The NRL will reignite expansion talks with the Western Australian government following next month’s state election, as league boss Andrew Abdo remains confident the competition can expand to 20 teams.
Initially expected to be announced last year, the Western Bears bid has been in a state of flux since the NRL knocked back the business consortium behind the initial proposal.
In the time since, Papua New Guinea’s entrance has been confirmed for 2028 with the NRL leaving the door ajar for another side to enter in 2027.
Talks with the WA government to salvage the Perth project have also remained ongoing after the NRL rejected the consortium’s $20 million licence fee.
AAP reports the talks have been largely productive, with a $120 million backing to join the NRL along with further stadium and grassroots support.
Any further discussions will wait until after the March 8 state election, with the Labor Party expected to retain government given it holds 53 of the 59 seats.
“Once that election is finished we will re-engage with the government and hopefully put a business case to the (ARL) Commission which will provide certainty for the next couple of years,” NRL CEO Abdo told AAP.
“Nothing has been finalised and we need to work on it.
“It won’t be rushed, it would be something the commission needs to be very, very clear on. We are doing that work.
“These decisions are really important because they fall decades into the future. We want to make sure we have all the analysis done.”
The NRL had appeared almost certain to be headed towards a 20-team competition with three new sides by 2032 when they called for bids last year.
However, after initially indicating that a master plan could be completed shortly after last October’s grand final, the slow progress since then has raised questions about its likelihood.
A move to 20 teams would allow the NRL to alter season length and structure, potentially adding conferences, playing less rounds and allowing for more representative football.
“The motivation, vision and opportunity has been consistent. Certainly there is positive momentum for that,” Abdo said.
“But the actual decision making about what that looks like and what the financial and football eco-system looks like, we are making good progress.
“We are moving closer towards the certainty our stakeholders are seeking. We are adding pieces to the puzzle as we go.
“It was never a fait accompli. But I am optimistic because the game is growing and we have unbelievable athletes.
“And as we saw with the expansion of the Dolphins and the women’s game, you create opportunities for more talent and players to come through our pathways.”
Abdo’s comments come as a Mana Pasifika bid, based out of Eden Park in Auckland and representing the people of Samoa, Tonga, the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau became the latest to throw its hat into the ring as 20th team last week.
After PNG’s inclusion, Abdo said the door was not shut on another side representing the Pacific.
“Nothing has been ruled out for team 19 or team 20,” he said.
“We are the biggest sport in the Pacific and we want rugby league to be the language that binds us all together.
“The opportunity to have another team long-term in New Zealand or the Pacific, we would be crazy not to look at that.”
AAP
