The NRL has had numerous inquiries from rugby union agents about the game’s venture into Western Australia.
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NRL inundated with inquiries from South Africa for Perth franchise
May 4, 2025 — 1.40pm
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The NRL will use its venture into Perth to target South African rugby union players to fill several spots on the Bears’ roster from 2027.
With the NRL on the verge of formally announcing a deal with the Western Australian government in the next week, the governing body has revealed its desire to make inroads into the union-mad South Africa.
Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys confirmed the NRL had been inundated with interest from rugby union agents trying to cash in on the game’s expected venture into the west coast of Australia.
While the big-name stars are well paid, most players in South Africa wouldn’t earn the money on offer in the NRL, which adds to the appeal.
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“Since the speculation of the Bears team in Western Australia, we’ve been inundated by agents and by other parties wanting to tell me the opportunities of having South African rugby union players and how they would adapt to rugby league,” V’landys said.
The Springboks players will become a target for the NRL.CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
“But also it could open up a new market in South Africa because it’s got over 70 million people. So it could be a dual win in the sense that we could get some very, very good players but also get a new market in South Africa.”
The Australian Rugby League Commission has identified both South Africa and Argentina as target markets as it attempts to find 60 new players to fill teams in Perth and Papua New Guinea in 2027 and 2028 respectively.
It is an 11-hour direct flight from Perth to Johannesburg, adding to the appeal of the potential venture into South Africa.
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Mark Nawaqanitawase has been a revelation for the Sydney Roosters since joining the club from rugby union at the end of last year, increasing the NRL’s belief that the sport can transform players from the rival code into rugby league stars.
“We’ve never been concerned about the talent depth,” V’landys said. “We believe that the supply will meet the demand and open up opportunities for players coming through the pathways.”