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The Perth Bears are one of two confirmed NRL expansion clubs, alongside the PNG Chiefs, as the competition grows to 19 teams.
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Overview
The Perth Bears are a new NRL franchise scheduled to enter the competition in the 2027 season, returning elite rugby league to Western Australia for the first time since the Western Reds exited the competition in the 1990s. The club combines a Western Australian base with historic ties to the North Sydney Bears and is focused on building a sustainable, long‑term foundation rather than chasing short‑term success.
Club Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Official name | Perth Bears |
| NRL entry season | 2027 |
| Home base | Perth, Western Australia |
| Primary stadium | Perth Rectangular Stadium (HBF Park) |
| Colours | Red, black and white |
| CEO | Anthony De Ceglie |
| Chairman | Ben Morton |
Club Leadership & Football Department
Head Coach
- Mal Meninga Appointed as the club’s inaugural head coach, Meninga is responsible for establishing football standards, recruitment philosophy and cultural identity ahead of the 2027 debut.
Football Department
- General Manager of Football: Position recently vacated following the resignation of David Sharpe in April 2026; replacement yet to be announced
- Pathways: Bear Tracks academy launched in Western Australia to develop local junior talent over a six‑year timeline
Expansion Timeline
| Milestone | Status |
|---|---|
| Licence agreement reached | 8 May 2025 |
| Club formally announced | 2025 |
| First NRL season | 2027 |
| Junior academy launched | 2026 |
| First NRL match | TBC |
Confirmed Player Signings (as of May 2026)
The Perth Bears have focused on assembling an NRL‑ready roster emphasising depth, professionalism and growth.
| Player Name | Contract Until |
|---|---|
| Tyran Wishart | End of 2031 |
| Liam Henry | End of 2030 |
| Sean Russell | End of 2030 |
| Josh Curran | End of 2029 |
| Nick Meaney | End of 2029 |
| Siosifa Talakai | End of 2029 |
| Mikolaj Oledzki | End of 2029 |
| Apa Twidle | End of 2029 |
| Toby Sexton | End of 2028 |
| Harry Newman | End of 2028 |
| Luke Smith | End of 2028 |
| Emarly Bitungane | End of 2028 |
| Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui | End of 2028 |
| James McDonnell | End of 2028 |
| Chris Vea’ila | End of 2028 |
| Luke Laulilii | End of 2028 |
| Scott Sorensen | End of 2028 |
| Kit Laulilii | End of 2028 |
Pathways & Development
In April 2026, the Bears have launched the Bear Tracks Academy, targeting Western Australian juniors aged 14–17 with a staggered development pathway aiming to produce NRL‑ready local players by the early 2030s.