A gay men’s social club, Bears Perth, has clarified that it is not affiliated with the new NRL team, the Perth Bears, after receiving numerous membership applications from interstate rugby league fans. Established in 1997, Bears Perth has had to inform applicants that they are not the rugby club, as their clubhouse is located near HBF Park, a major sporting venue. President Kingsley Dawes expressed surprise at the influx of out-of-state membership requests and welcomed visitors to the club regardless.