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West Australia needs an NRL team by 2013

billiris new author
Roar Rookie
23rd February, 2010
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billiris new author
Roar Rookie
23rd February, 2010
48
4983 Reads

After hearing of the crowd figure in Perth for last weekend’s trial match (around 9,000), I decided to express my opinion about the topic which is constantly debated amongst all Rugby League supporters: expansion.

This figure, along with 16,000 for a regular season game last year, reinforces the need for an expansion licence to be granted to Western Australia for admission into the NRL in 2013.

The other main bids – Central Queensland, Central Coast (NSW) and a second team in New Zealand – are all viable options. However, they do not solve the problem which has been plaguing the game since the Super League war: the money generated from the television deal.

There is no doubt that the price for the rights to the NRL competition will increase substantially should a team in Perth be granted a licence.

Furthermore, apart from the obvious financial benefits for the game, the current situation in Western Austraian Rugby League is solid. A Western Australian side, comprised of only local playing talent, participates in the NSWRL Jim Beam Cup competition. And this year, a Western Australian SG Ball side, again made up of local juniors, has been entered into the NSWRL u18’s competition.

Apart from the obvious fan support and playing talent, the Members Equity Stadium is a perfect base for the side.

Perth has the infrastructure and fan support for an NRL side; increasing revenue, most notably through the TV deal, should be the main priority for David Gallop and the NRL and the expansion of the game into the West would certainly appeal to broadcasters.

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