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last mo.

Perth Bears Confirmed as NRL's 18th Franchise for 2027

The joint venture between the WA Government and North Sydney Bears will establish a new team in Perth, with recruitment and infrastructure plans already underway.

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Overview

  • The Perth Bears, a joint venture with the North Sydney Bears, will join the NRL in 2027 following an agreement between the WA Government and the ARL Commission.
  • The WA Government secured the deal without paying a licence fee, with all financial support to be spent locally in Western Australia.
  • HBF Park in Perth will serve as the team's primary home venue, with one game per season played at North Sydney Oval; no major stadium upgrades are planned initially.
  • Recruitment efforts are now beginning, with a head coach expected to be announced within weeks and marquee player signings under consideration.
  • The franchise aims to develop local rugby league pathways, targeting 20,000 WA junior participants and five WA-born players in the top squad within a decade.