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While I have conceded in part one that a rugby league team in Western Australia could work, there is no way it should be the next cab off the rank.
The NRL typically sees the AFL as traditional enemies, but it would be foolish for them to not take notes in regards to how the AFL handled expansion.
Before project teams such as the Gold Cost Suns and GWS Giants were even considered, the AFL had made sure it had rewarded all traditional markets with at least two teams.
While there is an abundance of teams in New South Wales, and three in Queensland, it is no secret that a second Brisbane team, a project that should’ve been explored over a decade ago, has been painfully ignored.
The obvious location for a 17th team in the NRL is Brisbane (including surrounding areas), as I have previously outlined.
Consolidation right now could be just as important to the NRL as expansion, and ignoring one of rugby league’s cherished heartlands, especially in the face of the rising popularity of the Suns, could draw people away from rugby league.
Another NRL team is Brisbane would fix this potential lack of interest and popularity. I’m in no way saying the Suns will overtake the Broncos as the team of the town, but it is rather embarrassing and confusing that the AFL has the same amount of teams as the NRL within 60 minutes of the Brisbane CBD.
If not Brisbane II, New Zealand should also be an exciting thought for the NRL.
New Zealand is no doubt a traditional rugby country, but it is one owned by the All Blacks and its Super Rugby franchises.
In short, another team in NZ, perhaps in the capital of Wellington, would both raise rugby league interest in the country and, as a subsidiary, raise levels of participation currently dominated by union.
Within a few years the NRL will again be considering a 17th team (we believe it’s 2017). When that time comes around, there is no doubt Dave Smith will have Perth in his mind as a potential destination.
While this no doubt has some merit to it as a long-term project, there are much stronger cases for a second Brisbane or New Zealand team.
Please NRL, don’t ignore your traditional heartlands in favour of a potential failure.
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