QRL Executive
Endorse Gold Coast Bid

The Gold Coast effort to become the 16th National Rugby League team gained considerable momentum on Wednesday by gaining an endorsement from the QRL executive.

Gold Coast bid chairman Paul Broughton and director Michael Searle gave a full briefing on their business plan to QRL chairman John McDonald and managing director Ross Livermore.

Broughton said everything was now in place for the Gold Coast bid before the NRL partnership meeting on May 5 to discuss the viability of a 16th franchise and possibly set a timeframe for further presentations of bids.

The Gold Coast is vying for a 16th franchise along with bids from the NSW Central Coast and the New Zealand capital, Wellington.

Broughton and Searle left the briefing with the QRL executive positive that it will gain the endorsement of the QRL at its full board meeting next week.

The green light followed the bid team striking a deal with the local council to have Carrara Stadium significantly upgraded if it was granted the 16th licence.

The Gold Coast council last month committed to building a new grandstand, taking the capacity of the ground to between 18,000 and 20,000.

"What we have strived to do over the last three years is provide a platform and ensure nothing precludes us from joining the NRL," Broughton said.

Details were given to the QRL on the strategies for the new licence and the effect the new team would have on rugby league in south east corner.

"We showed them how the licence would help everything from grass roots development through to the flagship of the game - State of Origin," he said.