The NRL is set to meet with its expansion committee on Friday to rubber stamp the inclusion of 17th team for the 2023 season.
It is expected that today one of the three bids – from the Brisbane Firehawks, Jets and Redcliffe Dolphins – will be nominated as the committee’s choice, with the Commission to then finalise the decision.
The news comes after the league met with all of its clubs on Thursday to discuss the move.
While the final recommendation is yet to be made, The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio thinks the Dolphins are the “red-hot favourite”.
“The expansion assessment committee will meet today to discuss the merit of the three bids,” Riccio said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“The three expansion bids are the Jets, the Firehawks and the Redcliffe Dolphins.
“They’ll make a final recommendation to the Commission with a final announcement expected next week on the winning bid.
“We will know next week who the 17th team in the premiership will be.
“The Redcliffe Dolphins are the red-hot favourite.”
In the unlikely scenario that the Jets or Firehawks are instead nominated, Riccio believes former Maroons coach Paul Green could be the man for the job.
“I think the Dolphins are quite confident on the (Wayne) Bennett front, there’s certainly been some conversations there,” Riccio said.
“Paul Green has been the other name that I’ve heard pop up in relation to one of the other clubs.
“Certainly with ‘Greeny’ standing down from his Queensland Origin post in search of an NRL club next year and going forward.
“He’s certainly one name that any of the three parties would be interested in if Wayne doesn’t eventuate.
“But certainly, I expect the Dolphins to get it, and I expect Wayne Bennett to be there.”
The announcement of the NRL’s 17th club is expected sometime next week.