NRL announce new Perth CEO amid Bears PR battle
The NRL has launched a bid to win over Perth's media, appointing a former editor-in-chief of The West Australian newspaper as the new Bears chief executive.
Head office confirmed on Thursday that Anthony De Ceglie would be the inaugural Perth CEO, appointing him to the role before a board is even in place.
De Ceglie will therefore be charged with helping put the club together, with one of the most pressing jobs being to appoint a new coach for their 2027 entry.
The CEO appointment is notable, given the NRL conceded last week that they could face a tough run in the media in AFL-mad Perth.
De Ceglie was most recently the director of news and current affairs at Seven West Media, having been promoted after overseeing Western Australia's flagship newspaper.
"To succeed in Perth, you need a well connected local who knows how to get things done and has a can do attitude," ARL Commission chairman Peter V'landy said.
"Anthony is a brilliant operator with a proven track record and a genuine Western Australian.
"I am excited about what he can do for us as we grow rugby league in the WA market."
V'landys had last week claimed perceived bias in Perth, after a local headline of "Bad News Bears" labelled the club as a "dud second-division team" from Sydney.
AAP also understands that V'landys and NRL CEO Andrew Abdo met with Seven West Media chairman Kerry Stokes on the eve of the expansion announcement.
"I think the media coverage has been a bit biased, in the sense the main newspaper here is owned by Seven West Media that has the AFL rights," V'landys said at last week's expansion announcement.
"Let's be quite frank: They don't want us to be here.
"They realise we will be quite competitive and we'll be taking some of their lunch. And we eat a lot, so we will be eating a fair bit of their lunch."
The NRL has previously indicated there will be at least three local directors on the Perth Bears board, including the chair.
Brad Arthur, Mal Meninga and Sam Burgess remain the three main candidates for the coaching role.
The Bears have five-and-a-half months before they can hit the open market for players, with anyone off contract next year considered a free agent on November 1.
The NRL has launched a bid to win over Perth's media, appointing a former editor-in-chief of The West Australian newspaper as the new Bears chief executive.
Head office confirmed on Thursday that Anthony De Ceglie would be the inaugural Perth CEO, appointing him to the role before a board is even in place.
De Ceglie will therefore be charged with helping put the club together, with one of the most pressing jobs being to appoint a new coach for their 2027 entry.
The CEO appointment is notable, given the NRL conceded last week that they could face a tough run in the media in AFL-mad Perth.
De Ceglie was most recently the director of news and current affairs at Seven West Media, having been promoted after overseeing Western Australia's flagship newspaper.
"To succeed in Perth, you need a well connected local who knows how to get things done and has a can do attitude," ARL Commission chairman Peter V'landy said.
"Anthony is a brilliant operator with a proven track record and a genuine Western Australian.
"I am excited about what he can do for us as we grow rugby league in the WA market."
V'landys had last week claimed perceived bias in Perth, after a local headline of "Bad News Bears" labelled the club as a "dud second-division team" from Sydney.
AAP also understands that V'landys and NRL CEO Andrew Abdo met with Seven West Media chairman Kerry Stokes on the eve of the expansion announcement.
"I think the media coverage has been a bit biased, in the sense the main newspaper here is owned by Seven West Media that has the AFL rights," V'landys said at last week's expansion announcement.
"Let's be quite frank: They don't want us to be here.
"They realise we will be quite competitive and we'll be taking some of their lunch. And we eat a lot, so we will be eating a fair bit of their lunch."
The NRL has previously indicated there will be at least three local directors on the Perth Bears board, including the chair.
Brad Arthur, Mal Meninga and Sam Burgess remain the three main candidates for the coaching role.
The Bears have five-and-a-half months before they can hit the open market for players, with anyone off contract next year considered a free agent on November 1.
The NRL has launched a bid to win over Perth's media, appointing a former editor-in-chief of The West Australian newspaper as the new Bears chief executive.
Head office confirmed on Thursday that Anthony De Ceglie would be the inaugural Perth CEO, appointing him to the role before a board is even in place.
De Ceglie will therefore be charged with helping put the club together, with one of the most pressing jobs being to appoint a new coach for their 2027 entry.
The CEO appointment is notable, given the NRL conceded last week that they could face a tough run in the media in AFL-mad Perth.
De Ceglie was most recently the director of news and current affairs at Seven West Media, having been promoted after overseeing Western Australia's flagship newspaper.
"To succeed in Perth, you need a well connected local who knows how to get things done and has a can do attitude," ARL Commission chairman Peter V'landy said.
"Anthony is a brilliant operator with a proven track record and a genuine Western Australian.
"I am excited about what he can do for us as we grow rugby league in the WA market."
V'landys had last week claimed perceived bias in Perth, after a local headline of "Bad News Bears" labelled the club as a "dud second-division team" from Sydney.
AAP also understands that V'landys and NRL CEO Andrew Abdo met with Seven West Media chairman Kerry Stokes on the eve of the expansion announcement.
"I think the media coverage has been a bit biased, in the sense the main newspaper here is owned by Seven West Media that has the AFL rights," V'landys said at last week's expansion announcement.
"Let's be quite frank: They don't want us to be here.
"They realise we will be quite competitive and we'll be taking some of their lunch. And we eat a lot, so we will be eating a fair bit of their lunch."
The NRL has previously indicated there will be at least three local directors on the Perth Bears board, including the chair.
Brad Arthur, Mal Meninga and Sam Burgess remain the three main candidates for the coaching role.
The Bears have five-and-a-half months before they can hit the open market for players, with anyone off contract next year considered a free agent on November 1.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News.com.au
3 hours ago
- News.com.au
Fagan blames HORROR 4th qtr inaccuracy
AFL: Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan has fronted the media after his side's fourth quarter collapse against the Crows in Round 13.
Courier-Mail
3 hours ago
- Courier-Mail
NRL news: Braith Anasta calls for Bulldogs to make tough call after Lachlan Galvin scalp, latest news, Parramatta Eels
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News. Braith Anasta has warned that the Lachlan Galvin signing could disrupt the Bulldogs' momentum and will likely result in a major backline reshuffle. The 19-year-old's contract saga has dominated the rugby league news cycle for several weeks before it finally came to a head last week when he signed with the Bulldogs on around $750,000 a season. Many expected Galvin to make his debut in the Easter Monday clash against the Eels, but the teen phenom has instead been named outside the 17. Although a late change could be on the cards. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. His arrival at Belmore had many speculating he would take the spot of No. 7 Toby Sexton, who has been a revelation in 2025 and is a large reason why the Dogs sit pretty at the top of the NRL ladder. But Anasta told that he believes Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo has other ideas and instead representative centre and current Dogs five-eighth Matt Burton will shift to fullback, with Galvin handed the No. 6 jersey and fullback Connor Tracey playing off the bench or dropped to reserve grade. 'I think Galvin is a 5/8 not a halfback,' Anasta told 'I know many are saying he will play seven but the Galvin signing isn't a short-term play. Where he fits their system right now is tricky. 'I'm sure the Dogs would have spoken to him openly about where he could potentially play but there isn't an obvious spot for him to come into. I would think they will most likely give Sexton the next few weeks to see if he continues to knock it out of the park. 'If he does they have two options, play him (Galvin) off the bench for the year or if not I don't mind the idea of playing Burton at fullback. Braith Anasta has called for Matt Burton to play fullback, pushing Toby Sexton out of the side. Image: Getty 'It doesn't mess up the team chemistry, Burton's kicking game isn't taken away by being at fullback, and of course that is tough for Tracey, but Burton fits the mould of the modern fullback arguably better. 'Fullbacks these days are runners, who are real ball players and it (playing fullback) would allow him to inject himself into the game as he likes. If it was up to me I'd be doing that before anything else so as to not interrupt the team as much. 'I could see them really having success with Burton at fullback along with Sexton and Galvin in that spine but again a lot of it really rides on Sexton.' If Galvin is to be a late inclusion, he will likely be met with a mixed reception from fans, coming up against the team he turned down, the Eels. While Tigers fans also feel aggrieved by his decision to exit the club and his return to the joint venture will almost certainly result in him being booed and jeered every time he touches the ball. That reaction is nothing new to Anasta, who in his playing career had a mixed reaction after he joined the Roosters, due to the fact he was a Rabbitohs junior. So ahead of Galvin's possible debut, the player-turned-Fox League pundit passed on some words of wisdom to the teenager. 'My words of wisdom with anything like this is you've made your decision now and have to just back yourself,' Anasta told Canterbury Bulldogs signing Lachlan Galvin. Lachlan Galvin is pushing to be a late inclusion. 'He (Galvin) sounds like a really switched-on kid with a high footy IQ. All I'd say is block out the noise as it's really irrelevant. 'What people think, feel all their opinions about you are irrelevant unless they're the ones closest to you like your family, friends your boss and your coach. 'Because everyone's always going have an opinion and not everyone's always going to agree with the decisions that you're making in life but it doesn't matter. It really doesn't matter as long as you know you're confident in your own ability, confident in the decision you make and you work hard. 'For Galvin, the sky is the limit, the decision to leave has been made, he can put all that behind him and look forward to playing footy.' The Bulldogs take on the Eels in an epic Kings Birthday blockbuster on Monday. You can catch all the action live on Kayo Sports. Originally published as Braith Anasta calls for Bulldogs to make tough Connor Tracey call after Lachlan Galvin coup
The Advertiser
4 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Comeback Crows sink Brisbane in AFL thriller
Adelaide have produced a stunning last-quarter comeback to sink reigning premiers Brisbane by five points in an AFL thriller. Down 17 points at three-quarter time, the Crows then booted five goals to none for a 10.8 (68) to 8.15 (63) triumph at a rain-soaked Adelaide Oval on Friday night. Adelaide will retain a hold on third spot regardless of other weekend results - they're just two premiership points behind the second-placed Lions. Adelaide livewire forward Josh Rachele slotted three goals, as did did ex-Lion Ben Keays (20 disposals). And their captain Jordan Dawson took a mark-of-the-year contender - and then goaled - during a final-term flourish which enhances the Crows' status as a genuine contender. Adelaide boast nine wins and four losses and appear certain to return to the finals for the first time since 2017. Brisbane duo Cam Rayner and Charlie Cameron kicked two goals each and Norm Smith medallist Will Ashcroft was outstanding with a game-high 31 disposals. Ashcroft's midfield colleagues Hugh McCluggage (27 touches, one goal), Jarrod Berry (28 possessions) and Lachie Neal (22) also revelled in the wet. The quartet overpowered the on-ball brigade of Adelaide for the initial three quarters before the Crows' unheralded last term. In slippery conditions, it took until the 21st minute of the game for Brisbane's Rayner to score the opening goal. Just 60 seconds later, the Lions struck again when Callum Ah Chee bounced through a major. The visitors led 2.3 to 0.6 at the end of a first quarter which could land Crows recruit James Peatling in strife for a sling tackle on Neale. The Lions champ wasn't hurt when his head hit the turf but Peatling was penalised for a dangerous tackle certain to attract match review scrutiny. Brisbane scored three goals in nine minutes to create a 21-point advantage midway through the second term. But Adelaide responded to the danger with Rachele threading a remarkable 45m set shot from outside a boundary line to help reduce their deficit - the Lions led by eight points at halftime, 5.3 to 3.7. That advantage was reduced to two points early in the third quarter when Rachele snapped his second goal - and some 26 minutes into the term, the home side were still within four points. But late strikes from Cameron and Kai Lohmann gave Brisbane a 17-point buffer at three-quarter time. Adelaide then stormed to victory with five goals to none in less than 18 minutes. Tall attacker Riley Thilthorpe triggered the spree with a classy goal on the run from an acute angle - Keays, Dawson, Rachele and Keays again followed with majors for an 11-point lead. The Lions pressed late but could add only eight behinds in the final quarter - plus two attempts which sailed out-on-the-full. Adelaide have produced a stunning last-quarter comeback to sink reigning premiers Brisbane by five points in an AFL thriller. Down 17 points at three-quarter time, the Crows then booted five goals to none for a 10.8 (68) to 8.15 (63) triumph at a rain-soaked Adelaide Oval on Friday night. Adelaide will retain a hold on third spot regardless of other weekend results - they're just two premiership points behind the second-placed Lions. Adelaide livewire forward Josh Rachele slotted three goals, as did did ex-Lion Ben Keays (20 disposals). And their captain Jordan Dawson took a mark-of-the-year contender - and then goaled - during a final-term flourish which enhances the Crows' status as a genuine contender. Adelaide boast nine wins and four losses and appear certain to return to the finals for the first time since 2017. Brisbane duo Cam Rayner and Charlie Cameron kicked two goals each and Norm Smith medallist Will Ashcroft was outstanding with a game-high 31 disposals. Ashcroft's midfield colleagues Hugh McCluggage (27 touches, one goal), Jarrod Berry (28 possessions) and Lachie Neal (22) also revelled in the wet. The quartet overpowered the on-ball brigade of Adelaide for the initial three quarters before the Crows' unheralded last term. In slippery conditions, it took until the 21st minute of the game for Brisbane's Rayner to score the opening goal. Just 60 seconds later, the Lions struck again when Callum Ah Chee bounced through a major. The visitors led 2.3 to 0.6 at the end of a first quarter which could land Crows recruit James Peatling in strife for a sling tackle on Neale. The Lions champ wasn't hurt when his head hit the turf but Peatling was penalised for a dangerous tackle certain to attract match review scrutiny. Brisbane scored three goals in nine minutes to create a 21-point advantage midway through the second term. But Adelaide responded to the danger with Rachele threading a remarkable 45m set shot from outside a boundary line to help reduce their deficit - the Lions led by eight points at halftime, 5.3 to 3.7. That advantage was reduced to two points early in the third quarter when Rachele snapped his second goal - and some 26 minutes into the term, the home side were still within four points. But late strikes from Cameron and Kai Lohmann gave Brisbane a 17-point buffer at three-quarter time. Adelaide then stormed to victory with five goals to none in less than 18 minutes. Tall attacker Riley Thilthorpe triggered the spree with a classy goal on the run from an acute angle - Keays, Dawson, Rachele and Keays again followed with majors for an 11-point lead. The Lions pressed late but could add only eight behinds in the final quarter - plus two attempts which sailed out-on-the-full. Adelaide have produced a stunning last-quarter comeback to sink reigning premiers Brisbane by five points in an AFL thriller. Down 17 points at three-quarter time, the Crows then booted five goals to none for a 10.8 (68) to 8.15 (63) triumph at a rain-soaked Adelaide Oval on Friday night. Adelaide will retain a hold on third spot regardless of other weekend results - they're just two premiership points behind the second-placed Lions. Adelaide livewire forward Josh Rachele slotted three goals, as did did ex-Lion Ben Keays (20 disposals). And their captain Jordan Dawson took a mark-of-the-year contender - and then goaled - during a final-term flourish which enhances the Crows' status as a genuine contender. Adelaide boast nine wins and four losses and appear certain to return to the finals for the first time since 2017. Brisbane duo Cam Rayner and Charlie Cameron kicked two goals each and Norm Smith medallist Will Ashcroft was outstanding with a game-high 31 disposals. Ashcroft's midfield colleagues Hugh McCluggage (27 touches, one goal), Jarrod Berry (28 possessions) and Lachie Neal (22) also revelled in the wet. The quartet overpowered the on-ball brigade of Adelaide for the initial three quarters before the Crows' unheralded last term. In slippery conditions, it took until the 21st minute of the game for Brisbane's Rayner to score the opening goal. Just 60 seconds later, the Lions struck again when Callum Ah Chee bounced through a major. The visitors led 2.3 to 0.6 at the end of a first quarter which could land Crows recruit James Peatling in strife for a sling tackle on Neale. The Lions champ wasn't hurt when his head hit the turf but Peatling was penalised for a dangerous tackle certain to attract match review scrutiny. Brisbane scored three goals in nine minutes to create a 21-point advantage midway through the second term. But Adelaide responded to the danger with Rachele threading a remarkable 45m set shot from outside a boundary line to help reduce their deficit - the Lions led by eight points at halftime, 5.3 to 3.7. That advantage was reduced to two points early in the third quarter when Rachele snapped his second goal - and some 26 minutes into the term, the home side were still within four points. But late strikes from Cameron and Kai Lohmann gave Brisbane a 17-point buffer at three-quarter time. Adelaide then stormed to victory with five goals to none in less than 18 minutes. Tall attacker Riley Thilthorpe triggered the spree with a classy goal on the run from an acute angle - Keays, Dawson, Rachele and Keays again followed with majors for an 11-point lead. The Lions pressed late but could add only eight behinds in the final quarter - plus two attempts which sailed out-on-the-full.
