Captain Moondog
Absolute Superstar
NRL expansion: Queensland teams could be under threat if second Brisbane team is launched
The ARL Commission have been left with a huge problem after an independent report raised serious concerns for four teams, including the premiers, if a second Brisbane side is launched.Peter Badel and Brent Read
An independent report into NRL expansion has warned a 17th team in 2023 could cannibalise Queensland’s three clubs – and decimate NRL premiers Melbourne Storm.
A $100,000 probe conducted by the Gemba Group into NRL expansion, funded by 12 of the 16 clubs, has raised major concerns over a proposed second Brisbane team stealing fans, sponsors and players from the Broncos, Titans and Cowboys.
The findings will pique the interest of the ARL Commission, who are undertaking their own analysis of expansion after last month issuing expressions of interest to Brisbane’s prospective franchises the Dolphins, Jets and Firehawks.
ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys is keen to grow the code in Queensland to combat the threat of AFL’s Brisbane Lions, but he has always cautioned he will not rubberstamp expansion if it is a threat to Broncos, Titans and Cowboys.
Now there is some opposition to expansion, with the Gemba report raising serious ramifications for Queensland’s three teams if a second Brisbane side is launched to rival the Broncos.
The ARL Commission has also been warned another expansion outpost in Melbourne - the NRL’s premier performing club of the past two decades - risked being eroded because of the heavy supply of Queensland-born players to the Storm.
According to a section of the Gemba report, leaked to News Corp, the probe raised fears about damage to the NRL’s on-field product because the existing 16 teams would lose a combined 34 players, eroding playing depth.
There is also a risk launching a fourth Queensland team would lead to inflationary pressures for cash-strapped clubs, not only on player salaries, but coaching, high-performance and administration staff.
The Firehawks, Jets and Dolphins submitted their bid documents a fortnight ago and are set for formal meetings with the ARL Commission in the coming weeks with a view to a definitive call on expansion in mid-to-late July.
The report added that there was some upside in expansion – more teams would mean more games and potentially generate more revenue. However, the existing clubs point out that you don’t need to add another team to create more games.
