I wanted to congratulate the Gold Coast bid team for their unselfish decision not to challenge in court the Redcliffe Dolphins club over the Dolphins brand name.
On Thursday I sent an email to their acting CEO, Michael Searle, seeking background to the decision. I will give you some excerpts to show you the integrity of the people that head this bid.
"Thanks for identifying the reason behind us withdrawing the name. Ego is something this team is NOT about and we believe everything we do sets the tone for the culture that will exist in our organisation when we are admitted into the NRL," he wrote.
"We decided it was not in the best interest of the game of rugby league to allow this to be played out in a lengthy legal battle in a court situation which could last years and would have left a cloud hanging over our licence and our fans.
"On this basis we decided to relinquish the Dolphins brand. The Gold Coast fans don't deserve to be subjected to this process and we want excitement and exhilaration, not legal innuendo about the club because of the mascot.
"It has always been about the Gold Coast, one of the most powerful brand names in the country, getting into the NRL - not a team mascot.
"The name Gold Coast Dolphins came out of comprehensive research and approval from our supporters.
At the time of selection the name had no trademark on it from any Australian entity, Redcliffe football club and leagues club included.
"Our focus remains to get the Gold Coast into the competition. The fact that it can't be the Dolphins is another hurdle that is now behind us."
I wish Michael Searle was running the NRL. He is too good to be wasted just running a club.
