Finally, something you don’t need to be a rocket scientist to understand.
With the Dolphins entering the NRL in 2023 as the 17th franchise, clearly the competition will seek to admit an 18th side. There is nothing we can do but begin to speculate about the ideal location for such a side to be based.
Whether you are one who questions if there is enough playing talent for the 17th side, depending on your views of the recruitment done by the Dolphins, and whether there would be enough to support an 18th franchise, you cannot deny that all indicators point towards an 18th franchise being introduced by the National Rugby League – with all expectations of it being done as early as the next broadcast deal.
Let’s spend a couple of minutes to discuss the potential locations for the franchise.
Western Australia
It is absolutely no secret that Perth want an NRL side. Many pundits believe Perth is the best location for an 18th franchise into the National Rugby League. Recently the independent commission have taken two State of Origin matches to Western Australia, while the new stadium was opened back in 2018 with an NRL doubleheader.
Perth could immediately dispel any concerns of the ‘lack of players’ already available to the 17 NRL Franchises due to have their own junior and senior pathways well and truly removed from the east coast season most of the Australian-based sides ‘fight’ over.
WA has not been represented in top-flight rugby league since the Western Reds came to an end at the end of the 1997 season following the Super League war. The government and Western Australia Rugby League have already taken the steps by establishing the West Coast Pirates for a bid for eventual inclusion into the National Rugby League.
The WARL form a side each year to compete in the Affiliated States Championship and are considered to have the strongest state team of the three non-rugby league states after having won the most Affiliated States Championships.
The time delay between the east and west coast is also seen as a highly desirable aspect of any future bid of the WARL, although some remain concerned about the travel that would be involved when adding cross-country trips to the already busy domestic travel teams, players and coaching staff endure.
Papua New Guinea
With the rise in players wanting to represent their heritage, and that of their families, the international game has strengthened over recent years. The Papua New Guinea and Australian governments, along with Andrew Abdo, have all publicly stated a desire to add a PNG Rugby League team into the competition.
The Papua New Guinea Hunters have recently been competing in the Queensland Cup, taking the Queensland Cup title in 2017, and remain the only side without NRL affiliation.
Unlike Western Australia, Port Moresby is the same time zone as Brisbane and therefore does not allow for fancy broadcast play to take advantage of the time zone differences some other potential candidates can offer.
Rugby league is, however, the national sport of PNG and like Perth should not provide too much of a ‘drain’ on the current player pool. If anything, it would provide an additional pathway for players in PNG to break into the game at the biggest level.
(Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
New Zealand – South Island
When the Gold Coast Titans were added to the NRL in 2007, one of their opposing bidders were the Wellington Orcas. While it has been a long time since we heard any sort of buzz from our friends across the ditch in relation to an additional franchise, there is a method to the madness of introducing a South Island franchise to the competition.
In New Zealand it is usually union or cricket – as such much of the pathways are directed towards union and identifying the next crop of all dominating All Blacks.
With the right management and action plan, imagine providing all those union players a different pathway to stardom.
Only 40-ish players are picked for an All Blacks camp. Eventually, the realisation sinks in for many, and trust me it does, that they may be good but 3 million into 40 doesn’t leave good odds. Having a suitable back-up, with programs, notoriety etc could help resolve the player drain complaint.
I hear many of you screaming at your screens for my manager now. Why, when the Warriors have been in the competition for over 25 years and effectively haven’t made a dent? One critical reason is the game the Warriors have brought in over the years has shaped the NRL into what it is today.
The physicality, the passing the ball around basketball-style, not to mention producing some of the game’s biggest moments and players.
But every decision made by those at the NRL, in clubland, even every decision we make in a daily life is one where we are hoping it is for the best.
Establishing a side in the South Island not only creates a real local rivalry for the New Zealand Warriors but think of the long-term possibilities from a marketing perspective from the game itself.
(Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
Anzac Day clash: Warriors versus Team 18. Future of North versus South State of Origin where the eligibility is as basic as you represent the Island of birth.
North Sydney Bears
It wouldn’t be fair to discuss the expansion of the National Rugby League to 18 teams without some of the ‘would it work?’ franchise ideas that have been floated in the past.
The North Sydney Bears are desperate to return to the NRL. However, with an oversaturated Sydney market as it is they have never been considered a real threat of being handed a licence. The Bears’ offer is to play minimal games at Central Coast Stadium, with some other conditions, in return for strong financial support and a large supporter base who’d do anything to see the Bears back in action.
As such whenever the prospect of a new franchise is being discussed the North Sydney Bears pop up pledging to align with any potential franchise candidate.
Traditionalists would love to see the Bears back into the competition, new age supporters have long moved on, but an idea floated previously – throughout many article and opinion pieces – is the Bears aligning with the Western Australian bid.
This bid would see the ‘bulk’ of the matches played in Western Australia, however four or five to be hosted from Central Coast Stadium.
With each article that comes out relating to the pure mention of expansion of the NRL it, at times, seems the Bears (perhaps rightly so?) demands change and increase. Reports have suggested everything from the Bears moniker must be used, to colours, to 50-50 ownership and until appropriate discussions between any potential franchise holder and the Central Coast Bears do take place it truly is unknown as to what their real conditions are.
As such, any discussion relating to the Bears and their inclusion is difficult without knowing what they bring and want from any partnership.
In conclusion
It is a matter of when, not if, the National Rugby League add the 18th franchise. Above are just some options and reasoning for the licence to go to the candidates listed – but when the time comes, who knows who will throw their hand up.
Will one of the defeated Brisbane-based franchises who lost out to the Dolphins go through the process again? Will a roughie come out of nowhere?
Where do you think the next franchise should go?
Mark Baptist
Guest
For me, I would be cashing in my chips on Perth without question as the 18th club. If we go to 20 (I'll go a few years after Perth), I would have the return of the Bears, albeit on the condition they relocate their operations to Adelaide (offer them a decent sum of money to confirm that), and add Wellington as a natural rival to the Warriors (so one game in NZ each round): the question with 20 teams is do we use two conferences or two divisions (promotion/relegation: Premiership and Championship)? For me, Port Moresby has some rather serious safety and security concerns, particularly for NRLW players, and I'm not sold on that being resolved any time soon.
Brett Allen
Roar Rookie
Cheers John. The late, great Jack Gibson said that the game has to constantly expand and grow, the talent will over time fill the gap as you create more opportunities. As for PNG, we definitely need to see more of their players in the NRL, but an NRL team, I just don’t see it as possible. The climate & crime rate in Port Moresby, the only realistic place in PNG for a potential team, just makes it too difficult IMO. They couldn’t rely just on locally produced players, and few if any Aussies, Kiwis or Islanders are gonna drag their families up there. I think the Q Cup is their spot.
John Hollins
Roar Rookie
As far as I'm concerned, you're the only fan to get this almost right. You cannot grow the game unless you grow the amount of teams (whilst ensuring no remaining teams are folded or amalgamated). This can only be done fairly in multiple divisions as you mentioned. What you outlined is more or less the future for Rugby League, if it is to survive and prosper as Australia's first (or second) most popular viewing sport. Pump money into junior competitions and you always have enough quality players. I think the addition of PNG has to be considered though.
Adam
Guest
Ive played rugby league at hindmash, its not to small for league Field size: 120 x 80 metres. But no point having a NRL side in Adelaide.
Micko
Roar Rookie
They get a couple of token NRL games each year. Why weren't the Steelers a success?
Dionysus
Guest
Fully agree, please forward your comment to Mr. Vlandys
Megeng
Roar Rookie
No one in Brisbane south of North Lakes is going to follow the dolphins, period. And that means no one in Brisbane is going to follow them
JennyFromPenny
Guest
Anyone who believes NRL club success is ongoing is a fool. You ride the crest of the wave, and enjoy it while it lasts. Currently we ride a mega double-breaking barrel. Seems to just go on and on. Yet all waves break in the end. When your team will ride the same wave is anyone's guess. Parra's inexperienced team took on Banzai Pipeline, got crunched into the reef, and board now in pieces.
Brett Allen
Roar Rookie
Totally agree
Brett Allen
Roar Rookie
NZ didn't then and doesn't now have the massive crime rates that PNG has. Port Moresby is the most dangerous city in the world to be a women. Just think about that for a second. More dangerous than Kabul or Kandahar. Try and get some Aussie player to convince his pretty WAG to move to Port Moresby. NZ's climate is RL appropriate, PNG's is not. NZ has all the infrastructure that you come to expect from a modern developed world, PNG does not, as befitting its 3rd world status. Travel from Sydney to Auckland is 3 hrs, travel from Sydney to Port Moresby is 4hrs. PNG is simply not a viable option on any level.
Brett Allen
Roar Rookie
The BRL was still the ugly little sister to the NSWRL.
Brett Allen
Roar Rookie
OK, 3 hours for 3 rounds, I'm sure the broadcasters & the NRL can work around that, we have the technology. They don't have to produce their own players from the get go. I'll let you in on a secret. Are you ready ? Are you sure ? The ability to produce its own players is the least important criteria for any new club. The only factor that matters is media market. Like Melbourne has done, when Perth and then Adelaide have regular elite Rugby League played in their city and can have a team of their own, the grassroots game will slowly develop. It'll take a generation, about 25 years, to see the first stage of that growth, then that system will start producing NRL calibre players over the 2nd generation. It just takes time, patience & investment. Hell it took 10 years of investment in a RL mad region like Penrith to see real progress, of course its going to take a long time in Melbourne, Adelaide & Perth. Your narrow, cynical lack of vision is everything that is wrong with most Sydney RL fans and completely unhelpful.
Brett Allen
Roar Rookie
It's not a problem. Port Moresby's climate is simply not acceptable for an NRL club. Period. There is a significant difference in the climate in Port Moresby compared to Townsville. Even in August, Port Moresby average temp is 29C, Townsville is only 23C. Townsville is plenty hot enough, Port Moresby would be unacceptable, we'd have players dropping dead. Comparing Port Moresby's climate to travel to Perth is just stupid. I have no aversion to PNG as a country, unlike you I'm not making a political or cultural statement re PNG or NZ, I am making a RL statement, more specifically the suitability of having a professional sports team in PNG, it's just not viable. I agree Australia should do more for PNG, but that's on our government, not the NRL. The NRL is a commercial product and it has every right, indeed every responsibility to protect its commercial viability. No apologies.
Brett Allen
Roar Rookie
Because Polynesian players are genetically perfect for a game like Rugby League, much like how African American men are genetically perfect for basketball and therefore make up 90% of NBA players. Your anti NZ sentiment is just nonsense, at least in terms of RL.
JennyFromPenny
Guest
If I'd been in a coma the last quarter of a century and had no recollection beyond '98, then I'd agree.
JennyFromPenny
Guest
The thing about the Storm is, it's not a real Melbourne team. It's a total fabrication. Many of the wider footy community are either blind to it all or don't care about the fakeness, but for me, it's never washed. There are no juniors coming through because there is no legitimate junior league to allow development to occur. Perth would be no different. A total sham unless you blindly buy in and pretend it's real. Conversely, the Swans have become a transplant success. There are strong junior comps through parts of Sydney as the pathways, and many of the team continue to be local product. They represent themselves as well as the area they are from. That's the aim. If that's never possible, then it's wrong. With Redcliffe, it's equally not a good look to have a whole team signed from elsewhere, but they do have a chance of growing their own. They are an existing club in the second tier of the national game. I resolve that they be given their chance, but still maintain it should not have been at the expense of all local talent. They are going to struggle anyway. Let a couple of local forwards and a back or two, be part of it.
Tim Buck 3
Roar Rookie
1. You make a good case for Adelaide. 2. Call them the Adelaide Ravens. 3. The grand final was the battle of the west, Parramatta and Penrith. Wests have always had the fringes.
Brett Allen
Roar Rookie
I've often thought that myself. If we're talking long term, and I mean say 2050 and beyond, this is what I would envisage the NRL looking like. Note, I'm not holding my breath. I'd have a 30 team league split into two conferences, National & Australian, with three 5 team divisions in each conference. National League North Division Brisbane Broncos NQ Cowboys Gold Coast Titans Redcliffe Dolphins CQ Chargers Central Division Penrith Panthers Parramatta Eels Macarthur Magpies (de merge WT, Magpies move permanently to Campbelltown) Canterbury Bulldogs Newtown Jets Southern Division Auckland Warriors Auckland Blues Waikato Chiefs Wellington Hurricanes Canterbury Crusaders Australian Conference Northern Division Newcastle Knights Central Coast Nth Sydney Bears Balmain Tigers Manly Sea Eagles Central Division Sydney Roosters Sth Sydney Rabbitohs St George Dragons Cronulla Sharks Illawarra Steelers (de merge the Dragons) Southern Division Melbourne Storm Adelaide Rams Western Reds Canberra Raiders Melbourne 2 1) I'd demerge the Wests Tigers & St George Illawarra Dragons, they haven't worked, they are clubs divided. Bring back the Magpies & Steelers. 2) I'd bring the Bears & Jets. 3) I'd absorb 4 of the NZ Super Rugby franchises, but I wouldn't merge the Blues & Warriors, Auckland could support two clubs, its a city of 1.6 million people. I'd cut adrift the Highlanders, Dunedin is only 100k people, and another 50k in Invercargill. Just not big enough. 4) We could even absorb the Melbourne Rebels as the 2nd Melbourne team. 5) 20 game regular season, top 6 in each conference make the playoffs, the top 2 in each conference would get the 1st week bye. No 2nd chances in the playoffs, lose you're out. I know I'll be ridiculed, but that would be awesome. Cue the derision. I'm a passionate RL man and a big dreamer. I have no time for cynical negative nellies.
Brett Allen
Roar Rookie
Well the first generation of Victorian kids will likely be mostly of Polynesian heritage anyway, so there's a pathway right there. For the non Poly boys, I suspect they would be able to pick which Origin team they would like to represent.
Brett Allen
Roar Rookie
The Dolphins might make noise about representing the SC, but they are there to be the 2nd Brisbane club. The majority of their games will be played out of Suncorp, especially the high profile games, IMO they should be playing all of them at Suncorp. They might initially take a game or two the SC, until they see how much money they'd be losing by doing so.