Super League decision not to invite Perth Reds into 1998 competition is sad news

1/10/97

Sport and Recreation Minister Norman Moore said the Super League decision not to invite the Perth Reds into the 1998 competition was sad news for rugby.

"However, in the final analysis, News Ltd has made a commercial decision not to continue with a Super League team in Perth," Mr Moore said.

"News Ltd and Super League have been aware that the State Government is well advanced in a study into the possibility of building a multi-purpose sporting stadium to accommodate both soccer and rugby in Perth.

"It would cost at least $40 million to build such a stadium.

"You do not spend that sort of money, and possibly more depending on where the stadium is built, without going through responsible and proper processes, and that is what the Government has been doing."

Mr Moore said it was important to have a team in the national competition.

"I would like to have discussions with News Ltd and the Australian Rugby League to see what they have in mind for the future, if in fact, the competition is to continue as a national competition," he said.

Mr Moore said he also felt for the players.

"They have committed themselves to Western Australia and rugby league," he said.

"I would like to thank them all for the pleasure they brought to their supporters in WA, initially in the Australian Rugby League competition and, finally, in Super League.

"Wherever they go from here, I wish them well for the future."

Media contact: Hartley Joynt (08) 9321 1444