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18 May, 2021

Letter to the editor: Federal MP explains why Ipswich bid should gain entry to the NRL

Federal Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann, insists the Ipswich-based Jets should become the next team to enter the NRL.


Federal Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann, wrote the below letter to ARL Commission Chairman Peter V’Landys, to endorse the Ipswich consortium’s push to join the NRL.


Dear Peter,
I write as local federal member and proud Ipswich rugby league follower.

Ipswich has a long and proud history of supporting rugby league, and that’s why I am pleased to give my support to the Ipswich Jets’ expression of interest to bid for the NRL’s 17th licence as part of the Brisbane Jets.

More than 110 years ago, a local Ipswich rugby league competition started not long after the establishment of the game in Australia. Since this time, the Ipswich region has produced a number of the game’s greats like Flannery and the all-Ipswich Kangaroo front-row of Kelly, Parcell and Beattie. Players like Langer and the Walters brothers and in more recent times the Roosters’ Luke Keary have demonstrated the strength and depth of the player talent pool in this region.

Ipswich is well placed to support an NRL team. It is rugby league heartland. It has its own vibrant competition and has a thriving junior base. Another advantage is its geographical proximity to the other rugby league nurseries of Toowoomba and Logan.

Ipswich has a burgeoning population and is the centre of the fastest growing region in Queensland. Aside from its history, tradition and support base, the region is best placed to take advantage of the massive growth in terms of population that will take place in the Brisbane/Ipswich Western corridor.

No other bid can match ‘the Jets’ for heartfelt appeal, supporter base and demographic growth. The Jets’ contests with the Broncos will revive the traditional Bulimba Cup rivalry of old between the two cities.

Just imagine a game at ‘Lang Park’ between the two teams, with each wearing the traditional strips of Brisbane and Ipswich. Rugby League history meets the future.

I fully support ‘the Jets’ bid.


Regards,

Hon Shayne Neumann MP
Federal Member for Blair
Shadow Minister for Veterans’ and Defence Personnel

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