After years of speculation and a fair bit of hope, it’s finally happening — the NRL is officially returning to Perth.
Premier Roger Cook broke the exciting news via Instagram, confirming the state government and the NRL have struck a landmark agreement that will see a Perth-based team enter the competition by the 2027 or 2028 season.
“We’ve reached an agreement with the Australian Rugby League Commission to establish a new WA-based NRL club,” said Premier Cook. “Not only will this be welcome news for sports fans, it’ll also be great for our economy and local jobs.”
The Deal To Bring The NRL To Perth
The new agreement between the WA government and the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) includes a significant $60 million investment directly into the new team, plus an additional $5 million earmarked for match-day marketing and promotional activities.
Why Perth, and Why Now?
The return of NRL to Perth didn’t just happen overnight.
Over recent years, Perth has successfully hosted major rugby league events, including sold-out State of Origin matches and NRL doubleheaders, proving there’s a passionate and growing appetite for rugby league in Perth.
With the NRL targeting an ambitious expansion to 20 teams by 2030 — including talk of potential franchises in New Zealand and Papua New Guinea — Perth wasn’t merely an attractive choice; it was a necessity. This move helps to build out the league’s national footprint, it revives a legacy club while tapping into a ready-and-waiting fanbase hungry for their own local club.
WA’s Time to Shine
Introducing a new sports franchise isn’t just about sport. It’s also a play for the economy, local identity, and community pride.
As Premier Cook highlighted, this isn’t just exciting for league fans — it’s a significant economic boost, bringing increased tourism and job opportunities. Fans from the east coast will now have another compelling reason to head west, filling Perth pubs, hotels, and local businesses on game weekends.
Importantly, every dollar invested by the WA government will be spent right here in WA, directly fuelling local businesses and ensuring the successful and sustainable launch of the team.
But beyond economics, this is also welcome news for grassroots rugby league. Although junior league participation might not match AFL numbers, the return of an NRL team offers aspiring young athletes a clear pathway to the highest levels of the sport, energising local clubs and community leagues throughout WA.
What Comes Next?
The countdown to 2027 (or 2028) begins now. Expect a flurry of announcements in the coming months covering the team’s name, logo, jersey designs, merchandise, player signings, and community activation events aimed at growing Perth’s passionate rugby league supporter base.
As for the home ground, while regular season fixtures at Optus Stadium may be optimistic, HBF Park seems perfectly poised to become the heart and home of Perth’s newest sports franchise. Specific details will no doubt be confirmed soon, so stay tuned.
Perth NRL Team Memberships
Those looking to get their hands on the first Perth NRL team memberships might have to wait a little bit longer. No date has been announced yet regarding when the membership waitlist will become available or how much it will cost.
