NRL CEO Andrew Abdo insists possible expansion with a second Brisbane team can be a positive for Gold Coast and won't necessarily cannibalise the market.
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League bosses met with Titans officials on Wednesday in a lengthy two-and-a-half hour meeting, with expansion into south-east Queensland part of the agenda.
The NRL have been determined to point out that a 17th team is not a forgone conclusion, and any decision will be based on the findings of a feasibility study.
But a deadline is fast approaching.
The league would want to have expansion confirmed by July, giving the possible new franchise 18 months to set up and enter the player market.
Titans co-owner Darryl Kelly this week criticised the NRL over the move, claiming they were forging ahead without proof that it would be sustainable for the sport.
But speaking at the Magic Round launch, Abdo insisted that was not the case, and also argued it could benefit clubs like the Titans.
"It needs to create growth. We're talking about new fans, new players and new participants into the game. And not necessarily cannibalising," Abdo said.
"And competition is good too. We have seen across many sports that having two teams in one market is great for fans but also both clubs.
"That results in rivalries we have seen across multiple codes.
"This is a complex and really important decision. It's going to be carefully worked through."
The Redcliffe bid remain the front-runners for any potential expansion side alongside the combined Ipswich Jets-Brisbane Bombers consortium and Easts Tigers-backed Brisbane Firehawks.
Meanwhile Abdo also insisted there was no immediate issues with the Titans, despite Kelly's claims in the media this week.
The club are among the favourites for expansion in the women's game, which is set to go to six clubs this year and eight in 2022.
Titans CEO Steve Mitchell has been among the most vocal in his push for a bigger women's league, with growth being publicly discussed in both competitions.
"It was a terrific meeting," Abdo said of Wednesday's discussions.
"We had a great two-and-a-half hours talking about the future, the club and rugby league broadly in Australia.
"It was an incredibly positive conversation. We exchanged information and views.
"We said to the Titans as we said to all clubs, we will communicate throughout this (men's expansion) process."
Australian Associated Press
