Master coach Wayne Bennett has urged disillusioned Perth rugby league fans not to lose hope of having their own team, saying a franchise in the West would add huge value to the NRL.
South Sydney coach Bennett is in Perth this week ahead of Saturday's double header at Optus Stadium, where the Rabbitohs take on North Queensland and Cronulla tackle Manly.
But with negotiations over a proposed Perth Bears NRL franchise in WA reaching its lowest ebb last week, the double header comes at a bad time.
Some Perth-based rugby league fans are considering either boycotting the double header altogether or making some sort of statement if they attend.
Bennett has been one of the biggest proponents for a Perth team to enter as the 18th team in 2027, before Papua New Guinea's arrival the next year.
And he had a simple message for Perth fans on Friday.
"Don't give up," said Bennett. "I came here in the 90s for the first time, when the Western Reds were here.
"I can't believe the growth of the game here and the interest in the game, and how many people you recognise you now, compared to when I arrived in about 1997.
"Perth's ready for it, I know they want it. So I just hope they get a deal done. I'm sure they will."
Bennett's optimism contrasts to where negotiations currently sit between the Australian Rugby League and the WA State government.
The WA government is willing to pump $35 million into grass roots rugby league as part of a proposed deal, but it falls well short of the reported $120m asking price from the NRL.
WA Premier Roger Cook is also unwilling to spend $200m to upgrade HBF Park, believing the venue is already up to scratch to host a permanent NRL team.
The parties are expected to meet again in a last-ditch attempt to save the Perth Bears concept, but things aren't looking good.
Bennett has been a huge advocate for expansion into Perth and he hopes a deal can be struck so a team could be based in the West in time for 2027.
"I'm very optimistic that they'll have a team here and it will be great for the game," Bennett said.
"It's a great place, a great sporting state. I don't think we'd come if we didn't think it was value long term.
"So I'm sure the NRL is prepared to back their decisions. They backed the Dolphins three years ago and a lot of people didn't think that should have happened, but that's been a great success story.
"So I'm sure Perth will be the same - Papua New Guinea is coming as well."
