The West Coast Bears are set to make their debut in the National Rugby League (NRL) next season, with plans underway for their inaugural game to be held in Perth, potentially at the 60,000-seat Optus Stadium. The newly established club is aiming to create a strong connection with fans in Western Australia as it enters the competition.

Gareth Holmes, the Bears’ newly appointed general manager of football, indicated that the team intends to launch its first season with a high-profile match in Perth. While the club will designate HBF Park, a smaller boutique venue, as its official home ground, Holmes suggested that the opening round—likely scheduled for the first weekend of March—could be hosted at Optus Stadium to capitalize on anticipated local interest.

“The demand will be there to play probably at Optus Stadium,” Holmes said, emphasizing the expected enthusiasm among fans. “There’s going to be a sea of red and black all around the ground.” He described the event as a significant milestone both for the Bears brand and for the broader Western Australian sports community, marking the advent of a locally based rugby league team.

Further supporting this approach, the Western Australian Government has expressed a strong interest in having the Bears play their first two games in Perth. Officials believe that staging multiple home fixtures early in the season will help build momentum, encourage fan engagement, and provide opportunities for the club’s NSW Cup feeder team, North Sydney, to gain exposure in the region.

The club has already garnered substantial support, with membership levels reaching 20,500. This early backing indicates a solid foundation for rugby league’s expansion into Western Australia and highlights the potential for the Bears to become an integral part of the state’s sporting landscape.