5 May 2025
By James Mullan
The North Sydney Bears drew their biggest crowd in decades to North Sydney Oval over the weekend, as speculation mounted about a possible NRL return for the storied foundation club.
A crowd of 2,259 attended the Round Nine NSW Cup clash against the New Zealand Warriors, marking the Bears’ first home game of the season due to the late handover of the venue from cricket. It was their largest home crowd since their final NRL seasons prior to the club’s exclusion in 1999.
This year’s delay in returning to Bear Park came with added anticipation following reports that the Western Australian Government and the NRL had reached an in-principle agreement to base a reincarnated NRL Bears team in Perth from the 2027 season. While no deal has been formally confirmed, WA premier Roger Cook last week described the discussions as “positive” and said the state government looked forward to them continuing.
On Sunday, the club capitalised on the momentum with a full slate of junior gala matches and a strong showing from local community groups. Sponsors including St Leonards-based disability provider Danny Met Sally and Artarmon’s Depot Brewery were visible around the ground, while Mary’s House Services hosted a marquee. The Hills and Mollie Dive Stand were filled to capacity, with additional spectators crowding the O’Reilly and Bob Stand.
View this post on Instagram
While the Bears fell 14–56 to the Warriors on the field, club insiders expressed optimism off it. Sentiment around the bid suggests an official announcement could be imminent, with finer details reportedly being negotiated around ownership structure and operational responsibilities between the WA government, the Bears organisation, and potentially the NRL itself.
View this post on Instagram
Media reports have suggested that the club may already be sounding out coaching and playing talent ahead of a potential re-entry into the national competition. The Australian Financial Review reported that existing NRL clubs could be offered a one-off payment of $500,000 if the Bears meet or exceed commercial expectations in their first season back, as a way to gain broader support for the expansion.
Crowd-pulling potential may also prove persuasive, with Norths demonstrating last year they could still draw strong Sydney attendance—attracting more than 10,000 fans to their NSW Cup Grand Final appearance against Newtown.
The club’s next home game at North Sydney Oval is scheduled for Sunday 18 May at 3:00PM.
