Dolphins’ bid rivals confident

THE battle to become Brisbane’s second NRL team has heated up after the Jets and Firehawks declared they could challenge hot favourites the Dolphins in the fight to become the new franchise.

With the entire NRL in Brisbane for this weekend’s Magic Round at Suncorp Stadium, News Corp has delved deep into the expansion fight and discovered Redcliffe’s proposal for the game’s 17th licence is the bid to beat in the eyes of influential figures.

In February, the rival Brisbane Bombers and Ipswich Jets bid teams joined forces to create the Brisbane Jets.

Brisbane Jets bid chief Nick Livermore said the decision to link with the Jets made them a comprehensive proposal.

“We believe the merger makes us the most well rounded bid,” he said.

“The Bombers had a strong corporate focus on maximising southeast Queensland, which is the largest market between Sydney and Singapore and going head-to-head with the Broncos on commerciality.”

The Firehawks say they have the backing of $52m in assets and $23m in cash holdings, while they will soon begin construction on a $7m upgrade at Langlands Park.

“The Firehawks’ bid will be revolutionary – mark my words,” Firehawks bid chief Shane Richardson said.

“There is a new opportunity to start with a clean slate and do a modern sporting club.”