- Dolphins and Sydney Roosters to hit the turf at HBF Park tonight
- Tickets are now sold out, with a record-breaking crowd expected
- Anticipation growing for a potential NRL franchise based in Perth
Excitement is building for NRL's return to Perth in 2024, with the Queensland-based Dolphins and Sydney Roosters to go head-to-head tonight at HBF Park.
It's a clash that could shape the finals series, with the Dolphins currently eighth on the ladder and the Roosters in third after 21 rounds. The game pits one of the NRL's founding teams in the Roosters against the league's youngest franchise.
This event will break records at the venue in terms of public sales for a sporting event, proving once more that there is considerable support for rugby league in Western Australia.
More than 1,000 eager fans attended HBF Park yesterday morning with the hope of catching a glimpse of their favourite player during the Dolphins' Captain's Run open training session.
This is the Dolphins' second visit to Perth in as many years, with the team taking part in the 2023 double header at Optus Stadium and entertaining more than 45,000 local and visiting NRL fans.
Rugby league has a strong history of attracting large crowds in WA, with 2019's State of Origin match recording Optus Stadium's third-highest attendance for a sporting event.
Tonight's game provides a great opportunity for all NRL fans in the State to see their heroes play and show their support for rugby league in the west.
While the Dolphins played in last year's Perth double header, the Sydney Roosters are making their first appearance in WA since facing the Western Reds in 1995 at the WACA.
NRL legend Wayne Bennett, who is in Perth as the Dolphins' head coach, has recently backed Perth to be part of NRL's planned expansion, saying WA is "very rugby-league aware now" and should be the home of one of the new teams.
Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:
"As a passionate rugby league fan, I've long been an advocate for NRL in WA.
"Perth has a strong tradition of supporting NRL teams, with local fans historically developing a strong connection with our visiting 'home' teams.
"Tonight's clash between two exciting top-eight sides is another chance for Western Australians to enjoy NRL magic live, right on their doorstep.
"With the game now sold out, it further illustrates the strong support and huge potential for growth of rugby league in WA."
Comments attributed to Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman:
"We love to see the people of Perth rally behind our adopted NRL teams and prove time and time again that there is considerable support for the sport in WA.
"HBF Park is a great venue for rugby league and brings the fans close to the action on the field."
Comments attributed to Dolphins CEO Terry Reader:
"The Dolphins are proud to have been part of a successful NRL double header event last year and now a stand-alone sellout for the match against the Roosters.
"Watching the hundreds of Dolphins fans that turned up to our training run yesterday demonstrated what a thirst and passion Western Australia has for rugby league."
Comments attributed to Sydney Roosters CEO Joe Kelly:
"The Sydney Roosters are looking forward to our game in Perth against the Dolphins. It's a great chance for us to connect with our members and fans in Western Australia."
"As a proud foundation club with nationwide support, we're eager to see Perth rally behind the Roosters.
"This match is another opportunity for West Australians to show the NRL that they deserve a team as part of future expansion plans."
Comments attributed to NRL WA General Manager John Sackson:
"From a WA game development perspective, having these elite NRL teams playing in Perth shines a light on our sport, generates greater awareness, interest and engagement, and helps fuel further participation growth.
"We are extremely grateful for the Dolphins' willingness to bring another of their 'home' games to Perth and especially against the Sydney Roosters, one of the true power-house clubs of NRL."
