You don't even fill your current stadiums.
even games at centrally located larger stadiums are poorly attended. Why do the swans out draw all Sydney NRL teams especially since up until this year they haven't played in local derbies? In 1993 Waverley park, in the outer fringes of Melbournes suburban fringe, averaged 28k and had 3 games above 40k. The crowds still turned up in excellent numbers despite the difficulty getting there, the remote location, and poor weather in this part of Melbourne. Meanwhile stadium Australia only averaged 17k last year!
I will also state Brisbane are indifferent about RL when compared to say Perth. The broncos have 20k members and average low 30's crowds per fortnight. Meanwhile the AFL in Perth have 100k members and average over 70k crowds per fortnight, despite being a smaller city!
No one is suggesting the AFL is more popular than RL in Brisbane, but for a supposed RL heartland the broncose are marginally above the lions in attendance and memberships when both teams are sitting in similar positions on their respective ladders.
The AFL could be the number 2 sport in NSW and QLD by attendance membership and TV. The NRL barely registers in Melbourne and is non existent in SA WA and Tas.
