The Perth Bears have unveiled their logo, marking a significant moment in the team's history as they prepare for their inaugural season in 2027. The new logo is a tribute to the North Sydney Bears, paying homage to their proud history while embracing the energy of Western Australia. Coach Mal Meninga praised the club's connection between its past and future, stating, 'This is one club, one family, across two coasts.'
The Bears' new identity is a nod to the rich heritage of the North Sydney Bears, with the logo designed by a diehard supporter and graphic designer, Dave Carnovale. The design aims to bridge the past and the future, creating a timeless symbol that represents the team's evolution. Carnovale expressed his excitement, saying, 'They are heading into such an exciting new chapter in Perth, just as the NRL is going global.'
The Perth Bears' CEO, Anthony De Ceglie, emphasized the importance of the logo, stating, 'The Perth Bears are a new club; but that will never change the fact that the birthplace and spiritual home of the 'Bears' in rugby league will always be North Sydney.' The logo has already received praise from North Sydney Bears legends Greg Florimo and Billy Moore, who believe it represents every player, supporter, and moment that shaped the Bears.
The team's expansion to Western Australia has been met with enthusiasm, with former Western Reds star and Panthers premiership winner Mark Geyer backing the new logo. He said, 'A new year brings fresh belief.' The Perth Bears' Chairman, Ben Morton, shared the excitement, stating, 'The Perth Bears are a new club but not without history – West Australians get a Western Australian team in the NRL and loyal Bears supporters get the Bears back where they belong in Australia's greatest sporting competition.'
In other expansion news, the Australian Rugby League Commission announced the appointment of Lorna McPherson as the CEO of the PNG Chiefs. McPherson, who has over a decade of experience supporting the growth of rugby league in Papua New Guinea, will take on a prominent role in the team's development. Her experience includes work as director of the PNGRFL and the PNG Chiefs, as well as leading the growth of the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup and establishing the Santos Cup, an elite women's rugby league competition in the country.
The PNG Chiefs will become the NRL's 19th team when they enter the competition in 2028, and McPherson's appointment is seen as an important step in building a strong administration for the team. Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman, Peter V'landys AM, praised McPherson's track record, stating, 'Securing a leader with a reputation for driving significant commercial growth across business and the elite local Rugby League competitions, along with established connections in PNG is an important step in building a strong administration for the Chiefs.'
As the Perth Bears and PNG Chiefs prepare for their new seasons, the rugby league community is abuzz with excitement. The new logos and leadership appointments signal a bright future for these expanding teams, and fans are eager to see what the future holds. But here's where it gets controversial... will the Perth Bears be able to live up to the legacy of the North Sydney Bears? And this is the part most people miss... the PNG Chiefs' success will depend on McPherson's ability to navigate the challenges of growing rugby league in Papua New Guinea. These questions and more will be answered as the seasons unfold, leaving fans eager to see how these teams fare.
