Perth Bears eye 30,000 members, NRL's biggest fanbase
The head of rugby league in Western Australia has predicted the Perth Bears will have 30,000 local members in their first season and lay claim to one of the NRL's biggest fanbases.
Half a week on from being confirmed as the league's 18th team, officials have begun laying the groundwork for the Bears' competition entry in 2027.
A board is expected to be implemented by the NRL in coming weeks, with former state Labor minister Peter Tinley among those linked to a role as one of at least three West Australian directors.
That will clear the way for a CEO and coach to be named, with Brad Arthur the favourite to mentor the team and Sam Burgess also interested.
Off the field, local officials are confident they can amass a significant following.
Next month's State of Origin game at the 60,000-seat Optus Stadium is expected to be the third straight to sell out in Perth, while NRL double-headers have attracted crowds of between 30,000 and 46,000.
There is potential for strong support from devotees from the Western Reds days of the mid-1990s, along with ex-pats from both the east coast and England.
"I believe if this is done really meticulously and professionally, I would say 30,000 local members. I think 30,000 is achievable," NRL WA CEO John Sackson told AAP.
"I really do.
"If you look at some of the crowds we have been getting, sold-out crowds at HBF Park. Origin, there will be 60,000 there.
"They are all potential members, they are showing an interest in rugby league. The 41,000 at the 2023 double-header. The 31,000 this year amid the backlash (amid negotiations).
"The excitement around the market, I am getting texts from people saying where do I sign?"
Sackson said he had already been approached by several potential sponsors before last week's official announcement.
Part of the NRL WA boss's confidence comes in the form of the Bears' history, with news of their NRL return sparking emotional in North Sydney last week.
The Bears' name, logo and colours are expected to give the club a legitimate following for away games, something other expansion sides have struggled with.
"I think it can be a countrywide juggernaut," Sackson said.
"You have two sets of fans, the North Sydney Bears and Reds, who were ruthlessly ejected from their competitions and a lot of those fans went into hibernation.
"They were disenfranchised, disillusioned and a lot lost to the game of rugby league.
"Now those fans have a second chance to support the Bears and West Australian franchise.
"If there is harmony and unity between the two fan bases, it could potentially be the biggest fan base in the competition."
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