomination close date for the seat has only fuelled speculation a star candidate was being sought.

The original nomination close date of August 22 was extended after Mr Lee announced his retirement on the same day.

One Liberal suggested the hunt for a star was being driven by those not wanting the dominant local branches of Parramatta North, Parramatta Central and Rose Hill-Rydalmere to have their choice of candidate.

In a bid to ensure there is a plebiscite, local Liberals are seeking a motion confirming one will be held to be put before an upcoming meeting of the NSW Liberal State Executive.

One local Liberal said overriding the local branches would result in a disaster similar to what had occurred with the federal campaign.

A local selection meeting to choose a candidate for the federal seat of Parramatta was cancelled just three hours before it was due to begin, despite about 100 people having gathered at the Park Royal for the event.

Businesswoman Maria Kovacic became the “captain’s pick” of former prime minister Scott Morrison, although she failed to seize the seat from Labor.

“Western Sydney and southwestern Sydney are critical to the outcome of the state election,” the local source said.

“But if the rank and file are not incentivised, not involved in the selection of the candidate, we could face a repeat of what happened in the federal campaign.”

Parramatta was regarded a safe Labor seat until 2011 when Mr Lee won it with a swing of more than 25 per cent.

With his departure, Labor is now determined to reclaim the prized seat.