Queensland Rugby League Supports Central Queensland NRL Bid
Queensland Rugby League boss Ben Ikin has expressed strong support for the resurgence of a central Queensland NRL bid, highlighting the potential for a fifth team in the state. This development comes as the ARL Commission chairman, Peter V’landys, shows interest in expanding the league by welcoming a new team from Queensland.
Ikin emphasized that there is a growing movement for an NRL team based in central Queensland, with the Ipswich-based Jets’ partnership with Newtown Jets being a leading candidate for entry as early as 2030. He stated:
“We absolutely back another team in Queensland because the truth of it is there is an NRL bid emerging out of central Queensland.”
He noted that senior figures in rugby league and government officials have acknowledged this initiative. Ikin also pointed out that there is a significant fan base in areas like Rockhampton, similar to the western corridor of Brisbane, which would benefit from having an NRL team.
Ikin speculated that both the CQ and Jets could potentially play in the NRL in the future. He added:
“Who knows? We might end up with six teams in Queensland. Just after COVID would you have expected we would be in Perth and PNG? No one would have.”
Under the current leadership of the game, growth is a key focus, with increasing participation, viewership, and investment.
Jason Hetherington, a Queensland and Canterbury legend from Baralaba in central Queensland, has been involved with the CQ NRL bid for over 15 years. He believes the region can sustain an NRL side due to its rich talent pool and support from the resource industry.
“Central Queensland has been a breeding ground of talent for 100 years and it will be for the next 100,” Hetherington said.
He highlighted that while local players alone may not win competitions, having an NRL team would encourage young talent to stay in the region rather than pursue opportunities elsewhere. Hetherington also mentioned that during his time with the Maroons coaching staff, a third of the squad came from central Queensland.
“The business plans have been done and big business and the mining sector is on side,” he added.
The Jets bid has already secured $42.5 million in funding to renovate North Ipswich Reserve to NRL training standards. The project is currently underway. Steve Johnson, the Jets NRL bid chairman, explained:
“We have designed it so we can add a high-performance centre at low cost.”
He noted that the NRL side was never intended to play at Ipswich other than trial games, with Suncorp Stadium as the primary venue. When playing in Sydney, the Jets would wear their traditional Newtown colours and use the upgraded Henson Park facility.
“Imagine playing Bears v Jets at Henson Park,” Johnson said.
Johnson also revealed that more than $50 million has been pledged to the Jets from a major US entity, which has invested in every major US sport and an English Premier League club, contingent on securing an NRL licence.
The region west of Brisbane is home to elite coaches and former NRL players, including Ben and Shane Walker, who lead the Western Clydesdales in the Hostplus Cup. Moses Mbye, a former Queensland star, captains the Ipswich Jets and works in game development. All three are vocal supporters of an Ipswich-based NRL side.
“They have quality rugby league CVs and are quality people,” Ikin said.
He added that when these individuals create pathways from the region, good things will follow and capture the attention of Peter V’landys, who remains open to the idea of a fifth Queensland team.
