McGowan Government secures more NRL for Perth on back of State of Origin success

  • Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs set to make Perth their temporary home for three matches from 2020-22
  • More NRL content for WA following successful State of Origin II match, boosting local tourism
  • McGowan Government continues to deliver quality sporting content as WA’s biggest-ever winter of sport continues
  • The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs will make Perth’s HBF Park their temporary home for three matches over three seasons following the sell-out success of the recent State of Origin II match.

    The McGowan Government has secured three Bulldogs home games at Perth’s premier rectangular venue for the 2020-22 NRL premiership seasons.

    The Bulldogs are one of the most successful clubs in NRL history, having won eight premierships and commanding an estimated fan base of 355,000.

    HBF Park has a history of hosting successful NRL matches, with the 2014 Sydney Rabbitohs-New Zealand Warriors match breaking the venue’s attendance record for a sporting match.

    The Bulldogs last played high-attendance matches in Perth in 2013 at HBF Park, and Optus Stadium in 2018, as part of an opening round double header.

    Last month’s State of Origin II match brought 15,000 out-of-state visitors to Western Australia, providing significant benefits to Perth’s tourism, hospitality and small business sectors.

    As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray:

    “The success of the recent State of Origin II match speaks for itself and we are keen to continue to bring top-level rugby league to WA.

    “Sports tourism is of huge value to Western Australia and we can’t wait to provide the Bulldogs with a home away from home over three seasons from next year.

    “WA rugby league has a passionate, dedicated base and the State Government is delighted to make sure fans can watch the best of the best right here in Perth.

    “This will be the first time that I’m looking forward to being in the Doghouse.”

    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 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Chief Executive Andrew Hill:

    “With the club enjoying strong support in Perth we have worked closely with the McGowan Government to secure matches at HBF Park for the next three seasons.

    “HBF Park is an excellent venue for rugby league matches and the Bulldogs are looking forward to the opportunity to continue to grow our footprint in what is a major sporting market.”

    /Public Release. View in full here.