Brisbane Tigers to revamp historic Langlands Park in preparation for NRL expansion bid

A historic Brisbane sporting ground is set for a major redevelopment in a boost for a club’s bid to be the city’s second NRL team

A massive $7 million redevelopment to revamp one of Brisbane’s historic community sporting grounds transformed into a 4000-seat boutique stadium and high performance centre, is set to provide a major boost to one of the group’s bidding to be the city’s NRL expansion team.

The race to be Brisbane’s second NRL team is heating up after ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys said it was realistic for the expansion to happen in time for the 2023 season.

The league is expected to make a decision slated to be made by June this year with the race between the Brisbane Bombers, the Brisbane Firehawks, the Redcliffe Dolphins and a team in the western corridor.

ARL chairman Peter V'landys. Picture: Jonathan Ng

And while the Firehawks – a bid from Intrust Super Cup club, the Brisbane Tigers – released its colours and logo last year and revelations former Souths Sydney boss Shane Richardson might be involved in the bid, the group has another ace up their sleave.

Tigers CEO Brian Torpy said he believed a project to rejuvenate Langlands Park, where football has been played for more than 70 years, was a huge asset for their bid.

Former South Sydney boss Shane Richardson. Digital image by Gregg Porteous NRL Photos

Funded by the Easts Leagues Club and the Queensland Government, the project is set to be complete by 2022 and will see the venue transformed into a modern sports centre, which will include a high performance strength and conditioning facility, a 50-person lecture theatre, administration offices, board room and meeting rooms, coaches and media boxes and more.

Langlands Park. Picture: Richard Walker

“The redevelopment will complement the recently redevelopment Langland Memorial Pool, which was completed at the end of 2019, creating a sporting and sports medicine hub,” Torpy said.

“The centre will see the Totally Workwear Stadium transformed into a modern boutique rectangular stadium, with a 4000 person capacity here at Stones Corner.

“The centre will provide participants and officials with excellent playing and training venue, only 4km from the Brisbane CBD.

“While the centre is primarily designed to host community, state and national level matches, it is flexible enough to be converted into the Firehawks’ NRL team HQ.”

Easts Rugby League CEO Brian Torpy at the heritage listed stand at Langlands Park. Picture: AAP Image/Renae Droop

Torpy said the Firehawks were ready and committed to submit their “exciting” proposal when called upon by the NRL.

He also said they received positive feedback from rugby league fans on the choice of their unique name, colours and logo.

“The response has been very positive. While Firehawks have been spoken about by our First Nation People for many, many years; others have now seen and record what these raptor birds do,” he said.

“It is fascinating to watch. The name is very unique and very Australian.

The logo for the Brisbane Firehawks expansion franchise hoping for admission into the NRL. Pictures: Supplied

“The blue, orange and black colour scheme is very striking and the tricolours provides the flexibility of playing in either a predominantly blue, orange or black playing strip.”

Torpy also believed they could generate the support necessary to have a successful NRL team in Brisbane that can rival the Broncos.

“We will have the support needed to be the expansion team because while we will attract fans from outside the Greater Brisbane area,” he said.

Brian Torpy is the CEO of the Brisbane Tigers. Picture Peter Cronin

“The population of Brisbane has increased significantly and continues to grow. Also, we are based relatively close to Logan and Ipswich.

“We will not sit back and wait in hope for the support from these high population growth areas, and other parts of Australia, but will do want we can to earn and keep that support.

“Secondly, we plan to play all but a few of our home games at Queensland’s premier rugby league stadium, Suncorp Stadium.

“Thirdly, we are financial. We have a very successful leagues club with a large membership base and a very strong balance sheet.

“In addition, and just as important, the Firehawks has a very good business model.”

FULL LIST OF WHAT LANGLANDS PARK UPGRADE WILL INCLUDE

- Complete high performance strength and conditioning facility

- New female participation compliant player change rooms and official’s change rooms;

· 50 person lecture theatre

- Medical treatment room;

- Administration offices, board room and meeting rooms

- Relocation and refurbishment of the heritage listed grandstand and players pavilion;

- New bars and corporate boxes

- Match day and player catering facilities

- Coaches and media boxes

- New spectator seating

- Additional parking

- New entry statement and fencing

- Improved broadcast facilities

- Increased parking