Rugby league great Cameron Smith believes the NRL need to be cautious in regards to bringing in a 17th franchise to the competition.
With expansion likely for either 2023 or 2024 with a second Brisbane side, Smith believes the NRL needs to weigh up whether they want to prioritise more revenue over the quality of the competition.
Smith thinks there may not be enough top level talent to fill another 40-man NRL roster in two or three years time.
He explained why on SEN 1170 The Captain’s Run.
“The hot topic this year has been about the quality of the competition,” Smith said.
“Some of the rosters across the NRL have been found to be a little bit skinny.
“So, is there enough talent to spread across the competition? Possibly not right now.
“We’ve been talking about the situation at the Bulldogs and the Wests Tigers and what’s happening with recruitment and rosters.
“Well, you’ve got great rosters at a handful of clubs while a few others are quite skinny.
“Can we afford to spread what we currently have across another team of 40 players? That’s my only concern.”
While Smith concedes there are benefits in bringing in a new club, particularly financially, he thinks NRL powerbrokers need to make sure they have their priorities in order.
“Does it help bring in more broadcast dollars and other avenues of revenue? Yes it does,” Smith said.
“But at the cost of the quality of the competition? I don’t know, that’s what Peter V’Landys and Andrew Abdo need to weigh up.
“Quality of the competition versus bringing in more revenue, I don’t know.”
Three Brisbane clubs – the Firehawks, Jets and Dolphins – presented to the competition on Tuesday in hopes of being selected as the NRL’s 17th franchise.
The competition is yet to announce if and when expansion will occur at this stage.