NRL 2024: Western Bears key questions answered from latest expansion franchise

The impending return of the Bears as part of the Perth expansion team has excited fans and club legends, but it has also raised some major questions. Here’s what we know so far.

Former Queensland State of Origin player Gary Larson. Pic Darren England.

Some of North Sydney’s greatest players have thrown their support behind the Western Bears concept as they prepare for the club to re-enter the competition for the first time since 1999.

North Sydney and Western Australia brokered a partnership agreement on Friday which will see the establishment of the Western Bears.

After two decades of false dawns and a flirtation with The Central Coast, Gold Coast, regional Queensland, PNG and the Pasifika, the Bears are finally back.

Western Bears will finalise their bid proposal with the NRL on Wednesday before being announced as the game’s 18th team later this year.

Former North Sydney Bears and Queensland State of Origin player Gary Larson. Picture: Darren England.

North Sydney legends were left stunned by the news that finally the wait was over. Gary Larson was at a school reunion when he was told by this masthead on Friday night that the Bears were back.

“It means everything for the Bears to be part of the NRL,” Larson said. “It’s great stuff.

“There has been something missing. I never thought this day would ever come but at least now there is a team we can follow.

“The NSW Cup team has been outstanding and they have had success but there hasn’t been a team at the top level. A lot of people have put in some great work and effort. Greg Florimo has held this club together for a long time.

“When the Bears run out I’ll be watching them. I’ll be there to see them run out as the Western Bears.”

North Sydney Oval will host a pre-season fixture while a regular season game will take place at either North Sydney, Allianz Stadium or on The Central Coast. They hope that game will be against traditional arch rivals Manly. The rest of their home matches will be played in Perth.

North Sydney legend Mark Graham has backed the resurrection of the Bears.

NRL Hall of fame inductee Mark Graham, who played 146 games for North Sydney between 1981-88, backed the resurrection of the Bears.

“Wonderful news if it happens,” Graham said. “There will lots of people very happy people.

“It’s a good idea to have another team in the competition and to add it with a team who has a bit of history.

“The Bears run out every weekend (at NSW Cup level) but for the club to get back in the big league there will be hundreds of thousands of people who are very happy.”

Former Norths centre Ben Ikin, now the Queensland Rugby League boss, said the Bears’ return from hibernation would be a massive shot in the arm for the NRL.

“The Bears are a foundation club who have been kept alive in the second-tier through the hard work and unwavering belief of some very committed individuals,” Ikin said.

“I can’t imagine how they must be feeling on hearing this news.

“Not forgetting all those long-suffering Bears fans who are one-step closer to seeing the red-and-black back in the elite game.

“It’s wonderful news. There might be a few crazy enough to drive to Perth and back for the home games.”