Breaking News Today – The Brisbane Firehawks Are One of the Top Tenants For an NRL Franchise in 2023
With three-hundred and eighty thousand members, the Firehawks have the financial backing to meet NRL demands. Moreover, they can leverage their close association with the Queensland Cup side Easts Tigers, which has a loyal fan base. In addition, the Firehawks have a history of developing young talent in their junior programs. However, they are not yet close to the level of fan base that the Jets and Dolphins enjoy, and would require time to build brand affinity.
Currently, the Firehawks have a strong balance sheet, with assets of $80 million. Additionally, they are building a new community centre of excellence, which will begin construction in October 2021. Their business plan focuses on developing Queensland players and coaches, expanding participation, and attracting new younger fans. A recent survey of Australian sporting fans showed that 44% of casual sports fans are aged between 18 and 34 years old.
As a result, the Firehawks are one of the top contenders for an NRL franchise in 2023. The club has also received the backing of Coorparoo rugby club Easts Tigers, and recently unveiled its new logo. The logo incorporates the swooping raptor, which captures the essence of this iconic Australian bird.
The decision to open the NRL’s expansion process could come this week. In the meantime, the ARL Commission is set to meet with the NRL’s clubs on Thursday to outline a new broadcast rights deal. While the Easts Tigers have the backing of a bid for a new NRL franchise, the Brisbane Firehawks are waiting for an official announcement.
The Firehawks’ bid for an NRL franchise would have to overcome many challenges. First, they would need to create a north-south rivalry that would attract fans in the southside of Brisbane. This would be difficult to do without a strong and established fan base. Secondly, they would have to compete with the Broncos for player base and sponsorship dollars. This would be detrimental to the Broncos’ long-term success.
The Firehawks are hoping to tap into the western corridor’s junior base. This region’s junior players are currently being overlooked by rugby league. This is largely because juniors from the western corridor don’t have direct pathways into the NRL. Furthermore, they would have to leave their homes to join a franchise. However, the Firehawks are only an hour’s drive from Toowoomba and Ipswich.
The Firehawks are the brainchild of the Easts Tigers, which is a feeder club for the Melbourne Storm. The club plays in the Brisbane A Grade competition, which is below the Intrust Super Cup. Since 2001, they have competed in the FOGS Cup and have enjoyed success. Its new crest has been unveiled. In addition, the club is set to redevelop a local stadium in Redcliffe.
The NRL has been planning to expand to 17 teams. Brisbane is expected to get a second team in 2023. The new team would be based in the city, giving Brisbane a second team in the competition. A decision on the expansion is likely to be made in June. In the meantime, the ARL has decided to retain the Gold Coast Titans and the Brisbane Firehawks.
The Tigers have a proven track record of reinventing themselves. Their storied past includes financial hardships in the 1930s, which nearly cost the club its life. But then, after three winless seasons, the club fought back and won six straight Grand Finals. During the 1970s, they ended their 15-year premiership drought. The new logo, meanwhile, would resemble that of the current Ipswich Jets.
