The boss of a news organisation that has been one of the biggest critics of the NRL’s expansion into Western Australia has been appointed as the inaugural chief executive of the Perth Bears. Anthony De Ceglie, director of news and current affairs at 7News and editor-in-chief at Seven West Media, has been tasked with overseeing the introduction of the NRL’s newest 18th franchise. On the day of the official announcement of the Perth Bears, the West Australian ran a front page headline, “Bad News Bears”. Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman, Peter V’landys praised the appointment of De Ceglie as an important step forward for the code in Western Australia.