Live: Perth-based Bears would be an NRL ‘juggernaut’, former great says

All times in AEST

Thursday, April 24

• 7:50pm — Brisbane Broncos vs Canterbury Bulldogs, Lang Park, Brisbane

Friday, April 25

• 4pm — Sydney Roosters vs St George Illawarra Dragons, Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
• 6:05pm — New Zealand Warriors vs Newcastle Knights, Christchurch Stadium, Christchurch (NZ).
• 8:10pm — Melbourne Storm vs South Sydney Rabbitohs, AAMI Park, Melbourne

Saturday, April 26

• 5:30pm — North Queensland Cowboys vs Gold Coast Titans, Townsville Stadium, Townsville
• 7:35pm — Penrith Panthers vs Manly Sea Eagles, Western Sydney Stadium, Sydney

Sunday, April 27

• 2pm — Canberra Raiders vs Dolphins, Canberra Stadium, Canberra
• 4:05pm — West Tigers vs Cronulla Sharks, Leichhardt Oval, Sydney

Could the Bears’ name finally be back in the NRL?

It is reportedly getting closer.

Media reports, initially by the Sydney Morning Herald, have said there is an in-principle agreement between the Australian Rugby League Commission and the Western Australia government for a Perth-based team to be launched.

That Perth team would be linked with the North Sydney Bears, who have not featured in the NRL since 1999.

No official deal has been announced at this stage.

North Sydney Bears legend, currently board member, and ABC Sport caller Billy Moore told the ABC Sport Daily Podcast that he believed a Perth-based Bears team would be a “juggernaut” in the league.

“I think all parties realise this is a great opportunity for all involved in rugby league,” Moore said on the podcast.

“To have a team based in WA, with the heritage and history of the North Sydney Bears … combine to form what I think will be a juggernaut club in the NRL very quickly.”

Moore pointed to the success of the AFL in keeping historical teams alive in new locations.

Last year’s AFL grand final pitted the Brisbane Lions, a combination of the old Fitzroy Lions and Brisbane Bears, and the Sydney Swans, who were once South Melbourne.

“That is what the inception of this WA team will do,” Moore said.

It will marry up the North Sydney Bears’ history, with a very powerful growth opportunity in Western Australia, where they love their sport.”

Good evening, footy fan.

Welcome back to ABC Sport’s live digital coverage of the NRL.

Round eight of the season begins tonight at Lang Park with a mouthwatering clash between the Brisbane Broncos and Canterbury Bulldogs.

The Broncos are coming off back-to-back losses, while the Bulldogs are undefeated through six matches this season.

This game has the potential to be a belter.

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