South Sydney chief executive Shane Richardson says the Rabbitohs' decision to play NRL "home" matches in Perth and Gosford next season is all about securing the long-term future of the club.

The Rabbitohs will play current premiers Melbourne Storm at Perth's Members Equity Stadium next year - giving Western Australia its first taste of NRL action since 2005.

Richardson also indicated on Tuesday that a home match against Newcastle would be played in Gosford as the club looks to spread its brand.

"We are looking at ways to spread the appeal of the Rabbitohs and to bring in new money to the club and the game, and that is the thinking behind taking a game to Western Australia next season," Richardson said.

"This is a positive move for the club as we look for additional ways to build our business and continue to push forward in a competitive national sporting market."

And WA rugby league chiefs are hoping the Rabbitohs' decision to play a game in Perth will be more than just a one-off event as WA looks to re-enter a side in the national competition in 2012.

The WA Reds, who currently compete in the third-tier Jim Beam Cup, are set to step up into the New South Wales Cup competition in 2010.

"I believe that Souths aren't here for a one-year hit-and-run sort of thing, they're here for hopefully three years," WA Rugby League general manager Bill Nosworthy said.

"That works in fine with our plans.

"Were super keen for the support that Souths are giving rugby league, and specifically Western Australian rugby league, and we would think that Souths and ourselves will be great partners in the initiative.

"We believe that anything that promotes rugby league at a higher level has got to help us (in our bid to re-enter the NRL).

"Realistically for us to be considered for a franchise we need to prove to the National Rugby League that Perth can draw crowds, that they have facilities and a base and infrastructure underneath."

Rabbitohs coach Jason Taylor backed the move to play in Perth.

"It keeps us a viable club," Taylor said.

"We'll look at anything as far as what's going to keep the club above board and working well into another 100 years of the great Rabbitohs tradition."

After snaring a finals berth in 2007, Souths finished a disappointing 14th this season with an 8-16 win-loss record.

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