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The Western Reds were a rugby league football club based in Perth, Western Australia. Founded in 1992 as the Western Reds, they entered into the Australian Rugby League competition in 1995 before defecting to the rival Super League competition in 1997, where they rebranded themselves as the Perth Reds. However, by the end of the year the Reds had become a casualty of the Super League War peace deal and were shut down. The name Reds was named after the native Red Kangaroos. The Reds entered a state of limbo for the next decade but were revived as a lower-level club in 2006 by the WARL and ARL, under the name WA Reds.

Key Information

Until the Perth Bears commences playing in the NRL in 2027, the Western Reds were the only team from Western Australia to have participated in top-flight rugby league in Australia. A bid to return the club to the NRL was launched in 2012 as the West Coast Pirates, with this bid being taken over by the Western Australian Government, and subsequently merged with the North Sydney Bears to form the Perth Bears.

History

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See also: Rugby league in Western Australia

Western Reds (1992–1996)

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The Reds had recruited well in 1993–94, and signed Peter Mulholland as their first coach. St George fullback Michael Potter (twice winner of the Dally M Award), 1992 Rookie of year and CLEO bachelor of the year Matthew Rodwell, and Australian and NSW rep player Brad Mackay were three of the major signings.

Their first game, played at the WACA, was watched by a record 24,392, with the Reds defeating St George 28–16. When News Limited began its "blitzkrieg" in April 1995, the Reds aligned themselves with Super League along with nine other Australian Rugby League clubs. That season the Reds were the best performing of the three expansion teams introduced, winning 11 of their 22 games, including 8 at home, which drew an average crowd of around 13,000, larger than that of many Sydney teams.

The Reds even recruited local identity and decorated WAFL and West Coast Eagles (AFL) player Adrian Barich. Barich, having grown up in Canberra reverted from Australian rules football to rugby league, finishing his career with seasons with the Reds, however he never played in first grade.[1]

After declaring that the club may not have the financial resources to compete in the 1996 ARL Optus Cup, a major sponsorship with the Rupert Murdoch-owned Sunday Times gave the club some much needed money. By mid 1996 club support had dwindled to just over 6,000.

Perth Reds (1997)

[edit]
Main article: 1997 Perth Reds season

In 1997, the Reds became one of eight ARL teams to join the rival Super League during the dispute known as the Super League war. They changed their name to the Perth Reds for the 1997 Super League season,[2] and adopted a jersey of red, white and black. Although the club had made some promising signings, such as Rodney Howe and Robbie Kearns, the crushing $10 million debt that hung over the club (from having to pay the airfares for all visiting teams) at the end of the season led to Super League axing the Perth Reds on 1 October 1997.

Hiatus (1998–2005)

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Rugby league has continued to be played in Western Australia since the Reds left the top-flight competition with the Swan Brewery Cup continuing and NRL matches being staged at various times since 1998. On 8 May 1999, Melbourne Storm played Western Suburbs Magpies at Lathlain Park in Perth, with Melbourne running out winners 62–6. In 2005, Cronulla took their home game against the New Zealand Warriors to Perth Oval, and played in front of around 13,000 spectators.

WA Reds (2006–2011)

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The WARL resurrected the Reds in 2006 with the intent of joining the National Rugby League in the future. In 2008 the Reds joined the Jim Beam Cup and played out of Perth Oval.[3]

In the 2009 Bundaberg Red Cup the Reds were winless until they won 3 of their 4 last games, giving them something to build on for the next season. Darwin Rugby League product Aaron Barnes was named the Reds' player of the year.[4]
Unfortunately for financial reasons, the Reds senior team was withdrawn from the Bundy Cup for 2010.

In 2010, the WA Reds entered an Under 18's team in the S. G. Ball Cup competition. The first trial game on 30 January 2010 was against the runners-up of the Western Australia Rugby League competition the Central Bulldogs, which they won 38–20. The WARL set up two junior academies to help develop players for a return to the NRL with the SG Ball side providing a staging ground for player development. The WA Reds juniors won their first SG Ball game beating the Balmain Tigers at ME Stadium 28–8.

Whilst the team found it tough going against often bigger and more experienced sides, they did claim a couple of scalps, and at the end of the season Curtis Rona was signed by the Sydney Roosters, earning a call up to their under-20s side during 2010.

A new bid logo was launched in 2010 and membership for fans was made available. NRL CEO David Gallop recognised the WA Reds 2013 bid on a number of occasions, speaking positively about the potential for a Perth team in the NRL, but no Perth team eventuated until 2027.

Players

[edit]
See also: List of Western Reds players
1995 U/21 Reds
New Zealand Jade Koteka
Australia David Hignett
Australia Loa Tupou
Australia Paul Muller
Australia Darren Mullholland
New Zealand Duncan Arkley
Australia Will Bramwell
Australia Ward Denman
Australia Matt Geyer
Australia Andrew Lippiat
Australia Chris Scarisbrick
New Zealand Leon Ruri
Australia Aaron Ritchie
New Zealand Nick Twiddle
Australia David Huber
Australia Shaun Owen
Australia Brock McDonald
Australia Myles Ritchie
Australia Wayne Blazey
Australia Brett Hyland
Australia Brian McCarthey
Australia Graeme Shield
Australia Jarred Millar
Australia Chris Lott
Australia Jason Edmunds (Captain)
New Zealand Tony Hemana
Australia Byron Hutton
Australia Ryan Gundry
Australia Adam Beard
Australia Dwayne Evans
Australia Daniel Cross
Australia Michael Jackson
Australia Dane Dorahy
Australia Ryan Dissegna
Australia Sean Edmunds
1st Grade
Australia Mark Anderson
Australia Simon Kricheldorff
Australia Mark Geyer
Australia Matt Geyer
Australia Rodney Howe
Australia Robbie Kearns
Australia Brad Mackay
England Barrie-Jon Mather
Australia Jason Eade
Australia Tony Gray
Australia Scott Wilson
Australia David Dowell
Republic of Ireland Shayne McMenemy
Wales Danny Davies
Turkey Emir K
Bahrain Faisal Alshehabı
Bahrain Ali Alkaabı

WA Reds (2006–2011)

[edit]
Australia Liam Mulhall
New Zealand Savi Hafoka
New Zealand Pikari Te Wara
Australia Clae Morgan
Australia Heath Egglestone
Australia Ryan Dickson
Australia Matt Doeg
New Zealand James Blake
New Zealand Issac Thomas
Australia John Phipps
Australia James McGowan
New Zealand Delane Edwards
New Zealand Taurean Sheehan
New Zealand Joel Freeman
Scotland Gareth Morton
Australia Aaron Barnes
Australia Nathan Searle
New Zealand Carlin Miller
Australia Michael Elphick
Australia Ben McCrone
Australia Frank Matthewman
Australia George Ghazal

Internationals

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Australia Rodney Howe (1997)
Australia Julian O'Neill (1997)
England Barrie-Jon Mather (1997)
Republic of Ireland Shayne McMenemy (2007)
South Africa Halvor Harris (2015)
South Africa Trent Swords (2015)
South Africa Bradley Williams (2015)

Coaches

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Club records

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See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

WA Reds

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The WA Reds, officially known as the Western Reds, were a professional club based in Perth, . Founded in 1992 as part of 's expansion efforts toward a national competition, the team represented the state's first entry into top-level professional play. The club debuted in the Australian Rugby League (ARL) in 1995, competing alongside three other new expansion teams in a 20-team competition that aimed to extend the sport's footprint across . They played their home games at the and attracted notable players such as Brad Mackay, Matt Rodwell, and Robbie Kearns, while achieving respectable crowd attendance—ranking eighth out of 20 teams in their inaugural season. Amid the , the Western Reds aligned with the faction in late 1995, boycotting the opening round of the before rebranding as the Perth Reds and competing in the for their final season in 1997. Over three years, the team played 62 premiership matches but struggled with high operational costs, particularly travel expenses for visiting teams to remote Perth, leading to their financial collapse and dissolution at the end of 1997. Despite their short lifespan, the WA Reds left a lasting impact on Western Australian , fostering local talent development and inspiring a dedicated fanbase, including the independent supporters' group known as the WA Red Army. Their story highlights the challenges of establishing in geographically isolated regions, influencing the establishment of the Perth Bears franchise, which was awarded an NRL license in 2025 and is set to join the competition in 2027.

History

Origins and Formation (1992–1994)

The Western Reds were established in 1992 by the Western Australian Rugby League (WARL) as part of the Australian Rugby League's (ARL) strategic push to expand the competition nationally and reduce its Sydney-centric focus. This initiative aimed to introduce the sport to non-traditional markets, including Western Australia, amid growing interest in professionalizing rugby league beyond the eastern states. The ARL's Premiership Policy Committee outlined a blueprint in April 1992 for adding new franchises, followed by the Bradley Report in August 1992, which recommended incorporating teams from Perth, Auckland, Townsville, and a second Brisbane side to reach 20 clubs by 1995. Perth's bid, led by the WARL, was selected over other potential candidates due to its alignment with the national expansion goals and commitments to infrastructure support from local authorities. Laurie Puddy was appointed as the inaugural chairman, overseeing the club's administrative setup under the WARL's governance. Early efforts focused on formalizing the franchise's structure, including securing initial funding and partnerships to sustain operations in a remote location. The formation was announced publicly in late 1992, marking a significant milestone for Western Australian , which had operated at an amateur level since but lacked a presence. Pre-debut preparations from 1993 to 1994 emphasized building a competitive squad by blending local talent with high-profile imports from eastern states to bridge experience gaps. Recruiters targeted players like halfback and forward Brad Mackay, who brought professional credentials from clubs, while incorporating promising Western Australian prospects from the state competition. Training facilities were centralized at the after the WARL relocated its headquarters there in 1994, providing access to professional-grade amenities for squad development and community engagement events. These steps laid the groundwork for the team's entry into the ARL, with an emphasis on fostering discipline and tactical cohesion ahead of the 1995 season. The club faced substantial hurdles in cultivating support within a state where and held dominant cultural sway, limiting the local talent pool and fan interest. Geographical isolation—over 5,000 kilometers from other ARL teams—complicated and increased costs for travel and operations, straining early sponsorship negotiations with local businesses wary of the sport's unproven viability in Perth. Despite these obstacles, the WARL prioritized grassroots promotion and corporate outreach to build a foundational membership base and secure modest initial deals, setting a cautious path toward viability.

Western Reds in the ARL (1995–1996)

The Western Reds entered the Australian Rugby League (ARL) competition in 1995 as one of four expansion teams, marking Western Australia's first professional rugby league franchise. Coached by Peter Mulholland, the team debuted at the in Perth, drawing a crowd of 24,932 for their home opener against the on March 12, which they won 28-16. This victory set an optimistic tone for the season, with the Reds finishing 11th out of 20 teams after a regular season record of 11 wins and 11 losses. Average home attendance stood at 13,390, ranking the club eighth overall in crowds, reflecting initial enthusiasm from local fans despite rugby league's minority status in a rugby union and Australian rules-dominated market. The 1995 squad blended a core of imported talent from and with emerging local players, aiming to establish a competitive foundation. Key imports included captain Brad Mackay, who led in 21 of 22 games, fullback , and halfback , the team's top point-scorer with 136 points from eight tries and 52 goals. Local representatives such as prop Dale Fritz and centre Matthew Fuller, who scored a team-high 10 tries, provided homegrown energy and helped foster early club culture through and youth development programs. This mix not only filled roster gaps in a state with limited infrastructure but also began cultivating a distinct identity, with the Reds emphasizing resilience and Western Australian pride to build fan loyalty amid the isolation of interstate competition. Operational challenges emerged quickly, particularly financial strains from extensive interstate travel and subsidizing opponents' flights to Perth, which the ARL required as part of the expansion terms. These costs, combined with modest crowds after the debut hype, raised early viability concerns, as the club operated at a loss despite securing sponsorships and government support. Notable away struggles, including a 54-14 loss to Newcastle Knights in round two, highlighted the logistical toll, yet home wins like a 19-14 upset over South Sydney Rabbitohs demonstrated potential. By season's end, the Reds had scored 361 points while conceding 549, underscoring defensive vulnerabilities but proving their entry into professional ranks was no mere novelty. In 1996, the Reds showed marginal improvement on the field but faced escalating hurdles, including the emerging schism that led to a round-one forfeit against . Under Mulholland's continued guidance, they recorded 6 wins, 15 losses, and 1 draw in the Optus Cup, finishing 16th and avoiding the . Standout performances included a 32-12 home victory over the Auckland Warriors in round 16, attended by 12,760—their largest crowd of the year—powered by Julian O'Neill's 125 points from 10 goals and a try. Average home attendance dropped to 8,262, ranking 13th league-wide, as novelty waned and competition from other sports intensified. Player injuries compounded the difficulties, sidelining key figures like captain Mark Geyer (limited to 10 games) and forcing reliance on squad depth, with multiple players sharing leadership duties including O'Neill, David Boyd, and Rodney Howe. The roster retained a similar imported-heavy composition, with O'Neill and winger Matthew Rodwell (9 tries) as highlights, while locals like Rodwell helped sustain morale and community ties. Travel burdens persisted, with the club covering all visiting teams' expenses—estimated in the hundreds of thousands annually—exacerbating budget shortfalls and prompting discussions on long-term sustainability even as on-field grit, such as a late-season draw with , hinted at growing cohesion. These years laid a tenuous groundwork for the franchise, blending competitive promise with structural woes that tested its resolve in the ARL.

Perth Reds and the Super League War (1997)

In 1997, the Western Reds rebranded as the Perth Reds ahead of their alignment with the newly formed competition, aiming to refresh the club's identity and better localize its appeal within by emphasizing the in the name and adopting a new red, white, and black jersey design. This change occurred amid the escalating , a bitter schism between the Australian Rugby League (ARL) and News Limited-backed that divided clubs, players, and resources; as a financially vulnerable from the ARL's 1995 entry, the Reds were effectively compelled to defect to to secure ongoing viability, despite prior struggles with low attendances averaging around 7,000 in their 1995–1996 ARL seasons. The Perth Reds competed in the inaugural Super League season under coach Dean Lance, with leadership shared among captains Matthew Rodwell (11 games), (4 games), and Paul Bell (3 games), finishing 8th out of 10 teams with a record of 7 wins and 11 losses in the 18-round regular season, scoring 321 points while conceding 456. Home games were primarily hosted at the in Perth, drawing an average attendance of 8,981 spectators, with the largest crowd of 12,307 for a round-18 victory over the ; notable successes included a 30–22 home win against the in round 16, showcasing the team's resilience despite the logistical challenges of cross-country travel and the war's disruptions. The profoundly affected the club through aggressive player poaching by ARL-loyal teams, resulting in key departures such as forward Peter Cannavale to the and halfback Scott Wilson to the , which weakened the roster and compounded financial strains from legal battles over broadcasting rights and player contracts. By season's end, the Perth Reds folded in October 1997, unable to sustain operations amid a $10 million debt accumulated from high travel costs, lost government funding upon defecting from the ARL, and insufficient local fan support in a market dominated by Australian rules football. The club's dissolution marked the end of professional rugby league in Western Australia for nearly a decade, as the peace agreement merging the ARL and Super League excluded the Reds from the newly formed National Rugby League.

Hiatus and Challenges (1998–2005)

Following the folding of the Perth Reds at the conclusion of the 1997 season, the franchise faced severe financial repercussions, including a $10 million that had accumulated from operational costs, travel expenses, and the instability of the league . This , largely stemming from subsidies provided to visiting teams and inadequate local revenue streams, rendered the club unsustainable within the newly formed (NRL). The Western Australian Rugby League (WARL) assumed responsibility for sustaining the sport at the amateur level, managing local club competitions and transitioning professional infrastructure to community use, such as relocating its headquarters to Centenary Park in Belmont in 1998. Without a professional anchor, the WARL emphasized intrastate leagues involving metropolitan clubs like , Perth, and South Perth, ensuring rugby league persisted through volunteer-driven efforts despite the loss of high-profile matches. Grassroots initiatives during this period centered on junior development, with the WARL supporting local academies and school-based programs to foster participation among youth, leading to steady growth in amateur player numbers across regional leagues. For instance, by the mid-2000s, clubs like North Beach and South Perth Lions were nurturing talent through under-age competitions, producing players who represented in affiliated states carnivals, such as Alex Morton's debut in 2002. However, the absence of an NRL team limited talent pathways, confining development to state-level play without national exposure. Rugby league in encountered broader structural challenges, including fierce competition from (AFL) clubs like the [West Coast Eagles](/page/West Coast Eagles) and Fremantle Dockers, which dominated fan loyalty, sponsorships, and media airtime in the state. Demographic factors, such as the sparse population outside Perth and geographic isolation, further exacerbated issues with attendance and broadcasting, resulting in minimal national coverage. Early 2000s community-driven revival bids, including informal overtures to the NRL for expansion, faltered amid these hurdles and the league's focus on eastern states consolidation, prolonging the professional hiatus until 2006.

Revival in Lower Competitions (2006–2011)

Following the hiatus period marked by financial and structural challenges in Western Australian , the WA Reds were relaunched in 2006 by the Western Australian Rugby League (WARL) and the Australian Rugby League (ARL) as a development squad in the , the national under-19 competition primarily based in . This initiative aimed to rebuild grassroots talent pathways and position Western Australia for potential future NRL involvement, with the team operating under constrained budgets that covered extensive travel to eastern states venues. The inaugural 2006 squad featured emerging local players, though specific rosters from that year emphasized regional recruits from clubs like the South Perth Lions and Rockingham Sharks, focusing on skill-building rather than immediate competitive dominance. From 2007 to 2011, the WA Reds maintained annual participation in the , contesting a full schedule of matches against established NSWRL clubs such as the and Cronulla Sharks, often at home games in Perth Oval. Performances were developmental, with the team recording competitive but non-playoff finishes each season—prioritizing exposure over victories amid logistical hurdles like long-haul flights and limited resources. Key operational aspects included coaching by local WARL staff and integration with state under-18 selections, fostering a talent pipeline; for instance, the 2011 squad, captained by Eddie Proudler from the South Perth Lions, highlighted disciplined play in trials against teams like the . The program's role in WA growth was evident through player progression: Rona, who debuted for the Reds in 2009, earned WA under-18 honors before signing with the , eventually debuting in the NRL with the in 2014 and representing internationally. The WA Reds' involvement ended after the 2011 season due to escalating costs, particularly travel expenses for interstate fixtures, compounded by NRL restructuring that favored consolidated eastern pathways and reduced support for remote affiliates. In 2012, the WARL transitioned the slot to the newly formed West Coast Pirates, refocusing efforts on state-level development amid ongoing funding limitations. This shift underscored the Reds' feeder status while sustaining junior programs in .

Identity and Operations

Name Changes and Branding

The Western Reds established their initial branding upon formation in 1992, using red, gold, black, and white colors. The team's logo featured a stylized , reflecting the name's origin in the state's native wildlife. These elements positioned the club as a representative for in , with kits incorporating the color palette. In 1997, amid the Super League schism, the club rebranded as the Perth Reds for their season in the new competition. This change included updated kit designs with red-dominant patterns and Super League merchandise. The Perth Reds branding retained core color elements for continuity with the club's heritage. The WA Reds revival in 2006 focused on youth development in the SG Ball Cup (2006–2011), with branding emphasizing the red color scheme. The iteration prioritized grassroots engagement to rebuild interest after years of hiatus. Throughout its phases, the club's marketing efforts incorporated slogans such as "Reds Army" to foster supporter loyalty, alongside campaigns aimed at creating perceived rivalries with eastern-state teams to heighten national intrigue and local passion. These strategies, often tied to launch events and sponsor partnerships, sought to embed the Reds' identity within Western Australia's sporting culture despite the challenges of geographic isolation.

Home Venues and Facilities

The Western Reds primarily played their home games at the in Perth during their inaugural seasons in the Australian Rugby League from 1995 to 1996. This multi-purpose cricket venue, with a capacity of approximately 20,000 to 24,500 including temporary stands, accommodated matches through hybrid configurations, marking a novel use for the facility in . Attendance trends showed initial enthusiasm, with an average of 13,390 spectators in 1995—peaking at 24,932 for the season-opening win against —but declining to an average of 8,262 in 1996 amid growing financial pressures. In 1997, as the Perth Reds aligned with Super League, the club continued to utilize the WACA Ground for the majority of its eight home fixtures, averaging 8,981 attendees despite the league split's disruptions. One match shifted to Perth Oval (now known as HBF Park or nib Stadium), a rectangular stadium with a capacity of around 20,500, highlighting early experiments with more suitable infrastructure for oval-ball sports; this venue had undergone upgrades for multi-sport use, including rugby league. However, the WACA remained the core base, with crowds as low as 5,083 reflecting challenges in sustaining interest. During the revival period from 2006 to 2011, the WA Reds competed in the SG Ball Cup using local community grounds, notably Ken Allen Field in Hilton—a Fremantle Rugby League club facility suitable for under-18 matches but lacking large-scale amenities. These setups supported grassroots development amid limited resources. The club faced significant challenges with venues, compounded by Perth's isolation increasing overall operational expenses, particularly travel costs for visiting teams. Weather impacts, such as intense summer heat affecting day games and occasional winter rains on unprepared pitches, further strained facilities not optimized for . Western Australia's lack of dedicated infrastructure—relying on shared or amateur fields—limited growth, as the state prioritized and venues.

Personnel

Key Players and Internationals

The Western Reds' inaugural era from 1995 to 1997 featured several standout players who anchored the team's efforts in the Australian Rugby League (ARL). Peter Shiels emerged as a cornerstone, playing 48 first-grade games across the club's three seasons (1995–1997) and providing robust forward leadership in a challenging expansion environment. Centre Chris Ryan, an import from Manly, became the club's all-time leading try-scorer with 21 tries and point-scorer with 210 points over three seasons, setting multiple records including the single-season points tally of 136 in 1995. Julian O'Neill, another high-profile eastern states recruit, contributed 178 points in 26 games during 1996-1997, bringing flair and experience despite off-field challenges that marked his career. Among the Reds' players with international experience, New Zealand forward Brendon Tuuta stood out during the 1995 debut season, appearing in nine first-grade matches and leveraging his 18 international caps (16 Tests and 2 World Cup matches) to mentor the squad through its formative ARL campaign. Tuuta's physical presence and leadership helped stabilize the forward pack, drawing on his prior stints with Western Suburbs and English clubs to aid the team's transition into national competition. His contributions underscored the Reds' strategy of blending seasoned internationals with domestic talent to build competitiveness in Perth. Foundation captain Brad Mackay, who played 23 games in 1995, and forward Robbie Kearns, who appeared in 37 games across 1996–1997, were also key recruits highlighting the club's efforts to attract established talent. In the revival period from 2006 to , when the WA Reds competed in lower-tier state leagues, emerging local talents like hooker Ethan Reynolds gained prominence, serving as in the 2011 squad and showcasing development through consistent performances that highlighted pathways for Western Australian players toward higher levels. Reynolds exemplified the focus on youth nurturing, with his leadership in club matches contributing to team stability amid efforts to rebuild rugby league's footprint in the state. Player recruitment for the Reds consistently balanced Western Australian locals, such as utility Matthew Rodwell who played 57 games from 1995-1997 and represented the club's homegrown core, with eastern imports like O'Neill and Tuuta to inject elite experience and elevate standards. This hybrid approach aimed to foster local development while compensating for the geographical isolation of Perth-based .

Coaches and Management

The inaugural head coach of the Western Reds was Peter Mulholland, appointed in 1994 ahead of the club's entry into the Australian Rugby League in 1995. Mulholland, a former schoolteacher and successful coach in New South Wales, had previously led the North Sydney Bears' reserve grade team to a premiership in 1993, earning recognition for his player development skills and recruitment acumen. He emphasized building a balanced squad by blending experienced imports like St. George fullback Michael Potter with emerging local talent from Western Australia's rugby league pathways, aiming to establish a competitive identity for the expansion franchise despite geographical isolation from eastern states. Over his two-season tenure from 1995 to 1996, Mulholland guided the team through 45 matches, securing 18 wins and a 40% success rate, though the Reds struggled with inconsistency and finished outside the top eight both years. In 1997, amid the Super League schism that saw the club rebrand as the Perth Reds and align with the breakaway competition, Dean Lance succeeded Mulholland as head coach. A former representative forward who played over 200 first-grade games for and , Lance brought frontline coaching experience from lower-grade roles and focused on defensive resilience and team cohesion to navigate the uncertainty of the league war. His strategies prioritized high-intensity training to counter the Reds' travel burdens, fostering a gritty playing style that yielded upset victories, including against established sides. Lance's single season resulted in 11 wins from 24 games, a 45.8% win rate, with the team showing improved home form at the before the franchise's dissolution at season's end. During the club's hiatus from elite competition, administrative leadership fell under the Western Australian Rugby League (WARL), which oversaw sporadic revival efforts in lower-tier leagues from to 2011. Key figures in WARL management, such as chairman David Hobbs, played pivotal roles in sustaining development and funding bids for redevelopment, emphasizing academies to nurture local talent amid limited resources. These efforts laid groundwork for future expansion attempts but lacked dedicated head coaches at the senior level documented in major records.

Achievements and Legacy

Competition Results and Records

The Western Reds entered the Australian Rugby League (ARL) in 1995 as one of four expansion teams, competing in a 17-team competition over 22 regular-season rounds. They finished 11th on the ladder with an 11–11 win–loss record, earning 26 competition points (two points per win), having scored 361 points and conceded 549. This placed them just outside the playoffs, which were contested by the top eight teams, with the Reds absent from postseason play despite a competitive debut that included a 28–16 home win over the St George Dragons in their first match. In 1996, amid growing financial pressures, the Reds struggled in the expanded 20-team ARL, forfeiting one match due to Super League alignments and finishing 16th with a 6–15–1 record (13 points), scoring 313 points and conceding 420; they again missed the playoffs, which expanded to the top 10 teams. The 1997 season saw the club rebranded as the Perth Reds and aligned with the breakaway Super League competition featuring 10 teams over 18 rounds; they ended 8th with a 7–11 record (14 points), scoring 321 points while conceding 456, and did not qualify for the four-team playoffs.
SeasonCompetitionLadder PositionPlayedWinsLossesDrawsPoints ForPoints AgainstPlayoff Result
1995ARL11th/172211110361549Did not qualify
1996ARL16th/20226151313420Did not qualify
19978th/10187110321456Did not qualify
Following the top-grade hiatus after 1997, the WA Reds revived operations at lower levels, including entry into the —an under-19s national development competition run by the —from 2010 to 2011, after preparatory involvement in junior pathways from 2006. The team competed in the 12-team competition but did not qualify for finals in either season. Over their three top-grade seasons (1995–1997), the WA Reds played 62 regular-season games, compiling a 24–37–1 overall record (38.7% win rate, including draws as half-wins for percentage calculation). They performed stronger at home, winning 16 of 31 home games (51.6% win rate) compared to 8 of 31 away (25.8% win rate), with average scoring of 20.1 points per game at home (versus 16.7 away) and conceding 18.4 overall per game. No WA Reds players received major individual honors such as Dally M Rookie of the Year during this period, though club-level recognition included Matthew Rodwell earning the team's top try-scorer award with 12 tries in 1995.

Impact on Western Australian Rugby League

The presence of the WA Reds in the mid-1990s significantly boosted participation in , with overall player numbers exceeding 10,000 during their tenure, reflecting heightened interest in the sport at a professional level. Following the team's dissolution in 1997, participation declined amid the sport's national restructuring, but grassroots efforts by NRL Western Australia helped rebuild pathways, including the re-formation of a WA Reds side in lower-tier competitions like the Cup in to foster talent development. By the , registrations had rebounded to levels not seen since the original Reds era, with 2025 figures trending as the highest in nearly three decades and engaging over 240 schools in programs, driven by renewed professional aspirations. The WA Reds left a lasting cultural imprint on Western Australian rugby league by cultivating a dedicated fanbase, exemplified by the formation of the WA Red Army, an independent supporters group that advocated for the sport and organized community events to sustain enthusiasm post-1997. Their matches generated substantial media coverage, elevating rugby league's visibility in a market dominated by Australian rules football and helping establish local rivalries within the Western Australian Rugby League (WARL) competitions, such as those between Perth-based clubs like the Fremantle Roosters and South Perth Lions. This exposure not only drew crowds averaging around 10,000 per home game but also embedded the sport in regional identity, inspiring ongoing fan initiatives that bridge the gap until professional return. In the , the WA Reds' legacy influenced NRL expansion discussions, providing a historical blueprint for viability in Perth and contributing to the approval of the Perth Bears as the league's 18th team in May , set to debut in 2027 with a $65.6 million government-backed deal. Positioned as an indirect successor through its red-and-black colors and nods to Western Australia's rugby league heritage, the Bears build on the Reds' foundation by prioritizing programs, including junior development and engagements to expand participation statewide. The WA Reds' ultimate failure stemmed from geographic isolation, as the team was required to subsidize travel costs for all visiting NRL sides, exacerbating financial strain in a remote market. Coupled with insufficient funding and the disruptive Super League war in 1997, these factors led to $10 million in debt and the franchise's axing as part of the NRL-Super League merger. Lessons from this experience have informed future bids, emphasizing sustainable revenue models without imposed travel subsidies and stronger state support, as evidenced in the Bears' structure to avoid past pitfalls and promote long-term growth.

References

  1. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-25/wa-state-of-origin-no-professional-rugby-league-team-25-years/101180480
  2. https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/teams/western-reds/summary.html
  3. https://nrlwa.com.au/wa-reds-online-membership/
  4. https://www.nrl.com/news/2025/05/09/best-of-both-worlds-perth-bears-to-revive-two-passionate-fan-bases/
  5. https://1895blog.com/2020/01/30/1895-blogs-latest-look-at-the-history-of-rationalization-plans-of-the-nswrl-and-the-clubs-who-want-to-join-the-nrl/
  6. https://www.theroar.com.au/2017/10/01/remembering-rugby-leagues-failed-expansion-clubs-1990s-sunday/
  7. https://thewest.com.au/sport/rugby-league/wa-nrl-admission-bid-boss-laurie-puddy-wants-born-again-western-reds-to-be-18th-franchise--c-4285262
  8. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-07/western-australia-nrl-team-roger-cook-confirmed/105265016
  9. https://nrlwa.com.au/our-history/
  10. https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/arl-1995/western-reds/summary.html
  11. https://afltables.com/rl/crowds/western_reds.html
  12. https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2025-westernperth-reds-players-every-story-as-bears-brings-rugby-league-back-to-western-australia/news-story/08a33eddab3610177b83db46342ae19b
  13. https://www.codesports.com.au/nrl/a-brief-history-of-every-western-reds-player-25-years-on-from-the-expansion-clubs-last-game/news-story/40b5bfa578ffc46be0c6766adaa13c88
  14. https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/from-brisbane-bears-to-the-adelaide-rams-australias-longlost-sporting-teams/news-story/bc4c3a8c6035d98a4cf0f5de144d6345
  15. https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/arl-1996/western-reds/summary.html
  16. https://www.facebook.com/groups/382857375734248/posts/1609169246436382/
  17. https://www.theroar.com.au/2020/04/23/super-league-revisited-the-super-league-clubs/
  18. https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/02/10/25-years-after-reds-perth-is-ready-for-a-new-nrl-team/
  19. https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/super-league-1997/western-reds/summary.html
  20. https://footyindustry.com/index.php/rugby-league/perth-nrl-license/
  21. https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/players-love-the-place-perth-businessman-heads-new-bid-for-nrl-team-in-west-20200212-p5407u.html
  22. https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/west-australian-rugby-league-bid-boss-john-sackson-says-perth-deserve-their-patch-in-nrl/news-story/302c1a64c44f610b82ca81e4ce71250f
  23. https://www.theroar.com.au/2021/12/16/the-rugby-league-club-graveyard-the-1997-clean-out-part-4/
  24. https://www.historyofwarl.com.au/
  25. https://www.historyofwarl.com.au/identities/alex-morton
  26. https://www.nbrlfc.com.au/welcome/our-history
  27. https://sprl.com.au/south-perth-lions-history/
  28. https://pantherpride.com.au/t/nrl-expansion-discussion/993
  29. http://ourfootyteam-archives.com.au/juniorReps_lockerRoom_waReds.php
  30. https://rugbyleagueplanet.com/2024/06/10/perth-is-a-logical-expansion-home-for-nrl/
  31. https://nrlwa.com.au/2011-wa-reds-squad-announced-2/
  32. https://nrlwa.com.au/wa-sg-ball-alumni-chosen-for-junior-kiwis-squad/
  33. https://logos.fandom.com/wiki/WA_Reds_%28Rugby_League%29
  34. https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/teams/perth-reds/summary.html
  35. https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricket-grounds/w-a-c-a-ground-perth-56490
  36. https://afltables.com/rl/crowds/w.a.c.a._vn.html
  37. https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/super-league-1997/perth-reds/summary.html
  38. http://ourfootyteam-archives.com.au/2010_sgBall_draw.php
  39. https://twotribes.substack.com/p/march-24-1997-high-noon-why-the-perth
  40. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/article/2024/aug/16/nrl-rugby-league-western-bears-north-sydney-thrive-perth-reds
  41. https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/peter-shiels/summary.html
  42. https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/chris-ryan/summary.html
  43. https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/teams/western-reds/records-teams.html
  44. https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/brendon-tuuta/summary.html
  45. https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/matthew-rodwell/summary.html
  46. https://www.nswrl.com.au/news/2021/12/16/vale--peter-mulholland/
  47. https://thewest.com.au/sport/rugby-league/former-western-reds-coach-peter-mulholland-remembered-as-a-rugby-league-great-c-4977156
  48. https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/teams/western-reds/coaches.html
  49. https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/coaches/dean-lance/summary.html
  50. https://twotribes.substack.com/p/july-21-1997-london-broncos-greatest
  51. https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/do-the-people-of-perth-care-about-rugby-league-here-s-what-we-learnt-in-origin-week-20250620-p5m92s.html
  52. https://www.nrl.com/news/2025/08/30/future-bears-on-show-as-nrl-team-gives-boost-to-wa-juniors/
  53. https://www.facebook.com/groups/waredarmy/
  54. https://www.reddit.com/r/perth/comments/1kgpxuh/premier_roger_cook_says_western_australia_will/
  55. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-08/bears-announced-hard-work-begins/105269296
  56. https://www.espn.com.au/nrl/story/_/id/45033804/wa-signs-656m-deal-create-new-nrl-franchise
  57. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-25/western-bears-perth-nrl-club-reports-close-to-reality/105209770
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