Here’s the name you gave to the Redcliffe Dolphins new NRL side

Here is the name name you want Redcliffe’s new NRL side to be called. More than 600 responses highlight two clear cut favourites from more than 50 name suggestions.

And the winner is .... we asked you what the new 17th NRL team should be called and from more than 600 respondents there are two clear contenders.

The Redcliffe Dolphins was most popular - by a country mile - with both www.couriermail.com.au readers and News Corp’s Redcliffe Bayside Herald Facebook page followers insisting no name change was needed.

But the franchise will not be called that.

So what was the second most popular name for the side according to you?

The Moreton Bay Dolphins.

It was clearly the most popular name outside of the Redcliffe Dolphins, although the Sun Coast Dolphins, Sunshine Coast Dolphins, Moreton Dolphins, Bayside Dolphins had supporters.

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There were some other deep thinking suggestions as well - including the Muddies, Sea Cucumbers, Killer Whales, the Dugongs and Bugs.

Not surprisingly parochial Redcliffe supporters want their side known as the Redcliffe Dolphins. Retaining that name enjoyed an avalanche of support.

Redcliffe Dolphins Feo Faatuono. Picture Renae Droop

Courier-Mail online reader Andrew summed it up for hundreds when he said: “Redcliffe Dolphins...it’s a successful team, a recognised brand with a stellar history and league of past champions. Keep the legacy alive. Only thing left to do is to erect a statue of Artie out the front of the stadium,’’ he said in reference to one of the club’s favourite sons, the late Arthur Beetson.

Reader Vicki added a comment which echoed many responses, particularly on the Redcliffe Bayside Herald Facebook page: “Why do they need a name change? Stick with Redcliffe Dolphins.’’

Pat said: “The Redcliffe Dolphins - don’t know why they would want to change a perfectly good name.’’

Even Brisbane radio presenter Neil Breen (4BC 882) had a caller this morning from the club’s original halfback saying “why change from the Redcliffe Dolphins?’’

Redcliffe player Tuhirangi Ratana. Picture, John Gass

But the Moreton Bay Dolphins was popular, with reader David putting up a good argument when he penned: “The Moreton Bay Dolphins provides the new club with a fresh new name which smacks of identity.

“The name is important, arguably growing a wider fan base than what might be the case if seen as a second tier Brisbane team through poor branding.’’

Writing on www.couriermail.com.au, Moreton Bay Dolphins was also popular for readers Vicki and Cheryl. “It encompasses every area of Nth Brisbane,’’ Vicki said.

Redcliffe player Harrison Sykes in Meninga Cup action. Picture, John Gass

Cheryl added: “Moreton Bay Dolphins should be the new name.

“I am a Broncos fan and will remain so, but I will also support the Dolphins as I live in the Moreton Bay Regional Council area and will take out a membership with them.

“There is no reason we can’t support two teams. Looking forward to 2023.’’

Reader Peter agreed: “As they want to take in the Sunshine Coast and northern part of Brisbane it has to be The Moreton Bay Dolphins.’’

Dolphins Ethan Staunton. April 10, 2021 - Picture: Renae Droop

But there were many suggestions - more than 50 in fact.

Reader Morris liked the South East Queensland Dolphins or North Coast Dolphins.

“They’re as far removed from Brisbane as Parramatta and Penrith are from Sydney and don’t need the word Brisbane in their name.

“You’ve also got the Manly Sea Eagles. Come on NRL get real.’’

Mark said the “Queensland Dolphins gets fans from everywhere”.

The Sunshine Coast Dolphins had a few mentions: “Not the North Coast Dolphins as that could describe the north coast NSW or anywhere else that has a north coast,’’ Bruce wrote.

“It should describe the fan catchment area which would logically be the Sunshine Coast so my vote is for the Sunshine Coast Dolphins.’’

But respondents kept coming back to the Redcliffe Dolphins and the Moreton Bay Dolphins.

Ronald added: “The Moreton Bay Dolphins involves a region outside of Brisbane and a growing area.’’

Jakkie said: “Moreton Bay Dolphins! Though Redcliffe Dolphins have more brand recognition, it is too localised and not inclusive of the larger catchment area.’’

Geoffrey wrote: “Moreton Bay Dolphins for mine. Ties the Dolphins name & logo appropriately to the sea and names the local government area where the club is located.’’

North Coast Dolphins also had some admirers: “North Coast Dolphins,’’ Joanne said. “That will cover from Redcliffe to sunny coast to please the most people.

Stephen Lewis said the 17th NRL side should be called the Moreton Bay Dolphins or Bayside Dolphins. “We have Brisbane Broncos and Gold Coast Suns so leave Brisbane and Suns out of the team name.’’

Bruce said the name should show respect to its indigenous past and be called it Yuggera Country (language) Dolphins while Steve said: “Kau-in-Kau-in Dolphins. That is the traditional name of Redcliffe.’’

Wynnum Manly Seagulls and Redcliffe Dolphins are arch enemies. Picture: Renae Droop

While Moreton Bay Dolphins was popular, it was not everyone’s cup of tea.

Nordek highlighted a good point, saying Wynnum people also lived on Moreton Bay and calling the new side the Moreton Bay Dolphins was not appropriate. “I like South East Dolphins but not Bayside Dolphins.

“I would associate that with Wynnum area. Or even Moreton Dolphins. No need to add bay to it.’’

But online reader Graham threw a match to light a bonfire when he said: “I reckon Moreton Bay Dolphins. That way even a southern Moreton Bay Wynnum Manly Seagulls supporter MAY even support the team.’’

Meninga Cup action, Wynnum Manly Seagulls vs Redcliffe Dolphins. Picture: Renae Droop

However, the final word should go to staunch Redcliffe Dolphins fans, reflected in this response. “At least seven of the current teams have suburb or non city/region names, Penrith Panthers for example, so nothing wrong with staying with Redcliffe Dolphins. Ain’t broke don’t fix it.’’

Some of the names you suggested in rough order of popularity were:

Redcliffe Dolphins

Moreton Bay Dolphins

Bay Dolphins

Queensland Dolphins

The Dolphins

Sun Coast Dolphins

Moreton Coast Dolphins

South Queensland Dolphins

Brisbane Dolphins

Moreton Dolphins

Sunshine State Dolphins

South East Queensland Dolphins

South East Dolphins

North Brisbane Dolphins

Moreton Bay Muddies

Moreton Bay Bugs

Beetson Dolphins

Deception Bay Dugongs

The Redcliffe Sea Cucumbers

Coastal Dolphins

Golden or Sunshine State Dolphins

North Coast Dolphins

North Dolphins

Pacific Dolphins

Brisbane Dolphins

Peninsula Porpoises

North Brisbane Bears

South Queensland Dolphins

East Coast Dolphins

Brisbane Mustangs

Mudflat Dolphins

The Fins

Moreton Bay Killer Whales

SEQ Dolphins

Redcliffe Flounders

The South Queensland Orcas (Killer Whales)