Queensland Rugby League can confirm that the Dolphins NRL Club will now provide operational support for the delivery of rugby league talent development programs across the Wide Bay region.
The QRL has been working collaboratively with both the Dolphins NRL Club and the Wide Bay Bulls, following a special general meeting in July at which members voted to wind up the Wide Bay Bulls incorporated association.
As part of this transition, the QRL has entered into a new Participation Agreement with the Dolphins NRL Club, who will assume responsibility for administering the Wide Bay Bulls program throughout the region.
The decision was influenced by a number of factors, including the absence of a statewide competition club based in Wide Bay; and the Dolphins' established presence in the region through school competitions, coach education programs and existing full time staffing resources.
The Wide Bay Bulls pathway currently includes male and female teams competing in respective Cyril Connell Cup and Harvey Norman Under 17 competitions, with talent identification and development commencing through Academy programs for players aged 13 to 16.
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.
