NRL’s newest franchise set to be formally announced... as details including logo revealed
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According to the report, the new franchise will be called the Western Bears rather than the Perth Bears with the former being a nod to Western Reds — WA’s first professional rugby league team.
The franchise will reportedly now finalise their submission before the August 14 deadline but are expected to be officially announced as the NRL’s 18th team by the end of this year.
The Western Bears will enter the competition in 2027, while a Papua New Guinea is tipped to join the following year.