THAT'S GOLD! Gold Coast set to
re-join NRL in 2007

National Rugby League boss David Gallop is set to announce the inclusion of the Gold Coast into the 2007 competition this afternoon.

The official announcement is expected at 1:30pm today (AEST) at the Gold Coast's Marriott Hotel.

The decision to include the Gold Coast as the 16th NRL team ends six years of perseverance since the Gold Coast were omitted from the NRL in 1998.

Gold Coast executive Michael Searle first met with other members of the Gold Coast bid team in 1999. They have since overcome numerous hurdles in their attempts to get a third Queensland team, and a second South East Queensland team, into the NRL competition.

They will begin recruiting players as early as next month with former Panthers' forward John Cartwright to be appointed as head coach.

Former Kiwi forward Ali Lauiti'iti has been short-listed as have former Parramatta stars David Solomona and Jamie Lyon. Earlier this week, there were rumours that Dragons and Origin prop, Luke Bailey was also considering a move to the Gold Coast in 2007.

Central Coast (NSW) and Wellington (NZ) were also considered for the 16th team. The Central Coast in particular put in a solid bid but now, will most likely turn their attention to encouraging an existing NRL club to relocate.