Welsh: Why Brisbane is the perfect spot for NRL's 20th team

SEN’s Pat Welsh has joined calls for the NRL’s 20th team to be located in Brisbane, days after reports that cashed-up American investors are interested in investing in a new Queensland-based team.

A US private equity firm is reportedly interested in investing millions in the Ipswich Jets bid to be the 20th NRL team, according to Steve Johnson, the man behind the bid.

The renewed push for a team in the Western Corridor comes as the AFL continues a $1 billion push into Queensland markets, following the success of back-to-back premiers Brisbane Lions, and the exciting and renewed Gold Coast Suns.

Former Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson encouraged the Ipswich Jets to combine with the Easts Tigers, another hopeful Queensland bid; an idea Johnson rejected.

The NRL will introduce the Perth Bears and PNG Chiefs over the next two years, but Welsh believes a third Brisbane team in 2030 is the smart decision for the NRL, over a potential second New Zealand team.

“I think it's a no-brainer,” Welsh told SENQ Breakfast.

“We know that the Lions have their base at Springfield. They are reaching out and spreading their tentacles around there.

“The AFL are coming in and have openly said we could have a budget that is massive to come in and try and do the whole Sydney-Queensland thing so you would have to think that they would start in that Western Corridor.

“I think with Steve Johnson, who's been around for a long time and has the game at heart, and Richo (Shane Richardson) with his technical nous and his pull at HQ, I reckon it's a no-brainer the two of them get together and push for this Western Corridor team.

“I mean, the compelling figures and ratings and all that sort of thing, participation, etc… I see Ipswich bid boss Steve Johnson is saying that they may have a bit of US cash here.

“The private equity mobs are interested in coming in here and Richo... I've spent a little bit of time in his company over the years, he's a wonderful thinker on the game.

“I don't know how quickly this can happen, that's the only thing.

“Given that they are in the setup of the Bears, the set-up of the PNG Chiefs, is this high on the priority list for (Peter V’Landys) and his team?

“I know it's getting massive. It's getting big traction right here at the moment, through our press. I hope it's high on their list because I think it's an area that we need to get to, and I hope it's high on the list for both Shane and Steve.

SENQ’s Ian Healy questioned whether the two bids would be able to successfully combine, stressing the many compromises they would need to reach in order to be accepted in time for the renewed broadcast deal in 2028.

“How much has Peter V'landys satisfied the broadcasters with 19 teams? They might be perfect… or does 20 make it better in 2030?,” Healy asked.

“They’ve got to work out, where are we training? What are we called?

“They shouldn't be called Ipswich or East, I don't reckon. (They are) should be West Brisbane, something that says we're west.

“Will it be the Jets? Will it be the Tigers?

“We've already got (Newtown) Jets… so there’s a few of those things (to figure out).”