Brian Torpy reveals the reason behind the Firehawks name and the team’s colours

One of Brisbane’s oldest rugby league clubs has fired up a new name and colours in the race to become the city’s second NRL team. 

THE man behind one of Brisbane’s bids for a second NRL team has revealed why they chose their unique team name and the colours they will brand if successful.

After filing a trademark on the title “Brisbane Firehawks” earlier this week, chief executive of Eastern Suburbs District Rugby League Football Club Inc Brian Torpy has also announced the team’s colours will be gold, black and blue.

The gold and black keeps the traditional Eastern Suburbs colours in tact with the addition of blue something Torpy believed would resonate with the Brisbane people.

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“We chose blue as it is one of the two official colours of Brisbane City, with the other being gold,” he said.

Easts Tigers CEO Brian Torpy. Picture: AAP/Renae Droop

“The blue represents Moreton Bay and the Brisbane River.”

The Firehawks, based out of Langlands Park at Coorparoo, are one of four reported bids for the second NRL licence in Brisbane.

Australian Rugby League chairman Peter V’landys has recently said expansion was on the agenda and voiced his desire to have a second Brisbane side up and running by 2022.

Torpy said he believed the Firehawks name was the right choice for the bid.

“We chose the name Firehawks for a number of reasons,” he said.

“Firstly, with the Wests Tigers playing in the Telstra Premiership there was an obvious clash of mascot names.

Australian Rugby League chairman Peter Peter V'landys. Picture: Nikki Short

“After meeting with NRL executives, we were advised the Tigers name was unavailable. As such, we knew we had to find a new name.

“Secondly, we didn’t want use a name of another sporting franchise, either in Australia or overseas.

“We also wanted to avoid using a name of Intrust Super Cup club or a NSW Canterbury Cup club. In addition, we were also conscience of former NRL clubs names.

“Finally, we wanted a name which is unique and Australian. The Firehawks ticked all the boxes.”

Torpy also said he didn’t believe being based in Brisbane’s eastern suburbs meant the Firehawks would not be a team for rugby league fans from other areas of southeast Queensland.

The Brisbane Firehawks would play out of Suncorp Stadium but will be based out of Langlands Park at Coorparoo. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

“I think it is important to understand that whilst the Firehawks will be wholly owned by the Tigers, the team will represent the greater Brisbane area, including the western suburbs,” he said.

“We are a Queensland based team and will aim to identify and develop Queenslanders, particularly those from the southeast area.

“We would hope the western corridor residents would support players from their area and our team.”