Wayne Bennett says the NRL will regret not expanding to Perth if Western Bears bid collapses

Wayne Bennett has been a key figure in the NRL’s strategic plan for growth, and now the super coach has warned Peter V’landys about the dangers of not heading to Perth with the Western Bears.

South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett has urged ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys to save the Bears expansion bid, warning the code will regret not putting an 18th team in Perth.

The Western Bears project hangs in the balance, with V’landys set to hold urgent talks with West Australian premier Roger Cook following a breakdown in negotiations that threatens NRL expansion.

Bennett has been a key figure in the NRL’s strategic plan for growth, with the super coach enlisted by the NRL 12 months ago to be part of high-powered expansion talks involving V’landys and Cook.

Bennett was a centrepiece in the NRL’s most recent expansion phase, named foundation coach of the Redcliffe Dolphins franchise that entered the NRL as the 17th team in 2023.

Peter V'landys is fighting to save the Bears from extinction.

Now Bennett has implored the NRL make peace with the WA government.

The 75-year-old flew to Perth on Wednesday for Souths’ clash with the Cowboys as part of a double header at Optus Stadium and is hopeful the Western Bears bid can be resuscitated.

“I really do believe we need a team in Perth,” Bennett said.

“Western Australia is a massive state, the richest state in Australia, they have great facilities there and rugby league is well known there now.

“I was there 12 months ago with the premier (Cook) and Peter Beattie came over from the ARL Commission board (for talks).

“Everybody was happy and it looked like it was all going to happen, so I don’t know why they have fallen out of love so quickly.

“I can understand both groups holding their ground on an issue that might be divisive, but I’m still confident they can come to a resolution.”

Former Dolphins coach Bennett was mobbed by fans in Perth last year. Picture: NRL Imagery

Asked if the NRL would regret not going to Perth, he said: “Yes we would, but I am still optimistic that things will work out.”

V’landys is adamant the NRL has not shut the door on expansion to Perth and will hold more talks with Cook before the ARL Commission makes a definitive call within a fortnight.

It is understood the main sticking points are the redevelopment of HBF Park and a dispute over start-up investment.

The WA government has offered $35 million over five years, well short of the NRL’s initial $120m asking price over 10 years to pump into grassroots development in the state.

Bennett has travelled to Perth over the past two years for Dolphins fixtures, with their clash against Newcastle in 2023 attracting 45,814 fans to Optus Stadium.

“I am amazed every time I go over there how well we are recognised and how many more people turn up to training sessions,” Bennett said.

“We went over there with the Dolphins (in 2023 and 2024) and we had 40,000 crowds and a thousand people at our training sessions.

“I am a huge Perth fan.

“The economy over there is huge, it’s got some of the richest companies in Australia.

“I really hope they can sort things out and come together on it. I think they will, I really do believe they will work it out.

“There is a bit of posturing, governments are always looking for the best deal and the NRL is looking for a deal, but they need to come together and I’m confident it will happen soon.

“It would be a huge shame for the game if it fell over and the Bears are a part of that.

“I’d like to see it go ahead. They just need to get it done. I’m optimistic they will.”

Originally published as Wayne Bennett says the NRL will regret not expanding to Perth if Western Bears bid collapses