Anthony De Ceglie, the newly appointed chief executive of the Perth Bears, is determined to lead the team to greatness in the NRL. With the Bears set to make their debut in 20 months, De Ceglie sat down with Michael Chammas to discuss his vision for the club and address the challenges ahead.
For De Ceglie, the opportunity to build a national sporting franchise from the ground up in his hometown was too enticing to pass up. Embracing the role as a start-up venture, he is enthusiastic about the blank canvas that lies before him and is eager to pave the way for the Bears’ success.
Having only recently engaged in discussions with NRL officials about taking on the role, De Ceglie’s decision was influenced by his desire to reconnect with his roots in Perth and provide his family with a sense of belonging. The prospect of shaping the future of a new team resonated deeply with him.
Despite the tight timeline leading up to the Bears’ inaugural game, De Ceglie is undaunted by the monumental task ahead. Recognizing the necessity for hard work and dedication, he is committed to assembling a team of individuals who share his passion for the sport and are willing to put in the effort to ensure the Bears’ success.
One of the key decisions De Ceglie made was appointing Mal Meninga as the Bears’ coach, despite criticisms of Meninga’s lack of recent club coaching experience. De Ceglie stands by his choice, citing Meninga’s impressive track record in representative coaching as evidence of his leadership capabilities and commitment to setting the right tone for the club.
As De Ceglie navigates the complexities of establishing the Perth Bears, he acknowledges the importance of honoring the legacy of the North Sydney Bears and integrating their passionate fan base into the new venture. He views North Sydney as a vital part of the Bears’ identity and envisions a collaborative relationship between the two communities.
With plans to potentially host NRL games at North Sydney Oval and engage with both North Sydney and Perth supporters, De Ceglie aims to bridge the gap between the two regions and create a united front for the Bears. He emphasizes the significance of respecting the history and traditions of both fan bases as the club moves forward.
Addressing concerns about the Perth Bears being perceived as an outsider in a city dominated by AFL, De Ceglie remains optimistic about the team’s reception in Perth. Drawing parallels between the resilience of Perth and North Sydney fans, he believes that both groups share a common desire to prove themselves in the NRL.
Despite facing criticism and skepticism from some quarters, De Ceglie remains focused on his vision for the Perth Bears and is confident in the support and enthusiasm he has encountered in Perth. With plans to recruit marquee players and build a strong team foundation, he is determined to establish the Bears as a commercial powerhouse in the NRL.
As the countdown begins to the Bears’ player signings and the team’s official entry into the league, De Ceglie is prepared to let the club’s performance speak for itself. Embracing his role as a passionate NRL advocate, he is committed to learning, growing, and contributing to the success of the Perth Bears.
Looking ahead, De Ceglie envisions a bright future for the Perth Bears, emphasizing the team’s autonomy and independence from the NRL’s direct control. With a clear focus on building a strong organizational structure and fostering a sense of community among fans, he is determined to lead the Bears to prominence in the NRL.
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