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eh!
Sorry but i doubt that the 7000 visitors spent $1900 each whilst in perth, so either the figures are fudged, or this is written poorly as a good old fashion "hey we're still here" just like the bears do every few months, then use random figures suggesting how many possible hibernating supporters there might be...McGowan Government ups ante in new push for WA-based NRL team
Joe Spagnolo
The West Australian
Sun, 30 October 2022 2:00AM
The State Government has upped the ante in its efforts to get a WA-based National Rugby League team, forming a high-powered working group to make a Perth franchise a reality.
The Sunday Times can reveal the Government has appointed Labor politician Peter Tinley as chair of a working group which will “help facilitate the development of a third-party bid” to be the competition’s 18th team.
VenuesWest has also appointed consultants Freshwater Strategy to gauge “interest from potential third parties and determine the most appropriate bid structure”.
“There is huge interest on the east coast in having a WA team in the NRL competition,” Tourism Minister Roger Cook told The Sunday Times.
“It makes sense on so many levels.
“We have the best stadium in Australia, a fan base that is growing quickly and the time difference works well for TV schedules.”
Cook said if the NRL “wants to have a truly national competition,” then a Perth team was a must. “This is a great step to thoroughly investigate how a bid for the 18th team could work,” Cook said.
WA has not had a team in the professional league for more than two decades.
The NRL is an extension of the NSWRL.
In the 1990s, the Australian Rugby League and Super League were vying over broadcasting rights.
This lead to the NRL as we now know it and Perth-based Western Reds were cut from the league when the merged national competition was formed.
It means WA has been a virtual outcast when it comes to the national stage of rugby league.
The North Sydney Bears have already made noises about being the competition’s 18th team.
The rugby league spotlight again fell on Perth earlier this year with a successful State or Origin game at Optus Stadium, more than 59,000 fans attending.
In that game, the Blues squared the series with a 44-12 win over the Maroons.
Nearly 7000 visitors from outside WA were at the game — spending an estimated $13.3 million while in Perth.
“Two recent sell out State of Origin fixtures demonstrates that there is a strong and growing appetite for rugby league in Western Australia,” Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman said.
“A WA-based NRL team would bring long term community, tourism and economic benefits to the state and grow and grow local participation in grass root sport, particularly female participation.”
The Redcliffe Dolphins will join the NRL next year as Queenlsland’s fourth side and the 17th team overall.
There is talk of a possible 18th team in the near future, particularly as the introduction of the Dolphins will leave an odd number of teams in the NRL.
The North Sydney Bears have already made noises about being the competition’s 18th team and there is talk WA could combine with the Bears in a possible alliance.
Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman has already spoken with NRL powerbrokers about WA joining the national league.
Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman has already spoken with NRL powerbrokers about WA joining the national league.
Bears officials were in Perth for the State of Origin game.
“Although the State Government won’t be leading the bid or responsible for a potential franchise, we are confident that there will be a strong and compelling case for a WA-based team,” Mr Templeman.
“WA’s nation leading economy provides an enormous opportunity for the NRL to maximise corporate support and fan spending.”
The government’s working group, aside from Mr Tinley as chair, will comprise VenuesWest, and Treasury representatives as well as representatives from Mr Templeman’s and Mr McGowan’s office.
“There are so many West Australian rugby league fans who are looking forward to the day when they can support a WA based team,” Mr Tinley said.
“WA has strong foundations to support an NRL franchise with participation in the sport behind only NSW and Queensland, and encouragingly, nearly a quarter of all registered players are female.
“I look forward to seeing the development of a strong third-party bid and working with them in securing an NLR franchise for Western Australians.”
you're not wrong lol, thats about two coffes and and an avo smash
Funny how people read things. If the Bears were the only option they were looking at I'm not sure they'd be employing consultants to go over the best bid option to get in bed with.
I think Adelaide would be quite happy not to have an NRL team if they think that's the quality of your avg Rl fan lol. Can we stop people from Penrith leaving Sydney and sullying the good name of RL?
Then let the Roar build themselves an 18-20kstadium, I cant see anyone else needs one and they will be better off at Suncorp. I'm assuming when NRLW gets to full strength it will be the pre NRL warm up game anyway and therefore played in same stadiums?
Nope, the world cups on PENRITH IS EVERYWHERE!
Wtf does that have to do with what i said?
A 5000 stadium maybe? How many do you think attend womens soccer, union and league games??
thetigers.com.au
what makes you say that? Do you even know if there is a "Pirates' bid? Pirates as a brand is actually owned by the NRL through the NRLWA.
www.perthnow.com.au
Again its garbage... coz there isn't a club there putting their hand up to promote into being the NRL franchise... lets say its the easts tigers who say yep we will move to WA... these two WA govt and Venueswest would backem, but they aint going to run one on their own.. nor would the NRL grant them a license, on just being interested... again if the pirates were competitive and relevant as some of the other lower grade sides around the country, there is a good chance the ARLC would look into it, but they're not, so unless someone moves to Perth, these guys are mootwhat makes you say that? Do you even know if there is a "Pirates' bid? Pirates as a brand is actually owned by the NRL through the NRLWA.
Sounds to me like there are a few options and the WA Govt wants to do its due diligence about which will be the best to hitch its wagon to. Hence employing consultants to do the work.
There's nothing in what they've put out last week suggesting they are only interested in the Bears partnership, in fact it reads the opposite and they are open to looking at any bid or even being part of creating a new one.
'Preliminary work has already begun with consultants Freshwater Strategy to determine interest from potential third parties and the most appropriate bid structure, the government said on Sunday.'
"Although the state government won't be leading the bid or responsible for a potential franchise, we are confident that there will be a strong and compelling case for a WA-based team."
WA lines up to back state-based NRL team
The West Australian government has set up a cross-agency working group to find and support the development of a third-party bid for a state-based NRL team.
I dont think you understand the notion of bids lol. There is nothing to say it has to be an existing QRL or NSW cup club that can bid. Its much more likely WA Govt will host interested parties and bring together a consortia of people who will then bid with their support. If they can get Puddy, Cumins and who knows who else is sat in the wings round a table and with their commitments put together a bid that the NRL likes then that is what will happen. Or it may be there aren't such people interested in which case yes they may have to encourage a third party from over East. None of us know yet.
I know, how dumb to think that the ARLC will decide on whats best for a long term sustainable NRL WA club based on performances of an Sg Ball side ran by themselves lol.
