Western Australia's highly anticipated NRL return has hit a temporary roadblock, with the Perth Bears forced to settle for interim facilities at the iconic WACA ground for their inaugural 2027 season.
The club's state-of-the-art $20 million high-performance centre in Malaga, originally slated for completion ahead of their NRL debut, has fallen behind schedule due to construction delays. This has prompted officials to secure the historic cricket ground as a stopgap measure while work continues on their permanent home.
WACA to Host Temporary Training Base
The famous cricket venue will undergo a $1.3 million transformation to accommodate the Bears' training needs. While not the long-term solution club officials envisioned, the WACA provides essential facilities to ensure the team can hit the ground running when they join the NRL competition in 2027.
"The WACA arrangement gives us certainty," a club insider revealed. "It means our coaching staff, players, and support team have a guaranteed base from day one, regardless of how construction progresses at Malaga."
Malaga Centre Remains Long-Term Vision
Despite the temporary relocation, club management remains fully committed to the Malaga facility as their permanent high-performance headquarters. The delayed centre promises to become one of Australia's premier rugby league training complexes, featuring:
- World-class gymnasium and recovery facilities
- Multiple training fields with professional surfaces
- Advanced sports science and medical centres
- Administration offices and player amenities
"While the delay is disappointing, the long-term vision for the Malaga centre hasn't changed," the source added. "It will still become the heart of rugby league in Western Australia when completed."
Community Impact and Recruitment Strategy
The temporary WACA base ensures the Bears can maintain their aggressive recruitment timeline. With player signings expected to begin in late 2025, having established training facilities was crucial to attracting top talent to the expansion franchise.
Local rugby league enthusiasts have expressed mixed reactions to the news. While disappointed about the Malaga delay, many acknowledge the practical necessity of securing the WACA arrangement to keep the 2027 launch on track.
The Perth Bears represent Western Australia's return to top-level rugby league after more than two decades, bringing NRL action back to the western state and creating new opportunities for local talent development.
