The National Rugby League’s two-day Nines festival could be the surprise event to open the Perth Stadium.

The NRL is considering staging the pre-season carnival-style competition, featuring its 16 teams, over a weekend in early February. The stadium’s official handover is scheduled for February 22.

Cricket Australia and the WA Cricket Association have said they still hope a one-day international between Australia and England could be the blockbuster first sports event at the stadium on January 28. They are willing to delay a decision on the venue.

Camera Icon The nearly-complete Perth Stadium. Credit: AAPIMAGE

It is still to be decided which of the State’s AFL teams will play first at the stadium. But rugby league could steal a march on the “traditional” WA sports of cricket and AFL with its short-form carnival.

The WA Government is in talks with the NRL about hosting the event to showcase the stadium but would have to pay around $3 million to secure it.

“Event announcements will be made in due course,” VenuesLive chief executive Mike McKenna said.

Camera Icon Shaun Johnson and the New Zealand Warriors have enjoyed a large following during the Auckland tournament. Credit: AAPIMAGE

An NRL spokesman confirmed the governing body was negotiating with competition organiser Duco Events and Auckland Tourism about the future of the event that has been held in New Zealand since 2014.

The popularity of the tournament is falling in Auckland, although it still attracted crowds of more than 22,000 each day at Eden Park.

It is understood the NRL is also close to finalising a deal that would bring two big games to the stadium for a day-night double header.

The NRL is already bringing a showpiece 2019 State of Origin clash to Perth Stadium.

Camera Icon The Auckland Nines tournament provides a festival like atmosphere for fans. Credit: AAPIMAGE

South Sydney Rabbitohs, who have a big following in WA and have already brought nine matches to Perth, are set to sign off on a new multi-season deal and both Canterbury Bulldogs and Melbourne Storm are said to be on the radar.

Manly Sea Eagles have another season left in their three-year deal to play the NZ Warriors at nib Stadium.

Pop superstar Ed Sheeran is locked in as the first entertainment act to perform at the Perth Stadium on March 2.