The Australian Rugby League Commission has made a groundbreaking agreement with the Western Australian Government to introduce the National Rugby League’s 18th team based in Perth. This significant deal will see the team join the NRL Telstra Premiership in 2027, marking a pivotal moment for rugby league in the region.
ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys AM expressed his enthusiasm for this development, emphasizing the importance of bringing back an NRL team to Perth and reviving the legacy of the North Sydney Bears. V’landys highlighted the strong support for rugby league in Western Australia, evident from the robust attendance at NRL and State of Origin matches in recent years.
V’landys underscored the strategic alignment of placing a team in Western Australia, a region known for its passion for sports, and the merging of the Bears’ heritage with the dynamic sporting community in WA. He envisioned a promising future for the Perth-based team, leveraging the rich history of the Bears to attract a nationwide fan base.
The ARLC Chairman commended Premier Roger Cook for his dedication to advancing rugby league in WA, anticipating a significant increase in rugby league participation over the coming years. With government support, the aim is to expand rugby league programs in schools and stimulate economic growth in the state through sports development initiatives.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo echoed the sentiment of a historic moment for rugby league in Western Australia, emphasizing the 77-year legacy of the sport in the region. Abdo expressed gratitude to Premier Cook and the WA Government for their backing, recognizing the positive impact a Perth-based NRL team would have on sports enthusiasts and the local economy.

Premier Cook hailed the agreement as a boon for sports fans and the economy, citing the potential job creation and economic benefits that a new NRL club would bring to Western Australia. He highlighted the strategic collaboration between the ARLC and the government to secure a mutually beneficial deal that would elevate the state’s profile and boost tourism.
The announcement of a new NRL team in Perth signifies a momentous occasion for rugby league enthusiasts and marks a significant milestone in the sport’s expansion and reach across Australia. The partnership between the ARLC and the Western Australian Government sets the stage for a new era of growth and excitement in the NRL Telstra Premiership.
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