Lol, ur fooling nobody
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It's the perfect timing with the state govt keen and cashed up. Great numbers for the double header too.
Fresh Perth push for NRL expansion impresses Peter V’landys
Perth has shot back into serious contention in NRL expansion plans after a phone call from newly installed West Australian premier Roger Cook to independent commission boss Peter V’landys.
The premier contacted V’landys last week just days after taking over as leader from Mark McGowan to start lobbying for a Perth side to be included in 18th-team discussions.
This comes on top of news ticket sales for the August NRL double header in Perth were tracking for a bumper crowd of 45,000-plus at Optus Stadium.
The city has previously sold out two State of Origin matches, proving there is an obvious appetite for rugby league as an AFL alternative.
Newly appointed WA Premier Roger Cook has wasted no time in the new job, expressing their support of an NRL expansion team. Picture: NCA NewsWire.
V’landys, who was originally against a Perth team, admits he has had a change of heart.
“I’ll acknowledge I was wrong with my initial thoughts,” he said. “Perth has to be high on the table now, especially with a premier so passionate about wanting to have a team there. They warrant serious consideration.
“If you’ve got a government that’s going to get 100 per cent behind you, you’ve got a run-up start. We had a really good conversation and we’ll be chatting again. The fact he rang in his first week in the job shows how keen they are.”
The WA sports minister is now preparing an official proposal and the possibility of a joint venture with the old North Sydney Bears.
V’landys says all options – including a 20-team competition – are open to the independent commission, including PNG.
Optus Stadium will host an NRL double header in August.
“Nick Politis is a visionary,” V’landys said. “He’s said why are you looking at 18 teams. Why not 20.
“If you do your participation and pathways right, the 20 teams can happen sooner.
“And it’s all funded by the broadcaster from the extra content.”
The Perth double header on Saturday, August 5 will feature Dolphins v Knights at 5:30 followed by the Rabbitohs v Sharks at 7:35pm (AEST).
While WA Tourism is said to be delighted with the number of interstate visitors booked to fly into Perth for the weekend, the vast majority of early tickets sold have been snapped up by locals who love their rugby league.
There has also been significant business support around corporate sales.
New W.A. Premier Roger Cook rang V`landy`s in his first week. Say no more.
Isn’t Perth too far away? Either they are locals which defeats your argument or visitors which also defeats your argument
You can't be logical with these morons.
Haha the troll has awoken from
God you`re a hoot, one minute your finding the negatives in a very positive statement, then your bragging about your Qantas food and complaining you can`t watch an NRL game on the plane and now this, mate, you`re all over the place.
You should be absolutely stoked with that article released earlier today, it all but confirms we are going to have a W.A. Gov`t. backed team in the NRL.
