- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
If NRL expansion were to continue, what would be your set criteria? Where would you expand to first? How many teams would you have?
Clearly, there are some interested parties wishing to join the big show.
The North Sydney Bears have expressed their desire to rejoin. For anyone familiar with the Bears’ plight, any attempt to re-enter the competition brings a range of emotions – hope, excitement and the likelihood of despair among them.
Yet, how realistic is their attempt?
Should the Bears’ position be relegated or promoted over other bids?
Billy Moore of the Bears (Photo by Getty Images)
For example, the Perth bid has a strong case. There is a league community eager to support a team in the west, it provides an excellent timeslot for television, and it expands the sport nationally.
Another possibility is Ipswich. The club represents a geographical location on the western edges of Brisbane and has a storied history with good community links and an active fan base. However, Ipswich has a rival in the Brisbane Firehawks.
When the Dolphins, situated in Moreton Bay, gained admission as the 17th team, many pondered if the governing body would solidify the southeast by placing a team in the western corridor region.
Does including either Ipswich or the Firehawks weaken the Dolphins or the Broncos? The NRL won’t expand here if they do, yet even if the game expanded more in this region of the country, it is unlikely that both bids will get the nod.
If a third greater Brisbane team was allowed into the big show, who do you choose – the Ipswich Jets or the Brisbane Firehawks?
Across the ditch, a second New Zealand team makes sense in terms of playing talent. The vast numbers of players of Polynesian heritage coming through the grade prove there is the talent that can be tapped. Also, such a deep pool of players that could choose league over union if the opportunity arose makes it a no brainer.
With the correct administration running the expansion bid on sound business, the club should succeed.
The issue is time. Rugby union is king in New Zealand – that is not up for debate and it will remain that way. Consequently, any new club will have to find its way and lay down foundations to be successful. Doing so could take decades.
You could argue two teams isn’t enough? Should there be a third Kiwi team? Where will these clubs be located – Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch?
In the meantime, the Central Queensland bid has not yet re-entered the frenzy, a PNG bid seems unlikely and Adelaide appears in last place.
But what does it matter how many teams express interest? What are the plans from head office? Do they want an 18-team competition? Will there ever be more than 18 teams and, if so, when? What are the criteria for entry?
What would be your criteria for entry? Mine would be something as follows:
• A clearly defined and associated leagues club.
• A bank guarantee of $50 million.
• A defined number of major and minor corporate sponsorship; the NRL could set a minimum financial standard to this revenue stream.
• A minimum of 10,000 paid members.
• The entrant club must form direct pathway links to every senior and junior club in their designated region to strengthen participation, coaching, sponsorship and business relations.
Clearly, these are just suggestions, and I recognise their limitations and lack of depth in detail.
So if the NRL were to expand, what would be your criteria? Where would you expand to first? How many teams would you have?
Reckon you can pick the winning team? Build your own dream team with Draftstars daily fantasy and compete on any match. For great odds on the NRL head on over to PlayUp. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.