Scott Morrison denies approaching senior figures for top rugby league job

Former prime minister and devout Cronulla Sharks fan Scott Morrison has responded to rumours about a potential new job.

Former prime minister Scott Morrison has denied speculation he approached senior rugby league figures about a potential job, claiming the rumours are “just a bit of pub talk”.

The devout Cronulla Sharks fan was voted out of Australia’s top job in May and rumours are swirling he is planning to take his career in a different direction.

Mr Morrison stepped down as Liberal Party leader following the Coalition’s election defeat but has remained on the backbench as the member for Cook.

Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison has denied speculation he approached senior rugby league figures about a potential job. Picture: Jonathan Ng

The 54-year-old is reported to have had a brief discussion about becoming a director with the ARL Commission despite there being no vacancies.

However, Mr Morrison said he had no plan to work in rugby league.

“Sounds to me like just a bit of pub talk,” he told The Daily Telegraph during the Sharks v Melbourne Storm NRL game on Thursday night.

“Love the NRL and my Sharks. PVL (Peter V’landys) and Andrew (Abdo) have done a great job, really enjoyed working with them as PM to get through Covid and to expand the Pacific program.”

Mr Morrison is a devout Cronulla Sharks fan. Picture. Phil Hillyard

Former treasurer Wayne Swan slammed Mr Morrison’s ARL bid on Friday morning and suggested he quiet down following his election loss.

“He’s already got a job. I mean, he’s the member for Cook,” Mr Swan told Today.

“I think he would be far better off following the election defeat just to go quiet for a while and just withdraw.”

Two former politicians are among the eight members of the ARL Commission, which is chaired by Peter V’landys.

Since losing the election, Mr Morrison has travelled to Bali for a holiday with his family and regularly shows his support for the Sharks in Cronulla.