Redcliffe Dolphins emerge as new player in rugby league expansion plans
Steve Ricketts
THE Redcliffe Dolphins have emerged as the bold new player in rugby league's expansion battle.
The Dolphins bring a substance to the fight that none of the other contenders can match, given their history, successful licensed club and strong junior league.
While the Brisbane Bombers, Central Queensland, Western Corridor and Perth bid teams have made plenty of noise, the Dolphins have been going about trying to win another state league title.
At the same time the Redcliffe boys have been looking at the big picture, and it is not the first time they have moved in that direction.
"Playing at the elite level has been on our agenda for quite a few years," new president Bob Jones said.
"We have always wanted to play at the highest level and to be successful.
"The highest level for us used to be the Brisbane competition - now it's the NRL.
"Our board knows that the cost of establishing and running an NRL concern now stands at about $16 million a season. However we would be prepared to grab the ball and run with it if a serious chance presents itself.
"Whether that means we would share costs with a private consortium or host a relocated club from Sydney is up in the air, but we would not rule out the possibility."
Jones said a Dolphins side in the NRL would play at Suncorp Stadium initially but a major stadium near the northern rail line is believed to be in the pipeline.
"We are not getting ahead of ourselves though and will not spend any more funds until we find out if the NRL is serious about adding another side, and, if so, whether they want a team in Queensland's southeast corner," he said.
NRL chief executive David Gallop has indicated 2015 would be the earliest year for expansion.
Jones doubts whether league can handle two new teams, hence the Dolphins' decision not to rule out being part of a relocation exercise.
"I think there are enough teams now," Jones said. "I think we have spread the talent too thinly.
"A few years ago it was harder to get a spot in the NRL than it is now."
Jones said league needed to do more at the grassroots level.
He said: "There are schools in our area we can't get in for coaching or development because the principals have been sold on the AFL model.
"Some of the bid teams have been trotting out the Gold Coast Titans' line of engaging the community.
"Propagating the game at the grassroots level is part of of our charter."
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