Bears bombshell as Meninga’s right-hand man quits ahead of inaugural season — Daily

The Perth Bears have been rocked by the departure of Mal Meninga’s hand-picked right-hand man with Head of Football David Sharpe quitting his post before their inaugural season.

Code Sports reported Meninga’s tenure as Perth coach has come under further scrutiny after Sharpe’s decision to step down months out from the expansion side’s first game.

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Meninga had personally campaigned for Sharpe, the former head of Sports Integrity Australia, to be appointed as the head of football at the Bears.

However, Sharpe’s future at the club was placed in doubt in recent weeks amid claims that he was at odds with chief executive Anthony De Ceglie as well as other key staff members.

The Bears confirmed in a statement Sharpe had parted ways with the club.

“The Perth Bears thanks Mr David Sharpe for his contribution in establishing and developing our rugby league club,” the club said in a statement.

Sharpe thanked the club for the opportunity, but ultimately chose to pursue a different path.

“I have chosen to leave the Perth Bears for a new opportunity,” Sharpe said.

“It’s been a privilege to help lead the establishment of the club, and particularly the Football Department and Bear Tracks academy.

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“It has been a difficult decision but the Football department is now well established. Western Australia remains a unique and vital opportunity for rugby league to become a truly national game.

“I will be cheering along with all supporters when the Perth Bears team takes the field in round one next year.”

Perth Bears Chairman Ben Morton thanked Sharpe for his work in helping set up the fledging franchise.

“The Perth Bears completely respect and understand the decision that David has made,” Morton said.

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“David has worked hard to build the foundations of a strong team and Football Department. “David’s contribution will continue to be felt as the team prepares to take to the field in 2027. “We are extremely grateful for the unwavering commitment David has shown to the establishment of our team.

“After leading Sports Integrity Australia, David came to the Perth Bears with a history of successfully establishing new organisations and teams.

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“We have no doubt that he will be extremely successful in his future roles. I look forward to welcoming David back to witness with me the Perth Bears running onto the field in our first game in 2027.”

Perth Bears CEO Anthony De Ceglie also thanked Sharpe for his contribution.

“In David’s time at the Perth Bears and under his leadership the Football Department successfully established itself, developed our team values and strategy, recruited 16 exceptional players (with more to come), established a Bears Tracks Academy and through his efforts we have a strong foundation for success,” De Cegile said.

“We wish David all the very best for the future.”

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