Perth edging closer to fulfilling NRL dream

The National Rugby League (NRL) has held talks with the Western Australia (WA) government over a potential deal that could make the Perth Bears the 18th club in the competition.

The dream of a rugby league team in Perth seemed dead in the water when the NRL rejected the initial proposal that involved a partnership with the North Sydney Bears.

The consortium tabled a license fee offer worth $20 million, but it was swiftly turned down by the NRL amid concerns over the long-term financial sustainability and operational control of the club.

However, what started as an ambitious dream has become a credible bid, with the WA government now in the mix. WA Premier Roger Cook and Treasurer Rita Saffioti have stepped in to salvage the dream.

Recognising the cultural and economic value of hosting an NRL team in Perth, they engaged directly with the chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC), Peter V’landys. They proposed a long-term vision that went far beyond the initial offer from the consortium.

During the meeting, the WA government pledged a $500 million investment package designed to get the rugby league team off the ground and secure its long-term viability and integration into the local community.

They will allocate $350m into expanding Perth’s HBF Stadium from 22,500 to 27,000 seats, providing a state-of-the-art home ground for the new team. The stadium upgrade will ensure the new team can earn up to 70 percent of its game-day revenue from corporate partnerships.

The stadium is also used by soccer and rugby union, so it makes sense for Perth to get a share of the pie while the NRL would be offered a rent-free period to allow the club to find its feet.

Part of the additional cash would also help fund pathways, community projects and grassroots development.

The NRL and ARLC initially asked the state government for $12m a year for a decade, but the finances involved in the deal turned out to be more than what was required.

It remains to be seen if the new team will still be called Perth Bears, but the NRL will retain control of the club in its early years before handing it over to local members and elected directors.

WA’s appetite for rugby league action is unmatched

While the locals anticipate further good news on the prospect of a Perth-based NRL team, there’s a lot for them to be excited about as the city plans to host three NRL matches next season.

The Penrith Panthers will get the ball rolling in an opening-round double-header against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in Las Vegas.

The Canberra Raiders will also take on the New Zealand Warriors before Optus Stadium hosts back-to-back games on April 12, with the Dolphins returning for a mid-season clash at HBF Park.

State of Origin also returns to Perth, with Optus Stadium hosting Game II just three days after the Dolphins game.

Last year’s double-header drew a staggering 45,814 fans, while the more recent Origin fixture generated around $13.3m for the WA economy after 7,000 fans flew in from interstate.

Hosting these high-profile games despite not having an official team highlights the thirst for rugby league action in WA, and these fixtures will undoubtedly create a betting frenzy.

High-stakes games such as State of Origin are magnets for sports punters, and many of the betting sites featured on comparison platform bettingtop10.com/au will offer odds on each fixture.

These events are poised to be aired in primetime slots across the country, so online betting platforms will be inundated with wagers from rugby fans in Australia and further afield.

Timing is everything

Cook has revealed that he hopes to close the deal as soon as possible so that the new club can take to the field in 2027.

“Today was a great opportunity to continue to sit down and discuss with the NRL their aspirations for Western Australia,” he said.

“We know that Western Australians are looking forward to engaging with the NRL competition, so we’ll continue those conversations. Western Australia’s steaming ahead – we’re the engine room of the nation’s economy.”

The NRL wants to wrap up a deal as soon as possible. They plan to announce the 18th team by the end of this year so broadcasters can work with the league to finalise television rights.

The urgency to finalise the expansion from 17 to 18 teams favours Perth’s bid, and the support from the WA government could not have come at a better time for the city’s lofty ambitions.

If Perth is added to the competition in 2027, the NRL will be able to shift their attention to a potential 19th team by 2028, which is expected to come from Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Backed by a $600m federal government agreement, the PNG team highlights the league’s commitment to expanding its footprint into the Pacific.

Gamble responsibly. Contact the Gambling Helpline for free and confidential support, information and counselling on 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au.