Perth Bears Entry Sparks Unprecedented Junior Rugby League Growth in WA

The “Bears Effect” has officially taken hold of Western Australia, with junior rugby league registrations skyrocketing as the state prepares for the Perth Bears’ entry into the NRL in 2027.

Fresh data from NRL Western Australia indicates that the announcement of the 18th franchise has triggered a massive shift in participation, particularly among the youth demographics that will form the club’s future talent pool.

Year-on-year figures for the 2026 season reveal a remarkable 23 per cent surge in the critical 13–15 age bracket.

Overall junior registrations (ages 6–18) have climbed by 17 per cent, while total participation, including senior grades, is up 9 per cent across the state.

Building the “Pathway to Red-and-Black”

Praising the vision of the NRL and the WA Government, and noting the importance of the grassroots surge, Perth Bears head coach, Mal Meninga, said: “The Perth Bears have to provide these young players a pathway to the NRL and it’ll be great to have our first WA-born player putting on the red-and-black jersey.” 

General manager of Football, David Sharpe, described the growth as a “generational shift,” noting that the visible horizon of an NRL team is changing how West Australian children view the sport.

“Kids who might never have considered rugby league before are now pulling on boots because they can see the Perth Bears on the horizon,” Sharpe said.

Perth Bears Commercial Foundation

Expressing his enthusiasm about the surge, Perth Bears CEO, Anthony De Ceglie, said: “We truly believe we’re the most exciting story in Australian sport.”

“One of our top priorities is to positively impact the growth and development of rugby league in WA,” De Ceglie said.

The participation boom follows a series of landmark commercial milestones for the club, including the unveiling of the official logo in January 2026 and the confirmation of HBF Park as the primary home ground.

The WA Government’s $85.6 million investment into the franchise includes significant funding specifically earmarked for grassroots development to sustain this momentum.

A New Era for the Premiership

The influx of players has forced an immediate expansion of the local elite competition. The NRL WA “Fuel to Go & Play” Premiership will expand to a ten-team format in 2026, welcoming three new first-grade sides:

• Kwinana Titans
• Kalamunda Bulldogs
• Ellenbrook Rabbitohs

Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today!.