"We're confident": Jets back their chances for NRL entry

As the NRL nears a decision on its next expansion side, former Ipswich Jets captain Moses Mbye is confident in the QRL club’s chances of entering the competition.

After already planning to introduce brand new sides in 2027 (Perth Bears) and 2028 (PNG Chiefs), the NRL’s expansion run will continue into 2029, seeing the competition expand to 20 teams.

Of the options proposed for the NRL’s latest expansion venture, two contenders have emerged.

Those contenders are a second New Zealand team based in the South Island, alongside the Jets’ bid, which would see a third team in Brisbane and Queensland’s fifth NRL team.

Throughout the last few months, the second team in New Zealand, likely to be in Christchurch, has appeared to be a runaway favourite for the 20th team licence, which would see the competition continue to grow its reach outside of its traditional markets.

But according to the Ipswich Jets’ Program and Development Manager, the Queensland club is quietly confident about its chances.     “We're confident,” Mbye told SENQ Breakfast.

“We are confident, and I'll leave it at that.

“If I was a betting man, load up.”

The NRL has confirmed they are likely to make a decision on the location of the 20th team by Christmas this year.