THE Footy Show host Beau Ryan has given Ipswich his tick of approval.

The former Cronulla Sharks winger visited the city of Ipswich this week to meet fans and take a tour of North Ipswich Reserve.

On Wednesday night he crossed live to the studio from the home of the Ipswich Jets.

Ryan said the decision to host the first episode of his new segment in Ipswich was a no-brainer.

"Places like Ipswich are rugby league heartland," he said. "We love it here. Everyone in Ipswich loves rugby league, everyone has a ball in their hand."

Ryan hit the streets of Ipswich on Tuesday to meet some of the city's rugby league faithful.

He wasn't surprised to encounter plenty of the Ipswich Jets biggest fans.

"Passionate is the word that comes to mind," the 30-year-old said.

"Everyone is proud of (the Jets) achievements. The Walker brothers have really put Ipswich on the map (in rugby league)."

As a host on the popular television show, Ryan was well aware of the club's historic achievements in 2015.

He said the success of the Jets coaches Ben and Shane Walker had not gone unnoticed by rugby league clubs at all levels of competition.

"Ipswich are doing the right things," he said.

"To win the comp the way they did last year, they were turning heads the way they played.

"I know a lot of teams have taken notice and a lot of NRL coaches are trying to adapt to some of the techniques the Walker brothers are using."

Ryan praised the work of the Walker brothers and the Ipswich Jets in promoting the sport across the sunshine state.

"It's great for rugby league in Queensland and it's great for Ipswich," he said.

"I played state cup back in the day and it was tough, but I watch the Intrust Super Cup games on television when I get the chance and it's so much more physical now."

A host of players from the Jets premiership team signed to NRL clubs for 2016, including Manly Sea Eagles hooker Matt Parcell.

Ryan said the singing s proved the gap between standards was quickly closing.

"So many of those guys (especially in Ipswich) are ready to play NRL," he said.

"It's great to see guys like Matty Parcell kick on (in the NRL).

"I'm sure this year we will see a lot more, not only from Ipswich but from all the teams in the Q-Cup."

As a retired footballer, Ryan said he was encouraged by the number of older players making their first NRL debut.

"It's great to see (those older players) graduate," he said. "I didn't make my debut until I was 22. So I love to see guys make the step up at 23-24. To see guys debut in their mid 20's is great."

Ryan was invited to take part in the Jets training on Tuesday but said he didn't think his body would be up to the Ipswich standard.

"I've been retired from rugby league for 18 months now," he said.

"I've love to jump in but I don't want to be back in a neck brace.

"After seeing the boys at training and having a chat to them I'll definitely be watching their game (against the Northern Pride) this weekend.''

With his new segment on The Footy Show, titled 'Beau Knows', the show's funny man said he was happy with the decision to move into show business.

"I'm so glad I don't have tackle any of those blokes (in the Intrust Super Cup)," he said.

"The competition is one of the toughest in the country."

Ryan agreed with the growing call for another Queensland team in the NRL but wanted to see more exposure for the current competition first.

"I strongly believe the guys in Queensland are a lot more ready," he said.

"It feels like a closer game to the NRL. I don't know the logistics (behind an NRL expansion bid) but I would like to see the two top sides from NSW and Queensland play more than once a year."