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.

“If 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.”

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.

3. Brisbane

If deep pockets are the biggest concern for the NRL look no further than another Brisbane team.

While it may not be a massive blow to other football codes, the NRL does get another team in a tried and true rugby league heartland with all-but guaranteed return on investment.

It will not make any waves in the sporting world especially after the inclusion of the Dolphins in the NRL, though it shapes as the safest bet available, which is I would feel comfortable in betting they will be one team to make an appearance should we have 20 in the coming years.

Already showing willingness to cooperate with the NRL, the Brisbane Tigers changed their team name in the last round of bidding to avoid clashing with the Wests Tigers who are already in the NRL

The club have officially launched their campaign to become Team 18 in recent times, although it's unclear whether they will go with the Firehawks, or revert to the Tigers this time around.

Offering 90 years of history with the Brisbane Tigers and having had plenty of big name alumni including Cody Walker, Garreth Widdop, Felise Kafusi and Cameron Munster among many others they boast a foundation unrivalled by other bidders.

However, the bid is likely to be met with retaliation from the Broncos due to the prospect of playing out of Suncorp and that will be a major hurdle.

Though being a competition vs club debate, if the NRL identifies Brisbane as a suitable location for expansion the Broncos will have little say in the decision.