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Justin Chadwick, AAP • November 4th, 2026 10:50 pm
Tony Rea is the Perth Bears' new chief executive replacing Anthony De Ceglie | Photo: PR IMAGE
Former North Sydney Bears captain Tony Rea has landed in Perth as the expansion club's new chief executive following the messy departure of predecessor Anthony De Ceglie.
De Ceglie, a former director of news and current affairs at Seven West Media, stepped down as Perth Bears chief executive last month amidst reports he had lost support of the club's board.
His departure came six months after the club's general manager of football David Sharpe quit after reportedly falling out with several key figures.
The Bears, who will become the NRL's 18th franchise when they make their debut next season, will be hoping Rea brings a sense of calm.
And while De Ceglie had no background in rugby league, Rea can be considered as Bears royalty.
The 60-year-old made 120 appearances for the North Sydney Bears between 1988-94, captaining the club during their run to the 1991 preliminary final.
Rea then moved to England where he became a key figure at the London Broncos, serving roles as a player, coach and chief executive.
Tony Rea lays down the law at an ACT Brumbies training session in 2011 | Photo: Alan Porritt/AAP
He also had a stint as an interim coach of the Brumbies in 2011 following the sacking of Andy Friend just two games into the season.
Rea proved he was a man who didn't mince his words during that stint, unleashing on not only his players but the organisation itself - following a shock 29-20 home loss to the Lions.
"We have just too many people and an organisation that makes too many soft decisions too often, and now they're the bulk and the norm," Rea said at the time.
"It's in the wood now. We have been covering them for a while."
The Perth Bears are yet to secure a superstar recruit ahead of the club's 2027 NRL debut.
But given the November 1 player market has now opened, Rea has the chance to add some much-needed star power to the squad.
"I've sat in almost every seat in a club: player, captain, development officer, head coach, director of rugby and board member," Rea said after landing the Perth Bears role.
"My job as CEO is not to do any one of those jobs but rather to use that experience to lead our professional team together as one, committed to success.
"The Perth Bears have assembled an exceptional and professional team. They have achieved so much in such a short amount of time and I look forward to leading them as CEO into this next chapter."
