A Perth-based NRL clhb will need to generate significantly more revenue than a mid-sized club because it will have to invest heavily on juniors.
In 2019, the last full rugby league calendar year before COVID-19 interrupted the development programs, the Panthers spent $17.06 million on its football programs, from the Harold Matthews right through to the NRL.
For players from the club’s Harold Matthews, SG Ball, Jersey Flegg, NSW Cup, Tarsha Gale, NRL and development squads, the Panthers spent a combined:
- $12.5 million on wages
- $1.1 million on medical costs and health fund premiums
- $450,000 on clothing
- $236,000 on travel costs
- $260,000 on housing allowances
- $220,000 on meals and entertainment
- $180,000 on tertiary education allowances
The Panthers lost $50 million over a decade trying to sustain the club’s rugby league program. However, in recent years, as home-grown talents such as Nathan Cleary, Jarome Luai and Stephen Crichton have come through the grades, the tide has turned.
amp.smh.com.au
A Perth-based club will spend far more on travel and accommodation for its junior teams. You're probably looking at a couple of million flying U16s, U18s, U20s and NSW Cup players to and from Sydney.
The NRLWA doesn't have the same callibre of juniors within its junior leagues as the likes of Auckland, Penrith and Brisbane.
If a Perth-based team operates on a similar budget to the Wests Tigers then it will be anchored to the bottom of the table.