ARL commissioner Kate Jones spotted in Redcliffe for Intrust Super Cup final

With a decision on the 17th NRL team imminent, ARLC commissioners Kate Jones and Megan Davis were spotted among fans in Redcliffe for the Intrust Super Cup final.

As thousands watched an Intrust Super Cup grand final thriller, two Australian Rugby League Commission members were spotted at Redcliffe’s Moreton Daily Stadium with a decision on the 17th NRL team imminent.

Commissioners Kate Jones and Megan Davis were among the 7000 spectators who watched Norths Devils beat Wynnum Manly 16-10.

While the Dolphins are the favourites, Ms Jones declined to speculate who of the three bids, Redcliffe, the Brisbane Jets and the Brisbane Firehawks, would become the 17th NRL team.

ARLC commissioner Kate Jones was in the crowd for the Intrust Super Cup Grand Final between Wynnum Manly Seagulls and Norths Devils. Picture: Richard Walker

“There is a lot of excitement (about a 17th team) because people understand the magnitude of this decision, if we decide to go ahead with an extra team it’s a big shift for the whole code and across Queensland,” Ms Jones said.

“The chairman has been upfront about saying that we understand there are timelines about recruiting players in the 2023 season so we’re mindful of that and will have a decision in the coming weeks.”

Wynnum Manly fans Jed and Emmerson Green at the Intrust Super Cup final. Picture: Richard Walker

The Sunday afternoon turnout showed the appetite for Rugby League in Queensland is as strong as ever.

“It was a great turnout, we only had the capacity changes yesterday afternoon so the fact they have sold close to a thousand seats overnight just shows you how important Rugby League is to this community.”

When asked about potential for the 18th NRL team, Ms Jones followed the same chorus of Chairman Peter V’landys.

“I think the Chairman said recently in the papers you’ve got to keep growing don’t you?”