Bears to re-join NRL in 2027
8th May 2025
The Australian Rugby League Commission has reached an historic agreement with the Western Australian Government that will see the National Rugby League’s 18th franchise based in Perth. The Western Australian based team will join the NRL Telstra Premiership in 2027 following the landmark agreement, announced in conjunction with the Western Australian Government today.
ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys AM said the agreement was a watershed moment for rugby league. Not only returning an NRL team back to Perth, but also bringing back the mighty Bears. "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. Why should West Australian fans miss out on the greatest game for all," Mr V’landys said. Mr V’landys said strong attendances at NRL and State of Origin matches over the last decade were proof of the strong appetite for Rugby League in WA. "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," Mr V’landys said. Mr V’landys was excited at the prospect of combining the heritage rugby league brand of the North Sydney Bears with the vibrant sporting community of WA. "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 heritage of the Bears combined with the energy of the West will have this team flying from the outset," Mr V’landys said.
Mr V’landys AM thanked Premier Roger Cook for his commitment to investing in WA Rugby League. "Thanks to Roger Cook and the Government’s partnership and investment, we expect to double Rugby League participation in WA over the next five years," Mr V’landys said. "There are already 240 schools currently engaged in Rugby League programs in WA, and with Government support we are hopeful of driving this number to more than 500 schools. It should also be noted that the West Australian Premier is a shrewd operator as his investment will return much economic benefit to the West Australian economy,"
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said the game has had a long 77-year history in Western Australia and this was an important moment in time to celebrate a Perth based NRL team entering the Telstra Premiership. "There has never been a more exciting time to be part of Rugby League, and we are excited for sports fans in Western Australia and the country who will no doubt get behind the Perth-based team when it enters the competition in 2027. “I’d like to thank Premier Roger Cook and the WA Government for their support of the game. This is a landmark moment for the state as well as for Rugby League," Mr Abdo said.
Premier Cook said: "This is a great day for sports fans and a great day for the WA economy. A new WA NRL club will deliver jobs and new economic activity, including a boost in tourism and visitation as the WA brand is exposed to millions across Australia and overseas. I’d like to thank the ARLC for the robust negotiations we’ve undertaken, as both parties have sought to get the best deal for our stakeholders."
WA Premier Roger Cook, with Peter V'landy's by his side, confirmed the Bears would return in the west, the reaction of the Bears faithful at North Sydney Leagues club was one of joy. There have been so many false dawns that a few who gathered in the front bar said they wouldn't believe it until a red and black jersey runs out for the club's first season in 2027. This was a dream held so close to their heart they were afraid to see it come true. But all fear was swept away once the suits began speaking. The details will matter in the days and weeks and months to come, but not today. Today, the Bears are back and that's enough. "That pain of not being in the game for 25 years, the ridicule of other fans, you know how they can be — it hurts," Florimo said. "But people stuck solid, they turned up to NSW Cup games, they supported the team and it's a great reward for them. I had my suspicions a few years ago that it might never happen. But I never gave up hope. There was always energy, there was always an appetite, there was always people who would step up. There is still much work to be done and there is plenty of time between now and 2027. The new club must sign players and coaches and sponsors and work out how to serve both their new home in the west and the old ways. I feel fantastic for them, I feel fantastic for the volunteers, the players who came out and wore the colours over the past 25 years, everybody should feel proud about what happened today."
Ref - NRL [Viewed 15 May 2025] / FN-2