Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman, Peter V’landys has revealed big plans to expand the NRL to 18 teams, with a potential Pacific team to join the league in as soon as two years.
Through introducing an 18th team, this is estimated to bring in $40-$50 million a year to the NRL through broadcast deals with Fox Sports and Channel 9.
Marto from Triple M with Marto, Margaux and Dan also revealed his own predictions for what the future of NRL will look like heading into the next few years.
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“I can confirm that a Pacifica franchise is the one new team we’re looking at very closely,” said V’landys, “But it will be based in Cairns and bring together the tentacles of Samoa, Tonga, Fiji and Papua New Guinea.”
The additional team would also mean there would be no byes.
“I can guarantee by the time the Olympics are here, it’ll be a 20-team competition which will mean 10 matches every weekend – which means more and more money.” said Marto.