Junior rugby league registrations across WA have skyrocketed as the Perth Bears prepare to join the NRL in 2027.
New figures from NRL WA reveal that player registrations have risen a remarkable 23 per cent in the crucial 13-15 age bracket year-on-year for this season.
Overall the registrations for total juniors aged 6-18 are up 17 per cent. And total registrations, including adults, are up 9 per cent.
The increase in participation will see the NRL WA "Fuel to Go & Play" Premiership feature three new top grade teams this season.
The Kwinana Titans, Kalamunda Bulldogs and the Ellenbrook Rabbitohs will all field first grade sides in 2026 - making it a nine-team competition.
NRL WA General Manager John Sackson said the incredible impact that the launch of the Perth Bears has had on the development of rugby league in the State was clear.
"We were always confident that the introduction of a Perth NRL team would generate greater interest and engagement in our sport and would trigger significant growth in participation," he said.
"The positive numbers are also a reflection of the great work being done by NRL WA and the local club community who have worked hard to improve recruitment and retention & to maximise the excitement around the Bears announcement."
Perth Bears Head Coach Mal Meninga said it was a "great testament to the NRL and WA Government's vision to commit to the Perth Bears".
"It's great to be part of the origins of the Perth Bears and its impact on Rugby League in WA," he said.
"Statistically it's great news but we also acknowledge all the selfless actions of NRL WA and the many community volunteers who have kept the fire burning over many years.
"I'm very aware it's only the beginning but it's an investment we will be prepared for.
"We will definitely walk alongside all our supporters in assisting it become a reality.
"The Perth Bears have to provide these young players a pathway to the NRL and it'll be great to have our first WA-born player putting on the red-and-black jersey."
Perth Bears General Manager of Football David Sharpe said it was the start of a "generational shift for the sport in Western Australia".
"Kids who might never have considered rugby league before are now pulling on boots because they can see the Perth Bears on the horizon," he said.
"Our job now is to build the systems, pathways and support around them so that the next generation of Bears players can come directly out of WA communities.
"This growth belongs to the work of NRL WA, clubs, sponsors, volunteers and families who have built the game here over many years and the Bears are determined to help take it to an entirely new level".
Perth Bears Chief Executive Officer Anthony De Ceglie said the incredible growth was only the beginning.
"We truly believe we're the most exciting story in Australian sport," Mr De Ceglie said.
"It's an absolute honour for everyone in our team to support the nation's most-watched sporting code in Western Australia at a time when the NRL is flying under the leadership of Australian Rugby League Commission chair Peter V'landys and NRL CEO Andrew Abdo.
"One of our top priorities is to positively impact the growth and development of rugby league in WA; and we are inspired by the brilliant job already being done by NRL WA, the local clubs and the local volunteers to harness the enthusiasm behind the Perth Bears."
