NRL EXPANSION

[leeroy*NRL*]

NRL is down to 5 bids >>> (NRL has announced TEAM 20 will be announced by CHRISTMAS TIME)

CHRISTCHURCH >> Well-placed sources say the South Island Council bid has the financial muscle to pay the NRL’s $100m licence fee and the region has another weapon – the new $556 million One New Zealand Stadium > christchurch city council (south island has 1.3mill pop

(EAST BRISBANE) >>>The Brisbane Tigers are the dark horse in the NRL expansion race. Their backers, Easts Leagues Club, have an asset base north of $57 million and cash reserves of at least $25m. That makes the Tigers capable of paying the $100 million licence fee imposed by the NRL.

LOGAN >>> It is understood they have already been in contact with the NRL over plans to base the team in Logan, which is a huge nursery for rugby league south of Brisbane >>> It is understood this will include a proposal to build a new stadium in the area.

TOOWOOMBA >> The region’s bid is led by a group of wealthy businessmen, including cattle tycoon Greg Mullins. >>The bid is centred in and around Toowoomba, the Darling Downs and extends through South West Queensland

IPSWICH JETS >> (GOLDEN WEST) Johnson is chairman of Queensland Cup side Ipswich and has an intimate understanding of the grassroots structures needed to support an NRL club. North Ipswich Reserve is undergoing a $40 million facelift, providing the perfect training base. Johnson has secured private equity support and the bid has the philosophical backing of Roosters billionaire chairman Nick Politis. Johnson and Politis recently held talks with ARLC boss Peter V’landys. The They have the juniors to be a serious contender. >>> 20th TEAM TO BE ANNOUNCED BEFORE CHRISTMAS