Some of rugby league's truest believers await the NRL in Perth

Perth's rugby league community is eagerly awaiting the arrival of the newly formed Perth Bears, as the city prepares to host its first NRL team in the upcoming season. The Bears, with 27 players on their roster, are currently in the midst of assembling their squad, having completed their jersey unveiling ahead of their debut next year. However, their journey marks the end of an era for Perth, as the city will soon have its own team, ending the final NRL game in the city before an expansion team takes its place.

Former NRL and European player Samisoni Langi, who now resides in Perth, has witnessed the growth of rugby league in the city firsthand. Langi spent his prime playing years in the NRL, including a stint with the Sydney Roosters and a successful career in Europe with Catalans Dragons, where he helped his team win the Challenge Cup in 2018. After retiring from professional football, Langi returned to Perth and quickly fell in love with the local rugby league scene.

The Bears, despite their lack of high-profile players, have already made a strong impression in the community. They play in West Australian rugby league's top competition, which has seen its membership grow from 5 teams to 9 in recent years. Local powerhouse South Perth Lions, with 20 premierships to their name, have also embraced the new team and support their efforts.

Langi emphasizes the importance of community engagement for the Bears' success. He highlights that while star power might be appealing, it's not the key to building a successful team in Perth. Instead, the club must focus on fostering strong connections with the local community and schools. By providing opportunities for young players to participate and engage with the club, the Bears can build a lasting presence in the city.

The excitement surrounding the Bears' arrival in Perth is palpable. The city's sporting fans are eager for the new team to take the field, with stadium crowds consistently exceeding 30,000 for double-header matches and over 10,000 for individual games. The Bears' presence is already inspiring young players, with Langi running a girls rugby league program at his school, demonstrating the potential for the sport to grow in the region.

As Perth prepares to welcome its first-ever NRL team, the community is abuzz with anticipation. The Bears' first pre-season is just around the corner, and the city is ready to embrace the new chapter in its sporting history.