NRL give hint for location of 18th league club

NRL boss Andrew Abdo has flagged the league's interest in adding a second club out of New Zealand as the 18th league license, stating the growing momentum of a 17th club is a stepping stone to the concept.

The league is set to make a call on its expansion plans later this year, with the NRL set to introduce a second Brisbane side with the Brisbane Jets, Redcliffe Dolphins and Brisbane Firehawks all in contention to join the competition.

Abdo revealed the NRL are looking into several key ideas that would dramatically alter the competition in the long run, including a player "trade window", the addition of Sydney boutique stadiums and further developing the Nines as well as expanding the league.

The potential expansion of the league is likely to line up with a staggering window of free agents 👀 #NRLhttps://t.co/gbYJwPynWA

— ZeroTackle.com (@zerotackle) February 1, 2021

Following on from the impacts the COVID-19 pandemic had on the NRL last year mixed with its current unprecedented presence heading into 2021, Abdo told NRL.com that the league is looking into the future whilst battling the current financial climate.

“The plan for the NRL is to stabilise, renovate and then grow,” he said.

“We have to stay vigilant, we are going to have to get through a very complicated 2021 season, vaccines are still being rolled out and we are not sure what is going to happen with borders so we can’t take our eye of the ball.

“But at the same time we are busy laying the foundations for some very exciting long-term initiatives, whether it be how we develop talent, where we play and where our clubs are, or whether it is about the international game.

“You have to develop an ambitious long-term vision and then make sure that as you work through the renovation phase we are setting ourselves up for that."

Abdo acknowledged the idea of adding an 18th club to the competition, with the enticing concept of producing a rivalry situated across the Tasman.

“Considering whether a 17th team is viable fits under that growth phase,” Abdo said.

“We haven’t been that explicit about it but a 17th team is a step to 18 teams.

“Moving to 17 teams wouldn’t be an end point. It gets you closer to 18 teams and obviously 18 teams gives you a few different options.

“An 18th team allows you to think about what we might want to do about expanding in New Zealand. Having two teams in New Zealand creates a tribalism and a new rivalry in New Zealand.

“It also gives you options around pools because you can have two pools of nine teams. As you see with some of the big US sports, as you grow your competition and the scale of the number of teams, you can create a dynamic around who plays who and ultimately create more rivalries in regional areas and have competitions within competitions.

“You have to begin with the end in mind, you have to always keep an eye on the long term and you have to think about what is moving you closer to becoming an even more sustainable and relevant and viable sport.”

The NRL confirmed a loss of $24.7 million for last year, but have since cut $50 million from the budget while 98 per cent of sponsorships remained with the league during the hiatus in 2020, aiding the league's financial position.

“That was critical so we were able to start the 2021 season intact, which we are now, and by preserving cash and the balance sheet we are now able to invest," Abdo added.