The Perth Bears have officially announced a landmark affiliation partnership with the Brisbane Tigers ahead of their entry into the 2027 NRL season.
This historic alliance with one of Queensland’s premier development systems marks yet another major milestone for Perth Bears who earlier this week announced their primary pathways partnership with North Sydney Bears.
Perth Bears CEO Anthony De Ceglie said he was thrilled with the outcome and thanked the Brisbane Tigers and its CEO Mitch Cook for their hard work to help make it happen.
“Partnering with a club that carries a legacy as significant and respected as the Brisbane Tigers is an honour,” De Ceglie said.
“Having a strong pathways partner from Queensland that offers talented kids a career in the NRL via the Perth Bears is tremendous for the growth of the game.
“The Perth Bears want to be more than just competitive from Round One in 2027. This landmark partnership is an important cornerstone to ensuring our success on the field."
Brisbane Tigers CEO Mitch Cook said the partnership represents a milestone moment for both clubs and for rugby league across Australia.
“This partnership with the Perth Bears marks an exciting new era for our pathway and for rugby league development across both regions," Cook said.
"Over the next three years, our collaboration will provide young players from Western Australia and Queensland with an unprecedented opportunity to progress through a unified system built on shared values, professionalism, and success.
"I would like to thank Perth Bears CEO Anthony De Ceglie, General Manager of Football David Sharpe, and Head Coach Mal Meninga for their collaboration and professionalism in establishing this partnership.
"Their vision and commitment have been instrumental in aligning both clubs toward a shared goal of strengthening the game and creating genuine opportunities for players, coaches, and communities.
"Together, the Tigers and the Bears are committed to building a sustainable talent pathway that supports the next generation of elite athletes and continues to grow rugby league across Australia.”
The Perth Bears’ entry into the NRL has been met with widespread anticipation, marking the code’s return to Western Australia.
By partnering with one of Queensland’s most established Hostplus Cup clubs, the Bears will have immediate access to a competitive base of talent and a proven development system.
Earlier in the week, Perth Bears announced a landmark agreement had been signed with the North Sydney Bears – officially confirming the iconic club as its Primary Pathway Partner and NSWRL Representative Teams Partner.
This partnership will see its well-established junior representative programs and junior league competitions serve as a key development pipeline to the NRL exclusively through the Perth Bears.
Head coach Mal Meninga said he was “truly honoured to be part of the future that keeps the North Sydney Bears heritage and legacy alive”.
