The NRL now has a Toowoomba consortium to consider for the NRL's highly sought-after 20th license for entry into the rugby league competition.
A fifth Queensland team is building momentum to take part in the NRL, and is expected to be a two-horse race with a second New Zealand franchise to enter the league before the turn of the decade.
The Courier Mail is reporting Toowoomba has emerged as the latest bid in the expansion push, which has reached out to former QRL CEO Ben Ikin to build strength for another Queensland NRL side.
ARL Chairman Peter V'landys is aware of Toowoomba's desire to join the NRL, but will assess all options for his NRL expansion ambitions.
“Queensland is absolutely a consideration for the 20th team,” V'landys told News Corp on Wednesday.
“We have not a made a decision on where the 20th team is going.
“We are keeping an open mind on Queensland and New Zealand.”
He has also reiterated that consortiums must be able to table $100 million if they are to be taken seriously for a place in the NRL.
“If there is a credible Queensland bid, then absolutely they are in the game," V'landys said.
“But I want to make this clear to all the expansion teams - they have to have $100 million.
“That's the pre-requisite and all parties know that.
“We will not consider any offer that doesn't provide the $100 million.”
New Zealand was believed to be the favourite for quite some time, with strong bids located in the country's South Island, with the Southern Orcas building momentum during the year following the opening of Christchurch's new flashy stadium.
With the Warriors currently flying in terms of popularity across the ditch, it shapes up as a good time to strike with another franchise in New Zealand to take advantage of the growing appetite for rugby league.
There is also the Ipswich Jets, who have tried on previous occasions to join the NRL with little success.
The Jets will now have to compete directly with Toowoomba, who are both located to the west of Brisbane and just over an hour apart.
Given the Brisbane Broncos' strong commercial success they bring to the table, areas outside of Brisbane have built interest with plenty of healthy rugby league nurseries in the area.
Coaching legend Wayne Bennett has thrown his support behind a side in Toowoomba and was born in the area.
“It's a no brainer to have an NRL team there,” Bennett said to the Courier Mail.
“I'm from that area and I know what rugby league means to the people of Ipswich and Toowoomba.
“There's plenty of money in that region. They have an airport out there. There would be no problem funding an NRL team.”
It is understood the Toowoomba bid has told the NRL they are happy to provide the $100 million asking fee, which may kick off negotiations.
It also expected the ARLC will make a decision on the 20th NRL franchise around Christmas time.
