It is not a matter of if but a matter of when for the NRL to return to Western Australia – that’s according to legendary coach Wayne Bennett.

The current Dolphins boss is reportedly set to join the South Sydney Rabbitohs from next season but hasn’t ruled out building a new Perth franchise as head coach – similar to what he has done at the Brisbane Broncos and most recently, Dolphins.

“Don’t write me out of anything, will you,” Bennett said today at a media scrum.

“Just let it all unfold and see where it goes and we will see where the expansion team comes in and what year it comes in.

“I have never spoken to Perth about doing anything with them but I believe Perth should be one of the expansion teams.

“We will have 20 teams in the next decade in the competition.

“Australia is getting bigger every day. That is how it works.”

The Perth-based Western Reds played two seasons in the ARL and one season in the Super League in 1997.

Bennett’s Dolphins host the Sydney Roosters at HBF Park in Perth on August 2.