The Firehawks Have Launched A Bid To Become The NRL's 17th Team

Queensland could be about to get a fourth NRL team with the Firehawks set to submit an expression of interest to join the competition.

Currently part of the Brisbane Easts Group, the Firehawks promise to "be a team for everybody" but will have a strong focus on attracting a younger audience of rugby league fans while also helping grow the sport at grassroots and community level.

And with over $80million in assets, it puts the expansion hopefuls in good stead for a successful bid.

The Firehawks made the exciting announcement at a press conference held at Easts Leagues Club in Brisbane.

"We believe our bid will stand out as we are blazing a new path for sports teams in the Australian market," Rich Digital CEO Brent Richardson said.

"Firehawks approach to branding, fan engagement, game day experience and membership, has melded the best of business strategies from world class sporting teams such as the Lakers in the NBA and entertainment powerhouses such as Spotify. Everything we do will be about entertainment, the fan centric experience backed by sustainable infrastructure."

As for the 'Firehawk' name itself, it's of great significance to the team and its overall promise.

"Like the Firehawk, we are a unique Australian brand," CEO of the Brisbane Tigers Brian Torpy said.

"A raptor that changes the environment for the better, to sustain it. In what it does, it is representative of an outlaw. Our bold colours of black and orange pay homage to the history of Easts, whilst the blue and gold pay homage to our home city of Brisbane. Like the legendary Firehawk, a bird of prey, we are hunters not cannibals." Brian Torpy, CEO Brisbane Tigers.

Topics: nrl news, nrl, Australia

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry