The Western Australian Government "praised" the National Rugby League while "taking a swipe" at the Australian Rugby Union, questioning its decision to "shrink rugby at a time when other codes are looking to build," according to Justin Chadwick of the AAP. Either the Perth-based Western Force or the Melbourne Rebels will be axed ahead of next year's Super Rugby competition. The WA Government is "angry at the prospect the Force could be cut, especially after the previous leadership invested in a redevelopment of nib Stadium several years ago." If the Force is cut, it would "leave Perth Glory as the only major sporting tenants of the stadium." Rugby League is "doing its best to maintain a strong presence in Perth." WA Minister for Sport & Recreation Mick Murray "praised the NRL for continuing to promote rugby league in WA." In a "thinly-veiled swipe" at the ARU, Murray said, "You're showing the lead by trying to expand your sport, whereas the other one is shrinking their sport. I think it's a major feather in the cap of rugby league by being out there promoting their own game and trying to expand it." The NRL is "unlikely to expand until the end of the current TV deal" in '22. But if the Force goes, "plans for a Perth NRL side could be brought forward" (AAP, 5/1).
