http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...western-forces-departure-20170812-gxuuu6.html
Western Australia rugby league officials have revealed plans to introduce under-20s and reserve grade teams into NSWRL competitions in a move that will provide professional pathways for players affected by Western Force's departure from the Super Rugby scene.
The ARU ended months of speculation by announcing the axing of the Force, although Rugby WA has indicated it will consider challenging the decision in the Supreme Court. The Forces' likely demise is a boost to rugby league officials as the codes battle to attract sponsors, viewers and playing talent.
NRLWA funds the West Coast Pirates to play in the NSWRL's SG Ball competition and officials recently met with NRL head of football Brian Canavan to discuss other potential pathways. The ambition is for an under-20s and then a reserve grade presence in the NSW Cup, viewed as the first steps towards potentially fielding an NRL team in the west.
The Force's closure will leave Perth without a professional rugby code following the demise of the Western Reds in 1997.
"If the Force were to depart the sporting landscape in Perth it would be advantageous for rugby league," said NRLWA boss John Sackson.
"People's lives would be affected by that decision, and I am sympathetic, especially after the devastation that followed what happened to the Western Reds.
"Competitively speaking, rugby union is our No.1 competitor and for many years they have cherry-picked many of our best young players due to their ability to lure them across to the Western Force academy with the prospect of playing the game at an elite level without leaving the state.
"If they were to depart the scene it would probably make it a more level playing field between rugby league and rugby union."
The Pirates program has unearthed the likes of Waqa Blake and Curtis Rona, and Sackson hopes an additional presence in the NSWRL competitions will boost the 13-man game in the region.
"We're mapping potential pathways for the game in Western Australia and we're exploring all possibilities," Sackson said.
Former Western Reds captain Mark Geyer takes a hit up.
"Obviously there's a lot of work to be done and we've got a business plan we're working on with the NRL in liaison with the NSWRL.
"We all still harbour that great desire for one day having a franchise back in Western Australia, that's the jewel in the crown moving forward."
Western Australia is increasingly becoming a destination for premium league content. The state hosted a Kangaroos-Kiwis Test last year, 2018 will mark a decade of South Sydney taking NRL games to the region, Manly remain committed to the area and there will be a Rugby League World Cup double-header there on November 12. Perth's new stadium will also host a State of Origin match in 2019.
"It's terrific to see the NRL supporting rugby league by bringing across those major events here," Sackson said.
"They are all terrific opportunities for us to showcase rugby league. It will give us a chance to battle more competitively for the hearts and minds of sports fans over here."
Perth has been constantly earmarked as a potential destination should the NRL create or relocate a franchise.
"In the meantime, if the sporting public of WA can come out and demonstrate their interest and desire for top-level rugby league, that will send back a very positive message to Rugby League Central," Sackson said.
"Participation continues to grow in Western Australia, we've been delivering year on year growth.
"If the Force were to depart it would certainly create opportunity for rugby league, no doubt about that. At the end of the day it's up to the game as to how they capitalise. Hopefully they see some value in continuing to invest in the game and create pathways. There's a lot of talent over here in the junior rugby league ranks."
