Redcliffe Dolphins Join NRL
The Redcliffe Dolphins have a solid foundation and are looking to grow their fan base. The Dolphins’ stadium has been around since 1979, and has recently undergone significant renovations. It currently has a capacity of about 11,000 people and has plans to install broadcast-quality lighting in the future.
The team will represent the Sunshine Coast and northern corridor, and will assist with educational programs as well. They are scheduled to join the NRL in 2023 and will play at Suncorp Stadium, the Sunshine Coast Stadium, and Redcliffe’s Moreton Daily Stadium. The Redcliffe Dolphins have been in the league for nearly 50 years and have been a proud state league powerhouse.
Despite the criticism of the new team, the NRL has made the right move in introducing a franchise in the heartland of rugby league. The Dolphins will have a larger footprint, which will help the game grow outside of Brisbane. They plan to partner with two or three Queensland Cup clubs and participate in regional Queensland competitions. The decision to expand the NRL’s footprint will also help the Dolphins’ fan base.
The Dolphins have made a couple of key signings to strengthen their front row and back row. Aitken will join on a two-year deal and will bring 150 NRL games to the team. Aitken can play centre and forward, and will give the Dolphins more depth in their second row. In the outside backs, the Dolphins have also signed Edrick Lee, who has played 120 NRL games with Cronulla, Newcastle, and Canberra.
The Redcliffe Dolphins, a Queensland Cup club, launched its bid to join the NRL in 2020. In October of that year, they were granted their licence to compete. They will be the 17th side in the NRL and the fourth team in Queensland. This is the first time a team from Redcliffe has joined the NRL since the Gold Coast Titans joined the league in 2007.
