The NRL, it’s a footy competition steeped in history with its roots firmly planted in Sydney but with teams now located across NSW, Qld, Vic, The ACT and New Zealand, it’s placed itself as a truly national comp.
But, have you ever wondered what things would look like had it originated in our Nation’s Capital?
Well, wonder no more, we’ve put a Canberra twist on the National Rugby League.
Introducing….
The Belconnen Broncos
Located in Brisbane, it makes sense for an NRL side ‘north of the border’ to relocate itself into the heart of Canberra’s North – Belconnen. Plus the recent landscaping works along Lake Ginninderra is sure to leave anyone feeling like they’re soaking up the sun in Brisbane’s iconic Southbank beach.
Canberra City Raiders
As the original team for the Canberra region, the Raiders would focus in on their heartland, having recently moved to a new HQ opposite the Canberra Centre, the new side would be known as the ‘Canberra City Raiders’ or the ‘Civic Raiders’ for short.
Braddon Bulldogs
The alliteration with this one was too good to pass up. Representing its home suburb of Braddon as well as neighbouring Ainslie, Turner and O’Connor, the Bulldogs would play their home games on a rotating roster of the vacant lots along Northbourne Ave.
Jervis Bay Sharks
As Canberra’s unofficial beach location it makes sense for the Sharks to make the switch from the Shire to just a little further down the road at the Bay.
Googong Dolphins
As the newest addition to the NRL competition, it seems fitting that the Dolphins find their new home in the newest town located within the Canberra region.
Gungahlin Titans
With the amount of development currently taking place in Gungahlin, it’s surely only a matter of time before the town centre becomes overrun with casinos and gold bikini wearing metre maids – which is sure to provide some home comfort for the Titans as they relocate to the Nation’s Capital.
Manuka Sea Eagles
Canberra may not have beaches like Manly…but it does have pools and one of the best surely has to be the Manuka Pool.
The Snow Storm
Taking in the towns of Jindabyne and Cooma, the southern most located team in the new Canberra comp endures a yearly weather cycle that is just as varied as a single day in Melbourne plus how good is the new name?
Fyshwick Knights
From brickworks, collieries, foundries, gasworks, smelters, steelworks and incinerators, Newcastle is home to many major industries and as such seems fitting that the Knights would find their new home in Canberra inside the industrial Suburb of Fyshwick, of course the team would also represent the Symonston, Hume, Pialligo, Airport and Mujra Parks precincts – playing their home games on the farms next to Ikea.
Queanbeyan Warriors
Currently located just across the ditch, I’m sure the Warriors appreciate their space and freedom by the fact they’re always slightly removed. With that in mind, the new side in the Canberra comp would need to be located ‘just across the border’ so it’s still close enough to play but far enough away to be forgotten about.
Goulburn Cowboys
As the northern most located team in the Canberra competition, the Cowboys will might feel slightly out of place in the dry, cool and temperate plains of Goulburn but there’s sure to be plenty of actual cowboys around to help ease them into bush life.
Molonglo Eels
Taking in the city’s newest town centre as well as the river of the same name, the Eels will feel right at home in the city’s west.
Parliamentary Panthers
Just like the residents of Penrith when in Sydney, everyone inside Parliament House is also from out of town.
Woden Rabbitohs
As the first major stop on the southward journey through Canberra of course the Bunnies would set up shop in Woden. I’m pretty sure Russell Crowe wouldn’t be refused service for wearing a polo shirt along Bradley Street either.
Tuggeranong Valley Dragons
Much like the Illawarra is to Sydney, Tuggeranong is far enough removed from the centre of Canberra that sometime you feel like you’re heading out of town. For anyone driving to a Dragons home game at the Calwell Neighbourhood Oval – don’t forget to stop, revive, survive.
Dickson Roosters
Affluent and diverse – you could use the two words to describe those living in the centre of Sydney but the same also applies in Dickson. The Roosters will feel right at home in Canberra’s multi-cultural capital plus all the delicious cuisines is sure to provide many a perfect post match feast.
Weston Creek Tigers
Unlike the current NRL side, these Tiger would actually be pretty centrally located but its heart remains in the city’s west.
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