With the Western Bears on the cusp of potentially joining an expanded National Rugby League competition from 2027, Western Australia's state governing body has received some timely news.
With the Western Bears on the cusp of potentially joining an expanded National Rugby League competition from 2027, Western Australia's state governing body has received some timely news.
Last Thursday, the South Sydney Rabbitohs – a foundation rugby league club – confirmed it had signed a two-year deal with the state government, to bring home games to Perth in 2025 and 2026.
Next year’s visit will be Souths’ 12th home game in Perth – a feat not lost on NRL WA chief executive officer John Sackson.
“Their (Souths) relationship with us has certainly been instrumental in growing the code in the west,” he told Business News.
“The Rabbitohs were astute in identifying the potential of the developing rugby league market in WA when they first started bringing ‘home’ games here.
“They provided us with a close link to the elite segment of the sport and provided local fans and stakeholders with rare access to their star power and the attraction, excitement and entertainment of the NRL premiership competition – the world’s best showcase of the sport.”
Over the years, rugby league diehards have attended games at HBF Park or Optus Stadium, rain or shine, in order to show their support for the game to flourish long-term. Perth has not been represented on a weekly first grade basis since 1997, when the now-defunct Perth Reds played Super League matches at the WACA ground.
While some people may see a match being held as the key facet of an NRL club’s visit to WA, Mr Sackson outlined the benefits a trip of this nature can have at grassroots level.
“Having access to such players and coaches can help educate and inspire young Western Australian boys and girls and perhaps awaken and strengthen their desire to continue their engagement with the sport,” he said.
“It also gives us the opportunity to increase the code’s ‘share of voice’ through local media channels and also to bring our sponsors and partners closer to a higher level of the game that they have invested in locally.”
Mr Sackson, who has overseen rugby league in WA over the past 14 years, also praised the state government’s support and advocacy of growing the code.
“The WA government, especially in recent years under premier Roger Cook’s leadership, has been invaluable to the growth and development of our code in a very competitive sporting landscape,” he told Business News.
“Their support though DLGSC business development grants and guidance, acquiring elite events such as State of Origin games, internationals and NRL double headers – and the vital role played by Venues West as promoters/venue & event managers – has provided NRL WA the opportunity to harness such helpful resources to accelerate growth at the community and grassroots levels of the game.”
