North Sydney Oval, one of Australia’s oldest sporting grounds, is being lined up to host the National Rugby League games for the first time in decades, as local leaders and the North Sydney Bears push for a multimillion-dollar upgrade to bring the ground up to modern standards.
A Return Rooted In Legacy And Local Pride
North Sydney Oval is set for upgrades to meet NRL standards as part of the league’s expansion. From 2027, the Perth Bears will play at least one home game there each season to honour the club’s historic roots on Sydney’s lower north shore.
North Sydney Council has long aimed to modernise the Oval for elite sport, especially rugby league and women’s cricket. An upgrade costing $10 to $15 million is expected, covering lighting, broadcast infrastructure, and improved player and spectator facilities.
Council And Club In Step For The Future
North Sydney Council is still seeking funding to upgrade the Oval, with strong backing from both the council and the Bears to keep it a key community and sporting hub. While support from higher levels of government remains uncertain, the goal is to have the ground play a role in the NRL’s expansion.
The Bears plan to host eleven home games at North Sydney Oval in 2025, continuing its long-standing role in community events, junior league, and heritage matches.
Preserving The Ground, Not Just The Game
North Sydney Oval is a valued community space used for cricket, school events and more. Council plans aim to balance professional upgrades with continued local access, keeping it a shared venue rather than a full-time stadium.
Maintaining balance is central to the plan, with community input guiding the process. The goal is to preserve North Sydney Oval’s character while preparing it for future sport.
A New Era For The Bears And Their Base
The Perth Bears’ launch marks NRL expansion, but for North Sydney fans, it’s a revival. The team will enter a new market while keeping ties to its original home, if upgrades go ahead.
North Sydney Oval may not become a regular weekly host for the NRL, but its place in the bigger picture is clear. By updating the ground and continuing to schedule key Bears fixtures there, the NRL and local officials are acknowledging the deep community roots that helped build the game.
Published 14-May-2025