Perth Bears coach Mal Meninga loses his ally after reports of fallout

The Perth Bears are yet to even finalise their first-ever squad and are already down a football general manager after David Sharpe's departure from the club.

The NRL's next franchise opted to announce the news midway through Thursday's NRL match between the Raiders and Tigers.

"I have chosen to leave the Perth Bears for a new opportunity," Sharpe said in a club statement.

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"It's been a privilege to help lead the establishment of the club, and particularly the football department and Bear Tracks academy. 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."

Two weeks ago, The Australian reported that Sharpe had fallen out with staff at the club after he was originally brought to the Bears by coach Mal Meninga.

On April 10, when the NRL hosted matches in Perth, Meninga denied there were issues.

"Everything's going well. We just had a board meeting this morning. It wasn't even discussed," he told media.

"I don't know how this got out, or why it's got out. I guess because the double header is in Perth, and all of a sudden we're trying to find some negativity with it all.

"You look at every week, the Dragons, they've gone through some turmoil. The Broncos have gone through turmoil. Manly's gone through turmoil. I just think it's our turn, because we've got a double header over here."

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Meninga was also asked if Sharpe's job was safe to which he replied: "as far as I know".

Perth Bears chief executive officer Anthony De Ceglie - who The Australian reported was one staff member that had fallen out with Sharpe - wished the departing general manager all the best.

"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. We wish David all the very best for the future," he said in Perth's statement.

Perth Bears chairman Ben Morton said the club "completely respect" Sharpe's decision to leave.

"David has worked hard to build the foundations of a strong team and football department," he said.

"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. 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."