Queensland Premier Advocates for Fifth NRL Team

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has engaged in discussions with ARL Chairman and acting NRL CEO Peter V'landys to advocate for Queensland's bid for the 20th NRL license.

With the recent completion of the NRL's lucrative $5.3 billion TV rights deal, V'landys is now focusing on the league's expansion opportunities.

Even though Christchurch appears to be a frontrunner for the 20th license, the Courier Mail reports that Crisafulli is optimistic about securing an additional Queensland team following his talks with V'landys.

It has been suggested that stipulations within the TV rights agreement hint that one broadcaster is keen to introduce a new NRL team into the mix as early as 2029.

The proposed location for this bid is said to be within Queensland's western corridor, with Ipswich being considered a potential site for the new NRL franchise.

V'landys has not entirely dismissed the possibility of a fifth Queensland team, suggesting that the competition is still very much open.

"We have not ruled out Queensland (for a fifth NRL team)," V'landys told the Courier Mail.

"There's no doubt we've had some very serious approaches from New Zealand, but we've also had some very serious approaches from Queensland.

"We're looking at all options."