The NSW Cup is set to be expanded before the NRL competition, with no new teams to be added until all 16 clubs are financially viable and independently owned.

While the success of this month's historic all-Queensland grand final between the Cowboys and Broncos has sparked calls for the state to be rewarded with a fourth NRL franchise, the financial problems at the Gold Coast Titans and Newcastle Knights have put paid to the introduction of any new clubs in the near future.

Cup expansion: Newcastle NSW Cup player Lachlan Fitzgibbon during the State Championship grand final against the Ipswich Jets. Credit:Renee McKay

The NRL has had to take control of the Titans and Knights and will not consider expanding the competition until they are able to relinquish ownership of those clubs and the other 14 are financially strong.

"I think our clubs are stronger, there is no question about that, and there have been some interventions over the last couple of years to make them even stronger but until you have got 16 sustainable, profitable clubs that are able to re-invest back into their clubs it seems inconceivable that you would add a club and just add to the burden," NRL chief executive Dave Smith said.