'Waiting 72 years and now we're here': Dolphins welcome NRL licence

The Dolphins have hailed the ARLC’s decision to approve their entry to the NRL in 2023 as a 'momentous day' in the history of the NRL and QRL.

The club, which was founded in 1947, edged out the Firehawks (Easts Tigers) and Jets (Ipswich) linked by rival Queensland Cup outfits for the licence to become the NRL’s second Brisbane team.

“The Dolphins have always been NRL ready – and now we’re here,” a club statement said.

“The Dolphins have been successful in our quest to join the NRL as the 17th club in the competition in 2023.

“This is a momentous day in the history of the National Rugby League, Queensland Rugby League and, of course, the Redcliffe Dolphins, who will now take on a new identity in the NRL.

“A huge thanks to the thousands of backers whose dream never wavered and who carried us on your shoulders all the way to the NRL.

“A community club like the Dolphins would be nothing without our family and the NRL had a keen eye on all of you in making its decision for the Dolphins.

“To those who are new to the Dolphins family, we say 'welcome'. The Dolphins have been waiting 72 years for this and now we’re here.

"The Dolphins have produced some of the greats of the game including Arthur Beetson, a rugby league immortal who wished for nothing more than a national-level Dolphins side that would one day play his also beloved Roosters in the NRL. Artie’s dream will now be a reality.

"The Dolphins have been a nursery for the greats of more recent times who have donned Kangaroo and Origin jerseys such as Petero Civoniceva and current Queensland captain Daly Cherry-Evans.

"The Dolphins have produced 32 senior Queensland representatives and 23 Kangaroos over the years. It’s that fighting spirit and desire to be the very best that will make us great in the NRL. We will continue our commitment to foster and develop talent through our communities to the pinnacle of the game."

The Dolphins will be based at Moreton Daily Stadium, which was used for NRL matches this season, but will play most of their home games at Suncorp Stadium.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said Redcliffe officials had agreed that the club would be known simply as the Dolphins after previously outlining plans for fans and members to help choose a name. 

Redcliffe will continue to field teams from junior level through to the Queensland Cup but the Dolphins NRL franchise is aiming to have a presence on the Sunshine Coast, as well as the Moreton Bay region. 

The Warriors have announced plans to use the club's facilities next year while based in Australia for a third consecutive season operate out of Moreton Daily Stadium.