TRL BACKS NRL EXPANSION
Another Brisbane team would provide more opportunity
LEAGUE: The NRL hopes of Toowoomba’s next generation of players have received a shot in the arm.
Despite the coronavirus pandemic playing havoc with the current NRL season, ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys is pushing ahead with expansion plans as soon as 2022.
V’landys believes a 17th team is needed and his preferred destination is south east Queensland.
The announcement at the weekend has been welcomed by the Toowoomba Rugby League.
“Another team means more opportunity for players to live out their dreams in the NRL,” TRL chairman Rex Zeeman said.
“Having another team in Brisbane or south east Queensland doesn’t guarantee Toowoomba players anything but it’s another 30 contracts out there that need to be filled.
“It’s a step in the right direction provided they do it the right way.”
Zeeman, who accepted the role of TRL Chairman earlier this year, hopes the biggest positive from NRL expansion will be seen at a grassroots level.
“I think teams like the Mustangs stand to benefit the most and I hope they do,” he said.
“We (the TRL) have been behind their Instrust Cup bid from the beginning and NRL expansion.
“They (the Mustangs) might be able to get on board with the new team.
“In the past people have shown concern about an Instrust Cup team here – they think it might be a drain on local player talent.
“I don’t see it that way.
“Someone like the Mustangs can only take on so many players and they may have to look outside the region when recruiting.
“But those players that don’t line up for them on the weekend come back to the TRL and strengthen it.
“It’s also another opportunity for the local players to try and test themselves at another level of the game.”