The NRL Expansion Project goes back to the inception of the NRL in 1998, where they had to start by rationalising the amount of clubs.
The two clubs which stand to lose the most as a result of further expansion are ironically the two JV clubs which helped kick off the rationalisation.
Both us (with Flanno in charge as head coach) and the Tigers (with Richo and their revamped board) might actually start to bring through some homegrown marquees in the next couple of years. How the hell are we going to feel if the likes of Hayden Buchanan, Pasifika-Tonga and King-Togia come up to grade, have a break-out 2027, only to then have the carrot dangled in front of them with the tax free PNG earnings (not necessarily for 2028 but for say 2029 or 2030)?
One thing that is undisputable - a lot of off contract players, and their managers, across the comp going forward won't be signing anywhere beyond 2027. How on earth are other clubs, particularly those who are looking to re-build and climb the ladder) supposed to build long term stability now?
I can't help but feel we and the Tigers (who still have great loyal fanbases and several sell out games per year despite poor results in the last decade plus) have been left out in the cold. Why is the heartland being ignored? Parramatta fans should also be worried (the news today easily puts them back another 10 years from breaking their premiership drought IF they are lucky).