- NRL mania builds in Perth as rugby league match between Melbourne Storm and Manly Warringah Sea Eagles kicks off
- Game supported by the Cook Labor Government to promote upcoming Perth Bears 2027 season debut
- Events are a key part of the Cook Labor Government's economic diversification strategy to support local jobs and businesses
Excitement is building for Western Australia's new NRL team, the Perth Bears, with rugby league fans set to flock to HBF Park for tomorrow's clash between Melbourne Storm and Manly Warringah Sea Eagles.
Thousands of fans will watch the Storm take on the Sea Eagles in a Perth home game on Saturday, 8 August, with special activations planned to celebrate the Perth Bears 2027 debut.
The match is supported by the Cook Labor Government as part of the $5.6 million investment to engage Perth's growing rugby league fanbase and build excitement for the sport across Western Australia.
The Perth Bears jersey will be unveiled to fans ahead of the Melbourne Storm's home game in Perth, with additional match-side activations planned to promote the sides' debut.
Tomorrow's match forms part of Western Australia's Winter of Unmissable Sport, a month-long sports bonanza including the three Calcio Italiano football matches, the Wallabies v Italy Nations Championship match, in-season AFL matches, the Perth Super 440, Backroads Gravel, and Avon Descent.
With a new NRL team launching next year, Perth will now join Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne as the only Australian cities that host both NRL and AFL sides.
Securing major events like this NRL match is part of the Cook Labor Government's commitment to diversifying the economy, by creating a year-round events calendar that drives visitors to the State and generates valuable tourism dollars for local businesses and industry.
Last minute tickets available at NRL.com
As stated by Premier and Tourism, Trade and Investment Minister Roger Cook:
"It's fantastic to welcome the Melbourne Storm and Manly Warringah Sea Eagles to Perth this weekend, giving East Coast NRL fans an opportunity to explore Perth ahead of our State's NRL debut.
"We expect legions of fans will travel with their favourite teams from 2027, when the Perth Bears enter the league and Perth joins Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne as a premier dual-code sporting destination."
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti:
"There's a real buzz around rugby league in Western Australia, and tomorrow's blockbuster clash is another sign of the excitement building ahead of the Perth Bears joining the NRL.
"Bringing elite rugby league to Perth gives local fans the chance to see the game at its highest level while helping grow participation and strengthen the sport across the State.
"Seeing some of the competition's biggest clubs play at HBF Park is a fantastic opportunity for young Western Australians to experience the sport up close and dream of one day wearing a Perth Bears jersey.
"The Perth Bears will create new opportunities for our community, from grassroots participation through to the elite level, and we're excited to see that journey gathering momentum."
