Logan is believed to be at the heart of a $500 million infrastructure bid designed to host the 20th NRL team.
Multiple sources close to the bid said last week the interstate backer was a company worth in excess of $7 billion.
If successful, it would mean a $350 million stadium in Logan.
A bid being touted by Ipswich connections is believed to be worth around $200 million.
“This (Logan-based) bid is more than double that in infrastructure alone,” one of the sources said. “We are clearly the most financial bid, and we’re ready to eat Ipswich’s lunch.”
It is believed the bid would be a western corridor team – supporting rugby league ties in Logan, Ipswich, Lockyer and Toowoomba.
It would not extend to the Gold Coast, but would work closely with the Titans to develop the game.
Around $20million each year would be invested in local rugby league.
There has been some talk about the strength of television rights, particularly when competing against the prospect of a second New Zealand team.
“Foxtel doesn’t want New Zealand, they want Southeast Queensland. And Christchurch has all but pulled out of the race,” the source said.
The bid would retain some ties with New Zealand, where some home games would potentially be played.
Details are yet to go before NRL chief Peter V’landys but are expected to do so over coming weeks.
A formal and public announcement of the bidder’s intentions is expected to be made soon after feedback is provided from the NRL.
One of the sources said there were multiple plots of land available for a new Logan stadium – a fuller assessment would determine which was best for the community.
“About $25 million-$35 million goes into the local economy from a project like this. Imagine what the city could do with food outlets and other tourism-related activities,” one source said.
He said the state premier was supportive of the Logan bid.
“The NRL isn’t supportive of stadium deals with the state,” he said.
“This will be a stadium which is privately owned and run by the owners of the football team.”
It is understood that preliminary talks are being held with local and QRL teams, and that a locally-based feeder club would be commissioned.
It is also understood the QRL is in talk with Logan City Council about needs for access to football fields.
“Unless there is some reason we don’t know about, this must be the leading bid,” one source said of the race for the 20th team.
“Logan has more development opportunities, more pathways, more connections and a better overall rugby league program than any of the other bidders.”
