ANALYSIS: A night of perfect symmetry was capped off by news that Western Australia's rugby league participation footprint has grown this season.
ANALYSIS: A few years ago, there were some doubts whether the Willagee Bears would potentially survive within Western Australia's senior rugby league pyramid.
However with the chips down, Vilai Kelemete and several hard-working volunteers out at Webber Reserve stepped up and turned things around.
After several years out of first grade, Willagee returned to the top-flight in 2025.
On Saturday night at Dorrien Gardens against the South Perth Lions in the first grade grand final, they have an opportunity to cap off a remarkable campaign with an inaugural senior premiership.
It is somewhat fitting, given another Bears side - the Perth Bears - were also confirmed admittance into an expanded National Rugby League competition from 2027.
And these awakened Bears appear to be generating on and off-field interest and increased exposure of the code throughout the state.
While several of the Perth Bears' embryonic moments have been somewhat ignored by segments of WA's media, it appears this hasn't impacted the groundswell of grassroots support.
In his formal address at Wednesday night's Ken Allen Medal night at RAC Arena, NRL WA chief executive John Sackson said the state governing body had noticed an upward trend of increased participation.
"What a significant, landmark year it has been in the context of our game's evolving history," Mr Sackson said.
"Some of the highlights this year include robust growth in club registrations.
"We now have the highest number since the days of the Western Reds - and we're on track for a five per cent increase year-on-year.
"And just noteworthy, a nine per cent lift in the 13-15 year old age group and a 12 per cent increase in the 16-18 year old age group as well."
Several Perth Bears representatives - including chief executive Anthony De Ceglie and head coach Mal Meninga - spent time freely mingling with club volunteers, players and supporters throughout the night, with Mr Meninga warmly praising the current state of the code in WA.
"I understand it's been a hard road over here," Mr Meninga told the room.
"If it wasn't for everyone in the room here to be able to keep the game going, I wouldn't be standing here at a night to talk about the great game of rugby league.
"It's a pleasure - it's not a commitment."
