Craig Bellamy’s backing brings second Brisbane NRL team a step closer

If Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy gives it his backing, the NRL can’t ignore Brisbane’s claim to host the competition’s newest team – and the news just gets better, writes PETER BADEL.

• Bombers target Bellamy for explosive expansion plans
• Seibold defends Brisbane’s battered culture

Strap yourselves in Queensland footy fans. The birth of a second Brisbane NRL team is tantalisingly close.

Revelations that the Bombers consortium met with Storm super coach Craig Bellamy over Christmas is evidence the cogs are turning as the ARL Commission plots the code’s first expansionary move in more than a decade.

Bellamy, buried deep in AFL heartland in Melbourne, rarely comments on big-picture NRL matters.

For Bellamy to declare it’s time for a second team in Brisbane for 2023 is significant. Heavy-hitters at the NRL must sit up and take notice.

The good news for expansionists is that ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys is listening.

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Peter V'landys could be the man to make up Todd Greenberg’s mind. Photo: AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi

As he has shown as NSW Racing boss, V’landys is a visionary and an action man with a reputation for shaking the tree and planting the seeds for financial prosperity.

While some NRL officials are concerned about whether the code is ready to grow beyond 16 clubs, V’landys will go to broadcasters Fox and Channel 9 later this year armed with a 17-team proposal to build wealth for a code that has squandered billions.

Privately, V’landys has been working overtime on the code’s commissioners.

With self-absorbed Sydney clubs now content gorging on annual $13 million welfare handouts from the NRL, there is a belief “PVL” finally has the numbers to invite another team to the party.

The 17th team will not be from Perth, which did a mediocre job hosting last week’s NRL Nines. A five-hour flight from the eastern seaboard for players and fans is about as appealing as a trip to the dentist.

Broncos fans would jump at the chance for a real rivalry. Photo: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Brisbane will receive the next NRL licence. The pertinent question is where to precisely place the 17th team – and how would Brisbane’s second franchise gain any traction against the might of the $51 million Broncos.

The signing of Bellamy would be an instant coup for any prospective Brisbane team.

Bellamy has had numerous chats with Bombers officials but at this stage there is no contract and no guarantee he will leave the Melbourne club to whom he has dedicated almost 20 years of his life.

But the mere prospect of Bellamy returning to Queensland – and taking on the Broncos – is a mouth-watering narrative that would ignite a spicy Brisbane derby.

V’landys will know in the next six months if the broadcasters buy into his vision for 17 teams. Then the battle for the new Brisbane licence, and Bellamy’s signature, will be on like Donkey Kong.