I don't care if the next team is in Perth or Alice Springs or wherever, but if there are 12 bids, why isn't the NRL simply evaluating the other 11 but is instead now talking to the WA govt and the Bears who were part of a bidding team that was rejected? Especially given all the positive things you noted above. Surely one of those 11 have stumped up a $20m fee or something close to that for the NRL to accept.
While alot on here want to make fun of Cumins, and in some instances it's well deserved, I can't see how the WA govt and the Bears did not also give some sort of sign off on the tender bid given that all parties have to work together to make the team a success. Only way is if Cumins went full rogue and didn't share anything with the other 2 parties, but would be too far fetched and not a good way to start a working relationship.
There are alot of unknowns in this expansion from both sides and not simply Cumins putting zero dollars so all his fault as some are suggesting.