In August 1991 the NSWRL sought expressions of interest for its 1993 competition, and made a specific request to the VRL to put forward a proposal. The local League showed significant hesitation, indicating that the game had little support to build upon.
However during 1993 ARL Chairman Ken Arthurson made it clear that he remained positive about Melbourne and thought it had much to offer, perhaps even more than the Perth and North Queensland sides that had already been accepted for 1995.
Plans to enter Melbourne gained momentum in November 1994 when both the ARL and the organisers of the (then called) News Ltd rebel competition both began initiatives to fast track their own teams in the Victorian capital.