TWENTY-20 VISION
There were fears the NRL might stop at 19 teams after the ARL Commission was left unimpressed by a series of Christchurch bids for a second team in New Zealand on the South Island.
But V’landys said the march to 20 teams is underway and says a fifth Queensland team remains a possibility, giving hope to the Brisbane Tigers or Ipswich Jets.
“Yes, we are looking at 20 teams, absolutely,” he said.
“That is the Commission’s aim, because 20 teams opens up so many doors.
“It opens up a better draw because you could play each other once, it would allow for State of Origin to fit in and it allows for international games to fit in.
“It’s the perfect format for all elements of the game.
“We don’t want to lose the integrity of the competitions because when Origin is on, we are hellbent on growing the international game and having the 20 teams helps us to achieve all that.”
Asked if the NRL will have 20 teams by the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, he said: “It could be even earlier than that, nothing is set in stone. I would prefer to do it earlier if we can. I don’t know if it’s a second New Zealand team, it could be another Queensland team actually.
“But we won’t be rushed into it, it has to be the right fit and it has to meet the business plan.”