Queensland Rugby League (QRL) CEO Ben Ikin has launched a stunning tirade against the NRL over a lack of funding for grassroots football in the Sunshine state.
Ikin, who played 150 first grade matches and represented Queensland and Australia, was appointed as QRL CEO in May 2023 and has been vocal in his desire to expand the game to Western Queensland.
Ikin alleges that the QRL are severely under-resourced and are losing the footy code battle against the AFL.
“Respect what we’ve created in Queensland and invest in it,” Ikin declared on SENQ 693.
“We are asking for $10 million to spread across those 15 (QLD Cup) clubs whereas an NRL club gets $17 million each plus another couple million dollars if you run an NRLW side.
“We are asking for $10 million for 15 clubs. I just can’t understand the logic behind rejecting that.
“I feel like we are under-resourced whilst other games have realised the battle is on the ground in winning the hearts and minds of mums, dads, boys and girls.
“The AFL are planning to spend to ensure their future for the next 50 years. We can’t seem to get on the table with our decision makers and hatch a joint plan.
“Soccer and AFL in particular are coming up here and finding green space to build new facilities.
“It’s really alarming. We are having things rejected in writing on the basis that they don’t align with the NRL’s grassroots participation strategy.
“I asked for the strategy only to be told that it doesn’t exist. That’s how scary this is (and) it’s embarrassing.
“We need solutions fit for purpose in Queensland and for regional Queensland and that’s what we are going to keep fighting for.
“The ARLC just announced a $60 million and extra $100 million in revenue. It’s not as if they can’t afford to give us the money that we need.”
Ikin has not ruled out the possibility of litigation in order to get the adequate funding he believes is needed for regional Queensland.
“We had to take last year’s funding debacle to court,” Ikin continued.
“The funding approval process for 2024 seems to have gotten worse.
“We’ll continue to turn up, fight the good fight and hopefully this process will resolve the issues.
“This is all to make sure that grassroots rugby league in the two most important markets, NSW and Queensland, gets the funding it deserves.”