Melbourne Storm captain Christian Welch has responded to reports that the NRL are actively considering including a second Victorian team as part of their larger plans for expansion.
ARL Chairman Peter V’landys has confirmed his plans for 20 teams in the NRL by 2032 and has been an outspoken supporter of suburban rivalry within the competition.
A News Corp report broke the news of investigations into a second Melbourne team.
Welch was initially surprised when he learnt Melbourne was in the running to host the next NRL team on SEN's The Run Home.
“You’ve got to love V'landys, he just goes and announces things, doesn’t he,” Welch laughed.
“I hadn’t heard that. Look, if any sporting city could do it Melbourne could, but I’d be thinking western Australia or a second team in New Zealand.
“They nailed it with the Dolphins and getting a strong team in there, but it’s got to be expansion, not necessarily consolidation I would think for the NRL… but it’s great to see they’re thinking about that.”
Welch was optimistic about the chances of a second Victorian team being successful but admitted it would be hard given the Melbourne market is dominated by the AFL.
“Yeah look, I think it would work,” he replied.
“But I think one of the special things about being the Melbourne Storm, it unified the city.
“There’s different AFL clubs here… but I think a lot of AFL people, they also support the Storm because it's about Melbourne and one team.
“I think that’s why the Storm works well.
“I’d be surprised, but the rivalry could work… (but) I’d be shocked, to be honest.”
Potential expansion teams that have been floated include a team based in the Pasifika, Western Australia, a second New Zealand team and even the return of the much beloved North Sydney Bears.
