Redcliffe continue to lead the way in the expansion race

The Redcliffe Dolphins remain the clear frontrunners in the race to become the game’s 17th team after talks with the ARL Commission’s expansion committee

Redcliffe Dolphins Bid chief Terry Reader addressed the ARL Commission

The Redcliffe Dolphins walked into a meeting with the ARL Commission’s expansion committee on Monday with an edge over their rivals in the race to become the 17th team. If anything, by day’s end their lead had become even more decisive.

Meetings lasting most of the day with the three bid teams confirmed what many already knew – that the Dolphins are clear-cut favourites to join the NRL. The sense is that only a dramatic turn of events will prevent them being granted the licence.

It is understood the bid teams walked out of the meeting convinced the ARL Commission is still intent on expanding in 2023, meaning time is of the essence to ensure the new franchise is able to field a competitive team.

The three bidders – Redcliffe, the Brisbane Firehawks and the Brisbane Jets – have been given more questions to answer, but a decision is expected to come in a matter of weeks, not months.

There is an ARL Commission meeting later this week to delve further into expansion and likely finalise a timeline for a final decision. ARL Commission chair Peter V’landys has already indicated it will be before the grand final.

It is understood talks with the bidding teams on Monday focused on their weaknesses rather than their strengths. Discussions with the Jets are believed to have predominantly been around their financial strength.

The concerns with the Firehawks is whether they would cannibalise existing clubs. With Redcliffe, one of the primary issues is around getting spectators to attend games at Suncorp Stadium.

The Dolphins and Firehawks are the most financially well-off of the bid teams and it is believed the expansion committee has a leaning towards clubs that don’t rely too much on leagues clubs for the financial support.

On that front, Redcliffe have the advantage of a home ground that generates use through rival sports as well as a shopping centre that guarantees them ongoing revenue.

“We’re obviously still in deliberations. As you can see, the commission is taking this very seriously,” commissioner Kate Jones said.

“Three really strong bids. We understand the gravity of the decision and that is why we have to be very deliberative in our decision making.

“Today was really informative for us to get a great understanding of the different approaches that each bid is making. They have been very upfront with the strength of their proposals.

“We want to make sure if we do make the decision to have a 17th team, it is in the best interests of growing the game. I just want to take this opportunity to assure footy fans not just here in Queensland but across the country that we will only make this decision if it is in the best interests of the game and growing the game into the future.”

Asked the priorities for the commission, Jones said: “We need to ensure we don’t cannibalise existing teams both here in the existing market and across the country, and making sure we are looking at ways to attract new fans to the game and also bring more financial strength to the game.”

Jones acknowledged that to give a new side the chance to field a competitive side, the commission needed to act relatively quickly.

The 17th team will be able to speak to players about the 2023 season from November 1. Among the players coming off contract at the end of 2022 are Dylan Brown, Clint Gutherson, Dylan Edwards, Viliame Kikau, Jack Bird, Cody Walker and Joey Manu.

“We are very aware of the time constraints that each of the bid teams need to build a team in 2023,” Jones said.

“We understand that in regards to attracting players, securing a coach, securing all the administrative side of the game. We are very aware of that.”