Building the Next Generation of Rugby League stars
The Perth Bears are creating a genuine pathway for aspiring rugby league players to progress from grassroots to the professional game. By connecting Western Australia with some of the strongest development systems available, we are laying the foundation for a clear and supported journey for players with the ambition to reach the NRL.
Starting in Western Australia
Everything starts at home. We are in the early stages of planning how to develop rugby league across WA. By exploring connections with schools, community clubs and local competitions, we aim to create future opportunities for young athletes to discover their talent and see a pathway towards professional football.
Perth Bears Tracks Academy
At the heart of our pathway is the Perth Bears Tracks Academy, which launched in April 2026. The Academy gives selected athletes access to high-performance coaching, training environments and educational support, preparing them on-and-off the field for elite rugby league.
The Academy’s first cohort was selected with support from NRL WA, based on talent identification, performance and referrals, highlighting players with exceptional potential.
While still being developed, the Academy aims to support long-term athlete development, shaping better players, better people and future Bears. In time, opportunities to join the Academy will come through observation, club performance and formal talent identification events, rather than open applications.
National Pathways Network
To accelerate development and provide access to elite competition, the Perth Bears are aligned with established systems on the east coast. Through our partnership with the North Sydney Bears, players can progress into one of the most respected development programs in the game, with access to premier junior representative competitions.
Our affiliation with the Brisbane Tigers further expands opportunities, connecting athletes into Queensland’s strong rugby league system. These partnerships ensure Perth Bears players are exposed to the highest level of competition and development opportunities available.
Building the Future
The Perth Bears pathway is about more than producing elite players. It is about creating opportunity, inspiring the next generation and establishing a long-term presence for rugby league in Western Australia.
This is just the start.