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‘A team we can be proud of’: Bears’ NRL return edges closer after positive partnership talks

‘A team we can be proud of’: Bears’ NRL return edges closer after positive partnership talks

The Bears are reportedly edging closer to an NRL return with North Sydney and Western Australian rugby league powerbrokers set to agree to a franchise partnership.

That is according to The Daily Telegraph, who are reporting the parties held positive talks in Sydney last week after North Sydney officials softened on their list of prerequisites.

Their new proposal was reportedly discussed by Western Australian rugby league bosses on Wednesday and Perth NRL bid consortium chairman Peter Cumins revealed how much the franchise will need to get off the ground.

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That figure needed to be raised is reportedly $30 million, with Cumins penning a letter to explain the consortium’s current position.

“You will have seen from recent press articles that the NRL are calling for expressions of interest from bidders for the 18th license as part of the NRL expansion plans to ultimately go to a 20-team competition,” Cumins wrote.

“It is expected that a successful bid will be announced towards the end of this year and that team will be playing in the 2027 season.

“The WA bid consortium will be required to raise $30 million to support the bid and to provide the NRL with a comprehensive plan.

“You will have seen a lot of press about a potential marriage/partnership with the Newtown Jets or North Sydney Bears.

“I can confirm that I met recently with both clubs to see if an agreement can be reached that satisfies the ambition of all stakeholders.

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“Whatever the outcome of these discussions you can rest assured if our bid is successful, it will be a WA team that we can be proud of.”

A game to be played at North Sydney Oval is still a part of the Bears’ pitch, but holding several games at the historic venue is reportedly no longer a non-negotiable.

NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo reportedly informed clubs this week that the ARLC had formalised a plan to introduce new franchises in the coming years.

Expressions of interest are now being called for by the ARLC. with Papua New Guinea and the Perth and North Sydney expansion bid expected to be involved.

Clubs have also reportedly been sent a document to outline criteria needed for expansion, with the commission set to consider a number of factors in their bids to become the next franchise.

Those include their governance and ownership, ability to compete in the NRL, plans for investment in junior pathways and financial strength.

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