Perth will host its first ever Rugby League international in 2016 – a clash between Australia and New Zealand on October 15.
The nib Stadium Test match will be staged prior to the 2016 Four Nations Tournament in the UK and will be an important lead-in match for both teams.
In a significant year for Rugby League in Perth, the city will also host two NRL matches – the Round 13 match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Gold Coast Titans and the Round 19 match between the Manly Sea Eagles and the New Zealand Warriors.
NRL Head of Football Todd Greenberg said Perth was a fitting venue for the October Test for a number of reasons.
“We have seen some wonderful crowds in Perth in recent seasons and the city will again host two of our Premiership matches in 2016,” Mr Greenberg said.
“So it stands to reason that Perth should also host the best that international rugby league can offer.
“It is clear that Perth has embraced our club games in recent years and we will see another two important premiership matches in the city this year.
“The support that the game has received is a key reason we have decided to stage a Test match in Perth.”
Sports Minister Mia Davies said the rivalry between the Australian and New Zealand teams is at an all-time high.
“West Australians have proven they have a strong appetite for Rugby League and the recent $95 million refurbishment of nib Stadium has delivered a venue that provides a world-class sporting experience and enhances Perth’s reputation as a destination of choice for sporting excellence,” Minister Davies said.
“The previous two NRL premiership fixtures played at nib Stadium between the Sydney Rabbitohs and the New Zealand Warriors saw sell-out crowds with the 2014 match breaking nib Stadium’s attendance record for a sporting event.”
Chuznut
Guest
If the Western Force supporter base is anything to go by, a lot of the WA-based Kiwi's will probably have a bit of a soft spot for a Perth team, but the Warriors will still be their main team.
Nobbler
Guest
Are you kidding? A home grown Perth team would be full of players with kiwi heritage. -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
Marco
Guest
This is mainly catering for NZ fans. Kiwis wont support a home grown Perth team. There real passion is rugby union and maybe a bit league on the side. The Nrl needs to trial games not involving souths or new zealand to test the support.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
The only way to purchase a Test match ticket is if you also buy a Manly v Warriors ticket. It ensures that both games will be sell-outs. Although with capacity at 20,500 and the Manly v Warriors game getting close to that anyway in 2012 (20,095), I think it was always going to happen for these 2 games.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
My only worry is the Rabbitohs versus Titans game. I understand that Souths has previously drawn huge crowds at nib Stadium however, the vast majority of those came against the Warriors. I don't doubt for a second there is an appetite for rugby league in Perth and a strong Rabbitohs supporter base but I can't see the Titans being the draw crowd they need and hence, it may see them draw between 12 and 14,000 which is not a bad crowd at all. Sea Eagles-Warriors will more than likely be a sellout and the Anzac Test is all but guaranteed to host a capacity crowd. Fingers crossed that the West can warrant an NRL team and we have a franchise in Perth by the time 2022 rolls around.
Ratings Bump
Guest
Weekend ratings for RL could jump in Perth metro from 4k to 8k for the event. Calls for a Sydney club to relocate there shortly follow.
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Well, looks like they're serious about testing how deep the appetite runs in Perth! I'm cautiously optimistic we can get great turnouts to all three games.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
Yes, Nine Network will be showing mid-season and end of season Anzac Tests as well as Four Nations.
The real SC
Roar Rookie
I was thinking that this will be shown live on Channel 9. Am I correct?
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Tickets on sale Feb 4.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Interesting to see that the NRL and Manly have joined forces for this event putting on a 2 Game Pack. So you get the Manly v Warriors game on July 16 and the Test match on October 15. This is the only way to purchase a ticket to the Test. So I guess they are assuming that Kiwis residing in Perth would be keen on both. And assures big numbers for both games. They got over 20,000 when Manly played the Warriors in Perth in 2012. So they should easily get capacity at NIB.
Chuznut
Guest
They had a trial game in Perth back in 2012 between St George and North Qld. They got nearly 9000 which I thought was pretty good considering it was only a trial match. Plus that was before they built the new grandstand, so I'm not sure what the maximum capacity at NIB was back then.
Chuznut
Guest
This is great news for Perth. I've been waiting a long time for them to get a team in the NRL, so obviously this has to be a good indicator that they're considering Perth when they eventually expand. Although NIB Stadium is a much better venue for watching League, I would've thought that they'd have this at Domain Stadium so that they could potentially get more people through the gates. Anyone have any idea when tickets are supposed to go on sale?
Renegade
Roar Guru
Well done to the ARLC... great move taking this test to Perth. They should also be allocated some world cup games in 2017. I think its a fair indicator that the pirates are coming in 2018.
Squirrel
Guest
You have to be joking
Greg trilby
Guest
Will be good indication for support in wa, but steps backward for world rl when the 2 top teams play in 20 thousand stadium while SOO sells out 80 thousand plus ones
Marco
Guest
Having two NRL club games in Perth instead of last years one game is a good move. Not sure about the test though. Wouldnt Brisbane be a better option? There has been a few good crowds but a souths vs new zealand game was always going to be popular. Souths have a big supporter base and Perth has many kiwis. They should trial a game between maybe penrith and newcastle just to get an idea of interest in an everyday club game. This year will give the NRL a good inidication of any real support of the game in WA. They will also have a close eye on tv ratings.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
Its a huge boost for rugby league in Western Australia, hopefully it leads to an NRL franchise in Perth. Its a shame that the mid-season test will be in Newcastle instead of New Zealand though.