With the Pirates gone, NRL supporters in Perth are now faced with the idea of jumping ship to the Western Bears, but how will this play out for fans?
The Western Bears are the 18th team in the NRL and the first national team to represent Perth, since the Western Reds demise in 1997.
NRL WA general manager John Sackson has said that the bears could potentially have the “biggest” fan base of any in the competition.
“There’s a lot of excitement about the bears having an elite franchise, competing in an elite rugby competition,” Mr Sackson said.
“The objective will be to really unite the Western Australian fans and, of course, the tens of thousands of North Sydney Bears fans,” he said.
The historic North Sydney Bears established themselves in 1908 and competed in the NRL season for 90 years before merging with the Warringah Sea Eagles.
Rebuilding this identity is going to be a “challenge”, according to Queensland Rugby League CEO Ben Ikin.
The Swans and Lions in the AFL have previously shown that the relocation of a historical team is possible, however, without any precedent in the NRL, this team may dictate the future of NRL movements statewide.
Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) Chairman Peter V’landys says he is a massive supporter of the Western Bears, as a new club, and with future sponsors.
“They can see how exciting it is, they can see the potential,” Mr V’landy said.
Online, fans appear to be split on the decision to move the Bears to Perth, saying this process could lead to “confusion” and a “split-fanbase” on Reddit.
However, most users have said they are happy to support a Perth NRL team, regardless of brand identity or history.
The return of the bears is expected to introduce up to 500 schools to the sport according to NRL CEO, Andrew Abdo.
“The development of talent on the field, means this team will be predominantly made of Western Australians”, Mr Abdo said.
If successful, NRL is keen to establish a Perth women’s team in the future as well.
