NRL 2023: Peter V’landys reveals Dolphins’ existence hinged on Wayne Bennett

Peter V’landys has made an extraordinary admission about the one non-negotiable for the Dolphins becoming the NRL’s 17th team.

The Dolphins’ stunning win over premiership heavyweights the Roosters is the biggest shot in the arm for the game in decades. Picture: Getty

ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys has revealed how signing Wayne Bennett was a non-negotiable condition for the entry of the NRL’s 17th team.

V’landys savoured the Dolphins’ history-making debut at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday and was blown away by the 28-18 boilover of the Roosters that heralded the rise of Queensland’s fourth NRL team.

The appointment of Bennett was a masterstroke by the Dolphins and V’landys revealed the acquisition of the 73-year-old super coach was a key requirement if the $100 million Redcliffe empire wanted an NRL licence.

“When the Commission decided on the Dolphins, that (Bennett’s hiring as head coach) became a massive condition of mine, yes,” V’landys revealed.

“Because if anyone could build a new franchise from day one, it had to be Wayne Bennett.

“That was the best decision we made. Without him, we wouldn’t be where we are on expansion.

“There was no-one else for the position.

Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty

ARLC boss Peter V’landys. Picture: Jonathan Ng

“All credit to the Dolphins. They have been a great, professional outfit and the structures they have put in place, they couldn’t have done a better job.

“But the secret to the success, no doubt, is the presence of Wayne Bennett.

“The man is a coaching genius.

“I honestly cannot believe the execution of the new team and Wayne’s ability to identify a roster and bring people together.”

Across key metrics of the code, the Dolphins are already a powerhouse of the NRL.

They have 21,000 members - double that of Queensland rivals the Cowboys and almost triple that of the Titans - and have amassed a $10 million sponsorship portfolio, making them one of the richest clubs in the league.

Round 1 TV ratings were a raging success for the Dolphins, who attracted 567,000 viewers against the Roosters, outperforming the 552,000 who watched cross-town rivals the Broncos beat Penrith.

Dolphins fans stormed Suncorp Stadium on Sunday. Picture: Patrick Woods

The Broncos are considered the NRL’s premier brand after posting a record $59.8 million turnover last month, but V’landys believes the Dolphins have the infrastructure to challenge Brisbane.

“I have absolutely no doubt they can be as big as the Broncos and challenge them. I can’t wait to see their new rivalry develop,” he said.

“I was ecstatic at their victory, everything we hoped for came to fruition on Sunday.

“There were some concerns about expansion but I always said the business case had to stack up and I was confident it would.

“The performance of the Dolphins and the TV ratings showed what a success another team in Queensland can be.

“It’s a long season, so I’m not going to pop the champagne corks yet, but the beginning is very exciting. There’s 26 rounds to go and there is a lot of work ahead for the Dolphins.

“We always said we wanted a new audience and that’s what I assured the broadcasters and how I sold it to them.

Wayne Bennett (R) with Jesse Bromwich after the win. Picture: Patrick Woods

“If a new audience didn’t come in, my credibility would have been shot.

“The figures were simply unbelievable.”

V’landys believes the coaching mastery of Bennett can see the Dolphins challenge for the top eight in their inaugural season.

“I believe they can make the finals this year,” he said.

“Wayne has signed some experienced players to mould the junior players and if you bring it together, it’s the right recipe.

“The best thing he has done is take players from the Melbourne Storm who have had the best culture in the game for two decades.

“It’s a credit to Wayne and his industry knowledge has been crucial. He should bask in the Dolphins’ first win because he has been critical to building this franchise from day one.

“Everything the Dolphins said they would do, they have done, and that’s why it’s been a success.”

BUZZ: WHAT DOLPHINS WIN REALLY MEANS

- Phil Rothfield

The Dolphins’ stunning victory over the Roosters on Sunday afternoon has given rugby league its biggest shot in the arm in decades.

Having a second competitive side in Brisbane that can attract 30,000 plus crowds to Suncorp Stadium every weekend rather than every fortnight is huge.

We all thought they’d struggle this year.

That the NRL hadn’t given the new franchise enough time to properly prepare.

That their roster was nowhere near as strong as the premiership heavyweights.

The Dolphins’ stunning win over premiership heavyweights the Roosters is the biggest shot in the arm for the game in decades. Picture: Getty

And while one win doesn’t make a winter, the signs could not have been more encouraging.

They didn’t just beat the Roosters, they thumped them.

They were hungrier, more committed and wanted it more.

Overall it was a great weekend for Queensland rugby league.

Victories for the Dolphins, Titans, Cowboys and Broncos.

Just what the game needs.

Kenny Bromwich interacts with fans after the match. Picture: Patrick Woods.

The Dolphins against the Broncos in Round 4 at Suncorp will sell out.

It’s a genuine blockbuster.

The premiership newcomers will be underdogs again but Sunday showed they are capable of upsetting any team in the competition.

Make no mistake, the Dolphins have arrived.

They’ll be tested from a lack of depth later in the season but you can guarantee they’ll be more than competitive each week.

And that is a great thing for rugby league. Everyone loves an underdog. Everyone loved what happened on Sunday afternoon. Rugby league was the winner.