NRL set to scrap ‘Western Bears’ name for new Perth team

The Bears are back, but the ARL Commission are preparing to scrap the ‘Western Bears’ moniker, as Brad Arthur confirms his interest as becoming the inaugural coach.

The ARL Commission is preparing to axe the Western Bears name ahead of the new franchise’s entry to the NRL in 2027.

It comes as the expansion side’s preferred coaching candidate, Brad Arthur, says he would relish the opportunity of leading the NRL’s 18th team in their inaugural season.

As revealed by this masthead, the Arthur has been identified to spearhead rugby league’s $85 million expansion into Western Australia.

The addition of the Bears will represent a $17 million bonanza for NRL clubs, who will each receive a $1 million financial sweetener for backing an 18-team league.

However, the Western Bears name will be scrapped given its links to the private consortium bid, headed by Cash Converters tycoon Peter Cumins, which was ultimately rejected by the ARLC.

The ARLC are set to scrap the Western Bears name.

It is understood the NRL prefers a name such as the Perth Bears or WA Bears to give the 18th team a bona fide geographical link to the region in which they will be based.

That is a different approach than the one the ARLC took with the Dolphins, who were prevented from using Redcliffe in their name when they joined the competition in 2023.

On that occasion, rugby league officials wanted to broaden the appeal of the expansion side, who were trying to establish their identity amid the giant shadow cast by the Broncos in Brisbane.

The Perth-based Bears will have no such concerns when they become the state’s first national domestic rugby league side since the Western Reds, who later became the Perth Reds and folded in 1997.

The Bears will face their own expansion challenges, and officials believe Arthur is the man to help build the franchise from the ground up.

The former Eels coach is currently with Leeds Rhinos in the UK Super League but is off-contract at season’s end, meaning Arthur would be available to begin building the Bears’ maiden roster from November 1.

Brad Arthur says he would relish the prospect of coaching the NRL’s new Western Australia team.

Arthur has not been formally appointed at this stage, but the grand-final mentor has previously met with WA government chiefs, who first approached him last year following his exit from the Eels.

Arthur stressed he was fully committed to Leeds, but said he was open to coming home to resurrect his NRL coaching career and lead the Bears’ revival in Perth in 2027.

“Yes, I have interest in the Perth job,” Arthur told this masthead from England, where the Rhinos are currently sixth in the 12-team Super League.

“I have really loved my time in Leeds. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to work with such a great club with a great history.

“The players and staff have been unreal and have helped me regain my confidence with my coaching.

“I’m still fully focused on my job here and will continue to give 100 per cent commitment to the club and playing group.

“It would be exciting to start from scratch building a new club (in Perth) if I was in consideration for the role.”

Arthur is currently coaching the Leeds Rhinos in the Super League, but admits he is open to leading the Bears in 2027. Picture: Getty Images

Other coaching candidates have included Craig Bellamy, Jason Demetriou, Josh Hannay and Sam Burgess, but the NRL, which will control the Bears’ licence for the first five years, believes Arthur is the right fit.

QRL boss and former North Sydney star Ben Ikin said the inaugural Bears coach faced a heavy duty workload.

“Brad Arthur is obviously a very capable coach,” Ikin said.

“But anyone who takes this job will need to understand the extra promotional work required, this being a new franchise in an expansion market.”

The landmark news was shared with the NRL clubs on Thursday afternoon, as well as the terms of the deal that will see the Bears make a triumphant return to the big league after 26 years in the wilderness.

North Sydney legend Billy Moore said Arthur would be the perfect choice as the Bears’ foundation coach.

“Brad has experience at the highest levels in Australia and England,” Moore said.

“He knows success and how to produce it.

“Pathways development will be key to long-term success for the Bears and Arthur has done this at several clubs, including Parramatta, Melbourne and Manly.”

Originally published as NRL set to scrap ‘Western Bears’ name for new Perth team