There is a secret, cash-rich consortium from south-east Queensland that is putting together a bid to become the 20th NRL team in the 2029 season.
News Corp reported last week that the second team may not be based in Christchurch, where two competing bids are on the table.
There are the Southern Orcas, based in Christchurch, and another team that could potentially be based in Hamilton, to be the next NRL team after the Perth Bears in 2027 and the PNG Chiefs in 2028.
According to new reports from The Courier Mail, a bid team is currently operating from the Brisbane region of Logan, with connections to the western region.
The consortium is believed to be putting the bid together and has been talking with powerbrokers within the game as they build towards launching a formal bid to enter the expansion discourse.
With funding, the consortium believes it can convince ARL Commission chairman Peter V'landys to choose their bid for finalising the 2029 expansion.
Previous reports have indicated that V'landys is expected to make a decision around Christmas time, giving the new team time and platform to build support and recruit playing talent when they join the NRL.
Whether New Zealand or Queensland wins the bid, they will need to spend $100 million to join the premiership and have a share in the ARL Commission.
The new side will need to waive its club distribution from head office for the first five years from when they enter.
Talks have been held with league bosses during this year's State of Origin series, with plans to become the fourth team in south-east Queensland.
While it has been reported the NRL is more interested in a second team in New Zealand to grow the game across the Tasman specifically, broadcasters have been wanting another team from Queensland.
Logan has been where major NRL players have come from, with Melbourne Storm dummy-half Cameron Smith and Raiders forward Josh Papalii starting their rugby league journey there.
Under the $5.3 billion TV rights deal the NRL secured, guaranteeing the 20th NRL team by 2029 will give the league an additional $20 million a season.
In the future, the NRL will plan for the competition to consist of 22 teams.
The Ipswich Jets and Central Queensland are also believed to join the race for the 20th team licence.
The Ipswich Jets have previous experience, as they originally bid for the licence that the Redcliffe-based Dolphins won.
