The submission deadline for National Rugby League expansion bids closes on Wednesday, with a Western Australia-backed consortium in the mix to become the league’s 18th franchise in 2027.
The WA-bid, backed by long-term league stalwart Peter Cumins, involves a ‘marriage of sorts’ with the North Sydney Bears, a foundation club of the inaugural New South Wales Rugby League competition, which began in 1908.
Since their last standalone season in 1999, the Bears have played in one of the code’s several second-tier competitions, NSW Cup, along with fielding junior representative sides at SG Ball and Harold Matthews level.
Business News understands the bid alignment between WA and the Bears was officially finalised last Friday, ahead of Wednesday’s deadline for the submission.
It is believed the new franchise will be known as the Western Bears, with the majority of home games played out of HBF Park in East Perth.
There is scope for at least one home game per year to be played at the Bears’ spiritual home, North Sydney Oval, with many diehards urging for this game to be played against the Manly Sea Eagles, their bitter rivals.
Between 2000 and 2002, the Bears and Eagles merged to form the Northern Eagles, although the Sea Eagles ultimately controlled the licence.
At the end of the 2002 season, the Sea Eagles elected to revert to their standalone entity.
The Western Bears’ colours would predominantly be red, black and white, along with an element of gold, which encompasses colours historically linked to both the Bears and Western/Perth Reds.
Earlier this month in Perth, Australian Rugby League Commission member Peter Beattie spoke about the significance of the August 14 deadline and said it would be an important opportunity for both WA and the NRL.
