The Western Bears: A New Era for Rugby League in Perth

Author: Mali Seward

Rugby league is on the verge of a long-awaited return to Perth, with the NRL set to approve the Western Bears for the 2027 season. This new franchise aims to finally cement the NRL’s presence in Western Australia. The bid, which will be backed by NRL WA and the historic North Sydney Bears, represents a fresh approach compared to previous attempts.

Perth’s history with rugby league dates back to the ‘90s, when the Western Reds joined the Australian Rugby League - in 1995 - after being founded in 1992. The Reds drew strong early crowds and even enjoyed some success on the field. However financial troubles and the fallout from the Super League war led them to be axed after the 1997 season. Since then, Perth has hosted occasional NRL fixtures and State of Origin matches, consistently drawing big crowds and proving there is an audience for rugby in WA.

Unlike the Western Reds, the Western Bears plan is built around a long-term sustainability plan and grassroots investment. The collaboration with North Sydney brings both tradition and an already established supporter base to the new club. While the team will be based in Perth, there are plans to play occasional matches at North Sydney Oval to draw further fans to the Bears.

One of the most significant differences this time is more substantial support from the Western Australian Government, who has pledged up to $50 million over a five-year period. This funding will help with development pathways, training facilities, and community programs, whilst also covering operational and licensing costs for entry into the NRL. The team will play many of its games at HBF Park, most known as the Perth Rectangular Stadium, a venue well-suited to rugby league crowds and already familiar to fans of the sport in WA. AAMI Park, Melbourne's rectangular stadium, is a similar comparison, where the Melbourne Storm consistently sell out its 26,000-capacity stadium.

​The NRL’s decision to support Perth's inclusion comes as part of a much larger expansion strategy, with a team in Papua New Guinea also expected to join the competition by the 2028 season.

There’s also a clear focus on building junior pathways and increasing participation in the state. With rugby league’s popularity rising among younger players in Perth, the Western Bears are expected to strengthen development from a grassroots age all the way to the elite level, making for a much bigger participation in rugby league in WA.
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With the lessons learnt from the past in the back of people’s minds, strong financial backing, and a much more established NRL landscape, the Western Bears are set to do what the Western Reds couldn’t and that is to establish a long-term competitive rugby league team in Perth. If the bid is officially approved in the coming weeks as expected, the countdown to 2027 will begin, with WA fans finally having a team of their own to support on the national stage.