The NRL's swift expansion is gearing up for another significant milestone before Christmas, with a decision regarding the league's 20th franchise possibly just months away, according to CODE Sports.
ARL Commission chairman Peter V'landys has announced that efforts are in progress to identify the location for the next club, with Queensland and New Zealand being focal points for a proposed 2029 entry.
A noteworthy development is Hamilton stepping forward as a viable candidate for a second New Zealand franchise, challenging the long-held belief that Christchurch would be the likely choice for the licence to move across the Tasman.
V'landys confirmed that thorough research is being carried out on the competing locations and indicated that a decision could be reached within three months if the business case supports additional expansion.
This schedule means that rugby league enthusiasts might learn who the NRL's 20th team will be before Christmas, furthering the league's remarkable growth period.
The Perth Bears are set to join as team No.18 in 2027, followed by the PNG Chiefs in 2028, with the potential for another franchise, which would result in a 20-team competition the following season.
Christchurch remains a strong contender, particularly with its new stadium, but Hamilton's rise has introduced an intriguing new player in the competition.
Warriors CEO Cameron George has expressed support for the Waikato region, citing its population and commercial growth as reasons Hamilton warrants serious attention.
However, New Zealand's acquisition of the licence is not assured, as Queensland continues to present a robust case for another team, with bids emerging from both Brisbane's western corridor and Central Queensland.
The financial implications of adding a 20th team are substantial, as it would introduce a tenth game each round under the new broadcast agreement.
After years of deliberation about the next expansion site for the NRL, the timeline for a decision is quickly progressing, and Hamilton's unexpected rise has made the competition even more interesting just months before the announcement of team No.20.