The Perth Bears’ march toward becoming the NRL’s 18th franchise has taken another significant step forward this week, with club powerbrokers arriving in Western Australia to begin formal discussions on a long-term pathways system designed to anchor the club’s future. The talks, described as “crucial and forward-leaning,” aim to establish a development pipeline that will consistently produce elite Western Australian talent for decades to come.
According to officials close to the expansion bid, the Bears have shifted from planning to active groundwork. Senior figures met with representatives from local clubs, schools, academies, and WA Rugby League leadership to map out a clear structure that would allow junior players in the region to access professional coaching, high-performance resources, and a streamlined route into the NRL.
The goal is simple: if Perth is officially granted the 18th licence, the club wants to hit the ground running with a fully functional development system already in place.
A key component of the discussions centres on integrating Western Australia’s current grassroots framework with the Bears’ proposed academy programs. This includes talent identification camps, regional coaching clinics, and long-term investment into youth competitions across the state. The Bears have also reportedly begun exploring partnerships with existing NSW pathways programs to create exchange opportunities for WA players until the new franchise is fully operational.
NRL executives have repeatedly expressed that junior pathways and grassroots sustainability will be decisive factors in the final expansion decision. With Western Australia boasting one of the fastest-growing rugby league participation bases outside the east coast, the Bears are confident they can deliver a strong case built on both numbers and strategic planning.
Local optimism is high, with community clubs embracing the opportunity to have a genuine professional pathway within their own state rather than relying on relocation to Sydney or Queensland. WA Rugby League stakeholders believe this could be a game-changer for long-term retention of young talent.
As the NRL prepares for a major expansion announcement in 2025, the Bears’ increasing activity and strategic investment have reinforced their status as frontrunners in the race for Club 18. With serious planning now underway and support growing across the state, the Perth Bears are positioning themselves not just as a new team—but as a long-term powerhouse built on homegrown talent.
