'A more powerful beast: Legends back Perth Bears jersey

North Sydney great Greg Florimo declared the design of the inaugural Perth Bears jersey was proof of the commitment by the Western Australia side of the club to a true partnership.   

The Perth Bears unveiled the historic home jersey ahead of their debut 2027 season at a function in dual functions in Perth and North Sydney ahead of Saturday's sold-out NRL match at HBF Park between the Storm and Sea Eagles.

The sleek modern take on red-and-black hoops pays tribute to the first-ever North Sydney jersey of 1908 when the club was one of the game's foundation members.

"It's a significant investment into the partnership from the western side of Australia that has embraced the Red-and-Black, has embraced the Bears and taken it on as their own," Florimo said.

"Now it's an even more powerful beast. The fact that two states and two populations of supporters have combined together, it's going to be an awesome unit."

Florimo, who played 285 games for Norths and has been a key figure in the fight since expulsion in 2000 to return to the game's top flight, said he had not seen the 2027 jersey until it was officially unveiled in Perth.  

"I had some idea that it was going to be red and black, obviously, but I think it's good," he said.

"It's uncomplicated and it's strong. It will have a presence on any sporting field."

Another Norths stalwart, Josh Stuart - a former team-mate of Ivan Cleary and an uncle to Nathan Cleary - also endorsed the new Bears jersey.

"It's very Bears," Stuart said. "There's no doubt about it. What a great day. It's been a long time - 26 years - since those colours have been seen in the NRL.

"I was fortunate to play in the last game for the Bears in Townsville (in 1999), but my first child was born in 2001 so it's just fantastic that the Bears are back.

"None of my kids have seen them play so just to have the Red-and-Black back will be good because it's been a big part of my life.

"I'm just super proud, I'm very excited. I want to be a part of it, so I'll do anything I can support them."

Perth Bears CEO Anthony De Ceglie said the legacy of the North Sydney Bears was also celebrated with the club’s founding year and original NSB logo on the back collar of the jersey.

“The Perth Bears are the most exciting story in Australian sport,” De Ceglie said.

“While our club is new, it is not without history and we move forward on the foundations of both the North Sydney Bears and rugby league in WA.

“We’re extremely proud to be taking the red-and-black colours into a brand new era while also honouring our history.”

Perth Bears chairman Ben Morton said the unveiling of the inaugural Home jersey was another important milestone in the club’s historic journey to 2027.

“I’m extremely proud of the team and the work that has been achieved over the past year to get us to this point,” Morton said.

“I also want to take the chance to say thank you to our inaugural jersey foundation partners who have supported us and believe in our club.”

The foundation jersey partners include Principal Partner Cash Converters, Premier Partner Budget Direct as well as Major Partners Penrite Oil, Atlas and XFM.

The jersey was designed by apparel provider New Balance. Belgravia Apparel is the Australasian elite team wear partner of New Balance.

Perth Bears head coach Mal Meninga said he was confident that fans across WA and North Sydney would rally around the jersey.

“It’s really important to acknowledge our history, but also to create a new identity for the Bears here on the west coast,” Meninga said.

"A bear doesn't shy away, a bear stands up, a bear is bold and courageous, which is exactly what we are going to be.

“We are focused on building a club that WA and North Sydney will be proud of and we will have a team that will do that.”