The NRL's newest team has been confirmed, with league bosses and the Western Australian government announcing an agreement to see a team based in the state.
State Premier Roger Cook confirmed the news on Wednesday ahead of a scheduled press conference alongside Australian Rugby League Commission boss Peter V'landys on Thursday.
It remains to be seen exactly how the club will be set up, but it's expected the North Sydney Bears, a foundation club of the NSWRL, will form a major part of the team's operation and branding.
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"The WA government has reached agreement with the Australian Rugby League Commission to establish a new WA-based NRL club," Cook said in a video posted to social media.
"Not only will this be great news for sports fans, it's great news for our economy and great news for jobs."
Cook added that the team would enter into the competition in 2027 or 2028, potentially pushing the entry back a year later than the 2027 date which has been widely reported.
The Premier also confirmed the state government would be tipping in $60 million over seven years, plus an additional $5.6 million in matchday spending.
Cook also announced that the NRL would not charge the new team a license fee, despite earlier reports claiming the league was insisting on a $120 million fee.