NRL expansion
The NRL runs on 17 clubs. That becomes 18 when the Perth Bears play their first game in 2027, and 19 when the Papua New Guinea Chiefs enter in 2028. A 20th licence has not been awarded.
Where expansion stands
Two new clubs are approved and already signing players: the Perth Bears for 2027 and the PNG Chiefs for 2028. A 20th team has been talked about for 2029, but as at August 2026 no bid has won a licence.
The expansion timeline
2023
2027
2028
2029
Perth Bears - the 18th club
The Australian Rugby League Commission signed off on a Perth club on 8 May 2025, after reaching terms with the Western Australian Government. The club carries the North Sydney Bears name, red and black, and plays home games at HBF Park. Mal Meninga is the inaugural head coach, and the squad has been filling out through 2026 ahead of a round 1 debut in 2027.
It is the first top-grade club in Western Australia since the Perth-based Western Reds left the competition after 1997.
PNG Chiefs - the 19th club
Papua New Guinea's entry was announced on 12 December 2024 and confirmed as the PNG Chiefs on 12 October 2025, after a public vote between Chiefs and Pythons. The club will be based in Port Moresby at Santos National Football Stadium, backed by a long-term Australian Government funding commitment, and will be the first NRL club based outside Australia and New Zealand.
Willie Peters was appointed inaugural head coach in March 2026, and the Chiefs have already signed established NRL players including Alex Johnston, Jarome Luai, Brian To'o and Joey Manu.
The 20th team
As at August 2026, the NRL has said it wants a 20th club and has pointed at 2029, but no licence has been awarded and no location has been chosen. The two regions under consideration are a fifth Queensland club and a second New Zealand club, with a South Island side - Christchurch in particular - the most-discussed option. 2029 keeps being named because the competition's broadcast deal is reported to be worth materially less to the NRL from that season without a 20th club. Expect this section to change: it is the one part of NRL expansion that is still genuinely open.
What expansion changes for fans
More clubs means a longer draw, more byes to keep track of, and a couple of new fixtures on the calendar that nobody has a history with yet. The maths underneath does not change: two competition points for a win, one for a draw, two for a bye, and points difference as the first tie-break. See how the NRL ladder works and how the top eight becomes a finals series.
Six Again covers the full NRL competition, so the new clubs will appear in the draw, the ladder and lock-screen live scores from the round they first play - nothing to add or set up.
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NRL expansion FAQ
How many teams are in the NRL?
There are 17 clubs in the 2026 NRL season. That becomes 18 in 2027 when the Perth Bears enter, and 19 in 2028 when the Papua New Guinea Chiefs enter.
Which new teams are joining the NRL?
Two clubs are approved. The Perth Bears join in 2027 as the 18th club, and the Papua New Guinea Chiefs join in 2028 as the 19th. Both are building squads and coaching staff now.
When do the Perth Bears play their first NRL game?
In round 1 of the 2027 season. The Australian Rugby League Commission approved the club on 8 May 2025, and it plays home games at HBF Park in Perth.
When do the PNG Chiefs join the NRL?
In 2028. The Papua New Guinea team was announced on 12 December 2024, will be based in Port Moresby, and will be the first NRL club based outside Australia and New Zealand.
Will there be a 20th NRL team?
The NRL has said it wants one and has pointed at 2029, but no licence has been awarded. As at August 2026 the research is focused on a fifth Queensland club and a second New Zealand club, with the South Island the most-discussed option.
Who was the last team to join the NRL?
The Dolphins, who entered in 2023 as the 17th club and the first new side admitted since the Titans in 2007.