The Perth Bears, the newly announced NRL franchise, are grappling with a significant change before their inaugural season, as general manager David Sharpe has decided to leave the club. The announcement of his departure was made during a live NRL match between the Raiders and the Tigers. In his statement, Sharpe remarked, “I have chosen to leave the Perth Bears for a new opportunity,” expressing his gratitude for the role he played in establishing the football department and the Bear Tracks academy.
Despite the difficult decision, Sharpe affirmed his belief in the potential for rugby league to thrive in Western Australia, a region he sees as pivotal for the sport’s national expansion. He promised to support the team from the sidelines when they make their debut in 2027.
Recent reports indicated that tensions had arisen between Sharpe and some staff members, particularly following his initial recruitment by coach Mal Meninga. In a prior media interaction, Meninga dismissed claims of internal discord, insisting everything was progressing well and attributing speculation to the pressures surrounding the upcoming double-header match in Perth.
Sharpe’s exit comes as the Bears’ CEO Anthony De Ceglie acknowledged the significant accomplishments achieved under his leadership. These include formulating team values, recruiting talented players, and laying the groundwork for future success. De Ceglie expressed his best wishes for Sharpe’s future endeavours.
Meanwhile, the club’s chairman, Ben Morton, expressed respect for Sharpe’s decision, highlighting his contributions to building a robust football department and acknowledging his efforts in setting a solid foundation for the team. Morton conveyed confidence in Sharpe’s ability to thrive in future pursuits, eagerly anticipating the day Sharpe will join them to witness the Bears’ first game.
As the Perth Bears navigate this transition period, the club will be looking to solidify their team and ensure a successful launch for the upcoming NRL season.