ANALYSIS: The long and winding road for a Perth-based rugby league franchise returning to the top flight might have finally led to the NRL's door.
ANALYSIS: Since the end of 1997 when the Perth Reds last graced the hallowed turf of the WACA ground, a piece of my heart, figuratively, has been missing.
As a nine-year-old living on the Gold Coast at the time, I didn’t understand the complexities of the ARL-Super League war.
I didn’t know about the Reds being required to pay for opposing sides’ flights and accommodation to Perth for first and reserve grade games, which led to a massive debt.
All I knew was I wouldn’t get to see my side play each week again.
In the space of two years, two of my favourite sporting teams – the Reds and Brisbane Bears – ceased to exist in their own right.
Over the past 27-odd years, it’s been a rollercoaster, with my adopted support of the Brisbane Broncos somewhat filling the void.
Countless times, just as it has appeared as though a proposed Perth franchise, either outright or a marriage of sorts, would be returning to the National Rugby League, something would go awry.
However, on Thursday, this hiatus may nearly be nearly over, following extensive reports across multiple east coast-based media outlets claiming that the Australian Rugby League Commission has in-principle endorsed a Perth-based franchise to join the NRL from 2027, subject to backing from the NRL clubs in coming days.
It would mean the "National" Rugby League would finally include a team west of Melbourne for the first time since the demise of the Adelaide Rams at the end of 1998.
The reports allege the ARLC support was achieved following an increased financial offer from the WA Labor state government.
It is presently unclear whether the state government’s financial contribution has increased, or whether the publicly tabled amount in the east coast media reports is accurate.
A few hours following these reports gaining traction nationwide, premier Roger Cook addressed the media in Forrestfield and said negotiations were still ongoing.
“I know that there are more reports in the east coast media sports pages in regards to the conversations that are taking place between my government and the NRL – we continue to have those negotiations,” Mr Cook said.
“We haven't had a formal response from the NRL.
“I assume they have a range of processes they need to go through to consider anything in relation to these conversations.
“I will say that conversations are positive, and we continue to look forward to those. Those discussions continue.”
Also in attendance was prime minister Anthony Albanese, who offered a succinct view on the matter.
“Look, we haven't been asked {about providing federal funding towards a Perth-based franchise} but let me just say this: The National Rugby League isn't national unless it has a team from Perth,” he said.
Later on Thursday, a state government spokesperson provided added context regarding the recent negotiations.
“Over the past few weeks, the state has engaged in further negotiations with the Australian Rugby League Commission about establishing an NRL club in Western Australia," they said.
“While we have taken a strong negotiating position, these discussions have been positive and respectful.
“As part of these negotiations, we put a revised and final position to the ARLC.
“Should approval be provided by the ARLC, the state will be transparent about the terms of any agreement reached.
“Should we not reach agreement, this will be a massive lost opportunity.
“The guiding principles for the state in these negotiations have been that any financial assistance provided to the club be spent in Western Australia; that the club not be charged a license fee for participating in the NRL; and that the deal represent a positive return for WA taxpayers in terms of economic benefits.”
From a business standpoint, WA looms as an intriguing business variable for the NRL long-term, given the upcoming TV rights agreement, coupled by an ever-increasing expat population.
And of course, let’s not forget the North Sydney Bears, who are a key part of this proposed franchise.
Norths, a proud foundation club, stopped competing at first grade level in their own right at the end of the 1999 season.
A brief joint venture with the Manly Sea Eagles – dubbed the Northern Eagles – fell by the wayside after a few seasons, with Norths supporters left to cheer their boys on in NSW Cup and also junior representative competitions such as SG Ball and Harold Matthews.
Their heritage and support on the eastern seaboard would be a massive bonus for the club’s attendances and TV viewership figures, particularly in Sydney.
As the dust settles and clarity becomes clearer from both the ARLC and state government, diehards and key business stakeholders in the west will wait patiently with bated breath until official confirmation is provided.
After all, what’s a couple more days or weeks added to a journey which has been ongoing since the end of 1997?
