West Australian Premier Roger Cook grew up in the Australian rules heartland of Perth’s coastal suburbs, but the rugby codes have always been his true sporting love.
The 59-year-old played rugby union and then league in Perth in his youth, and since becoming premier has taken a personal interest in securing the city an NRL team within a matter of years. If successful, the deal would see the North Sydney Bears move west to rejoin the league by 2027.
Zoe Samios covers wagering and the business of sport from the AFR's Sydney newsroom. She was previously the media and telecommunications reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, and covered media at The Australian. Connect with Zoe on Twitter. Email Zoe at zoe.samios@afr.com
