NRL news: Nick Politis backs NRL’s expansion plan

Queensland’s hopes of securing a second Brisbane team has received a massive boost with one of the NRL’s most powerful men backing plans to expand the game.

Roosters supremo Nick Politis has thrown his support behind the NRL’s expansion plans in a major shot-in-the-arm for Queensland’s hopes of receiving a second team in Brisbane for 2023.

Politis, one of rugby league’s most powerful men with personal wealth of more than $1 billion, believes a second Brisbane team to rival the Broncos can deliver another marquee derby at Suncorp Stadium and be a smash hit with broadcasters.

The sentiments from Roosters chairman Politis came as the Queensland Rugby League clarified its position on expansion, saying it would not oppose a 17th team if an ARL Commission probe shows the code will benefit from a new franchise.

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ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys has begun visiting the existing 16 clubs to outline his vision for growth amid speculation a growing number of Sydney teams want expansion plans scrapped.

But the expansion push has found a significant supporter in Politis, who says his NRL glamour club the Roosters can see the merits in the birth of a fourth team in Queensland.

Roosters boss Nick Politis supports the NRL’s expansion plans. Picture: Shane Myers/NRL Photos

“The Roosters don’t have a problem with another team coming in,” Politis said.

“I’m not against expansion, I wouldn’t care if another two teams came in.

“The ARL Commission are looking at and it will need a strong business case for expansion to go ahead.”

Politis has been a political heavy-hitter in rugby league for more than 40 years and his views are sure to pique the interest of ARL Commissioners, who will decide by July whether to expand the NRL premiership to 17 teams.

“The game has to look at expansion because the Commission is looking at ways to improve the TV rights,” Politis said.

“Ideally, they would like to have a game at Suncorp Stadium every week on TV so that’s a major reason, I’m sure the networks would want that.

“I don’t mind another team in south-east Queensland, which enables the game to have another local derby and a game every weekend at Suncorp.

“If that (a second Brisbane team) is going to help the NRL get a better deal, then that’s a good thing financially and that would help all the clubs.

“It makes sense to me ... more money in the game helps sustain everybody.”

ARLC chairman Peter V’landys is determined to keep growing the game in Queensland. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

V’landys found himself on a collision course with Queensland Rugby League chairman Bruce Hatcher, who on Thursday said he would prefer to see a Sydney team relocated to Brisbane, citing concerns over playing depth in the NRL.

Hatcher came under fierce attack on social media from critics who believe Queenslanders will not support a rebadged Sydney team.

Queensland’s governing body insists it will not attempt to block expansion if a detailed analysis by the ARL Commission provides conclusive evidence that expansion will help the sport.

“The QRL board, which met in Brisbane (on Friday), shares the view that any decision to issue a licence to a 17th franchise needs to be evidence based,” Hatcher said.

“The scope of feasibility work must be expanded to include the most impactful use of funds and resources, taking into consideration future investment into the women’s game and state-wide competitions which underpin the NRL.

“We are of the opinion that significant feasibility work needs to be undertaken and presented to the QRL before a clear position on expansion can be formed.

Queensland Rugby League chairman Bruce Hatcher. Picture: AAP Image/Dave Hunt

“If it is determined, however, that a 17th franchise is the best decision for the game, then we wholeheartedly support a second team in Brisbane, particularly as each of the three contenders for expansion are affiliated with Intrust Super Cup clubs.”

Brisbane Jets bid official Steve Johnson said the notion of relocation is “nonsense”.

“To relocate a team disrespects the history of clubs and their existing fans,” he said.

“The Sydney clubs have a right to remain in the game with their brands.

“In a heartland like Queensland, you won’t engender any goodwill by relocating a Sydney team. The fans won’t embrace that team, so you won’t get any buy-in for a relocated team in Queensland.

“The only model for relocation is to go to a totally new market, such as Perth, where rugby league doesn’t dominate.

“A relocated club would inherently not be in a good state, otherwise they wouldn’t relocate.

“So why would you bring a struggling club to Queensland. It’s not a model the game can afford to entertain.”