Why ‘risky’ calls could open door for another Queensland team
Updated . First published at
As the debate around the NRL’s future expansion plans continues, outgoing QRL boss Ben Ikin is adamant the state is ready for another team.
Just three years removed from the Dolphins entering the competition, the next two seasons will see the Perth Bears and PNG Chiefs join the fray.
Three years on, the Dolphins are firing in the NRL. Getty
Peter V’landys and company won’t stop there however, with another first grade club expected to be brought in during the next broadcast rights deal, which was announced last week and runs through until the end of 2034.
The two clear front-runners are another team in Queensland - either in the Ipswich region or closer to Rockhampton - or a second New Zealand side.
Speaking to nine.com.au last week as part of a DrinkWise campaign, Ikin was staunch in his belief that adding a fifth team in the Sunshine State was a “sure thing” considering the risks associated with both Perth and PNG.
“It’s the most popular sport in the state, we’ve got four teams in Queensland and there’s 11 in NSW,” the departing chief executive said.
“I know in my heart and off the back of my experience in this role as CEO, is that we could absolutely cater for another NRL team.
“The western corridor of Brisbane and central Queensland are passionate rugby league bases. It’s not just in the form of fans, it’s also the number of participants and the pathways that are well-established in those regions.
“If the game was looking to get to 20 teams, I’ve got no doubt that Queensland would be more than capable of hosting a fifth NRL side.
“I can just about guarantee you that with the risk associated with Perth and PNG, if they were looking for a sure thing, putting another side here would fit that bill.”
Ikin has overseen a stellar period for Queensland on and off the field, but will step away from the chief executive role at the end of July.
While he is pushing hard for another Queensland-based club to be entered into the NRL and V’landys himself has refused to rule it out, the calls for another New Zealand side is gaining steam and looms as the popular pick for fans.
Dolphins boss Terry Reader, who has been in charge of the NRL’s 17th club since before their inaugural season, wants to see the sport branch out further across the Tasman and capitalise on the success of the Warriors in recent years.
“We took a 17-year gap in between the Titans and us coming in and we’re actually gonna bring in three sides within six years of each other … it is a difficult task,” he said on Wide World Of Sports’ QLDER earlier this week.
“We do have the calibre of players, but it’s about getting depth right at the start because you’ve gotta have a balance. It’s not as simple as people might think of how you put it together … it doesn’t happen overnight.
“I think New Zealand we’re talking about as the 20th side, probably makes sense with what’s happened at the Warriors, there’s one team over there.
Warriors fans have constantly sold-out stadiums in recent years. Getty
“The biggest game in the world of rugby in any code is the Battle of Brisbane.
“It’s amazing that it’s already in place in our city and I’ve got no doubt that New Zealand could have their own calibre of that if they get a chance.
“The NRL is looking through the pathways in New Zealand, because currently the Warriors junior reps and reserve grade are all playing in NSW.”
At this stage, NRL officials have not locked in their plans for a 20th team, but it’s expected that the recently-signed TV deal will push things along.
