“It’s definitely the long haul. Even in Melbourne we’re not producing regular A-graders. They’ve re-invested in their pathways … but this is coming from a team who’ve won premierships and been the most successful team over the last 27 years. “Having that success and being in an AFL town, it’s taken this long to get to that stage. It’s got to be a long-term investment, it’s got to be patient.” With Papua New Guinea confirmed for NRL entry in 2028, New Zealand and Queensland expansion bids will have to wait. The latter’s rugby league boss Ben Ikin declared the western corridor region from Ipswich out to Toowoomba needed to be team 20 – an idea that also has the backing of Queensland Premier David Crisafulli.