Premier Roger Cook accused of secrecy after refusing to reveal details of deal with NRL to bring club to WA

Roger Cook has been accused of secrecy after he refused to reveal the details of a beefed-up deal with the NRL to bring a club to WA. The Premier’s refusal came after east coast media reported on Thursday the Australian Rugby League Commission signed off on an offer from the State Government to relocate the shuttered North Sydney Bears franchise to Perth. The offer reportedly included a $50 million package for growing the league in WA — up from the Government’s first offer of $35 million. Also included is a centre for excellence at a $20 million sporting precinct in Malaga. Asked about the expanded offer on Thursday, Mr Cook would not be drawn, reverting to previous comments that the State Government had not heard anything from the League. “I know that there are more reports in the east coast media sports pages with regards to the conversations that are taking place between my Government and the NRL,” he said. “I assume they have a range of processes they need to go through to consider anything in relation to these conversations. “I will say that conversations are positive, and we continue to look forward to those discussions continuing.” In a statement, a State Government spokeswoman confirmed there had been further negotiations, with a “revised and final offer” put to the League. “While we have taken a strong negotiating position, these discussions have been positive and respectful,” she said. “Should approval be provided by the ARLC, the State will be transparent about the terms of any agreement reached. “The guiding principles for the State in these negotiations have been that any financial assistance provided to the club be spent in Western Australia; that the club not be charged a license fee for participating in the NRL; and that the deal represent a positive return for WA taxpayers in terms of economic benefits.” Negotiations had been held up over a significant gap between the parties, with the League reportedly requesting as much as $320 million from taxpayers, including $200 million to redevelop HBF Park. Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas said while he supported an NRL side for WA, the Premier needed to be transparent with taxpayers. “Premiers of all persuasions are allowed to have projects that they are passionate about, and I don’t question his right to champion something that he believes will be good for Perth and for Western Australia,” he said. “But if it is a passion project for the premier - if that’s what it is, and that’s what the motivation is, then the deal needs to stack up. “There’s no need to hide. There’s no need for secrecy . . . tell us what the deal is.” The NRL refused to comment on the reports.