The Journos on Triple M NRL dissected the article, as The Australian went to 10 leading Perth businesses to see if they’re supportive of the Bears yet past history with De Ceglie saw a damning response!
Here’s an excerpt from the article:
“The flurry of rejections and mass indifference comes as one of Perth’s best-connected businessmen, former Reserve Bank of Australia boss John Poynton, unleashed on Mr De Ceglie, telling The Australian half the city’s key figures “hated his guts” and warned the one-time newspaper editor was about “to be taught a lesson” when he “walks back into town”. “That’s the problem about making a prick of yourself – it’s hard when you have to come back and face the very same people.”
“Another well-connected Perth corporate leader was heard making similar comments at a function last week, suggesting: “Life catches up with everyone, and it’s going to be fun seeing life catch up with Anthony.”
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Both Danny Weidler and Michael Chammas were alerted by the stunning article targetting NRL’s newest expansion side.
“The reason that Peter V’landys went for this appointment was because of his Perth connections,” started Weidler.
“It’s not because he’s deep in rugby league, it’s because he was seen as someone who could give the Perth Bears sort sort of foothold there and use his connections.
“It sounds like it’s going to be a tough, tough job.
“Peter V’landys doesn’t get things wrong very often so you’ve got to give him credit.
“[But] from the outside, this looks like it could be a disaster.”
Whilst Chammas believes that the NRL haven’t set up the newly formed franchise properly, fearing that without salary cap dispensations, the club could struggle early which would be a major problem.
“The NRL I think they’ve made a mistake in this situation, they really have,” said Chammas.
“They need the Bears to work.”