“Let’s go to Perth”: Alexander backs 18th NRL side in WA

Rugby league great Greg Alexander thinks Perth should be the next city to receive an NRL side.

With the NRL recently expanding to 17 teams via The Dolphins, the competition say they will naturally expand to 18 teams when the time’s right.

While Perth has already had a first-grade rugby league side – with the WA Reds playing in both the ARL and Super League in the 90s – Alexander believes that’s where the league should look towards due to the opportunities it affords them in broadcasting.

“Perth, yep, let’s go back to Perth,” Alexander said on SEN 1170 Mornings.

“We should never have left Perth.

“I think there’s room, and I think that would open up different timeslots for broadcasters.

“Let’s go to Perth.”

With New Zealand being floated as another potential destination for an 18th side, Alexander explained why he prefers Perth to that option.

“There is love there (New Zealand),” Alexander said.

“But, I don’t know if there’s the support over there to go for two teams.

“If we still had the under 20s, which was what New Zealand hung their hat on and what was so important for them – they were on television and New Zealand kids loved it, they were able to get a lot of young rugby union stars across to play in their 20s sides.

“If there was still an under 20s competition that was a national or international side with New Zealand in it, I would go a New Zealand team.

“But, that’s not there, and I don’t know if that’s any chance of getting off the ground anymore.

“So, I’d miss New Zealand and I’d go to Perth.”

While no date has been placed on the NRL’s next expansion, it is believed it could come when the new TV deal is due to be renegotiated in 2028.