Queensland Rugby League has announced the Dolphins NRL franchise will provide development support for rugby league in the Wide Bay area, located 170 kilometres from Brisbane.
The Wide Bay region stretches from the Sunshine Coast area north to Gladstone and Bundaberg, covering a coastal area which unearthed Titans skipper Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Dolphins forward Felise Kaufusi, Cowboys prop Coen Hess, and many more.
The NRL club will work directly with the Wide Bay Bulls, a representative team fielding junior talent sides of U15, U17 & U19 in statewide competitions.
A board meeting in July marked the moment when negotiations with the Dolphins began to ramp up to have the Bulls act as a pathway for rugby league talent programs in the area.
It means the Dolphins will completely administer the Bulls' identity throughout the region, likely helping with funds, equipment, and talent identification.
The decision to land on the Dolphins was decided because of no major QLD Cup side in the area, pre-established school programs from the NRL club in Wide Bay, and the Redcliffe-based side already having a presence in the area.
The Bulls pathway opportunities for both male and female players filter into Cyril Connell Cup and Harvey Norman junior competitions.
It is assumed star talent identified in the area will progress into the Dolphins NRL academy.
"The QRL remains committed to ensuring young players in the Wide Bay region continue to have access to high-quality development opportunities and clear pathways to the elite levels of the game," a QRL statement read.
It is a smart move by the Dolphins to strengthen their brand and establish their DNA in various areas across the Sunshine State, and further instilling themselves as a Queensland powerhouse club of the future.
