Anthony De Ceglie steps down as Perth Bears CEO

Anthony De Ceglie has stepped down as chief executive of the Perth Bears.

The NRL club, which will join the competition in 2027, announced the news in a statement on Friday afternoon.

“I’m extremely proud of what the hard-working Perth Bears team has achieved in the past year,” Mr De Ceglie said.

“I have no doubt that the Perth Bears will continue to grow and grow and become a behemoth of the national sporting stage.

“The Perth Bears have a professional and dedicated executive leadership team supported by very talented group of committed staff. The club is in exceptional hands under the leadership of Head Coach Mal Meninga and Assistant Coach Ben Gardiner.

“Getting to work alongside both of them for the past year has been one of the greatest highlights of my professional life.”

De Ceglie said he was grateful for the opportunity and personally thanked Australian Rugby League Commission boss Peter V’landys, who he said he has “the utmost respect for as an administrator, businessman and human”.

“I would like to thank the Perth Bears board too and wish them all the best moving forward,” he added.

Perth Bears general manager of football Gareth Holmes will take on the responsibilities of the CEO for an interim period.