NRL news 2024 | Next expansion team, Perth, Newtown Jets, North Sydney Bears; John Singleton; Phil Gould comments

Newtown’s plan to become part of Perth’s NRL bid has ended after businessman John “Singo” Singleton confirmed the club has pulled out of the running.

The Jets emerged as a shock contender in the race for the NRL’s 18th team, and were prepared to join forces in the west.

However, The Sydney Morning Herald revealed a text message from Singleton had ended all hopes as the iconic businessman took a shot at the North Sydney Bears in the process. The Bears are likely to join forces with Perth, instead of the Jets.

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“Mate, Newtown out of Perth bid. Too many games being played by Norths and WA government,” the text read.

The Jets were removed from the NSWRL in 1983 and have never re-entered the top tier of rugby league in Australia. Newtown currently plays in the NSW Cup.

The club still has a strong cult following at Henson Park.

Whether the Bears and Perth amalgamate remains to be seen with rumours of frustration between both parties.

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“Peter V’landys and the ARLC, their preference is for the Bears to link up with Perth. I don’t think it’s Perth’s preference to link up with the Bears though,” 9news and The Sydney Morning Herald reporter Michael Chammas said on 100% Footy two weeks ago.

League icon Phil Gould added his support for Perth to have its own identity.

“I still think it needs to be standalone, I still think it needs to be the Western Reds and I think that’s where it’s best placed,” he said.