Brisbane expansion bid launched

Organisers behind a bid to bring a second NRL team to Brisbane have officially launched their campaign.

Directors Craig Davison, Nicholas Livermore and Bill Rae outlined the bid to a packed press conference at Suncorp Stadium, home of the Brisbane Broncos.

They want to be given the nod by the NRL when it considers the best location for an additional team to enter the competition from the 2013 season.

Official bid spokesman Craig Davison said “We’re incredibly confident in the product we are creating and will continue to develop until such time the Independent Commission calls for bid tenders.

“We have a number of private investors on board and now that we’ve declared our hand, we’ll have plenty more coming on board over the coming weeks and months.”

Nicholas Livermore said the bid has already gained backing from four high-profile sponsors, with the annoucement of a further four due shortly.

He added: “We have a concept that no other NRL Expansion Bid can offer – and that is a local derby, the likes of which Rugby League has not experienced before.

“The concept of a Battle of Brisbane should we get the nod into the NRL is exciting to our current sponsors and is causing a stir as we discuss the opportunities around a local derby to potential sponsors.”

The bid is expected to be one of the front runners in a pack which includes campaigners from the Central Coast, Central Queensland, Ipswich, Toowomba, Wellington and Perth.

To view the bid, visit www.battleforbrisbane.com.au