Former Manly NRL boss and new Team GWS commercial sponsorship manager Grant Mayer has revealed the club may chase a high-profile rugby league player to headline its entry into the AFL in 2012.

While keen to back away from a fight with the NRL in his first day at Team Greater Western Sydney (GWS) on Tuesday, Mayer indicated the ambitious franchise may follow AFL newcomer Gold Coast's move in recruiting a big name from outside the code.

The Gold Coast shocked the rugby league world two months ago by secretly luring Brisbane, Queensland and Australian star Karmichael Hunt over to the AFL ahead of its debut season in 2011.

Asked if a similar raid was on Team GWS's radar, Mayer responded: "The franchise will be looking for great athletes and there is no doubt Karmichael Hunt is a great athlete."

"He's playing three codes in 18 months."

"I'm not sure how many Karmichael Hunts there are but we'll see."

But Mayer is reluctant to tackle rugby league head-on in the fight for the hearts and minds of sports followers in Sydney's west.

Despite his franchise setting up base in rugby league heartland, the former Sea Eagles boss insists the region will embrace another code.

The A-League will launch a team in western Sydney in 2011, further crowding the market.

"This is not a battle of the codes - this is an opportunity for people to get involved with a different sport that I think will prove very popular out here," Mayer declared.

"It's not about that (taking on the NRL), it's about an option for people."

"There are two million people out west that need options."

"It's a massive task. Starting any new franchise is a big job but I believe there is the population and desire from the community out here to have a team."

Mayer was forced out of rugby league in June after factional fighting at Manly cost him his job.

His exit came nine months after overseeing the Sea Eagles' record grand final win over Melbourne and followed excellent off-field financial results.

The father-of-three, who lives in Sydney's north-west, admits rugby league is his first love but is excited about the challenge Team GWS provides.

"Having spent 11 years of my life involved with rugby league, there is an emotional attachment," he said.

"But I've been involved in sports administration for 20 years and I've always loved sport and wanted to stay involved with sport."

"There are only so many cream jobs and this is one of those jobs that jumped up, so I'm thrilled to be here."

"Rugby league will still be part of my future but I want to be involved in something new."

"I'm not afraid of doing the job. I think it's going to work."

"AFL is a great sport, I'm looking forward to getting involved."

In welcoming Mayer to the post, Team GWS general manager Dale Holmes immediately lowered the level of expectation on the new franchise.

"This is a 25-year generational investment. We don't expect that overnight people will flock to the new team," Holmes said.

"It will take time and we respect the challenge."

"Grant's got a great history of success in sporting clubs so it's great to be able to get him on board."