Further calls for second Brisbane NRL team

Correspondent

Organisers are hoping a trial game between Canterbury and Melbourne at Suncorp Stadium next month will help send a message to administrators that Brisbane deserves a second NRL team.

The clash of the 2012 NRL Grand Finalists on Sunday February 23 will be sponsored by the Brisbane Bombers NRL Expansion Bid, to push their argument that Brisbane rugby league fans deserve better than the 12 NRL games they will see live in 2014.

Fans in Sydney get more than 100 games from nine NRL clubs from Manly on the north shore to Penrith in the west.

Former Australia, New South Wales and Canterbury half-back Steve Mortimer has lent his backing to the campaign.

He said: “It’s long overdue that Brisbane with their passionate fans should have a second rugby league team, I am an absolute advocate for that.

“It’s great we have the Storm and the Bulldogs playing at Suncorp in a trial, Mortimer told the Brisbane Bombers.

“Can you imagine a local derby between the Broncos and another Brisbane team?

“It would be a sellout, like another Origin game.

“I’ve got no doubt whatsoever that there should be a second NRL club in Brisbane.

“It won’t just boost the game further in Brisbane, it will strengthen our great game nationally.”

Mortimer, who made 272 appearances for Canterbury in a one-club career, said it was worth noting the AFL already had two teams in each city it played the game.

He added: “Change is in the wind with the new independent Commission. The NRL clubs are coming together and working more as one for the betterment of the game of rugby league.

“It’s the game we have to grow. It may take three to five years before we see the positive changes in the game but a second team in Brisbane is going to happen for sure and certain.

“Brisbane fans have more than displayed their immense passion for the game. To be able to play a game at such a magnificent venue as Suncorp Stadium every weekend is what we should be aiming for.

“There is no better rectangular field anywhere to watch rugby league at.”