The NRL bid team for the Jets has secured $40 million in funding and hopes to enter an expanded NRL competition by 2028, with Wayne Bennett potentially serving as head coach. The partnership between the former Brisbane Jets’ NRL bid and Newtown Jets would be located in Ipswich, with the Jets wanting Bennett as their coach if they receive a licence for 2028. The NRL is set to include two new teams by 2028, with the Perth Bears being favorites for one spot, and the Jets believe they should be the other expansion team. The Jets have received $40 million in funding from three levels of government to upgrade North Ipswich Reserve and establish a centre of excellence, with an in-principle deal in place with Suncorp Stadium for home games.
The bid also includes an arrangement with the Newtown Jets, who would be co-owners of the club. Multiple millionaire benefactors, including John Singleton, are providing funding for the bid, with no financial issues as were faced by the Brisbane Jets. Despite missing out on becoming the league’s 17th team to the Dolphins, the Jets are still hopeful for future expansion. Chairman Steve Johnson, along with Ipswich Jets boss, has signed a non-disclosure agreement with the NRL and cannot comment on the bid publicly. Bennett, who has ties to the western corridor area and a “never say never” philosophy on coaching, could potentially take on the role of head coach for the Jets in 2028 after finishing his stint at South Sydney.
The Jets’ bid team has made significant progress in securing funding and partnerships for their potential entry into the NRL by 2028. With $40 million in funding from government sources and support from millionaire benefactors, the bid is in a strong financial position. The potential partnership with Newtown Jets as co-owners of the club further solidifies the bid’s legitimacy and long-term viability. Despite missing out on the 17th NRL license to the Dolphins, the Jets remain optimistic about their chances for future expansion and are positioning themselves as a competitive contender for a spot in the league.
The NRL’s plans to include two new teams by 2028 present a prime opportunity for the Jets to enter the competition, with the Perth Bears currently favored as one of the expansion sides. The Jets believe they should be the other expansion team over Papua New Guinea and are working diligently to secure a license from the ARL Commission. The proposed location in Ipswich, with upgrades to North Ipswich Reserve and a partnership with Suncorp Stadium, highlights the bid team’s commitment to establishing a strong presence in the league. The potential appointment of Wayne Bennett as head coach adds further credibility and excitement to the Jets’ bid for entry into the NRL in 2028.
Chairman Steve Johnson’s leadership and connections within the NRL community, along with Bennett’s potential involvement, further enhance the Jets’ bid. Johnson’s non-disclosure agreement with the NRL underscores the bid team’s professionalism and dedication to the process of securing a license. Bennett’s ties to the western corridor catchment area and his successful coaching career make him a desirable candidate for the head coaching position, should he choose to continue coaching after his stint with South Sydney. Overall, the Jets’ bid team has made significant strides in securing funding, partnerships, and support for their bid to enter the NRL by 2028, positioning themselves as strong contenders for a spot in the league’s expansion plans.
