Ipswich in Australia again bids for an NRL spot — ABC News Australia

The Australian city of Ipswich in Queensland is again seeking a licence to participate in the NRL after two unsuccessful bids. The announcement of the league’s 20th team is expected by the end of the year, and the Ipswich Jets bid will compete, among others, with the Southern Orcas from Christchurch, New Zealand, ABC News Australia reports.

Rugby League Ipswich chairman David Nugent said the city understands how difficult the competition is. According to him, Ipswich residents are ready to make every effort in the fight for a place in the NRL.

Betting on local players

Rugby league has been an important part of Ipswich’s sporting life since the beginning of the 20th century. The city has produced a number of prominent players, including Dad Beattie, Allan “Alfie” Langer and Brisbane Broncos women’s team captain Ali Brigginshaw. However, local athletes have not had the opportunity to represent Ipswich at the highest level.

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The first Western Corridor bid, which also included Toowoomba, was submitted in 2010 because young talent was leaving for other clubs. Ipswich Jets chairman Steve Johnson believes that the emergence of an NRL team will help the city develop more players not only for itself but for the entire league. In 2026, more than 4,800 rugby league players were registered in Ipswich, 12% more than a year earlier.

Stadium and competition with Christchurch

University of Technology Sydney sports economics professor Tim Harcourt noted that a new club must attract spectators and a television audience. In his view, Ipswich is attractive to the NRL as a region with a strong rugby league tradition and potential for derbies with the Brisbane Broncos and Dolphins.

At the same time, Harcourt considers the Southern Orcas a stronger contender: Christchurch has a new stadium and is an attractive destination for travelling fans. Ipswich currently has no venue suitable for NRL matches, so the Jets plan to play games at Lang Park in Brisbane. The club also wants to turn North Ipswich Reserve into a 12,000-seat rectangular stadium, but has not yet secured all the necessary funding.