Reigning premiers the Sydney Roosters will become the latest NRL club to make Perth their temporary home, with the rugby league powerhouse set to play three matches at HBF Park from 2020-22.
The McGowan Government has secured three Roosters home games over three seasons from 2020 to 2022 – with local fans, businesses and the State’s tourism industry set to benefit from welcoming one of Australia’s oldest and most successful rugby league clubs to Western Australia.
In 2018 the Sydney Roosters were the most watched team in the NRL and the second most watched sporting team in the country.
The Sydney Roosters matches are the latest in a string of NRL fixtures being held in Western Australia, including Optus Stadium’s wildly successful State of Origin II match in June.
The State Government also recently announced it would bring the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs west for a series of matches – meaning Perth will host at least two regular season NRL matches a year for the next three years.
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray:
“We are delighted to bring even more quality rugby league to Western Australia, with the legendary Sydney Roosters set to make WA their ‘home away from home’ for the next three years.
“The Sydney Roosters command one of the biggest followings in the country, and we expect benefits to flow through to WA’s economy as their fans head west over the next three years.
“Local rugby league continues to go from strength to strength in Western Australia, and this will be a terrific opportunity for local fans to see some of the best of the best, in the flesh right here in Perth.”
As stated by Tourism Minister Paul Papalia:
“The State of Origin II match brought 15,000 out-of-state NRL fans to Western Australia, providing significant benefits to Perth’s tourism, hospitality and small business sectors.
“Backing it up with some regular NRL action over the next three years is a great coup for WA fans.
“Hosting major events is an important part of the State Government’s strategy to grow Western Australia’s economy and create jobs.”
As stated by Sydney Roosters Chief Executive Joe Kelly:
“The Sydney Roosters are excited to be bringing Rugby League back to Western Australia and HBF Park for the next three seasons.
“The Roosters have a strong following in Western Australia and we are pleased to have the opportunity to expand the Sydney Roosters brand across the country. It will also be a great opportunity for our Western Australian members to watch our team play live in their home state and for those who are avid Sydney Roosters fans to join as members.
“Following the success of State of Origin this year, the appetite for Rugby League in WA has never been stronger.
“We would like to thank the Western Australian State Government, VenuesWest and NRLWA for their enthusiasm to see Rugby League return to Western Australia and from our Head Coach through to our playing group we can’t wait to run out on HBF Park next season.”
