Perth sport stars say there's room in city for Bears as State of Origin looms
NSW took to the field at the future home of the NRL club on Monday for an opposed session, facing a composite side drawn from local league players and Super Rugby side the Western Force.
Also in attendance at HBF Park were UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena, former Perth Glory goalkeeper Liam Reddy and cricket legends Mike Hussey and Justin Langer.
No voice carries more weight in West Australian sport than that of Langer, who was revered in the state during his international cricket playing and coaching careers, and sits on the West Coast Eagles' board.
And while the Bears will run through the same winter season as the Eagles once they enter the NRL in 2027, Langer said there was no doubt the city had room for both major football codes.
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'There's enough people and enough people to support their different codes,' Langer said.
'The West love their sport. We see it in the summer with the Glory (soccer) as well. The Wildcats (basketball), of course. There is a good following for the Force in rugby union.
'A lot of eastern staters come over and work over here. So I get where that passion and energy is coming from.'
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