The National Rugby League (NRL) is making significant strides towards the reintroduction of the North Sydney Bears, now known as the Perth Bears, into the competition as its 18th team. Rugby league supporters are rejoicing as one today following the announcement of important decisions on club stewardship and coaching appointments. They excitedly anticipate the team’s possible debut in 2027, though some think it could be pushed back to 2028.
Assistant coach Brad Arthur has become the clear front-runner to replace him. At the same time, former player Sam Burgess wants the job and has received some heavyweight support. A standalone board—similar to the Port Authority’s—will influence essential decisions. They’ll hire the first coach and complete player signings beginning this November.
The Bears are particularly thrilled to be hosting the majority of their home games at HBF Park. This venue really embodies the passion and enthusiasm that surrounds rugby league in WA. Peter V’landys, chair of the ARL Commission, emphasized the significance of this expansion, stating, “Rugby league is the biggest sport in Australia and the Pacific, so a team in the economic powerhouse of Western Australia is a natural fit.”
The Bears’ revival would bring North Sydney back to the professional ranks of rugby league, ending a 25-year absence. The new club struggled after a 2000 merger with Manly, which would be jointly owned, but doomed in its failure, the original club. The Western Reds would be the last rugby league team to represent the region before their dissolution in the aftermath of the Super League war. In 1998, they were voted out of their seat when the NRL merged.
Western Australia’s rugby league ambitions saw a new lease on life in 2007 when the Bears joined the third-tier Ron Massey Cup. There have been several attempts at expansion during the last 13 years, leading up to today’s exciting news.
V’landys noted the potential impact of the Bears on the local sporting landscape: “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.” He remarked on the Bears’ rich history, highlighting that “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.”
The Perth Bears’ entry into the NRL coincides with Papua New Guinea’s anticipated inclusion as the 19th team, marking one of the most significant expansion periods for rugby league in three decades. With significant local interest, growing excitement awaits the return of rugby league to Western Australia. Fans are understandably clamoring for further news and updates on this promising new phase in the league’s history.
