The Western Australian government is making a significant play to secure Perth's position in the National Rugby League, with the Cook Government announcing a $1.3 million investment in temporary training facilities for the proposed Perth Bears team.
This strategic funding injection will create a dedicated training space at the WA Athletics Stadium in Floreat, specifically designed to support the Bears through their anticipated debut season in 2025.
Strategic Investment in WA's Sporting Future
Premier Roger Cook emphasised that this commitment demonstrates the state's serious intentions toward securing an NRL franchise. "This is about ensuring Western Australia has the infrastructure ready to support a top-tier rugby league team from day one," the Premier stated.
The temporary facility represents a crucial stepping stone while long-term training base options are being evaluated. This approach allows the team to hit the ground running while permanent solutions are developed.
What the Funding Will Deliver
The $1.3 million investment will cover:
- Construction of temporary change rooms and recovery facilities
- High-performance training areas meeting NRL standards
- Administrative spaces for team management and operations
- Player welfare amenities to support athlete development
Building Momentum for Perth's NRL Bid
This announcement comes as the Perth Bears consortium continues discussions with the NRL about joining the competition. The government's financial backing sends a strong signal to league administrators about Western Australia's readiness to support an NRL team.
Sports Minister David Templeman highlighted the broader benefits, noting that "securing an NRL team would create jobs, boost tourism, and provide another elite sporting pathway for our young athletes."
The investment also positions Western Australia to capitalise on the growing popularity of rugby league in the state, which has seen increased participation rates and broadcast viewership in recent years.
With this funding now confirmed, the path appears clearer for Perth's return to top-level rugby league after more than two decades since the Western Reds last competed in the national competition.
