The NRL has ruled out any expansion until the end of the next broadcast deal in 2022 but Donato said a side should be based in Perth, possibly an existing club relocated in WA.
"I've got no doubt Perth could have a side." Donato said.
"The fact that the NRL is talking about having more content here demonstrates that Perth are on their radar for expansion.
"It's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when. I hope it might be sooner than everybody might think.
"Ultimately it's a decision for the NRL not the Rabbitohs but we would certainly support Perth having its own team.
"Whether it's a relocated side or a new home grown side I can't say but I know, having had discussions with the NRL, that they are certainly looking at having more content here."
An historic State of Origin will be played at the new Burswood stadium in 2019 and Australia played New Zealand at nib Stadium last year.
A rugby league world cup double-header with England taking on France and Wales playing Ireland will be staged at nib Stadium in November.
The door could open wide for the NRL if the Western Force are axed from Super Rugby next year.
NRLWA general manager John Sackson said he expected the NRL to be closely watching the drama between the ARU and its two possible victims the Force and Melbourne Rebels.
"I'd be very surprised if the powerbrokers at NRL headquarters are not watching this situation unfold very, very closely," Sackson said.
"Ultimately it is up to the Rugby League Commission and their appetite to take advantage of any potential change in landscape in Perth but there is plenty of room here for an NRL franchise
"If the Force were to depart the market place, and I am sympathetic to what the club and their players are going through, at the end of the day it creates opportunity for rugby league.
"We have drawn the commission attention to it, it's a hot topic nationally. It's hard for anyone not to know what's happening in rugby union."
https://thewest.com.au/sport/rugby-...rn-to-home-away-from-home-in-wa-ng-b88462583z
