NRL expansion is increasingly gaining attention, especially with the competition for Team 20 heating up recently.
Following the introduction of the Perth Bears and PNG Chiefs as Teams 18 and 19 in the next two seasons, the NRL and ARLC have set a goal to achieve a total of 20 teams around the time of the Brisbane Olympics.
This grants the governing body and expansion proposals approximately six years to finalize their plans, although a decision will likely be reached well before that timeframe.
This past week, it was highlighted that another Brisbane team-specifically from the western corridor-will be vying for the opportunity, similar to the attempts made when the Dolphins entered the competition ahead of the 2023 season.
However, the 20th team absolutely cannot be located in Brisbane.
There are two fundamental reasons for this, both critical in their significance.
The primary concern regarding Brisbane is straightforward: despite its size, further dividing fan support from the Broncos serves no purpose.
The Broncos are among the sport's most significant clubs and have thrived as a dominant team within a singular city.
Although this dynamic has shifted, previous suggestions for teams on the Gold Coast and in Redcliffe were completely justified.