Western Australia has kicked off a campaign for a state-based NRL franchise beyond 2023.

Work is now underway to find a third party bid the Labor government can support, amid expectations the NRL will expand to 18 teams from 17 after next season.

A cross-agency government working group chaired by Labor MP Peter Tinley has been set up to support the development of a third-party bid and assist the bid through the potential bidding process.

Preliminary work has already begun with consultants Freshwater Strategy to determine interest from potential third parties and the most appropriate bid structure, the government said on Sunday.

Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman said the two recent sellout State of Origin matches showed there was a strong and growing appetite for rugby league in WA.

“A WA-based NRL team would bring long term community, tourism and economic benefits to the state and grow local participation in grassroots sport, particularly female participation,” he said.

“Although the state government won’t be leading the bid or responsible for a potential franchise, we are confident that there will be a strong and compelling case for a WA-based team.”

Community rugby league in WA currently numbers 4100 registered players.