The Perth Bears will have a strong presence on Australia\u2019s east coast after the incoming NRL franchise confirmed that foundation club the North Sydney Bears would be its primary pathway partner and NSWRL affiliate. <\/p>\n
It\u2019s a logical choice for the Bears brand and comes after North Sydney and the Melbourne Storm ended their partnership earlier this year.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are a valuable partner in the sustainable success of the Perth Bears and the game of rugby league in the west,\u201d Perth coach Mal Meninga said following the news his side would team up with the foundation club. <\/p>\n
\u201cTheir history and traditions will be cemented in the foundations of the Perth Bears and will always be celebrated.\u201d<\/p>\n
The move honours the club\u2019s heritage and rewards the loyal fan base in Sydney who fought hard for the Bears to rejoin the league after they were removed from the NRL in 1999.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis partnership not only marks a monumental milestone for our loyal Bears supporters who have waited so long to see their team return to the top flight, but it also opens fantastic opportunities for young, aspiring rugby league players right here in Sydney and through our local junior league,\u201d North Sydney Bears chief executive Gareth Holmes said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur storied history, strong and established development pathways, and genuine passion for rugby league will drive the game\u2019s growth locally and in Western Australia, making this a wonderful outcome for the sport across the country and for the Bears community.\u201d<\/p>\n
The news comes a day after reports that the club had signed English international Harry Newman as their first marquee man when they join the competition in 2027.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Perth Bears are a new NRL franchise, but nothing will ever change the fact that the birthplace and spiritual home of the \u2018Bears\u2019 in rugby league will always be North Sydney,\u201d Perth Bears chief executive Anthony De Ceglie said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Bears brand is one of the most respected in rugby league, and this exclusive alignment with North Sydney ensures our players have access to a proven development system.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a powerful statement about our commitment to building a sustainable future for the Perth Bears, both here in WA and across the country.\u201d<\/p>\n
Locking in a feeder club will help develop junior talent in an elite pathways program while also honouring the proud Bears name, with North Sydney claiming the NSW Cup minor premiership in 2024. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe Perth Bears are committed to honouring and respecting the heritage and history of the North Sydney Bears,\u201d Perth Bears chairman Ben Morton said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile our two organisations remain separate and independent organisations \u2013 this partnership agreement will establish stronger ties between the West Australian rugby league community and the North Sydney rugby league community.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know that the success of each individual club will contribute to the success of the other, both on and off the field. That\u2019s why this partnership is so important.\u201d<\/p>\n