The momentum for establishing a fifth NRL team in Queensland is building, with significant backing from prominent figures such as Peter V’landys and QRL CEO Ben Ikin.
The historic Ipswich Jets are positioning themselves as the leading candidates for the league’s next expansion team, having secured $42.5 million in funding to upgrade North Ipswich Reserve to first-grade standards.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding expressed her support during an appearance on Nine’s Today.
“As a proud patron of the Ipswich Jets, I can say we are passionate about our sport here,” Harding commented.
“Numerous rugby league legends hail from Ipswich and the western corridor, right through to regional Queensland.”
North Ipswich Reserve is set to undergo significant renovations ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. AusStadiums
“We’re fiercely pursuing this licence. We’re in the midst of an extensive upgrade to North Ipswich Reserve to meet NRL compliance, including new change rooms and broadcasting facilities,” she added.
“We’re more than prepared. We have strong backing and all we need is the licence.”
Ipswich holds a revered place in the history of rugby league, with the Jets competing in the Queensland Cup reserve-grade competition. They captured the State Championship in 2015.
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Harding asserts that an NRL team in the region would significantly benefit the community.
“It would mean so much to our community,” she stated.
“You can observe the unifying impact in places like Parramatta and Penrith, communities just outside of the major cities, and what it does both for local spirit and the economy.”
“It injects substantial funds, and the statistics speak for themselves. There’s solid financial backing, and growth is underway.”
Ipswich Jets celebrate their 2015 State Championship victory on NRL grand final day. Getty
“We have the statistics to back us up, alongside an impressive pathways program. Our junior ranks are growing each year,” she elaborated.
“The moment has come, and we’ve felt somewhat overlooked for an extended period. This opportunity is perfect for the NRL to tap into the significant population growth here.”
Ikin has also been a strong proponent for including Ipswich in the league, emphasising that the NRL is closely monitoring regional development.
He remarked that the club’s commitment to enhancing junior programs and its ongoing renovations will be favourably viewed by ARL Commission Chairman V’landys.
“We fully support the introduction of another team in Queensland,” Ikin stated to AAP.
Ben Ikin with Billy Slater. Getty
“Senior officials in rugby league have assured me that this is coming. As we establish pathways in that region, positive developments will surely follow and grab the attention of Peter V’landys, who remains open to the concept of a fifth Queensland team.”
Other potential contenders for NRL expansion in the state include a Central Queensland bid and the Souths Logan Magpies, but it seems the Jets are currently in pole position.
“Every one of us is running our own race… but the figures tell the story,” Harding concluded.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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