Australia is set to welcome a new National Rugby League (NRL) team based in Western Australia, marking a major shift in the country’s sporting landscape.
The team, which will be the first from WA to compete in the top-tier rugby league competition, is expected to make its debut in either 2027 or 2028.
The WA state government has committed A$65 million to establish and support the club over the next seven years. This investment will cover everything from infrastructure and operations to grassroots development, and it will all be spent within the state. A local Western Australian will also chair the new club.
The decision follows months of negotiations between the WA government and the Australian Rugby League Commission, driven by the goal of growing the NRL’s national footprint. Traditionally, Western Australia has been dominated by Aussie Rules football, but the introduction of a professional rugby league team is expected to bring a new energy to the local sports scene.
In addition to boosting interest in the sport, officials say the new team will deliver substantial economic benefits. Estimates suggest it could generate A$28 million per year for the state once the club begins competing. Job creation, tourism, and increased spending on local businesses are among the expected advantages.
The name, colours, and branding for the team have not yet been revealed. However, planning is already underway to build a club identity that reflects the spirit of Western Australia. The move has been welcomed by sports fans and business leaders, with many seeing it as a sign of WA’s growing influence in national sports.
This development is part of a wider strategy by the NRL to expand into new regions and attract a broader audience. The league has recently increased its global presence by staging matches in the United States and striking a high-profile partnership with the UFC to promote the sport abroad. A separate A$600 million investment is also being directed into a new team in Papua New Guinea, part of a ten-year project backed by the Australian government.
By bringing Western Australia into the NRL fold, league officials aim to tap into a fresh fan base and strengthen the sport’s popularity across the country. The addition of the new team will also bring the number of clubs in the competition to 18, paving the way for more games, rivalries, and regional representation in one of Australia’s most popular sports.