some11
Referee
- Messages
- 23,314
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/a-...s-expansion-plans-on-ice-20200322-p54cql.html
ARLC chairman Peter V'landys and NRL chief commercial officer Andrew Abdo raised the prospect of a second Brisbane team and the idea of a new local derby from 2023, such was the desire to push the go button on expansion for the next TV rights deal.
But now the game is ready to scrap expansion plans altogether as they brace for a potential five-year aftershock from the coronavirus pandemic that threatens to cripple businesses around the world.
The groundwork for a 17th team to enter the competition in the next broadcast cycle had already been done and, by the end of this year, the NRL was meant to give the tick of approval to a second team in Brisbane. At least that was the plan.
The bidders had started to line up coaches and discussions were being had about what roster structure changes would need to be made to ensure there was enough depth in talent to cover for an additional team.
At best, plans are now on the backburner. But the reality of the situation has many inside NRL headquarters convinced expansion in 2023 is now dead.
ARLC chairman Peter V'landys and NRL chief commercial officer Andrew Abdo raised the prospect of a second Brisbane team and the idea of a new local derby from 2023, such was the desire to push the go button on expansion for the next TV rights deal.
But now the game is ready to scrap expansion plans altogether as they brace for a potential five-year aftershock from the coronavirus pandemic that threatens to cripple businesses around the world.
The groundwork for a 17th team to enter the competition in the next broadcast cycle had already been done and, by the end of this year, the NRL was meant to give the tick of approval to a second team in Brisbane. At least that was the plan.
The bidders had started to line up coaches and discussions were being had about what roster structure changes would need to be made to ensure there was enough depth in talent to cover for an additional team.
At best, plans are now on the backburner. But the reality of the situation has many inside NRL headquarters convinced expansion in 2023 is now dead.