TWO’S great, but why not have three? That’s the motto of NRL WA chief executive John Sackson as he plans to bring three premiership games to the west in 2017.

This year nib Stadium is hosting a smorgasbord of rugby league action.

South Sydney will play a home game in Perth for the eighth straight season — against Gold Coast at nib Stadium on June 5 — and Manly Sea Eagles take on New Zealand Warriors on July 16.

Then there’s the historic Test between Australia and New Zealand on October 15, the first ever rugby league international in the west.

Round 19

Sackson believes the Warriors have the potential to become the third “home” side next year.

“There’s certainly consideration of having three NRL games in Perth in 2017,” Sackson said.

“We’ve been talking to the New Zealand Warriors about the prospect of them hosting a home game here.

“I think that will be potentially very financially viable, but they’re the decisions the club has to make.

“They’ve got to be mindful about the amount of home games they play back in New Zealand to satisfy the appetite of their fanbase.”

Tourism WA is also putting in a submission to host Rugby League World Cup matches in Perth late next year when the tournament comes to Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

Sam Burgess and his South Sydney Rabbitohs teammates will return to Perth’s nib Stadium on June 5 against Gold Coast Titans. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

As for the West Coast Pirates’ hopes of entering an expanded NRL competition in the future, Sackson said it’s all about keeping the momentum going and “ticking all the boxes”.

“I think it’s been made very clear by the NRL that the subject of expansion has been put on the backburner for now,” he said.

“We aren’t focused 24/7 on expansion, because it’s really out of our hands.

“If we can keep demonstrating growth in participation ... that goes a long way to further enhancing our appeal as a likely NRL franchise destination.”