Perth Bears Franchise Presents Distinct Challenges for the NRL, According to Ben Ikin

Ben Ikin, a former player for the North Sydney Bears and the Queensland Origin team, cautioned those chosen to represent the new Perth-based franchise not to “underestimate the magnitude of the challenge ahead.”

The Bears are set to compete in their inaugural match in 2027, followed by a team from Papua New Guinea joining the NRL in 2028. This new franchise will host one match annually at North Sydney Oval, bringing back the team’s emblem and colours after a 27-year absence.

The Western Australian NRL club will operate on a membership basis as a not-for-profit entity, with three West Australians appointed to the board, including a chairperson.

The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) will finance the club’s operational costs during the initial licensing period, ensuring its financial sustainability for the first five years.

In an interview with Triple M Brisbane, Ikin, who played four seasons with the Bears following the Gold Coast Seagulls’ closure in 1995, emphasised that establishing a team in Western Australia, away from the sport’s traditional base, would present distinct challenges.

“This is going to be a fresh start from the boardroom down, and it’s all the way across the country,” Ikin remarked.

“A lot needs to unfold before that first game to make sure this franchise reaches its full potential.”

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“If you ask anyone from the Dolphins about the difficulties they faced in preparing for the NRL, they had all the necessary infrastructure and personnel in place to start with.

“Don’t underestimate the scale of the challenge that lies ahead for them.”

Ikin referred to former Bears player Greg Florimo and others who tirelessly championed the return of the team to the competition, even when it seemed a distant dream for many years.

“The Bears never ceased to exist. They were kept alive by the dedicated efforts of individuals like Greg Florimo, who have fought tirelessly for so long.

“While the North Sydney Bears are not officially back in the competition yet, they have been exploring innovative ways to re-establish their presence and legacy in the elite game.

“This partnership has been developing over a couple of years now.

“It’s now official, and the Bears will make their return to the NRL, albeit from the other side of the country. It will certainly be a memorable moment when the team from Perth travels to Sydney for their inaugural away game.”