Australian Rugby League Commission chair Peter V’landys has voiced concern regarding multiple expansion bids, including the Western Bears, intent on joining the National Rugby League from 2027.
Australian Rugby League Commission chair Peter V’landys has voiced concern regarding multiple expansion bids, including the Western Bears, intent on joining the National Rugby League from 2027.
Speaking on Triple M Sydney prior to Sunday's NRL grand final at Accor Stadium between the Penrith Panthers and Melbourne Storm, Mr V’landys – who conducted the interview alongside NRL CEO Andrew Abdo – said expansion bids “except for the PNG bid” had further work to do.
“Look, we’ve run into a bit of a hiccup at the moment in relation to the bids weren’t as good as we’d hoped they’d be,” Mr V’landys said.
“Except for the Papua New Guinea bid – that was exactly like we expected, but the others weren’t.
“So, this has probably slowed us up a little bit. We will certainly be looking nevertheless, in trying to expand in the next few years, because we need to have our content right when we go to the broadcasters to get the maximum broadcast deal.”
When prompted further regarding the nature of desired improvement for the bids, the ARLC chair said it came down to greater financial investment.
“Oh look, I think it is the financial aspects of the bid which haven’t been sufficient,” Mr V’landys said.
“They need to invest more – this is probably the best way to summarise it and they haven’t invested enough.
“I think they’ve taken it for granted that they’d get a licence. I’ve said from day one, it has got to be a strong business case in order for us to expand.
“We need to get our members, which the other clubs are, engaged in the process. And we’re not going to go to those clubs unless there is a solid business case to show that expansion is going to return substantial new monies to the game – and more importantly, substantial new fans.
“And unfortunately, the bids have not done that.”
These sentiments were also echoed by Mr Abdo moments later.
The Bears, chaired by Peter Cumins, submitted their bid to become the NRL’s 18th franchise on August 14, which received a ringing endorsement from ARLC commissioner Peter Beattie.
WA premier Roger Cook, along with Willagee MLA Peter Tinley, have also passionately advocated for the Bears' bid.
In a written letter to Western Australia’s rugby league community on July 2, Mr Cumins said the Bears would need to raise $30 million in order to ensure the bid was fully capitalised.
A month later at the 2024 Ken Allen Medal, Mr Cumins said the bid team had raised the targeted amount and would work in collaboration with the state government in order to move to a purpose-built centre of excellence.
WA has not featured in a first grade rugby league national competition since 1997 when the Perth Reds folded following their stint in the Super League.
Mr Cook said the NRL was aware of the broadcast and market upside the Bears could bring to an expanded competition.
“They know WA is a clear market for the NRL,” he told Business News.
“We offer significant broadcasting opportunities that are unmatched by the other bids and a Perth team would be ready to go for the 2027 season.”
Mr Cook told Business News that while the state government wasn’t involved in the Western Bears consortium’s private bid, it did play a supporting role and was keen to work with the NRL across a variety of areas.
“(We) have expressed our willingness to work with the NRL on things like delivering top-tier grounds and high-performance facilities, an expansion of our successful nation-leading player development program in schools, and support to deliver pre-season fixtures in regional WA to help build a brand and get the community behind the club."
