analysisHard work to begin for Perth Bears NRL club, as clock starts ticking before 2027 debutBy Tom WildieTopic:Sport1h ago1 hours agoThu 8 May 2025 at 6:41amWA Treasurer Rita Saffioti joins Premier Roger Cook (holding ball) and Australian Rugby League Commission CEP Peter V'Landys (second from right) in making the announcement. (ABC News: Tom Wildie)abc.net.au/news/bears-announced-hard-work-begins/105269296Link copiedShareShare articleFor rugby league fans in Western Australia and North Sydney, the announcement of the Bears' reintroduction to the National Rugby League is cause for celebration.It ends WA's near 30-year absence from top-flight league, following the axing of the Western Reds in 1997, and sees the North Sydney Bears colours and legacy continue on the west coast.But a 2027 entry into the NRL Premiership is a short runway for a professional club to get off the ground, with the primary concern that the club is competitive from the outset.That requires access to top playing talent, as well as the establishment of an administration to oversee the new club."Everyone thought the (Redcliffe) Dolphins wouldn't be competitive, and they nearly made the top eight both years, and they're still competitive," Australian Rugby League Commission chair Peter V'Landys said.Peter V'Landys flew to Perth to announce the new side. (AAP Image: Richard Wainwright)"I'm very confident the Bears will be competitive in the very first year. "We're going to make sure that we're going to have the right infrastructure in place."A head start and bizarre proposalOne of the major advantages the Bears have over a true start-up is the access to the existing North Sydney supporter pool."The NRL sees the opportunity to revive the Bears, with the structure being old and new, marrying up the North Sydney franchise and moving it to Perth for multiple reasons," former Bears player Billy Moore said.A large media contingent was on hand for the announcement. (ABC News: Tom Wildie)"The North Sydney Bears were evicted from the NRL in 1999. The club itself still existed, still had all the teams in the Junior League. "The Bears are fully functioning, but without being at that top level."Moore said the Bears will enjoy strong support when playing in New South Wales, which will effectively give the club a home away from home.Bears fans gathered at Norths Cammeray to celebrate their team's return. (Supplied)The Bears infrastructure of junior sides and talent pathways will also be a long-term benefit for the club. It means the competition for young talent will increase, which other NRL clubs are already considering."The reality is we're a big region, a big rugby league heartland, and there's only so many (kids) that you can keep," Newcastle Knights coach Adam O'Brien said.'I never gave up hope': Bears faithful joyous as NRL return confirmedPhoto shows A group of rugby league fans celebrate The Bears' return to the NRL is a just reward for the diehard fans who kept the red and black colours alive during a period in the wilderness. "We need to make sure we keep all the right ones."If we want to be the National Rugby League, then getting over to Perth is a good step."V'Landys also proposed one of the stranger possibilities heard in professional sport — a player sharing agreement between the Western Force rugby union club and the Bears in the NRL."We've had talks with Twiggy [Andrew] Forrest in regards to the Western Force, and there's an opportunity here that may never have been done anywhere in the world," he said."The two teams could be combined to a certain degree, and can use each other's players in specific matches. So we're going to look at that."It's hard to see that ever panning out, or Mr Forrest agreeing to it, considering the two codes are direct competitors, and players are their greatest assets."We look at the things outside the square, and that's outside the square, and we'll look at it," V'Landys reiterated when asked about the suggestion.No other concessionsV'Landys ruled out any salary cap flexibility for the Bears, which will be able to approach players from November for the 2027 season.Instead, the NRL is confident the investment from the WA government will be enough to fast-track local player development so the club can source the majority of its players from Perth within several seasons.The club now has to appoint a chief executive, which is expected in coming weeks, while the search for a coach has begun.The Western Force will share training facilities with the new team (AAP Image: Richard Wainwright)The Bears will play the vast majority of home games at Perth Oval, which is also shared by the Perth Glory and Western Force.V'Landys said he would like to see improvements to the venue, which was recently renovated for the FIFA Women's World Cup.WA Premier Roger Cook said there was no agreement for further work on the ground, though the government will build a $20 million high performance training centre, for league and union, in northern suburb of Malaga.The foundation for the new side has been laid. Now the clock is ticking on building it into a side that can compete on the national stage.The ABC of SPORTSports content to make you think... or allow you not to. A newsletter delivered each Saturday.Your information is being handled in accordance with the ABC Privacy Collection Statement.Email addressSubscribeLoadingPosted 1h ago1 hours agoThu 8 May 2025 at 6:41am, updated 31m ago31 minutes agoThu 8 May 2025 at 8:02amShare optionsCopy linkFacebookX (formerly Twitter)SportQueensland Origin rep switches allegiance to England ahead of AshesLIVEPhoto shows AJ Brimson of the Maroons is tackled by Liam Martin of the Blues, with an arm around the neck'I never gave up hope': Bears faithful joyous as NRL return confirmedAnalysis by Nick CamptonPhoto shows A group of rugby league fans celebrate Port Adelaide's Willie Rioli withdraws from Showdown as AFL hands down sanctionTopic:AFLPhoto shows A man walks towards left of camera on an AFL oval with Port Power and Sydney Swans players behind himFootball Australia chief executive quits less than a year from Women's Asian CupTopic:Australia SoccerPhoto shows James Johnson talks at a press conferenceAustralia's best sports rights in the hands of a Soviet-born, former oil tycoonTopic:Media IndustryTop StoriesSecond minister booted from cabinet as PM prepares reshuffleLIVEPhoto shows Ed Husic wearing a blue suit sitting in an office.More women in Labor than ever but top jobs still going to menBAnalysis by Brett WorthingtonPhoto shows Anika Wells Amanda Rishworth Katie Gallagher Anne AlyGreens leader Adam Bandt concedes seat, ending 15 years in parliamentTopic:ElectionsPhoto shows Adam Bandt press gallery doorstopHow one mother's grief and love captured hearts across AustraliaCAnalysis by Cason HoPhoto shows A woman sits in front of a microphone on a dimly lit stage with an emotional expression.'Wish we did better': The timeline of confusion during Westfield Bondi Junction attackTopic:CrimePhoto shows Paramedics stand with stretches near vehicles on a road.Popular nowSecond minister booted from cabinet as PM prepares reshuffleLIVEPhoto shows Ed Husic wearing a blue suit sitting in an office.Accused killer Erin Patterson breaks down in court at daughter's testimonyTopic:CourtsPhoto shows A close up photo of Erin Patterson looking over her shoulder wearing glases.Jacinta Nampijinpa Price joins Liberal Party as leadership race heats upTopic:Political Parties and MovementsPhoto shows A close up shot of a woman wearing a white blazer and black and white shirt.Related topicsPerthSportTop StoriesSecond minister booted from cabinet as PM prepares reshuffleTopic:Government and PoliticsPhoto shows Ed Husic wearing a blue suit sitting in an office.More women in Labor than ever but top jobs still going to menBAnalysis by Brett WorthingtonGreens leader Adam Bandt concedes seat, ending 15 years in parliamentTopic:ElectionsHow one mother's grief and love captured hearts across AustraliaCAnalysis by Cason Ho'Wish we did better': The timeline of confusion during Westfield Bondi Junction attackTopic:CrimeJust InCabinet ministers Mark Dreyfus, Ed Husic scrapped from new Albanese ministryTopic:Political Leadership22m ago22 minutes agoThu 8 May 2025 at 8:11amWoman doused friend in fuel, set him alight over misogynistic commentTopic:Courts27m ago27 minutes agoThu 8 May 2025 at 8:06am'Feels like a tipping point': India and Pakistan diaspora grapple with Kashmir conflictTopic:Unrest, Conflict and War49m ago49 minutes agoThu 8 May 2025 at 7:44amQueensland appoints first mining coroner amid inquest backlogTopic:Mining and Metals Industry55m ago55 minutes agoThu 8 May 2025 at 7:38amMore Just InBack to top