QRL CEO Ben Ikin details why securing more funding from the ARLC is imperative to staving off the threat of AFL

Queensland Rugby League is at war on two fronts and it’s place as the premier sport in the state is under threat because of it. State CEO Ben Ikin details why securing more funding from the ARLC is imperative to staving off the threat of AFL.

QRL CEO Ben Ikin details why securing more funding from the ARLC is imperative to staving off the threat of AFL. Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images.

Queensland Rugby League is at war on two fronts and it’s place as the premier sport in the state is under threat because of it.

While the QRL and NSWRL begin an internal war with the Australian Rugby League Commission, launching litigation over funding issues, the shadow of the AFL looms large over the Sunshine State.

It is no secret the AFL is pushing for further growth in Queensland, hosting the opening round of the 2024 season in New South Wales and Queensland.

The growth of the sport has taken off and is likely to grow further as both Brisbane and Gold Coast clubs push to potentially play finals.

The growing presence of the rival football code is why QRL CEO Ben Ikin believes sorting the funding issues is imperative to the future of league.

QRL CEO Ben Ikin details why securing more funding from the ARLC is imperative to staving off the threat of AFL. Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images.

“The AFL is desperately trying to close the gap through significant investment,” Ikin said.

“Which is why the QRL is pushing hard for the ARLC to do the same.”

Ikin will continue to push to ensure the NRL remains the number one sport in Queensland for the next five years and further.

“Rugby league is easily the most popular sport in Queensland,” Ikin said.

“When you combine growing participation in schools and community clubs with the enormous footprint of our state wide competitions.

“Throw in four NRL teams, three NRLW teams and two State of Origin teams.

“Rugby league is in pretty good shape … and that’s before you include the non-contact versions of our game.

“We have a thriving group of school competitions across all ages, the network of schools that now run elite programs is more significant than it has ever been,” Ikin said.

“The work that Andrew Peach, former principal of Marsden High, which in itself is a great rugby league school, has been able to achieve since he stepped into the NRL is to focus on schools has been magnificent.

QRL boss Ben Ikin has vowed to fight for the future of regional and junior rugby league, for players like Runaway Bay’s Kasey Krywenko, as he prepares for a court fight with the ARLC.Picture: Glenn Campbell

“Plenty of healthy, thriving competitions in schools and the schools are now considered part of the elite pathway.

As the NRL looks to expand the elite competition, its not surprising they are looking into Queensland for the expansion.

“The QRL is very proud of the fact that when the ARLC wanted to expand, they chose one of Queensland’s most famous clubs, the Redcliffe Dolphins,” Ikin said.

“It’s not surprising to me that the two most logical candidates to expand the game again come from out Host Plus Cup.

“The Brisbane Tigers and PNG Hunters.”

Originally published as QRL CEO Ben Ikin details why securing more funding from the ARLC is imperative to staving off the threat of AFL