WA confirms no deal cut on new NRL team, with league to reveal Papua New Guinean team in Sydney

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WA confirms no deal cut on new NRL team, with league to reveal Papua New Guinean team in Sydney

WA’s hopes of being the next announced team in the NRL have been put on ice, with the league set to reveal a Papua New Guinean team next week in Sydney.

Ahead of a planned announcement with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and PNG counterpart James Marape next week about the League’s 18th team, the State Government distanced itself from the planned event, casting doubt on a Perth team deal.

The WA State Government has been in negotiations with the the League over a Perth-based team for the past year, but are not close to an agreement.

A State Government spokeswoman said: ”We’re not involved or currently planning any NRL related announcements.”

Late last month, Premier Roger Cook met with league chief Peter V’landys in Sydney, with reports afterwards claiming the *********** Rugby League Commission is asked WA to commit up to $500 million to funding infrastructure to secure a licence for the Western Bears.

That figure was later rubbished by the State Government.

Camera IconPremier Roger Cook at HBF Park giving a press conference for Perth’s bid for an NRL team. Credit: Riley Churchman/The West ***********

“No numbers of that nature were discussed with the NRL,” Mr Cook told Parliament last week.

“I can understand why, in light of the great alliance our country has with Papua New Guinea and other Pacific nations, the Prime Minister would be keen to see a Papua New Guinean side.

“That does not exclude the idea of a Western *********** side at some point in the future as well.”

The PNG bid, propped up by $600 million of *********** government assistance, has appeared likely for months following two years of productive talks between the nations’ hierarchies and the *********** Rugby League Commission.

Both Mr Marape — who is visiting Australia next week — and Mr Albanese — due to arrive in Perth on Friday — are expected to be in attendance at a historic announcement in Sydney, where further details will be confirmed.

The NRL is understood to have briefed its 17 existing clubs of the PNG situation this week, telling representatives there were still some hurdles to be worked through.

“The *********** Government, the PNG Government and the NRL are aligned on the fundamentals of an agreement. We are very optimistic that we will be in a position to sign an agreement shortly,” a spokesperson for Pat Conroy, Minister for International Development and the Pacific, said

“Australia and PNG share a unique historical bond and a love of rugby league. A PNG NRL team will tie us closer together. It will advance Australia’s national interest in contributing to a safe, stable and prosperous Pacific region.”

Assisting in PNG’s entry into the NRL is seen as a way to strengthen ties in the crucial Pacific region, but Marape said in October the proposed entry went beyond security.

“For PNG and Australia, we have deeper sentimental values,” he told the ABC at the time.

“Both nations love rugby league, both nations have a strong affinity.”

The PNG team’s entry had initially been slated for 2028, but the timing is likely to rely on the NRL’s ongoing plans to expand into Western Australia.

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