SUNCORP Stadium is in danger of losing the trans-Tasman Test to Perth as the ARL Commission puts hosting rights to Australian matches up for sale.

The Courier-Mail can reveal the West Australian government will bankroll a poaching bid to stage an inaugural rugby league international at Perth’s nib Stadium next season.

Queensland was the home of representative rugby league last season with six major matches held in the state, including PNG-Fiji and Samoa-Tonga Pacific Tests.

The gala representative weekend was headlined by the mid-season Australia-New Zealand showdown, which attracted 32,681 fans to Suncorp Stadium.

But with the ARLC eager to explore new markets, revitalise international football and maximise commercial interest, Perth has emerged as a threat to Suncorp’s hopes of retaining the Anzac Test.

The NRL wanted to stage a historic trans-Tasman Test in Perth three years ago, only for the WA government to stall over the decision.

The clash ended up in Townsville, but now nib Stadium bosses are ready to trump Suncorp and bring Test football to the wild west after successfully hosting NRL club games.

Asked if nib Stadium was interested in hosting a Test match next year, VenuesWest CEO David Etherton was unequivocal last night.

“Absolutely,” he said. “We constantly strive to deliver world-class sport and entertainment experiences across all our venues, and nib Stadium is well placed to do that.

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“NRL matches in recent years have been well received by Perth rugby league fans and an opportunity to bring an international test to nib Stadium would be great for the venue, the game and the people of Perth.

“We would welcome the opportunity to showcase the best of the best at the recently upgraded nib Stadium.”

Two years ago, the WA government pumped $95 million into upgrading nib Stadium. Recently-departed NRL boss Dave Smith flagged the arena as a future Test venue in June after attending Souths’ clash against the Warriors, which attracted a record 20,272 fans.

media_camera Crowds at nib Stadium have been strong over the past few seasons.

One potential impediment for the western bid is nib’s capacity of 20,500, which is less than half the 52,500 fans that can fill Suncorp.

But the ARL Commission is determined to have a footprint in Perth and will consider a formal submission from nib Stadium.

“We’re always looking at partnership arrangements with governments and local communities who want to embrace the game and it is clear that there’s a very strong sport-loving community in Perth,” an NRL spokesperson said.

“We have a strong appetite to continue to grow rugby league outside of traditional areas and, with Test matches next year as well as the World Cup in 2017, there will be opportunities to do that.”

Suncorp Stadium general manager Alan Graham said last night: “We would never take the Test for granted. The selling point we can deliver to the NRL is our proven capability to deliver a good crowd for Test football.”