Demands dossier revealed: NRL on the verge of striking expansion deal with the Western Bears
There were fears the NRL’s Perth expansion deal was on the brink of collapse. But Peter V’landys is confident the WA Government will make good on three key ARLC requests.
PETER BADEL
, BRENT READ
and MICHAEL CARAYANNIS
3 min read
February 12, 2025 - 3:59PM
Peter V'landys is confident of striking a deal.
Peter V'landys is confident of striking a deal.
ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys is adamant the Bears’ bid to return to the big league is not dead and has rubbished suggestions the NRL’s expansion plan to Perth is on the brink of collapse.
This masthead can reveal the West Australian government is under pressure to commit to a stadium-delivery plan that would turn HBF Park into Perth’s version of Parramatta’s CommBank Stadium.
V’landys held a fresh round of talks with WA premier Roger Cook a fortnight ago, with the state-backed bid aware of three key demands they must meet to secure an NRL licence for 2027.
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The wish list includes a $120 million commitment to join the Telstra Premiership, grassroots investment, plus a $200 million-plus upgrade of HBF Park to give the NRL a state-of-the-art, CommBank Stadium-style facility in Perth.
The NRL was originally slated to name Perth and PNG as the two new expansion teams after last year’s grand final, but four months on, the WA government-backed bid remains in limbo.
That has triggered concerns from WA’s proposed expansion partners the Bears, who are desperate to return as a premiership brand after 26 years in the NRL wilderness.
NRL fans at Perth's HBF park break into chant to support the inclusion of a Perth side as the league faces expansion
But V’landys dismissed speculation the ARLC could deliver the bullet to their west-coast expansion plan, insisting the ‘Bad News Bears’ will be back as an NRL premiership force in 2027.
“I would love to see the Bears back in the competition, absolutely,” V’landys said.
“I won’t go into exact details, but the talks with the WA government have been very positive, so I have no concerns at all.
“I have been talking to the WA premier and I am very comfortable and confident with where we are at.
“The Bears will be at the front and centre of this. I am very conscious of that.
The NRL wants Perth’s upgraded HBF Park to become another version of Parramatta’s CommBank Stadium. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images
“There’s no concerns with the Bears, I’m confident they will be a part of the new expansion team.”
Cook is bracing for a state election on Saturday, March 8 and the WA premier is tipped to win in a landslide in a scenario that would all-but rubber-stamp the Western Bears as an NRL entity.
A separate private Perth consortium headed by Cash Converters tycoon Peter Cumins tried to table an amended offer, including a beefed-up licence fee, but V’landys confirmed he has closed the door on that bid.
PNG could be expedited as the NRL’s 18th team if the WA government fails to come to the party, but V’landys says a deal with the Western Bears could be struck as early as next month.
“The talks have been nothing but positive,” he said.
Bears legend and director Billy Moore (left) says the WA-backed team will be a perfect marriage. Picture: Jane Dempster/The Australian
Bears legend and director Billy Moore (left) says the WA-backed team will be a perfect marriage. Picture: Jane Dempster/The Australian
“They (the Bears) are a passionate brand and you always want those sorts of brands associated with rugby league.
“I appreciate there is an election on (in Western Australia), but I’m confident after the election we will come to an arrangement.”
Bears director Billy Moore insists North Sydney and WA chiefs are aligned and have sufficient time to be ready for an NRL debut in 2027.
“We are very hopeful the Western Bears will not be dead,” said Queensland Origin legend Moore.
“I am very confident that after the state election in Western Australia in March, we will see the outcome all rugby league people are hoping for.
“We are in a very good position but nothing will happen until after the election.
“I know from our talks with the government they very much want a team in WA. I know rugby league wants a team from WA and they want the Bears to be part of that bid and obviously the team.
“One thing you do know in life is that anything is possible. Until the box is ticked and we get the nod, there is a possibility that something could go wrong.
“I am as confident as you can be.
“We have been out of the big league for 26 years, so there are a lot of cobwebs to clear, but I still believe we are a strong proposition that is good for the game.
“I don’t see a weakness in our bid.
“This is not a shotgun marriage, it’s a perfect fit.”
