At the time, the government was willing to commit to a $20 million centre of excellence at the Malaga Sports Precinct development, situated 13km from the Perth CBD.

There was also a commitment to invest up to $35 million over five years in grassroots development, through the secondary schools system and the Indigenous Clontarf Foundation. The NRL was seeking $120 million over 10 years. Sources with knowledge of the situation said both parties had given ground in the negotiations to find a compromise.

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The NRL had previously rejected a bid by a private consortium headed by Cash Converters boss Peter Cummins after it decided it would not pay a licence fee. The bid later proposed a $20 million licence fee, but the NRL said it would instead work with the WA government to set up a team.

Under the operating model proposed, the NRL will have control of the team in its start-up years before handing over the organisation to the club’s members and elected directors.

For its part, the WA government would help fund community, pathways, development and infrastructure projects.

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