The Courier Mail’s Peter Badel is reporting that the Brisbane Jets and Brisbane Firehawks have sensationally opened merger talks to become the NRL’s 17th franchise.
The Jets and Firehawks are currently two of the three bidders hoping to become the next NRL club, alongside the Redcliffe Dolphins, but Badel believes they’re set to combine to take on the powerful Dolphins’ bid.
BREAKING: HUGE NEWS ON NRL EXPANSION
— Pete Badel (@badel_cmail) August 26, 2021
The Brisbane Firehawks and Jets began merger talks last night to form a $35 million super bid to blow favourites Redcliffe out of the water.
Merger deal could be finalised today. Wayne Bennett would be first coach. https://t.co/CE1ngrq73E
Having presented to the ARLC board earlier this week and with the Dolphins considered favourites, it’s believed that the Jets and Firehawks could combine to form a ‘super-bid’ as Badel puts it.
As a member of the Jets bid, SEN host Scott Sattler told listeners to “watch this space” on merger talks on SEN’s Pat and Heals.
“Everyone is looking at every option,” Sattler said.
“The Brisbane Jets’ first option is to first and foremost secure the financial guarantees.
“The meeting with the ARLC probably came a little earlier than we anticipated.
“That’s the first port of call for the Brisbane Jets, to solidify those injections of funds.
“Outside of that we’ve got to look at Plan B or Plan C.
“You’ve always got to have fall back solutions, and maybe talking to the Firehawks – we’re singing from the same hymn sheet and talking about the growth of the game in the Western corridor – so we’ll look at all options at the moment for the betterment of the game.
“Watch this space.”
Talks are expected to continue on Friday, with the decision to be potentially finalised before an ARLC board meeting early next week.