Perth Today host Oliver Peterson and Running Mates host Connor McGovern took a look at the events in the state election this week.

One issue that keeps rearing its head is the bid to get a local NRL team.

Connor suggests Roger Cook is starting to play hardball with the NRL.

“I think he looks across the Nullarbor now and sees Roger Cook and sees WA with this massive surplus, with this massive majority and thinks great I can squeeze as much blood from the stone from these guys,” he said.

Click PLAY to hear about the negotiations.

For a comprehensive look at the WA state election, catch Running Mates—a weekly segment where 9 News Perth has teamed up with 6PR, WAtoday, and AFR to present a deep dive into the latest in WA politics and beyond.

This week, the panel discusses if health is the Achilles’ heel of the Cook government.

Watch the full episode here on 9Now.

New episodes are delivered weekly on Wednesdays, catch up on all the Episodes on 9Now.