The Bears Are (Almost) Back!

Big news on the expansion front — the Australian Rugby League Commission has given the green light in principle for a new NRL team to be based in Perth.

This comes after a key meeting on Wednesday where WA Premier Roger Cook tabled an improved proposal. That, combined with the agreement now signed off, all but confirms what many fans have been waiting to hear: the Bears are on the verge of a return to the NRL. We could see them back in the competition as early as 2027.

There are still a few hurdles to clear. The NRL clubs and the Rugby League Players’ Association will need to give the move their final approval before the league officially notifies the WA government of its stance. A meeting between a committee of club representatives and NRL bosses is scheduled for Thursday to try and lock that in.

It’s also understood that the financial side of the deal is now settled, despite an earlier proposed investment of over $300 million falling short.

If all goes to plan, the NRL’s long-awaited push west is finally happening — and with the Bears leading the charge, it’s shaping up to be a historic return.

Reported by Shem Brokenshire