Reports emerged on Tuesday night that the NRL has already spoken to a handful of clubs about their radical expansion ideas.
The Sydney Morning Herald are reporting that the league is aiming to add two teams by 2026 – a second Brisbane side and either a second team in New Zealand or a Perth franchise.
Additionally, the NRL has pitched a proposal to clubs that would see the competition split into two conferences – a Sydney based conference and a conference for the remainder of the teams.
The idea behind the conference system is to increase more rivalries, with all teams in the Sydney conference playing each other twice twice per year, and playing the remaining sides once in a 25 round season.
This would guarantee that the Roosters, Rabbitohs, Eels, Bulldogs, Tigers, Panthers, Dragons, Sharks and Sea Eagles would play each other both home and away each season.
Following the news, SEN host Andrew Voss detailed his thoughts on expansion and implored the NRL to listen to the fans’ opinion before making any final calls.
“Expansion in the NRL - warning, this is not a drill,” Voss said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“After years of talk and rumour, the NRL will be expanding despite concerns we don’t have enough talent to spread around the competition that’s got more teams.
“I’ve never been against expansion, let me put that on the record, in fact I welcome the certainty now that we’re putting in place. This is what we’re doing, this is where we’re headed.
“I feel it’s been unfair to lead interested parties along with the idea that they could be coming into the NRL sometime relatively soon.
“On that note, the news today regarding where we are headed in regards to 2026, or by 2026. There will be two new teams.
“There will be a second Brisbane team. That’s a lock. For the second side perhaps the favourite is a second side out of New Zealand for 2026, but there is still the possibility of a Perth team, I’m a little torn there.
“I’m a little unsure where we should be headed if they’re the prime candidate for the 18th club.
“I’ve learnt this in my time covering the game and this includes years when we’ve added sides, the big year being 1995.
“If you weren’t aware, we added four new clubs in 1995.
“We had the Western Reds, we had the North Queensland Cowboys, the South Queensland Crushers and the Auckland Warriors. They all came on board at the same time.
“Expansion can only work with a support of the existing clubs. The game has to be united.
“If new clubs are to work, more than likely some concessions need to be made in the short term for them to be a success rather than a burden.
“This is a point that has never gone down well in a sport that has a habit of eating its own.
“With rugby league clubs, the track record of doing things for the greater good of the sport isn’t overly convincing.
“The saying is a chain can only be as strong as its weakest link.
“If country rugby league falls by the wayside and junior numbers don’t increase, then forget about expansion being sustained.
“We’ve got to cover all bases here, Peter V’Landys, Andrew Abdo and co. You have your hands full.
“The idea of the conference system is certainly worthy of open debate and discussion, and I would hope that the view of an important stakeholder – the fan – is viewed and considered.
“Now is the time to have your say. The future of the game depends on it, the NRL needs you, the fan.”
Listen to Vossy’s verdict below.