The Redcliffe Dolphins have officially been announced as the 17th NRL license in the premiership and will begin their first historic campaign in 2023.

It was announced on Wednesday morning that the Dolphins bid had defeated the Western Corridor and Brisbane Firehawks bids.

“Today is an exciting moment in the history of our game. The NRL Telstra Premiership will expand to 17 teams in 2023 and on behalf of the Commission I would like to congratulate The Dolphins on being granted the 17th licence,’’ ARLC chairman Peter V’landys said.

“I would also like to acknowledge and thank the other bid teams for the work they put into their submissions. All three bids were of the highest calibre and highlight the strength of rugby league in Queensland.”