The bid to become the 18th NRL team has been thrown into even more uncertainty as Perth have shot into serious contention.

New West Australian premier Roger Cook has reportedly wasted no time in office, after making a phone call to independent commission boss Peter V'landys to begin his efforts to make sure Perth is the next side in the NRL, according to a Daily Telegraph report.

Following the on-field and off-field financial success of newly instated Dolphins in the NRL, Perth's interest has skyrocketed especially after another successful origin match in the city last year, followed by a NRL double header in the coming weeks.

It seems Cook's cries for a team are not falling on deaf ears as V'landys is already giving the proposal serious thought.

"Perth has to be high on the table now, especially with a premier so passionate about wanting to have a team there. They warrant serious consideration," V'landys told the publication.

โ€œIf you've got a government that's going to get 100 per cent behind you, you've got a run-up start. We had a really good conversation and we'll be chatting again. The fact he rang in his first week in the job shows how keen they are.โ€

While WA prepare an official proposal, the NRL is set to consider further rapid expansion, eyeing off a 20 team competition already spearheaded by Roosters chairman Nick Politis.

Also worth noting is that the current NRL broadcasting deal expires at the end of 2027, meaning if the NRL can fast track 20 teams before this point, they will have some great footing to argue for a bigger price-tag with the addition of even more games every year.

However, as we are all swept away by the possible and probable newcomers to the NRL, Zero Tackle run the rule over every possible expansion location.

2. New Zealand (Wellington)

Yet another case of the NRL hoping to put a dent in a rival code and what better way to do it then another team in rugby union's heartland of New Zealand.

With the Warriors largely based in Auckland, a second side in Wellington could definitely spark some interest in the nation especially with the prospect of a New Zealand derby on home soil.

The prospect is heavily backed by Fox League commentator Andrew Voss, who claims it would only continue to strengthen international rugby league.

"I think it also then would give young Kiwi players the chance for more opportunities than just the Warriors or having to come to Australia and link up with Australian clubs," Voss said.

"I just think having two avenues to pathways for them across New Zealand is important."

Although the Warriors will fight tooth and nail to ensure they remain the nations sole representative in the competition, do not be surprised if the NRL ignores their concerns to make another attempted blow to Super Rugby's already poor crowd attendances.

The only question mark here is whether or not there are investors across the ditch willing to invest in a team and whether or not they have a deep enough wallet to compete with other prospects.