Souths to go west

South Sydney have committed themselves to staging at least one fixture in Perth over the coming two seasons.

The decision follows the club’s clash with Melbourne at Members Equity Stadium last month – a game which attracted around 15,000 supporters.

“We are delighted to be able to announce that we’ll be taking two home games to Perth over the next two seasons,” said South Sydney CEO Shane Richardson.
“Our venture to Perth in 2009 was an unmitigated success.”

“The support shown for the game of Rugby League and for our Club was immense. We attracted new Members and corporate support to the Club, and supporters to the game itself. We look forward to building on that for the next two seasons.”

In Western Australia, rugby league enjoys a low profile behind AFL and rugby union.

The last Perth-based team, the Western Reds, fell out of top-flight competition in 1997 but have since been revived as the the Perth Reds.

There are hopes that the team will progress through either the New South Wales or Queensland Cup domestic competitions, and will enter the NRL as a fully-fledged franchise in 2012.

“The National Rugby League is very supportive of South Sydney bringing a game here each season and with their support we’re able to put on a great game day and highlight the attractions of Rugby League,” added Richardson.

“We’re also supportive of the WARL’s bid for a team in the NRL competition in the not too distant future.
“With the proposed upgrades to the venue, Members Equity Stadium is the perfect ground out of which the expansion Club formed could play.