The race for NRL expansion spots continues apace, and even the Prime Minister has weighed in with his view.
Anthony Albanese might be a South Sydney diehard, and his government is known to favour a Papua New Guinea-based bid for geopolitical reasons, but, speaking to the Daily Telegraph, he has thrown his support behind the Newtown Jets to return to first grade.
He was discussing a potential bid from the North Sydney Bears to take a place – thought to be in conjunction with a bid from Western Australia – but added that the Jets, who were kicked out way back in 1983, should be in the reckoning.
“That would be a wonderful thing to see the Bears in the NRL again,” Albanese said.
“My first preference is to see a team based in Papua New Guinea.
“It’s a matter for the NRL, of course, but having an expansion team in the Pacific would be very positive for Australia’s national interests.
“As the league goes to possibly 20 teams over time, there is a potential for teams associated with the Bears to come back.
“I would also like to see Newtown come back. It would be great to see the Jets in the big league again…they (Newtown and North Sydney) are both wonderful brands.”
It is perhaps not surprising, as the Jets’ Henson Park ground is in the heart of his Grayndler constituency and prior to becoming PM, Albo was a regular punter.
His preference remains for a PNG team, with the government potentially providing funds to help counteract the influence of China in the region.
“This is a game changer for the relationship with Papua New Guinea,” said Albanese last year around the game between the PM’s XIII and a PNG Kumuls side.
“We’re definitely behind the NRL bid and, importantly, Prime Minister (James) Murape in PNG is very much behind an NRL team.
“This is a country that will celebrate its 50th year of independence in a couple of years (in 2025).
“Having PNG participate in the NRL, I can’t think of any better way to get that ongoing relationship and engagement between our two countries.”
Warren Turner
Roar Rookie
Since when has the Albino had any weight?
Dionysus
Roar Rookie
"A second tier competition is not a second division." Aaaah, I get the confusion. I conflate the two but technically you are right so all credit to you there however, I do not agree that a second division cannot work in Australia. The key is to how it is structured. The UK's 2nd division is semi professional whilst its third division is pretty much completely amateur. A semi professional 2nd division could work here but I think we are more likely to go the conference route.
Rabbitz
Roar Guru
I guess you have blinded yourself with you internal bias. No one (except you) has mentioned a second division. A second tier competition is not a second division. Given the small market in Australia a second division with relegation and promotion cannot work as there is not enough capital to support both divisions professionally to ensure relegated teams can have the resources and quality to ever be promoted. There just isn't enough money in the system.
Griffo 09
Roar Rookie
The problem with NRL is not having enough of a Sydney focus or presence, and it stems from there not being enough teams in Sydney. Bringing back Norths and Newtown might be a good start, but unless they can bring back Glebe, Annandale, and Cumberland, I think the league will be forever unbalanced by the non-Sydney contingent. It would also guarantee that the Blues forever more have 'the better team on paper', as no one in the rugby league media will have heard of any Queensland players who might choose to play for a club in their home state. It really is the only sustainable future for the N(SW)RL.
Dionysus
Roar Rookie
I accept what you say about those two comps but neither of them are a second division. They may well be feeder clubs to the NRL but that is a bit different to those clubs being in a genuine second division.
Duncan Smith
Roar Guru
Why talk about something you know will never happen?
mushi
Roar Guru
My kids school near the Jets just got a free 4 week AFL clinic. They've also had 2 teachers do a clinic on coaching (paid by the afl) But hey Vegas will get us some frat boys gambling revenue.
mushi
Roar Guru
Globally it's an issue. Politics used to be where you went after proving yourself.
Tufanooo
Roar Rookie
It's all a democrat-CIA-deep state conspiracy anyway.
Tufanooo
Roar Rookie
I'd still prefer a PNG team over a second NZ team. At least the PNG team would be hardcore followed.
mushi
Roar Guru
Travis Kelce may just hunt you down for comparing Taylor with Shannon.
mushi
Roar Guru
I think offering an NRL expansion team is rolling over. It’s simple jaw boning to ensure png remains in the narrative
Rabbitz
Roar Guru
Yes, yes they are. The KOE Cup in NSW and the Hostplus Cup in QLD teams act a feeder clubs to the NRL franchises (over and above being high quality competitions in their own right). The clubs may not move in and out of the NRL, but the players certainly do. Thus they are second tier clubs. Simples.
mushi
Roar Guru
I'd even say it's a different fish! You don't send a tuna boat out to where someone is pulling in whiting (that's as far as my fishing knowledge goes) There aren't nrl fish just "how good is a quick trip from the marrickville markets " fish
Tufanooo
Roar Rookie
They can have Shannon Noll for free as well.
Tufanooo
Roar Rookie
The Chinese have not been entirely successful in their cherry picking of the Pacific though. And even if you are right, Australia can't just roll over and cop it - not with our absolute geographically closest neighbour.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Cowboys v West's Tigers Round 18 last year. I dont think Australia are the Cowboys.
Dionysus
Roar Rookie
Shanghai Shenzhou their performances would be stratospheric :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
Dionysus
Roar Rookie
"The Aus Govt will effectively be funding the Papua New Guinea NRL side through increased and / or syphoned aid $." but for how long ? If the funding dries up after the next change of government, do we get to punt them in favour of an NZ2 team ?
Dionysus
Roar Rookie
Spot on That is the problem with fishing where the fish are. It quickly becomes all fished out. A team in say Perth nets you an all new fan base . The attendances may not be Broncos standard but every single one of them will be an incremental gain.