THE CONTENDERS TO BECOME THE NEXT NRL TEAM.
BRISBANE BOMBERS
Founded in 2011, the Bombers appear to have everything in place: a logo, name, funds and plan to play at Suncorp Stadium. They’ve also reportedly spoken to Craig Bellamy about becoming their coach. However the main drawback for the Bombers is they would be a direct rival to the Broncos while the NRL might prefer a club based in a distinct area of southeast Queensland rather than inner-Brisbane.
REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS
Another ready-to-go bid. The Dolphins have a home ground they’re aiming to redevelop and an on-field history of success at Queensland Cup level. Finances aren’t an issue and recent reports suggest they want to hire Wayne Bennett as foundation coach. The key issue for the Dolphins is their location 40km north of Brisbane and attracting fans outside nearby suburbs.
WESTERN CORRIDOR
Launched in 2010, the Western Corridor bid is an attempt to bring a club to the rugby league heartland of Ipswich and encompass Logan and Toowoomba. It would promote the Queensland Cup’s Ipswich Jets and operate from Springfield where it’s hoped training facilities and a new stadium would be built. The lack of confirmed facilities or government commitment is the bid’s biggest hurdle.
CENTRAL QUEENSLAND
Launched in 2009, the Rockhampton-based bid aims to draw from a region stretching from Bundaberg to Mackay. The team would play out of a new stadium in Rockhampton and perhaps be coached by former Queensland Origin star Gorden Tallis. A lack of Queensland Cup success for the Central Coast Capras and a desire to tap into Queensland’s booming southeast are big stumbling blocks.
SUNSHINE COAST
Sunshine Coast’s city council is willing to spend $17 million expanding Kawana Stadium pending on matched state/federal funding. NRL matches featuring Souths and Cronulla are already slated for the region over the next two years while the powerhouse Sunshine Coast Falcons have strong Melbourne Storm links. The chance to engage the growing Sunshine Coast population would be tempting.
PERTH, NORTH SYDNEY OR NEW ZEALAND
While the Sunshine State remains a frontrunner, Perth’s West Coast Pirates are a realistic contender with state government backing and the NRL eager to have a presence in the west. The ongoing status of the exiled North Sydney Bears remains up in the air with Gosford and even Gold Coast discussed as potential new homes. A Wellington bid is also anticipated following the Southern Orcas failed attempt in 2007.