Why the NRL is on the verge of buying a multi-million-dollar luxury item usually associated with business tycoons and global superstars like Taylor Swift

The NRL is poised to purchase a multi-million-dollar private jet so footy stars can fly across the country in the sort of style Taylor Swift enjoys.

ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys and NRL management – headed by CEO Andrew Abdo – have given their blessing to a feasibility study into whether a jet aircraft could be added to their assets.

It is understood NRL clubs based outside of Sydney, notably the North Queensland Cowboys, Melbourne Storm and New Zealand Warriors, have backed the bold proposal.

Earlier this week, the NRL had to charter a flight for the Cowboys, who were initially unable to get their players and staff on a flight to Sydney ahead of their elimination final against the Sharks on Friday night at Allianz Stadium. 

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the Cowboys will share the costs for the flight with the NRL. 

Ironically, the two direct flights from Townsville to Sydney this week were already booked out due to Cowboys fans frantically making sure they could get to the game.

And ahead of last week’s elimination final defeat, the Newcastle Knights secured a private flight following a short turnaround from their round-27 home fixture against the Dolphins.

V’Landys said the NRL potentially adding their own aircraft to their assets was a ‘good suggestion’ that has ‘enormous benefit.’

ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys (pictured) and NRL management – headed by CEO Andrew Abdo – appear keen to make the move happen

Last month, Warriors boss Cameron George (pictured left with Shaun Johnson) urged the NRL to splash out on a private jet

‘You can do promotions where you can take fans to different venues, and especially if we expand to Perth, Papua New Guinea, the south island of New Zealand or wherever, it becomes a more realistic option,’ he said.

‘If it’s only slightly more money than what we are paying now, it doesn’t matter because of the comfort and convenience which would be given to the players for their welfare [which] far outweighs any additional costs.

‘The cost-benefit analysis can stack up because of the revenue you make when you’re not using it.’

Melbourne Storm general manager Frank Ponissi added his club would be ‘very supportive’ of the plan, pointing to improved athlete preparation and travel arrangements.

Last month, Cowboys chief executive Jeff Reibel and Warriors boss Cameron George both urged the NRL to splash out on a $15million private jet.

‘In theory, it’s a sensible analysis for the NRL to do,’ George said.

‘The benefit of charters for teams like ourselves, the Cowboys, a Perth team is you don’t have to stay the extra night.’

And with a team from Papua New Guinea set to be introduced to the competition from 2028 following a funding pledge of $600million from the federal government, the concept of a private jet has even more merit.