“It wouldn’t surprise me if there’s conversations going on in the background. We know that the broadcast rights with sport is a very big business,” Cook said.

“Western Australia is the most populous timezone in the world, so your live broadcast opportunities expand. By coming to WA, the NRL will significantly grow the number of people following the sport.”

While the WA government believes the NRL should never have severed ties with the Peter Cummins-led Western Bears consortium which initially led discussions, the Premier believes he offers the best chance for a franchise in the west.

“There’s no point in the state’s history, or perhaps ever, where you’ll have a premier that supports rugby league the way I do,” Cook said.

“The opportunity for the NRL to secure a WA franchise is one that’s before them and they should take it.”

Ahead of his team’s clash with the Cowboys as part of a double-header at Perth’s Optus Stadium, South Sydney Rabbitohs star Keaon Koloamatangi backed the bid for the North Sydney Bears to relocate west.

“We’re the National Rugby League for a reason. I feel like, if we’re to grow the game, it would only benefit us if we have a team in Perth,” he said.

The NRL was contacted for comment.