Perth's Optus Stadium will host an NRL double header on Saturday. (Aaron Bunch/AAP PHOTOS)

The NRL risks facing a spectator backlash in Perth, with Saturday’s double-header on track to draw a reduced crowd at Optus Stadium.

Saturday’s matches – Cronulla v Manly and South Sydney v North Queensland – could not have come at a worse time, after negotiations over a proposed new NRL franchise in WA reached their lowest ebb last week.

The fate of the mooted Perth Bears franchise continues to hang in the balance, after WA Premier Roger Cook accused the NRL of treating his state like a “cash cow” after falling short of requested funding.

Both parties are now expected to return to the negotiating table for a last-ditch bid to resolve the issue, and keep alive any hope of a Perth team entering an expanded 2027 competition.

Venue staff were on Thursday anticipating a crowd of around 30,000 for the matches.

That would mark a drop in attendances from the past two NRL double-headers in the city, which attracted close to 39,000 fans in 2018 and almost 46,000 in 2023.

A sold-out crowd of 20,027 also attended HBF Park last August, when the Dolphins took the Sydney Roosters to the city.

Local fans have discussed the prospect of boycotting the match on the state’s biggest Western Bears supporter group “The Cave”, led by English ex-pat Jason Burton.

“Obviously there is a frustration with the ongoing saga and the way it is playing out in the media,” Burton told AAP.

“I fully expect there will be some backlash.

“Whether it will be in attendance or just general vibe of the night is hard to say … but there will be a backlash in some ways, no doubt.

“It doesn’t reflect the popularity of league over here. We’ve have had a crowd of 46,000. That shows how many people are interested.”

Burton has led a fan group pushing for a franchise in the city since 2011, with his Facebook page having 6600 members.

He said fans who are to attend the double-header had discussed making their own statement over the handling of the expansion talks, frustrated at all parties.

“There have been people encouraging others to display their frustration using banners and things,” Burton said.

“It’s been a long time, but it’s not over. It’s not done yet. There is a commitment from fans to support a lot a club in Perth.

“Bringing WA fans and North Sydney (Bears) fans together would create a huge fan base from day one. That is something the NRL can’t ignore.”

The bid has received renewed backing from master coach Wayne Bennett, who said this week the NRL would rue not going to Perth.

Bennett’s South Sydney side are locked in to play in Perth again next year, irrespective of the expansion call.

Cronulla’s deal to play a home game in Perth is only for this season, and a potential extension will likely be discussed this weekend.

The Dolphins will also take Newcastle to Perth in June, with this their third visit to the city on a year-by-year deal.

State of Origin II at the 60,000-seat Optus Stadium is also expected to sell out this year.

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