NRL NRL Expansion

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My guess is a team "based in" PNG will not get off the ground and that a Cairns based substitute will be rammed through to appease the government funding which will turn off the tap because it won't work..
I wouldn't live in a compound protected by machine guns when I could be living in Brisbane Sydney Auckland or even Christchurch for that matter where you can walk back and forth to the dairy and only be worried about someone asking you for an autograph.
 
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NRL 2024: Peter V’landys meets with North Sydney Bears, NRL prepares to table 20-team expansion project​

The return of the Bears to the NRL is gathering steam after Peter V’landys held a meeting with North Sydney chiefs, which comes as the NRL plans to table a 20-team expansion proposal. See which teams are firming for the spots.
Peter Badel, Michael Carayannis and Brent Read

4 min read
June 9, 2024 - 6:00AM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
https://archive.ph/n9ES0#share-tools
9df238bd8e63a2503709f8157cd2eb9623386fc9.jpg


NRL: Latrell Mitchell had the Rabbitohs on the front foot against the Titans, with an impressive opening half
The North Sydney Bears have met with ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys and declared “we are ready” as the NRL prepares to table a historic document for a 20-team league by the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
This masthead can reveal NRL hierarchy is putting the finishing touches on a strategic plan, to be shown to the existing 17 clubs, outlining rugby league’s most ambitious expansion drive since the Super League war.
It can be revealed:
* North Sydney chiefs held talks with V’landys on the day of Origin I last Wednesday as their hopes of a stunning return to the big league gather steam;
* Perth’s entry to the NRL will be contingent on joining forces with the Bears;
* The door is all but shut on a fifth Queensland club being part of a 20-team league;
* The Bears and a second New Zealand franchise are fighting it out for the NRL’s 19th licence; and
* A secret third Christchurch consortium has entered the race to launch a second NRL team in New Zealand.
Santos Stadium in PNG could be the home of the next NRL franchise. Picture: NRL Images

Santos Stadium in PNG could be the home of the next NRL franchise. Picture: NRL Images
As first revealed by this masthead last month, the NRL is ramping up expansion plans with an 18th team in Papua New Guinea, backed by $600 million in Federal government funding.
It could be announced as early as July, but more likely by the end of this season.
Now the ARL Commission is getting serious about the code’s biggest growth project in 30 years.
The 17 clubs will receive detailed information on plans to add three clubs within the decade after the NRL created an expansion task-force, headed by Commissioners Peter Beattie and Kate Jones, to begin due diligence on PNG.
The ‘Expansion Masterplan’ will formally outline the 20-team league, where the new teams will be based, when they will come in and the multifaceted benefits of having an international presence in the Pacific.
The game’s existing clubs will be offered a financial sweetener to garner their support for expansion.
It is understood discussions have been held with PNG and the Federal government over charging a licence fee to the 18th team of more than $50 million.
It would then be shared across the 17 clubs to win their backing.
Well-placed sources say the clubs want as much as an additional $170 million over the five years of the next broadcasting cycle.
Peter V'landys highlights the ARL Commission’s ambition to expand the league to 20 teams in the future. Picture: David Clark

Peter V'landys highlights the ARL Commission’s ambition to expand the league to 20 teams in the future. Picture: David Clark
V’landys declined to comment on the Norths meeting but confirmed the ARL Commission is seeking new fans in new markets, putting PNG, Perth Bears and a second Kiwi team firmly in the expansion frame.
“I am super confident there will be 20 teams, that’s the ambition,” he said.
“I’m not confirming anyone will be the 18th or 19th or 20th team, but the main assessment criteria we are looking at is – are you bringing new fans in, because we don’t want fans stolen from another team.
“The analysis will show us what the best options are and what the bid teams have to prove to us is they will bring in a new audience.
“The Dolphins got over the line because they showed they would bring more eyeballs to the game because more fan support brings in more revenue.
“Papua New Guinea is an easy one. They will bring in new fans. Perth is an easy one because that’s another new market. Christchurch will attract new fans as well.
“I think it (20 teams) can be done within a decade or even earlier.
“If we don’t expand, we will never reach our full potential.”
North Sydney walked away from the meeting with V’landys buoyed by the strongest hope yet the mighty Bears are coming back to the big league.
It is understood Perth will not be admitted to the NRL as a stand-alone club, and nor would the Bears.
The Bears are confident their return to the NRL is imminent. Picture: Julian Andrews

The Bears are confident their return to the NRL is imminent. Picture: Julian Andrews
The NRL’s preference is for a Perth Bears joint-venture relocation model operating under a motto of ‘Two Histories, One Future’ – ostensibly becoming the Sydney Swans of the NRL.
The Bears will agree to a full-time franchise based in Western Australia, on the proviso their heritage is recognised.
The proposed 19th club would have the Bears logo, feature black-and-red colouring and play two NRL games annually at North Sydney Oval in honour of the club’s 116-year foundation roots.
Newtown Jets have also held discussions with the Perth consortium in the hope of reviving the Bluebags in the top league.
The NRL has yet to finalise an expansion time frame.
Papua New Guinea is firming as the team most likely to next enter the NRL. Picture: NRL Photos

Papua New Guinea is firming as the team most likely to next enter the NRL. Picture: NRL Photos
PNG is most likely to enter the NRL in 2028, while the Perth Bears and a Christchurch-based team could complete a 20-team premiership by the Brisbane Games in 2032.
That is the year in which the code’s next TV rights deal will expire, setting the NRL up for a record broadcast bonanza with 10 televised games weekly for 2033 and beyond.
North Sydney chairman Daniel Dickson confirmed the meeting with V’landys and says the Bears, who last played in the premiership in 1999, can hit the ground running as an NRL operation.
“We’ve had ongoing dialogue with the NRL and this meeting was just a regular catch-up,” he said.
“We are very confident we are ready.
“That’s the point. The benefit of the Bears is that we have the following, we now have a feeder system and that’s an attraction to the NRL.
“Perth has a great flavour and we’d be only too happy to march in that direction.”
The Brisbane Tigers appear to be fighting a losing battle to become the fifth Queensland NRL side. Picture: QRL

The Brisbane Tigers appear to be fighting a losing battle to become the fifth Queensland NRL side. Picture: QRL
The Brisbane Tigers could be snubbed. They are gunning to be Queensland’s fifth franchise but there is a view the Sunshine State risks becoming a saturated market and cannot sustain another NRL team after the addition of the Dolphins last year.
Wests Tigers boss Shane Richardson, the former NRL strategy chief who investigated expansion in 2015, backed V’landys’ vision for a 20-team competition.
“We would love to see an expansion blueprint because there’s no doubt 20 teams could work,” Richardson said.
“People say we haven’t got the players, but we have the players if we have a bigger view of what the game is about.

More Coverage​

PNG NRL expansion hits $170 million roadblockPNG NRL expansion hits $170 million roadblock
PNG boost as NRL expansion announcement nearsPNG boost as NRL expansion announcement nears
“We are in a position now to become the dominant code in Australia and across the board.
“There is no doubt we can go to 20 teams, but let’s sit down now and look at the financial side of it.
“What are the dollars and cents of it all and what is television willing to pay for a 20-team league.”
 
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https://archive.ph/n9ES0#



NRL 2024: Peter V’landys meets with North Sydney Bears, NRL prepares to table 20-team expansion project​

The return of the Bears to the NRL is gathering steam after Peter V’landys held a meeting with North Sydney chiefs, which comes as the NRL plans to table a 20-team expansion proposal. See which teams are firming for the spots.
Peter Badel, Michael Carayannis and Brent Read

4 min read
June 9, 2024 - 6:00AM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
https://archive.ph/n9ES0#share-tools
9df238bd8e63a2503709f8157cd2eb9623386fc9.jpg


NRL: Latrell Mitchell had the Rabbitohs on the front foot against the Titans, with an impressive opening half
The North Sydney Bears have met with ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys and declared “we are ready” as the NRL prepares to table a historic document for a 20-team league by the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
This masthead can reveal NRL hierarchy is putting the finishing touches on a strategic plan, to be shown to the existing 17 clubs, outlining rugby league’s most ambitious expansion drive since the Super League war.
It can be revealed:
* North Sydney chiefs held talks with V’landys on the day of Origin I last Wednesday as their hopes of a stunning return to the big league gather steam;
* Perth’s entry to the NRL will be contingent on joining forces with the Bears;
* The door is all but shut on a fifth Queensland club being part of a 20-team league;
* The Bears and a second New Zealand franchise are fighting it out for the NRL’s 19th licence; and
* A secret third Christchurch consortium has entered the race to launch a second NRL team in New Zealand.
Santos Stadium in PNG could be the home of the next NRL franchise. Picture: NRL Images

Santos Stadium in PNG could be the home of the next NRL franchise. Picture: NRL Images
As first revealed by this masthead last month, the NRL is ramping up expansion plans with an 18th team in Papua New Guinea, backed by $600 million in Federal government funding.
It could be announced as early as July, but more likely by the end of this season.
Now the ARL Commission is getting serious about the code’s biggest growth project in 30 years.
The 17 clubs will receive detailed information on plans to add three clubs within the decade after the NRL created an expansion task-force, headed by Commissioners Peter Beattie and Kate Jones, to begin due diligence on PNG.
The ‘Expansion Masterplan’ will formally outline the 20-team league, where the new teams will be based, when they will come in and the multifaceted benefits of having an international presence in the Pacific.
The game’s existing clubs will be offered a financial sweetener to garner their support for expansion.
It is understood discussions have been held with PNG and the Federal government over charging a licence fee to the 18th team of more than $50 million.
It would then be shared across the 17 clubs to win their backing.
Well-placed sources say the clubs want as much as an additional $170 million over the five years of the next broadcasting cycle.
Peter V'landys highlights the ARL Commission’s ambition to expand the league to 20 teams in the future. Picture: David Clark'landys highlights the ARL Commission’s ambition to expand the league to 20 teams in the future. Picture: David Clark

Peter V'landys highlights the ARL Commission’s ambition to expand the league to 20 teams in the future. Picture: David Clark
V’landys declined to comment on the Norths meeting but confirmed the ARL Commission is seeking new fans in new markets, putting PNG, Perth Bears and a second Kiwi team firmly in the expansion frame.
“I am super confident there will be 20 teams, that’s the ambition,” he said.
“I’m not confirming anyone will be the 18th or 19th or 20th team, but the main assessment criteria we are looking at is – are you bringing new fans in, because we don’t want fans stolen from another team.
“The analysis will show us what the best options are and what the bid teams have to prove to us is they will bring in a new audience.
“The Dolphins got over the line because they showed they would bring more eyeballs to the game because more fan support brings in more revenue.
“Papua New Guinea is an easy one. They will bring in new fans. Perth is an easy one because that’s another new market. Christchurch will attract new fans as well.
“I think it (20 teams) can be done within a decade or even earlier.
“If we don’t expand, we will never reach our full potential.”
North Sydney walked away from the meeting with V’landys buoyed by the strongest hope yet the mighty Bears are coming back to the big league.
It is understood Perth will not be admitted to the NRL as a stand-alone club, and nor would the Bears.
The Bears are confident their return to the NRL is imminent. Picture: Julian Andrews

The Bears are confident their return to the NRL is imminent. Picture: Julian Andrews
The NRL’s preference is for a Perth Bears joint-venture relocation model operating under a motto of ‘Two Histories, One Future’ – ostensibly becoming the Sydney Swans of the NRL.
The Bears will agree to a full-time franchise based in Western Australia, on the proviso their heritage is recognised.
The proposed 19th club would have the Bears logo, feature black-and-red colouring and play two NRL games annually at North Sydney Oval in honour of the club’s 116-year foundation roots.
Newtown Jets have also held discussions with the Perth consortium in the hope of reviving the Bluebags in the top league.
The NRL has yet to finalise an expansion time frame.
Papua New Guinea is firming as the team most likely to next enter the NRL. Picture: NRL Photos

Papua New Guinea is firming as the team most likely to next enter the NRL. Picture: NRL Photos
PNG is most likely to enter the NRL in 2028, while the Perth Bears and a Christchurch-based team could complete a 20-team premiership by the Brisbane Games in 2032.
That is the year in which the code’s next TV rights deal will expire, setting the NRL up for a record broadcast bonanza with 10 televised games weekly for 2033 and beyond.
North Sydney chairman Daniel Dickson confirmed the meeting with V’landys and says the Bears, who last played in the premiership in 1999, can hit the ground running as an NRL operation.
“We’ve had ongoing dialogue with the NRL and this meeting was just a regular catch-up,” he said.
“We are very confident we are ready.
“That’s the point. The benefit of the Bears is that we have the following, we now have a feeder system and that’s an attraction to the NRL.
“Perth has a great flavour and we’d be only too happy to march in that direction.”
The Brisbane Tigers appear to be fighting a losing battle to become the fifth Queensland NRL side. Picture: QRL

The Brisbane Tigers appear to be fighting a losing battle to become the fifth Queensland NRL side. Picture: QRL
The Brisbane Tigers could be snubbed. They are gunning to be Queensland’s fifth franchise but there is a view the Sunshine State risks becoming a saturated market and cannot sustain another NRL team after the addition of the Dolphins last year.
Wests Tigers boss Shane Richardson, the former NRL strategy chief who investigated expansion in 2015, backed V’landys’ vision for a 20-team competition.
“We would love to see an expansion blueprint because there’s no doubt 20 teams could work,” Richardson said.
“People say we haven’t got the players, but we have the players if we have a bigger view of what the game is about.

More Coverage​

PNG NRL expansion hits $170 million roadblockPNG NRL expansion hits $170 million roadblock
PNG boost as NRL expansion announcement nearsPNG boost as NRL expansion announcement nears
“We are in a position now to become the dominant code in Australia and across the board.
“There is no doubt we can go to 20 teams, but let’s sit down now and look at the financial side of it.
“What are the dollars and cents of it all and what is television willing to pay for a 20-team league.”
Bears are obviously same colours as Canterbury NZ, don't know how their fans would feel about being kiwis though.
 
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A 3rd ChCh based consortium in the mix is interesting. I hope whoever misses out can work in with the unsuccessful bids to maximise potential sponsor / pathways etc to ensure the best chance of success.
I’d like a Christchurch based team to incorporate red and black in their team colours.
 
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The South Island Kea bid team recently released a video igniting a rivalry with the Warriors. Credit: Supplied.
The South Island Kea bid team recently released a video igniting a rivalry with the Warriors. Credit: Supplied.
The Warriors have been a revelation since returning home after Covid - they reached the top four last season - and V’landys is keen to capitalise on 25,000-sellout crowds at Auckland’s Go Media Stadium.
It seems only a matter of time before a second New Zealand team joins the NRL, and V’landys is adamant a 19th or 20th franchise on the South Island would not threaten the Warriors.
“New Zealand is a great market for us,” he said.
“Cameron George (Warriors CEO) and the ‘Wahs’ have done a wonderful job for us so we have to look at a second team.
“The Dolphins haven’t cannibalised any of the Queensland teams and it was important for our research that they wouldn’t do that.
“We don’t want a Warriors fan being lost to a second New Zealand team, there has to be a new market of fans.”
Peter V’landys doesn’t think a second New Zealand team would damage the Warriors’ popularity. Picture: David Clark
Peter V’landys doesn’t think a second New Zealand team would damage the Warriors’ popularity. Picture: David Clark
Former Kiwi Test forward Dean Lonergan, the man who delivered the NRL Nines to Auckland’s Eden Park in 2014, is adamant New Zealand is ready for a second team.
“The Warriors are the No.1 sports story right now in New Zealand,” he said.
“Peter V’landys is a genius who can see the benefits of a second New Zealand team.
“The NRL will soon amass so much money they will be able to poach any rugby player they want, including All Blacks.
“A Christchurch NRL team would be huge - it would replicate what we have seen in Queensland with the Dolphins and Broncos.
“A second New Zealand NRL team would be massive for the country ... the sport would go to another level.”
 
The stunning post-Covid resurgence of the Warriors could see a second New Zealand team from Christchurch fast-tracked into the NRL.

ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys says the governing body is seriously exploring further growth across the ditch with a second New Zealand team and the Perth Bears set to fight it out for the NRL’s 19th licence.

Ex-NRL boss David Moffett is leading one of three hopeful New Zealand bids based out of Christchurch.

The South Island Kea are not only confident that they can become part of an expanded competition, but believe they could expedite their entry as soon as 2026 should the NRL need more time for PNG to be introduced.

“We’ve been in contact with the NRL and we are just waiting for them to announce what the pathway looks like for the future,” Moffett said.

“We are able to add or change anything they might want once we get a look at the big document.

“If the NRL were to accept a team in 2026, we’d be ready because of the quality of the people we’ve got involved and some of the work we are doing already behind the scenes.

“We are fully aware that other NRL clubs see any additions as a threat to their funding and player drain.

“We are right in the middle of the area where a lot of the Sydney clubs get their talent.

“We’re focused on keeping as much of our talent here and especially in the Christchurch area so you don’t have to leave to head to Australia without the support of their families.”

The Kea faces opposition from a second South Island NRL bid involving former Warriors and Kiwi Test coach Frank Endacott, who has met with Christchurch council bosses.

An unknown third consortium of businessmen have also contacted the NRL expressing interest in a second New Zealand licence.

There is a view rugby union is under siege in New Zealand and rugby league could become the dominant code if the NRL launches a two-pronged attack on the iconic All Blacks.

The Warriors have been a revelation since returning home after Covid - they reached the top four last season - and V’landys is keen to capitalise on 25,000-sellout crowds at Auckland’s Go Media Stadium.

It seems only a matter of time before a second New Zealand team joins the NRL, and V’landys is adamant a 19th or 20th franchise on the South Island would not threaten the Warriors.

“New Zealand is a great market for us,” he said. “Cameron George (Warriors CEO) and the ‘Wahs’ have done a wonderful job for us so we have to look at a second team.

“The Dolphins haven’t cannibalised any of the Queensland teams and it was important for our research that they wouldn’t do that.

“We don’t want a Warriors fan being lost to a second New Zealand team, there has to be a new market of fans.”

Former Kiwi Test forward Dean Lonergan, the man who delivered the NRL Nines to Auckland’s Eden Park in 2014, is adamant New Zealand is ready for a second team.

“The Warriors are the No.1 sports story right now in New Zealand,” he said.

“Peter V’landys is a genius who can see the benefits of a second New Zealand team.

“The NRL will soon amass so much money they will be able to poach any rugby player they want, including All Blacks.

“A Christchurch NRL team would be huge - it would replicate what we have seen in Queensland with the Dolphins and Broncos.

“A second New Zealand NRL team would be massive for the country ... the sport would go to another level.”
 
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fleakill
1h ago

Perfect timing, Crusaders are mostly dogshit.


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https://www.reddit.com/user/thisaintitkweef/

1h ago

The Christchurch Saints has a good ring to it.


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55m ago

I saw a warriors fan pull his pants down and do a helicopter dick at the Melbourne game earlier this year. Also, NZ has enough passion for a second team.


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u/Accomplished-Good664 avatar

51m ago

It's a great Idea, it's the first time since the mid 90's where the game can really grow.


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Few good reasons here
 
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