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According to Pav on 9 News tonight, deal with North Sydney done and submission proceeding.
Result to be known by October.
All but one home match to be played in Perth.
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
More than 25 years since they last played in the competition, an agreement to resurrect the team has been reached.
The Bears’ 25-year absence from the NRL is soon to be over after the inauguration of the Western Bears was made official on Friday.
The North Sydney Bears lost their NRL license in 1999, but are expected to return as the competition’s 18th team in the coming years.
The team, which will be based out of Western Australia, is expected to join the NRL in 2027.
Their submission still needs to be finalised ahead of the August 14 deadline, but it looks almost certain to be ratified.
Officials included in Western Australia’s bid for a team closed out months of negotiations with North Sydney on Friday to confirm the joint venture.
It’s understood they considered the ‘Perth Bears’ as the team’s name, but opted for Western as a nod to the state’s first NRL team.
The Western Reds spent two years in the competition during the 90s before defecting to the Super League.
Papua New Guinea is still expected to join the competition, but will now become the 19th team, a year after the Bears’ return.
The Western Bears will wear the old North Sydney colours, according to 7NEWS Sydney’s Andrew McKinlay, and could play at least one token home game at their spiritual home in New South Wales, which would likely be against arch rivals Manly.
https://7news.com.au/sport/rugby-lea...c-15648372.amp
Perth Bears growl.....
Last edited by chibi; 10-08-24 at 11:58.
Japan and the Pacific Islands for Aussie Super 9's!
Let's have one of these in WA! Click this link: Saitama Super Arena - New Perth Stadium?
I think this will have a big knock on effect for the Force. Hope I’m wrong but memberships have been so flaky this could be a killer blow.
May the FORCE be with you!
Japan and the Pacific Islands for Aussie Super 9's!
Let's have one of these in WA! Click this link: Saitama Super Arena - New Perth Stadium?
My beard, that is
Last edited by chibi; 10-08-24 at 20:49.
Japan and the Pacific Islands for Aussie Super 9's!
Let's have one of these in WA! Click this link: Saitama Super Arena - New Perth Stadium?
The Western Bears will wear the old North Sydney colours, according to 7NEWS Sydney’s Andrew McKinlay, and could play at least one token home game at their spiritual home in New South Wales, which would likely be against arch rivals Manly.
Thats going to test me.
80 Minutes, 15 Positions, No Protection, Wanna Ruck?
Ruck Me, Maul Me, Make Me Scrum!
Education is Important, but Rugby is Importanter!
I hope those in charge at the Force and RugbyWA are preparing for this NRL onslaught. It could be disastrous for rugby union in this state.
Japan and the Pacific Islands for Aussie Super 9's!
Let's have one of these in WA! Click this link: Saitama Super Arena - New Perth Stadium?
The threat I see coming is in the area of squad/academy players not quite ready for SR. Problem is the lack of game time. Why else do/did you play the game? - they will come on the radar of North's long established reserve grade/Jersey Flegg dedevelopment system. That's 24 matches plus finals per year.
Looks a done deal with Billy Moore (Norths Director) letting the cat out of the bag a couple of days back.
I really can see no other proactive way to maintain a position in WA sport than engaging with them from the outset with shared use of facilities, S&C and backroom in lieu of some anti poaching understandings.
RWA isn't great in strength, but they currently have a better foothold than NRL WA.
I couldn't have told you with confidence a single Perth NRL team or location, would have been guessing/assuming.
I guess possibly the same could be said for a League fan in Perth though.
When looking at their current teams, about the only place Union doesn't have them covered for presence is Fremantle (and arguably Alkimos) though they do have some twin team groupings in the outer suburbs which may drive local rivalry.
Interestingly they have their comp in three Region groupings.
By no means do I see the announcement of a team to be the death knell for Union, but totally agree that RWA (And RA) need to really sharpen the pencil NOW!!!
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
Personally, I haven't wanted this. I'll definitely be a Force member and probably attend a few Bears games - Canterbury & Souths at least - but won't join as a member. While I'll hope they do well; I don't think I'll be a full on supporter.
Some kind of symbiotic relationship seems unlikely to me but it would be fantastic if it happens.