The Redcliffe Dolphins have officially won the race to enter the NRL in 2023, with the competition to expand to 17 teams.
The Dolphins beat bids from the Firehawks and Jets to become the fourth Queensland team in the competition.
A board meeting of the ARLC this morning approved the move, the first time a new club has been admitted since Gold Coast re-joined the competition in 2007.
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Seven-time premiership winning coach Wayne Bennett is widely expected to lead the Dolphins in their inaugural season.
The club will be able to approach players from November 1 with a view to signing contracts for the 2023 season.
“Today is an exciting moment in the history of our game. The NRL Telstra Premiership will expand to 17 teams in 2023 and on behalf of the Commission I would like to congratulate The Dolphins on being granted the 17th licence,” ARLC boss Peter V’landys said.
“I would also like to acknowledge and thank the other bid teams for the work they put into their submissions. All three bids were of the highest calibre and highlight the strength of rugby league in Queensland.”
MORE TO COME.
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