QRL chairman Bruce Hatcher is fuming with the NRL over a failure to fund the introduction of North Queensland and Gold Coast sides into the 2024 Queensland Cup competition.
But NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo has hit back, saying that the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) was given just 17 days to consider a proposal for $4.2 million funding to introduce the two sides.
The QRL had planned to bring in Cowboys and Titans reserve grade teams into an expanded 17-team competition in 2024 after a request from the two NRL clubs.
Hatcher told AAP that Abdo had rejected the funding that would be necessary for travel and other costs associated with adding the two sides.
"We were asked to be part of a review panel that included the NRL, QRL and Hostplus Cup sides when the Cowboys and Titans wanted to have teams in the Hostplus Cup," Hatcher said.
"The costings were done by the NRL. The project was delivered to the NRL, which included the need to fund the two additional sides.
"We said we needed an answer by June 30 but got rejected by Andrew Abdo. He keeps talking about 'vertical integration', which is a virtual NRL reserve grade that a handful of clubs in Sydney want, but the majority don't."
Hatcher said the NRL was "incapable of meeting a deadline" to organise an expanded competition.
Abdo said the rejection of the June funding request was from the ARLC.
He said the Commission was taking a national view on the development of pathways and second-tier competitions, which included the Pacific and New Zealand.
On the subject of the funding request by the QRL, he said the Commission was "not yet in a position to consider an investment of the size proposed in an ultimatum-style presentation in a two-week period".
"The QRL provided us a proposal on June 13 with a deadline of June 30 saying they will accommodate two extra teams if the Commission invests another $4.2 million into the Queensland Cup competition," he told AAP.
"We were given two weeks to respond, with a number of restrictive conditions and a significant funding increase.
"We are very supportive of clubs choosing the right model for development and are prepared to invest in making that happen."
Abdo did leave the door open for further work on the QRL plan "to consider the business case and plan for pathways".
""We want the right solution for everyone long-term," he said.
Hatcher said the QRL had already made a decision to revert to the status quo for the 2024 season at least, which would include all of the 15 teams in the current competition.
He said NRL clubs such as the Cowboys would maintain their affiliation with the Mackay Cutters, the Townsville Blackhawks and the Cairns Pride.
The Titans will remain partnered with the Tweed Heads Seagulls after Brisbane forged a link with the Burleigh Bears, formerly a Titans affiliate.
The Dolphins have a new affiliation with Norths Devils, formerly tied to the Broncos.
Hatcher said he suspected there were still plans afoot in Sydney to try to institute a national reserve competition, with "vertical integration" the catchcry.
Abdo said not all clubs wanted the affiliate model in vogue in Queensland.
"We're working with our members on what the right development model is for them and many are seeking a vertically integrated model," Abdo said
"For example, the Cowboys have been working on how they would like their player pathway and development to occur within the club."
