Red and black is back: First look at the new Perth Bears jersey

The Bears are back.

In keeping with their mantra of “Two histories, one future”, the Perth Bears have unveiled the jersey for their historic inaugural NRL season. It is a nod to their past, with the distinctive red and black horizontal stripes paying homage to foundation club North Sydney.

Then there is the more recent Western Australian history in the form of major sponsor Cash Converters, whose logo is plastered on the front of the jersey for the first time since the Western Reds folded in 1997.

The design was revealed from the light towers of the WACA ground in Perth before dignitaries including ARL executive chair Peter V’landys and WA Premier Roger Cook, former North Sydney Bears forward Billy Moore and Former Western Reds prop Mark Geyer. It was a twin reveal, with the design also shown for the first time at a simultaneous event in North Sydney.

The Bears spoke about the significance of some of the intricate details on the jersey, including the Bears logo.

“It’s a forward-facing bear because bears stand up when they are challenged,” Meninga explained.

“When they are confronted, they move forward. That’s the attitude, that’s that boldness that we love about the bear itself. We talk about that to the players, being bold and being courageous.

“That’s what the bear logo represents to us – that when we’re facing the challenge, we’re going to confront it.”

Even the number of teeth bared by the bear – eight – has special meaning. It acknowledges that North Sydney was a foundation club born in 1908, while its NSW Cup side won eight premierships.

“Talking from our foundation pillars and principles around respect and connect, it’s really important that we acknowledge our history.

“Connecting with our community, not only with the North Sydney Bears, but certainly in WA and obviously the rugby league community, sharing and connecting with our own over here to create some momentum for the Perth Bears.

“What’s as important is connecting and protecting the future for the Perth Bears and rugby league here in Western Australia. That’s really important.

“We want to be a destination club, we want to be seen as extremely competitive in the colours so that we leave it in a better place than we found it. That’s how you leave your legacy and that’s how you build respect in the community.

V’landys promised that the history of the North Sydney Bears would be preserved in the new venture, and he has been good to his word.

It is a big weekend for rugby league in Perth, which will host the Manly-Melbourne clash at HBF Park on Saturday afternoon.

More to come

Adrian Proszenko travelled to Perth as a guest of the Perth Bears