NRL recognise potential of WA to an expanded NRL:

"West Australian rugby league is a growth market for the game and we'll continue to invest in it," Mattiske said.
"Saturday's game was a strong sign that we need to continue the focus in terms of television coverage and bringing major rugby league events to Perth.
"Perth is certainly in the frame for major events."
The ARLC expects to announce a new television deal within months that could lead to a further two teams in the 2015 competition.
"The ARL Commission is working through a five-year strategic plan aligned to the broadcast negotiations. At the conclusion we will be able to make an indication in terms of the games expansion," Mattiske said.
"We've been in meetings with the WA Rugby League and clearly communicating that the WA market is important and we are continuing to focus on that.
"They need to allow our planning and negotiations to progress."

WARL chairman Richard Campbell said Saturday's match had been a great advertisement for the game and was pleased with the discussions with Mattiske.
"The turnout demonstrated the support for rugby league in WA," Campbell said.
"The commission is confident that WA rugby league is strong and happy with the structure that we have in place.

au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sport/ ... es-of-age/

NRL recognise potential of WA to an expanded NRL:

"West Australian rugby league is a growth market for the game and we'll continue to invest in it," Mattiske said.
"Saturday's game was a strong sign that we need to continue the focus in terms of television coverage and bringing major rugby league events to Perth.
"Perth is certainly in the frame for major events."
The ARLC expects to announce a new television deal within months that could lead to a further two teams in the 2015 competition.
"The ARL Commission is working through a five-year strategic plan aligned to the broadcast negotiations. At the conclusion we will be able to make an indication in terms of the games expansion," Mattiske said.
"We've been in meetings with the WA Rugby League and clearly communicating that the WA market is important and we are continuing to focus on that.
"They need to allow our planning and negotiations to progress."

WARL chairman Richard Campbell said Saturday's match had been a great advertisement for the game and was pleased with the discussions with Mattiske.
"The turnout demonstrated the support for rugby league in WA," Campbell said.
"The commission is confident that WA rugby league is strong and happy with the structure that we have in place.

au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sport/ ... es-of-age/

Closing in on 3,500 supporters. We welcome fans of the game from all over the world to join our Pirates Crew. You can become a supporter for free or pay a small membership fee and receive a great Pirates membership pack with cap, RL ball and Bumper sticker.


westcoastpirates.com.au

Closing in on 3,500 supporters. We welcome fans of the game from all over the world to join our Pirates Crew. You can become a supporter for free or pay a small membership fee and receive a great Pirates membership pack with cap, RL ball and Bumper sticker.


westcoastpirates.com.au

FAns vote for Perth!

19 Where should the next NRL
expansion team be located?
Perth 34%
Brisbane 8%
Central Coast 33%
New Zealand 3%
Central Queensland 9%
South East Queensland 4%
Port Moresby 6%
Other 2%

resources.news.com.au/files/2012 ... esults.pdf

FAns vote for Perth!

19 Where should the next NRL
expansion team be located?
Perth 34%
Brisbane 8%
Central Coast 33%
New Zealand 3%
Central Queensland 9%
South East Queensland 4%
Port Moresby 6%
Other 2%

resources.news.com.au/files/2012 ... esults.pdf

Pirates continue fight for a team

WA rugby league fans could receive a consolation prize after doubts were cast over NRL expansion this week, with more home-and-away fixtures and a Test match on the cards for Perth over the next few years.

WARL chief executive John Sackson said the local body remained hopeful its West Coast Pirates bid would be part of NRL expansion plans sooner rather than later, despite grim news from the east following the announcement of the league's new broadcast deal.

Nine Network head David Gyngell this week questioned the value of having the extra game created by expansion for either the broadcasters or the competition.

But Sackson revealed a potential short-term boost for the code in WA, with the Australian Rugby League Commission considering bringing up to three NRL home-and-away games to Perth next year.

South Sydney have a year to run on their deal to bring games to WA and the Kangaroos could also make an appearance, with Perth being considered for Test matches.

"They've identified WA as a key priority market for development," Sackson said. "We've been told that and that's been clearly conveyed to us by the commission.

"I think the fact that they're now looking at three games here next year is a reflection of that."

Sackson said the WARL would work on its NRL bid until told expansion was completely off the table.

"We really believe in what we we're doing and we've got a strategic vision for the game long-term," Sackson said.

"Part and parcel of that is the strengthening of the game at the grassroots level and part of that strategic vision is one day having an NRL franchise.

"Whether that be achieved in five years or whenever, we know it's inevitable that a team will come back to this town. We genuinely believe that and it just makes sense.

"If someone came out and said we have to wait five years, sure, we'd be somewhat disappointed that it wasn't a little sooner. But it wouldn't dilute our resolve.

"Any delays in getting that opportunity would be put to good use in strengthening the grass roots, government support, corporate support and community engagement."



au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sport/ ... or-a-team/

Pirates continue fight for a team

WA rugby league fans could receive a consolation prize after doubts were cast over NRL expansion this week, with more home-and-away fixtures and a Test match on the cards for Perth over the next few years.

WARL chief executive John Sackson said the local body remained hopeful its West Coast Pirates bid would be part of NRL expansion plans sooner rather than later, despite grim news from the east following the announcement of the league's new broadcast deal.

Nine Network head David Gyngell this week questioned the value of having the extra game created by expansion for either the broadcasters or the competition.

But Sackson revealed a potential short-term boost for the code in WA, with the Australian Rugby League Commission considering bringing up to three NRL home-and-away games to Perth next year.

South Sydney have a year to run on their deal to bring games to WA and the Kangaroos could also make an appearance, with Perth being considered for Test matches.

"They've identified WA as a key priority market for development," Sackson said. "We've been told that and that's been clearly conveyed to us by the commission.

"I think the fact that they're now looking at three games here next year is a reflection of that."

Sackson said the WARL would work on its NRL bid until told expansion was completely off the table.

"We really believe in what we we're doing and we've got a strategic vision for the game long-term," Sackson said.

"Part and parcel of that is the strengthening of the game at the grassroots level and part of that strategic vision is one day having an NRL franchise.

"Whether that be achieved in five years or whenever, we know it's inevitable that a team will come back to this town. We genuinely believe that and it just makes sense.

"If someone came out and said we have to wait five years, sure, we'd be somewhat disappointed that it wasn't a little sooner. But it wouldn't dilute our resolve.

"Any delays in getting that opportunity would be put to good use in strengthening the grass roots, government support, corporate support and community engagement."



au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sport/ ... or-a-team/