‘Back where they belong’: Western Bears edge closer to NRL as plans for 18th team revealed

The Western Bears have arrived after the partnership between North Sydney and Western Australia was confirmed by the two parties as they seek to become the NRL’s 18th team.

As reported by News Corp, the Bears’ proposal was finalised last Wednesday when their bid document was submitted following a formal request for proposal by the NRL.

The Western Bears confirmed games would be played at Perth’s HBF Park, with a regular-season home game set to be played in Sydney, which is expected to be contested at either North Sydney Oval or Allianz Stadium in a heritage round match against old nemesis Manly.

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The Bears would wear the traditional North Sydney jersey for this match with a pre-season game also a possibility to be played at North Sydney Oval.

“The Western Bears club will make the NRL a truly national competition, returning top-flight rugby league to Perth and drawing on the heritage of the North Sydney Bears, which dates to 1908,” they said in a statement.

“This will be done through an adaptation of the Bears logo to suit NRL competition requirements and full integration of the red and black colours that are synonymous with the mighty Bears.

“Western Bears, as the custodian of the Bears, consider it essential to preserve and maintain the rugby league pedigree and 116 years of history.

“Should the club successfully procure a licence, the Western Bears will consult with fans, members, club legends, and the North Sydney Board over the coming months to understand what is important to them and seek to integrate their wishes into the club’s identity.”

The North Sydney Bears’ NSW Cup side will be feed to the NRL team with the Western Bears confirming investment in the North Sydney Bears football club to improve and develop elite player programs.

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“Many thanks to the Premier of Western Australia Roger Cook for his magnificent support and to Daniel Dickson Chairman of the North Sydney Bears for his significant contribution to bring this fantastic alliance to fruition,” Western Bears Chairman Peter Cumins said.

“Should our bid be successful, we intend to make the Western Bears a club that Western Australians can proudly embrace and to bring together Bears fans from the East Coast to the West Coast.”

North Sydney Bears chairman Daniel Dickson said it was fantastic to have the opportunity to bring old and new fans together.

“After 25 years in hibernation it will be great to see the Bears back where they belong in the NRL,” he said.

“We appreciate the opportunity to partner with the WA Government and WA consortium group to bring the dream to reality and the hard work of all parties involved.

“The Western Bears will re-energise our passionate fan base and introduce a new market to our proud history and heritage. One club with a national footprint is great for the game.”

The Western Bears confirmed they were collaborating with clubs to ensure members and fans could have designated sections at all NRL matches.

“Western Bears are working with other NRL clubs and venues to allocate sections for Bears fans at east coast away games where the majority of games will be played,” they said.

“Upon licence confirmation, Western Bears foundation member packages will be available and proposed Bears packages will allow Sydney fans to attend Sydney-based regular season and trial season home games and multiple away games.”

North Sydney left the NRL in 1999 before merging with Manly to form the ill-fated Northern Eagles who played for three seasons from 2000-2002.

The joint venture collapsed and Manly retained the Northern Eagles licence for the 2002 season before returning to the NRL as Manly Warringah Sea Eagles in 2003.