In a historic announcement made on May 8, 2025, the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) confirmed that the Perth Bears will join the National Rugby League (NRL) as its 18th franchise in 2027. This decision marks a significant milestone for rugby league in Western Australia, ending nearly three decades without a top-flight team since the Western Reds were axed in 1997. The return of the Bears, originally a foundation club in the NSW Rugby League, has ignited excitement among fans both in WA and across the eastern states.
WA Premier Roger Cook, who revealed the news alongside ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys and NRL CEO Andrew Abdo, expressed his enthusiasm for the development, stating, "This is a great day for sports fans and a great day for the WA economy." The announcement was met with jubilation from Bears supporters, many of whom have waited over 9,000 days for this moment. One emotional fan at the North Sydney Bears club in Cammeray exclaimed, "We never gave up believing that we would get our club back!"
The Bears, who were evicted from the NRL in 1999, have retained a loyal following, and their heritage will play a crucial role in their reintroduction to the league. V’landys emphasized the importance of this connection, noting, "As a foundation club, the Bears have a rich history in the game and automatically provide hundreds of thousands of East Coast supporters for the Perth-based team." He is confident that the Bears will be competitive from the outset, much like the Dolphins, who surprised many by nearly making the top eight in their first two seasons.
To ensure the club hits the ground running, the WA government has committed $65 million to support the development of rugby league in the region. This investment is expected to significantly boost participation levels, with plans to expand rugby league programs from 240 schools to over 500 in the coming years. V’landys remarked, "Western Australians love sport and now they have the opportunity to get behind a Perth-based Rugby League Club that will capture the hearts and minds of fans across the country."
One of the unique aspects of the Bears' return is their potential collaboration with the Western Force rugby union club. V’landys floated the idea of a player-sharing agreement between the two teams, which could create a unique synergy in Australian sports. However, this proposal is seen as ambitious, given the direct competition between rugby league and rugby union.
While the Bears will primarily play their home games at HBF Park in Perth, they will also have at least one game a year at North Sydney Oval, maintaining a link to their roots. The club is currently in the process of appointing a chief executive and a coach, with speculation surrounding former Parramatta coach Brad Arthur and English international Sam Burgess as potential candidates.
As the clock ticks down to their inaugural season, the Bears will be allowed to start signing players from November 2026. This timeline presents challenges, particularly in convincing players to relocate to Perth. Nonetheless, NRL CEO Andrew Abdo expressed optimism that the team would eventually be comprised predominantly of local talent as rugby league continues to grow in WA.
Former Bears player Billy Moore highlighted the advantages of the club's existing infrastructure, stating, "The Bears are fully functioning, but without being at that top level." This foundation includes junior sides and talent pathways that will be crucial for the club's long-term success. Moore also pointed out that the Bears would enjoy strong support when playing in New South Wales, giving them a "home away from home" advantage.
As the Bears prepare for their return, they face the challenge of building a competitive squad while navigating the complexities of establishing a new franchise. The NRL's decision to own the club for the first five years before transitioning to a member-owned model adds another layer of complexity, but it also provides a stable framework for growth.
Fans like Greg Florimo, a Bears veteran of 295 first-grade games, have been vocal advocates for the club's return, expressing both excitement and relief. "We’ve had so many false starts," he said, reflecting on the long journey to this point. The emotional weight of the announcement was palpable, with many fans celebrating the news as a long-awaited victory for loyalty and perseverance.
As the Perth Bears gear up for their debut in 2027, the rugby league community eagerly anticipates what this new chapter will bring. With strong government support, a dedicated fanbase, and a rich history to draw upon, the Bears are poised to make a significant impact on the NRL landscape. The excitement surrounding their return is not just about the games to come, but also about rekindling a legacy that has endured despite years of absence from the top tier of Australian rugby league.
The Bears' journey back to the NRL is a testament to the enduring spirit of their supporters and the potential for rugby league to thrive in Western Australia. As the club prepares to embrace its new identity and build a competitive team, the countdown to 2027 begins, promising to be a thrilling time for fans and players alike.
