The Push for a Fifth NRL Team in Queensland Gains Momentum
The call for a fifth National Rugby League (NRL) team in Queensland is growing stronger, with significant backing from influential figures in the sport. Among them are Peter V’landys, the chairman of the ARL Commission, and Ben Ikin, the boss of the Queensland Rugby League (QRL). Their support has brought renewed attention to the potential expansion of the league, with the Ipswich Jets emerging as a leading contender.
The Ipswich Jets: A Strong Contender
The long-standing Ipswich Jets have positioned themselves as the front-runners for the next NRL franchise. They have received $42.5 million in funding to upgrade North Ipswich Reserve to meet first-grade standards. This investment will ensure the venue is equipped with NRL-compliant change rooms, broadcast facilities, and other essential infrastructure.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding has expressed her full support for the initiative, emphasizing the community’s deep connection to rugby league. “I’m a very proud patron of the Ipswich Jets, and we love our sport here,” she said. “So many rugby league greats come from Ipswich and from this western corridor, this part just west of Brisbane, all the way up to regional Queensland.”
Harding highlighted the efforts being made to transform North Ipswich Reserve into an NRL-compliant facility. “We’re fighting really hard for this licence. We’re currently doing a massive upgrade to our North Ipswich Reserve to become an NRL-compliant facility with NRL-compliant change rooms, broadcast facilities and a whole lot of other things. We’re really ready. We’ve got more than one engine backers. We just need the licence.”
Historical Significance and Community Impact
Ipswich holds a special place in rugby league history. The Jets continue to compete in the Queensland Cup reserve grade competition and have won the State Championship in 2015. The city’s rich sporting heritage makes it an ideal candidate for an NRL team.
Harding believes that having an NRL team in the area would bring significant benefits to the community. “It’d mean a lot to our community,” she said. “You can see the unifying effect at Parramatta, in Penrith, in those areas just outside of [the capital cities], what it does for the community but also the economy as well. It does put a lot of money into it.”
She added that the financial backing and population growth in the region make it an attractive proposition. “The numbers don’t lie. There’s the financial backing, the growth here is happening. We’ve got the numbers, we’ve got an amazing pathways program out here. We’ve got a tremendous number of juniors that are growing year on year. The time has arrived and I think we’ve felt a bit neglected for a long time, but I think this would be the perfect opportunity for the NRL to capitalise on that population growth.”
Support from QRL Boss Ben Ikin
Ben Ikin, the QRL boss, has also been a strong advocate for adding an NRL team in Ipswich. He noted that the NRL is closely monitoring regional growth and that the Jets’ focus on improving junior programs and ongoing renovations would resonate well with ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys.
“We absolutely back another team in Queensland,” Ikin told AAP. “Senior people in rugby league have told me it is happening. When they are creating pathways from that region then good things are going to follow and capture the attention of Peter V’landys, who is still open to the idea of a fifth Queensland team.”
Other Contenders and the Road Ahead
While the Ipswich Jets appear to be in a strong position, other contenders for NRL expansion in Queensland include a potential Central Queensland bid and the Souths Logan Magpies. However, Harding remains confident in the Jets’ prospects.
“I think we all run our own race … but the numbers don’t lie,” she said. With continued support from local leaders and the broader community, the dream of an Ipswich NRL team seems closer than ever.
