NRL expansion: Dolphins warn game is being swamped by AFL and soccer

The Dolphins claim they have $100 million reasons why they should get an NRL licence - but there is one more that is causing huge problems, CRASH CRADDOCK writes.

Brisbane Lions celebrate victory during the round 23 AFL match. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty

The Dolphins will tell rugby league powerbrokers their code is being ambushed by a $60 million “secret war’’ which can only be won if they become the 17th NRL club.

The Dolphins, based in Redcliffe but representing the northern corridor which is one of Australia’s fastest growing regions, believe they are the most “NRL ready’’ of the three franchises who will meet with the NRL on Monday to bid for the right to become the competition’s 17th team.

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Their proposal includes the backing of 40,000 members, an annual turnover of $30 million and $100 million worth of assets, a newly renovated home ground which seats 10,000 fans and ownership of a shopping centre which has Coles as an anchor tenant.

But it is the broader picture – the code fight against the AFL and soccer – that Dolphins officials are equally concerned about.

“There is a major threat to the code in our region from other sports that most people don’t realise,’’ said Dolphins bid chief Terry Reader.

Warriors boss Mark Robinson and Dolphins CEO Tony Murphy at the Dolphins Stadium, Redcliffe. Picture: AAP/Sarah Marshall

“Everyone talks about the AFL spending $60 million with the Brisbane Lions going to Springfield but we have already seen that much spent on AFL and soccer in our region in the last five years.

“The Roar (soccer club) is playing its home games at Dolphin Oval and there is a women’s centre of excellence being built for soccer. We have to try and keep rugby league in its elite position.’’

A new $18 million women’s centre of excellence built in time for the 2023 Women’s Soccer World Cup has been committed for the South Pine region while the $19 million construction of an AFL ground in Kippa Ring recently won the AFL’s project of the year award.

Brisbane Roar.

Brisbane Lions. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty

The Dolphins came into existence in 1947 and will provide stiff opposition for the rival bids from the Brisbane Jets and Firehawks which will be slapped on the table on Monday in what shapes as a watershed day for the game.

The Dolphins believe their asset base and financial solidity is their greatest asset.

“When the leaders of our game talk about expansion they talk about financial responsibility and being able to stand on their own two feet. We could start tomorrow. We are already hosting NRL games. We have assets of over $100 million. We can eliminate most of the starting costs.’’

BACKYARD BLITZ

Rugby league’s controversial six again rule hasn’t pleased everyone but it has helped shine a spotlight on the most endearing rugby league star of all … the backyard champion.

Kevin Walters reckons the fast moving game has enhanced the worth of players whose skills were honed by hundreds of backyard games with Souths magician Cody Walker the prime example.

Walker’s mesmeric bag of tricks, all delivered with a cool, stone-faced expression that makes him look nerveless and in total control, have made him a worthy Dally M medal favourite.

You can hear in the voice of commentators like Greg Alexander how much they enjoy his work.

MUST HAVE MUNSTER

If, as expected, the NRL admits a second Brisbane team in 2023 then Cameron Munster’s phone will ring hot.

Munster has previously told News Corp that he would be open to finishing his career with an expansion team in Brisbane and his words were noted by all three bidders.

New clubs cannot simply stock their ranks with honest tradesmen. They need headline acts and Munster is undoubtedly one.

Originally published as NRL expansion: Dolphins warn game is being swamped by AFL and soccer