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Perth Bears Announce Landmark Agreement with North Sydney Bears as Primary Pathway Partner
The Perth Bears are proud to announce a landmark Agreement has been signed with the North Sydney Bears – officially confirming the iconic club as its Primary Pathway Partner and NSWRL Representative Teams Partner.
With a storied history spanning 117 years, the North Sydney Bears are a 1908 foundation rugby league club in New South Wales.
This partnership will see its well-established junior representative programs and junior league competitions serve as a key development pipeline to the NRL exclusively through the Perth Bears. Head Coach Mal Meninga said he was "truly honoured to be part of the future that keeps the North Sydney Bears heritage and legacy alive”.
"They are a valuable partner in the sustainable success of the Perth Bears and the game of rugby league in the West,” he said
"Their history and traditions will be cemented in the foundations of the Perth Bears and will always be celebrated."
Perth Bears CEO Anthony De Ceglie said the partnership was more than just about on-field success but also represented a commitment to honour and respect the heritage and supporter base of the North Sydney Bears.
“The Perth Bears are a new NRL franchise, but nothing will ever change the fact that the birthplace and spiritual home of the ‘Bears’ in rugby league will always be North Sydney,” he said. “The 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. “It’s a powerful statement about our commitment to building a sustainable future for the Perth Bears, both here in WA and across the country.”
Perth Bears chairman Ben Morton said the club was “determined to see the Bears name thrive in both Perth and Sydney”. “The Perth Bears are committed to honouring and respecting the heritage and history of the North Sydney Bears,” he said. “While our two organisations remain separate and independent organisations – this partnership agreement will establish stronger ties between the West Australian rugby league community and the North Sydney rugby league community. “We know that the success of each individual club will contribute to the success of the other, both on and off the field. That’s why this partnership is so important.”
The partnership will see North Sydney Bears continue managing their NSWRL representative teams, providing coaching, development, and competition opportunities for emerging talent. Perth Bears coaching staff, including Head Coach Mal Meninga, will provide support and assistance to ensure that players from Sydney have a clear and supported route into elite rugby league.
North Sydney Bears CEO Gareth Holmes welcomed the “monumental milestone”. “This 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,” he said. “Our storied history, strong and established development pathways, and genuine passion for rugby league will drive the game’s growth locally and in Western Australia, making this a wonderful outcome for the sport across the country and for the Bears community
