Has It Sunk In Yet?
"Has it sunk in yet?" It’s a familiar refrain in the sports broadcasting realm, and as I sit in an unfamiliar stadium on the opposite coast of my home country, I find myself pondering this very question. For the last 45 minutes, I’ve witnessed significant figures in Australian rugby league, including the state’s premier, passionately extolling the virtues of the game next to legendary figures like Peter V’landys and Andrew Abdo.
What’s the occasion? The stunning news: the Bears are returning, but this time in Perth! It’s an unexpected twist for fans who have longed for their team’s revival after enduring a 25-year journey marked by false dawns and missed opportunities. The Bears’ historical ties to North Sydney evoke a nostalgic mix of joy and disappointment for their loyal supporters, who have faced heartbreak time and time again.
As the announcement unfolded under the blazing West Australian sun, emotions ran high back at North Sydney Leagues Club. Fans have faced years of disappointment, witnessing dreams of relocations to Central Coast or Coffs Harbour fizzle out. Yet, in these moments of despair, the love for the team has only grown. Many regard the Bears as their second team, sympathising with their struggles. “Poor buggers just can’t catch a break," has been a common sentiment across the league.
But now, the tide has turned. The Bears are making a comeback, tapping into a fresh start in the west while maintaining their dedicated fanbase in the east. This revival feels like a long-overdue celebration, a moment thousands of long-suffering fans have awaited with bated breath.
When asked about my support for the Bears, I often receive a chuckle, and I chuckle along. The humour is a coping mechanism for the years of hardship. Yet, I believe this moment solidifies our resilience; we’ve endured, and we are here again.
Perth now has the Bears, and as they take their place in the NRL, they will also be fostering connections with fans from afar. By the time round one of the 2027 NRL season arrives, this transcontinental bond will flourish, realising the potential of a great sporting marriage.
Perhaps that’s when it will truly sink in. For now, though, the excitement is palpable, and the possibilities are endless. The Bears have risen from the ashes, and both old and new supporters stand ready to embrace this thrilling new chapter.