NRL considering buying private jet after North Queensland Cowboys travel fiasco
In the aftermath of the Cowboys' travel worries this week which led the NRL to help fund a $100,000 emergency charter flight, the league is said to be exploring the idea of buying its own private jet.
The Cowboys were forced to seek contingency plans after two commercial flights to Sydney were sold out because their fans had bought all the tickets to witness the team's sudden-death semi-final against Cronulla at Allianz Stadium.
Now the NRL is looking into adding a private jet to its list of assets which includes hotels in Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and Woolooware in Sydney's south.
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ARL Commission chairman Peter V'landys and chief executive Andrew Abdo, ordered a feasibility report into how viable such a venture would be. The idea has the backing of out of Sydney clubs like the Cowboys, Warriors and Storm.
"It's a very good suggestion, and it's got enormous benefit. We discussed it [on Wednesday] and we're definitely going to do an analysis," V'landys told The Sydney Morning Herald.
"You can do promotions where you can take fans to different venues, and especially if we expand to Perth, Papua New Guinea, the south island of New Zealand or wherever, it becomes a more realistic option.
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"If it's only slightly more money than what we're paying now, it doesn't matter because of the comfort and convenience which would be given to the players for their welfare far outweighs any additional costs.
"The cost-benefit analysis can stack up because of the revenue you make when you're not using it."
The NRL will determine how much a slot at the new western Sydney airport will cost and whether it's cost-effective to enter into a partnership with a charter company.
Out of Sydney clubs have urged league bosses to invest in this area, especially with the anticipated introduction of two new teams in 2027, taking the NRL competition to 19 teams.
"We would be very supportive of such a plan," Storm general manager Frank Ponissi said.
"Not only would it help with our travel and the preparation of athletes, but one benefit would also be enabling players and staff to spend more time with their family."
