Perth Bears have begun searching for a chief executive before playing their first match, after Anthony De Ceglie resigned on Friday night.
Appointed in May 2025, De Ceglie left amid board frustration with his performance. Peter V'landys had asked directors to give him three months to build support.
Gareth Holmes will take on De Ceglie's responsibilities while the club seeks a replacement.
The exit adds to staff upheaval, including David Sharpe's short tenure as head of football before Gareth Holmes replaced him following a falling-out with De Ceglie.
Reports had also described an uneasy relationship between coach Mal Meninga and assistant Ben Gardiner. Speaking at Saturday's World Cup launch at Moore Park, V'landys said: "I've spoken to both the coach and assistant coach, and they think it's really been blown out of proportion, and they get along fine."
V'landys said the board, rather than the NRL Commission, would choose the club's staff, calling that "proper corporate governance."
However, the Bears' constitution gives the ARLC, which owns the club, final approval over appointments to chief executive, head coach and head of football roles.