LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The Western Australian premier, Roger Cook, has indicated that plans for an immediate NRL expansion team in the state are now on hold.
Negotiations for a Perth team have been ongoing for some time, with a previous bid falling short before discussions with Cook's government began.
Talks were paused during the state election, but recently resumed only to be halted once again.
The NRL now plans to revisit discussions at a later date, prioritizing the introduction of a Papua New Guinea franchise in 2028 and the upcoming TV deal.
Cook has expressed his disappointment with the NRL's decision, stating, "It's very disappointing that the NRL has decided to effectively put the pause button on negotiations for an NRL team in WA." Despite this setback, Cook remains optimistic about the future of rugby league in Western Australia, emphasizing that the government is committed to growing the sport in the state.
He reiterated, "We remain absolutely committed to bringing an NRL team to Perth and will work with the NRL to ensure that this happens in future." This latest development casts uncertainty over the prospects of a Western Australian team in the near future, as the NRL shifts its focus towards other priorities.
The decision to pause negotiations has sparked frustration among supporters of the sport in Western Australia, who had hoped for a more immediate resolution.
As talks are put on hold, the future of rugby league expansion in the state remains uncertain, with both the NRL and the government facing challenges in reaching a final agreement.