Nick Politis advocates for Brisbane based 20th NRL expansion team

NRL administrator Nick Politis has publicly proposed that the league's 20th franchise should be located in Brisbane's western region rather than New Zealand. Under current television rights agreements, the competition must finalize the 20th team for the 2029 season following the scheduled entry of Perth in 2027 and Papua New Guinea in 2028. Politis argued that a Queensland-based team would better strengthen the sport's regional economy and counter the influence of the AFL. While groups in Christchurch and other parts of New Zealand remain interested, Politis suggested a new team in that market could potentially affect the existing success of the Warriors. The NRL and the Australian Rugby League Commission require any successful expansion applicant to demonstrate significant financial viability without a central grant during their first five years of operation.

• 8:12 AMZero Tackle NRL — Nick Politis makes expansion call, claims 20th team must avoid New Zealand