Ben Ikin, the Queensland Rugby League chief, has expressed his enthusiasm for the revival of a central Queensland NRL bid, showing his strong support for a fifth NRL team in the region.
Ikin noted his optimism due to ARL Commission chairman Peter V'landys' willingness to consider the proposal for a 20th NRL team from Queensland. The Ipswich-based Jets, in collaboration with Newtown Jets, are being touted as the leading candidates for entry by 2030.
"We absolutely back another team in Queensland because the truth of it is there is an NRL bid emerging out of central Queensland," Ikin told AAP.
He further mentioned that influential figures in rugby league, including those from the government, have confirmed the viability of this initiative.
"There are a whole lot of people up there rusted onto the game the same way they are in the western corridor (of Brisbane) who would love to see an NRL team out of Rockhampton. That competitive tension is great for the game," Ikin added.
Ikin believes it's feasible for both CQ and the Jets to enter the NRL in the future.
"Who knows? We might end up with six teams in Queensland. Just after COVID would you have expected we would be in Perth and PNG? No one would have," he remarked.
According to him, "Under the game's current leadership, growth is on the agenda because there are more participants, viewers and investments than ever."
Central Queensland native Jason Hetherington, a legendary figure in Queensland and Canterbury football, was part of the CQ NRL bid team that originated over 15 years ago.