“I will say that conversations are positive, and we continue to look forward to those discussions.” News emerged on Thursday morning that the ARCL met on Wednesday and signed off on an increased offer from Cook, paving the way for the Bears to enter the league in the 2027 season. The deal still needs to be signed off by the rest of the NRL clubs and the players’ association before it can go back to the WA government. Following reports the NRL wanted the WA government to spend $120 million over 10 years to clinch the deal, Cook’s office revealed the deal was closer to $55 million – including $35 million for grassroots development and $20 million for a centre of excellence in Malaga. The deal looked sunk earlier this month after Cook accused the NRL of treating his government like a cash cow, but Thursday’s reports have renewed hopes for West Australian rugby fans.