Ipswich launches audacious bid to push in on Broncos territory
A CONSORTIUM from Ipswich is preparing a bid to rival Central Coast, Perth and Central Queensland for a place in the NRL in 2013.
And that will challenge and the Broncos and Titans for a slice of the lucrative southeast Queensland market.
With the NRL spruiking the prospect of expansion, The Australian can reveal officials from Ipswich, a 45-minute drive west of Brisbane, held talks with chief executive David Gallop this month and are in the process of conducting a feasibility study with a view to making a formal bid for entry to the premiership.
Consortium member Stephen Johnson, chairman of state league side the Ipswich Jets, confirmed his group was serious about preparing a bid with the support of local government.
Johnson stressed the side would initially play at Suncorp Stadium but eventually look to build a stadium in Ipswich. And they could enter the competition without eroding the power base of the Broncos.
The NRL has spoken openly of its desire to have a third team in southeast Queensland, although the clubs are opposed to expansion in the foreseeable future.
The final decision is likely to rest with the Independent Commission when it is formed.
"We have no doubt we can put together a team to compete in the NRL," Johnson said.
"We believe Brisbane deserves a second team.
"We tick all the boxes that the NRL requires. Obviously there are other areas that feel they're entitled to put in a bid.
"We will certainly put together at the right time a very persuasive and powerful bid for inclusion which I think the NRL couldn't knock back."
Asked how the club would survive alongside the Broncos, Johnson said: "We wouldn't see ourselves as competitors for the Broncos.
"The Broncos are doing a wonderful job in bringing local talent up but there's a lot more local talent which can't play with the Broncos."
Ipswich has been a fertile ground for rugby league.
The Walters brothers - Kevin, Kerrod and Steve - plus Allan Langer (all Kangaroos) emerged from the region from 1987. In the late 1950s, Australia's entire front row was made up of players from Ipswich - Dud Beattie, Noel Kelly and Gary Parcell.
"It's not necessarily about diluting the Broncos but recognising the strength of the game in Brisbane," Gallop said.
"The Broncos are the benchmark in commercial matters as well as developing talent and it is easy to see where a second team in Brisbane would be attractive when you look at expansion."
While rival NRL clubs are reluctant to expand due to a lack of money in the game, they have an interest in loosening the Broncos' grip on southeast Queensland.
"The purpose of our meeting with David was to tell him the (Ipswich) clubs were putting something forward," Johnson said. "He has an obligation to the game to make sure if they choose to expand it, expand in the areas rugby league needs. We believe a second side in Brisbane is the No 1 priority."
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