The Perth bid team is working hard to secure a spot as the NRL’s next team, aiming to be ready to enter the competition by 2027. They are in talks with the North Sydney Bears about a potential partnership and are seeking support from Nick Politis, the chairman of the Roosters.
Peter Cumins, the bid boss and executive chairman of Cash Converters, is set to meet with the Bears in Sydney to discuss a possible alliance, even though the consortium prefers to keep the team exclusively Western Australian. The outcome of this meeting could be crucial to the NRL’s expansion plans, which are moving towards a 20-team competition by 2027.
Cumins expressed confidence in the Perth bid’s ability to launch in 2027, citing strong financial backing and support from investors. He also mentioned the possibility of aligning the new Perth franchise with the North Sydney Bears, although the consortium’s preference is for a standalone West Australian team.
In addition to the Bears, the Newtown Jets have also explored a partnership with the Perth bid. The NRL is evaluating the readiness of both the Perth bid and the high-profile Papua New Guinea push to enter the competition.
NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo emphasized the importance of on-field competitiveness in determining expansion plans, highlighting the need for investment in infrastructure, talent development, and recruitment of top football staff. With these criteria in mind, the NRL will make a decision on the addition of a new team to the competition.
Overall, the Perth bid team is optimistic about their chances of joining the NRL in 2027 and is working diligently to secure the necessary support and resources for a successful entry into the league. With talks ongoing with potential partners and stakeholders, the consortium remains focused on achieving their goal of bringing NRL football to Western Australia.