WA Premier Labels NRL Expansion Talks as ‘Funny Business’ and Advocates for Privacy

Questions linger regarding the future of the NRL’s 19th team, as discussions between the West Australian government and the NRL have been paused in light of the state election scheduled for March 8.

The Premier of Western Australia, Roger Cook, is tipped to secure victory in the impending election and has been proactive in garnering public support.

In a recent radio interview with Triple M, Cook provided insight into the status of negotiations.

Efforts to establish a football club in Perth faced a setback after ARL Chairman Peter V’landys turned down an offer from a private consortium seeking to acquire the licence last October.

This consortium was led by Peter Cumins, the executive chairman of Cash Converters.

V’landys has been vocal about the necessity for financial backing from the state government to support the team’s establishment and ongoing viability, mirroring the arrangements made for the Papua New Guinea deal.

Reports indicate that the NRL is seeking a $120 million investment from the Cook government, alongside a $200 million redevelopment of HBF Stadium in Perth to transform it into a 27,000-seat facility.

In reference to V’landys, Cook remarked, “He’s a tough customer. If only he could keep quiet for a bit — you call him up to check in, and before you know it, there’s a headline in the Daily Telegraph saying, ‘The Premier inquires about my well-being’.”

“The NRL can be a tricky group to negotiate with,” he added.

Cook emphasised that further discussions were essential before finalising any agreements, stressing the importance of having an NRL team in the state and expressing openness to the Bears branding for the new club.

“Western Australia is the one state that can truly add the ‘N’ in NRL; without a team here, it’s not a national competition. However, we’re not expecting this to happen this year, nor next, or even the year after; it’s a long-term vision,” Cook stated.

“We’re receptive to that concept, which would provide us with a player base, membership, and resources, setting a solid foundation for success.”

He also addressed concerns surrounding discussing the matter during the election campaign: “People seem to be getting a bit worked up about this, questioning why we are talking about it now. We’re simply engaging in conversations with the NRL; whether those discussions lead to anything in the future remains uncertain.”

Wide World of Sports has reached out to the NRL for their input.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo spoke last week, indicating that league officials plan to resume talks with the WA government following the election.

“After the election concludes, we will reconnect with the government and aim to propose a business case to the (ARL) Commission to ensure clarity for the coming years,” Abdo stated to AAP.

“Nothing is set in stone yet, and we must continue to develop this further. We want to take the time needed; this is a matter of significant importance that will impact the future for decades. We want to be thorough in our analysis.”