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Green, Walters excited by Jets' NRL merger

3 minute read

Two rival bids have merged to become the Brisbane Jets as the NRL looks to announce a 17th team, to be introduced in 2023, later this year.

Cowboys coach PAUL GREEN.
Cowboys coach PAUL GREEN. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

New Queensland coach Paul Green and his predecessor Kevin Walters say the merging of two rival bids for NRL expansion in Brisbane has spiced up the race as they approach the finish line.

The Ipswich Jets and Brisbane Bombers have this week aligned to become the Brisbane Jets in the quest to be Queensland's fourth NRL team in 2023.

Competing with Redcliffe Dolphins and Easts Firehawks to become the NRL's 17th team, Brisbane junior and former Wynnum Manly coach Green can see the big-picture spin-offs.

"It (the merger) makes sense for different reasons ... they're all pretty solid bids from what I've read and it makes sense to join your resources because it's a big job to start an NRL club from scratch," former North Queensland coach Paul Green said.

"The Firehawks have a strong bid too; it's healthy (competition) and it's another pathway for young guys to achieve their dreams in footy."

A decision on the new team could be made by the ARL commission as early as June, with Wayne Bennett and Craig Bellamy both reportedly in the mix to coach the foundation club.

Ipswich product Walters coached the Jets in the Queensland Cup but admitted the Redcliffe bid still presented strongly.

"I thought them (the Jets and Bombers) combining was a big play; it makes a good argument and certainly a lot stronger than it was a week ago but Redcliffe is a good option too," he said.

"Everyone's been screaming out for many years (for a second Brisbane team) and it looks like it's finally going to happen."

The Jets would play their games out of Suncorp Stadium but target the state's western corridor, which is untapped by the NRL despite being rugby league heartland.

The well-established Dolphins would split games between Suncorp Stadium and Redcliffe, which is home to the A-League's Brisbane Roar and equipped with administration, training and business facilities.

Billed as a team able to create a tantalising inner-city Brisbane NRL rivalry, the Firehawks are the brainchild of the Easts Tigers, a club that acts as a feeder team to the Melbourne Storm.

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