The Redcliffe Dolphins will become the NRL’s 17th franchise, with ARLC Chairman Peter V’Landys confirming the decision on Wednesday morning.
The Dolphins beat out bids from the Brisbane Jets and Firehawks to become the city’s second team and Queensland’s fourth overall franchise, and V’Landys described the announcement as an “exciting moment in the history” of rugby league.
“Today is an exciting moment in the history of our game. The NRL Telstra Premiership will expand to 17 teams in 2023 and on behalf of the Commission, I would like to congratulate the Dolphins on being granted the 17th licence,” V'Landys said.
“I would also like to acknowledge and thank the other bid teams for the work they put into their submissions. All three bids were of the highest calibre and highlight the strength of rugby league in Queensland.”
V’Landys believes the Dolphins’ inclusion into the competition will help “strengthen” rugby league’s standing as Queensland’s number one sport.
“Rugby league is part of Queensland’s DNA and to have four teams based in Queensland will further strengthen our game as the number one sport in the state,” he said.
“The key to long term success is growth. By growing the NRL Telstra Premiership we create more fans, encourage more participants and increase commercial investment in rugby league.”
As part of the Dolphins entry into the NRL, V’Landys confirmed that they’ll have a key focus on growing the women’s game in South East Queensland
“Expansion is also a really important part of our participation strategy. It will be a condition of the licence that the Dolphins spend $2 million every year on participation and growing the women’s game in South East Queensland,” he said.
“Our focus over the next year is revitalising our participation strategy and the Dolphins will be an important part of that in Queensland.”
The Dolphins will formally join the competition in 2023 with their first game to be played in Round 1 of that season.