The Redcliffe Dolphins will reportedly become the NRL’s 17th franchise, having beaten out bids from both the Brisbane Jets and Brisbane Firehawks, according to the Sydney Morning Herald’s Michael Chammas.
The Dolphins, who currently play in the Queensland Cup, are set to be included in the competition from 2023, becoming Brisbane’s second side in the NRL.
The club, which is 35km north of the state’s capital, is set to be preferred to the other bids due to its extensive history in the Queensland competition as well as being well backed by financers.
According to Chammas, the NRL will announce the inclusion of the 17th franchise to clubs in a video conference on Thursday.
The expansion committee will then meet on Friday where Redcliffe is set to be recommended for inclusion.
It’s believed that master coach Wayne Bennett will manage the side from the inclusion in the competition.