Head Coach Mal Meninga will lead the Perth Bears recruitment and pathways management team at the NRL WA’s Harmony Cup Nines tournament this weekend in Perth, offering WA players a rare opportunity to showcase their skills.
The three-day event, to be held at the South Perth Lions home ground George Burnett Park will feature senior male and female multi-cultural teams. Perth Bears CEO Anthony De Ceglie and board members will also be in attendance, eagerly scouting future talent.
Meninga emphasised the significance of the tournament, stating “This event is the perfect opportunity for the Perth Bears to connect with the community and to celebrate local sporting talent right on our doorstep. The Harmony Cup celebrates multicultural Australia and together with sport promotes inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging, all keyvalues of the Perth Bears.”
Perth Bears CEO, Anthony De Ceglie, highlighted the club's commitment to local Rugby League development, noting that the Perth Bears "will provide, for the first time in two decades, a genuine grassroots to elite pathway for players in WA".
He added: "We are deeply passionate about ensuring our local talent can reach the top without leaving the state.”
David Sharpe, Head of Football, said: “Respect is central to the Perth Bears and as the game grows, tournaments like this will provide WA talent the opportunity to showcase their skills.
“Future NRL and NRLW players could be on show this weekend. More importantly is the fact that this tournament provides the opportunity for everyone to participate.”
NRL WA General Manager, John Sackson commented on the undeniable, rapid uptake of rugby league across the state.
“Due to the ever-increasing popularity of the Harmony Cup Nines, this weekend’s event will be dedicated to senior teams, with a separate Junior tournament to be staged early next year," Sackson said.
"The NRL WA Harmony Cup plays a pivotal role in shaping cultural attitudes and behaviours, amplifying the importance of inclusion and respect.”
About Perth Bears
Perth Bears will join the NRL as its 18th team in 2027, marking the return of professional rugby league to Western Australia since 1997. Based in Perth, the club blends the rich heritage of the North Sydney Bears with the vibrant sports culture of WA, creating a team that resonates with fans on both coasts.
About Harmony Cup
NRL WA will host an ninth consecutive ‘Fuel to Go & Play Harmony Cup Tournament’ from Thursday 23rd October to Sunday 26th October.
Hosted by the NRL WA in conjunction with the South Perth Lions at George Burnett Park, Karawara, the competition invites senior male and female teams from across WA to play short 30-minute league-style games.
