The Brisbane Firehawks push their case to become NRL’s 17th team

The Brisbane Jets and Redcliffe Dolphins are the favourites to be the NRL’s 17th team but the man leading the third bid believes they can beat out both. FIND OUT WHY

All the hype surrounding the NRL’s 17th team has been about the Brisbane Jets and Redcliffe Dolphins but the man leading the third bid believes they have what it takes to beat out both.

The NRL officially asked for expressions of interest from Queensland’s three bid teams earlier this week after the ARL commission gave expansion the green light.

And Brian Torpy, the CEO of Intrust Super Club the Brisbane Tigers (formerly the Easts Tigers) who are behind the Brisbane Firehawks bid, said the group’s massive financial backing as well as upcoming $7 million redevelopment of their home base had them in a strong position to become the city’s second team.

Brisbane Tigers CEO Brian Torpy, who is also spearheading the Brisbane Firehawks NRL bid. Picture Peter Cronin

The Firehawks are part of the Easts Group, which has a strong balance sheet, with fixed assets exceeding $52 million, cash holdings in excess of $23 million and no debt,” Torpy said.

“We will commence construction our new training facilities at Totally Workwear Stadium Langlands Park this year.

“This will provide a new centre of excellence to compliment the Easts Leagues Club and the redeveloped Langlands Park Pool Complex.

“The precinct is only 4km from the Brisbane CBD and easily accessible to fans by public transport.”

Former South Sydney boss Shane Richardson. Picture. Phil Hillyard

Torpy is spearheading the Firehawks bid, who released their colours and logo last year, along with former South Sydney boss Shane Richardson.

The Courier-Mail earlier this week revealed the bid teams will be given one month to compile their bids for submission to NRL chiefs.

While the concern surrounding the Firehawks bid was the team’s potential to grow and connect with a new generation of rugby league fans, Torpy said they had strategies to make sure this wasn’t an issue.

“We are a Brisbane based club, who were established in 1933, and have a proud history in both the Brisbane Rugby League and the Queensland Cup, now the Intrust Super Cup competitions,” he said.

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

“The Firehawks propose to add value to the NRL by attracting new fans and corporate partners to the game. We plan to attract a new type of fan through an innovative marketing and communication strategy;

“We are a grassroots club and this will continue, however we will establish a network of development pathways both within and outside of the greater Brisbane area.”

Torpy also said more details on the Firehawks bid as well as the Langlands Park project would be released in the coming weeks.