Interesting that it seems as though the dump that is the GC Stadium (or Carrara) will be rebuilt or redeveloped instead of building a brand new facility at the proposed Robina site. Not that i'm all that fussed, but I would've thought starting from scratch would bring about a better stadium as well as saving government funds."Gold Coast will become the NRL's 16th team after the Queensland Government yesterday approved $80 million in funding to build a 25,000-seat stadium.
Although still without a nickname, Gold Coast are certain to be entered into the NRL competition in 2007.
A new arena was the only barrier stopping NRL management from granting Gold Coast a licence.
An NRL partnership committee meeting next month should finalise Gold Coast's entry and end a million-dollar push from John Singleton to include a Central Coast team.
Gold Coast City Council will meet today to formally pass the funding and discuss the Carrara Stadium site.
Yesterday's revelation comes after Gold Coast consortium head Michael Searle met Queensland's Minister for Sport Terry Mackenroth.
The NRL partnership committee was to meet and discuss expansion on May 12 but that date may now be pushed back despite a desperation to finally resolve the Gold Coast bid.
"I don't want to get too excited just yet," said Gold Coast coach-in-waiting John Cartwright. "There are still some hurdles to be jumped but the signs are good."
Searle added: "We are excited but not over confident.
"This puts a wax seal on our application. The partnership committee still has to decide on expansion and we still have to be the winning tender."
As part of the deal, Gold Coast Council will supply the land with the Queensland Government providing the funds.
Given the council already owns the Carrara site it seems certain the new arena will be built where the dilapidated stadium currently stands.
There is talk of a plan to build at nearby Robina but that move is unlikely.
Gold Coast officials have drawn up a hit list of players coming off contract this year and after next season.
Those who sign with the Gold Coast this season would be forced to sign one-year contracts with their current clubs for 2006.
Players certain to be under scrutiny from the Gold Coast would be Preston Campbell, Matt Bowen, Luke Bailey, Brett Finch, Willie Mason, Jamaal Lolesi and Braith Anasta.
"We are keen to hear details of the commitment made today, in particular looking at the impact of the new stadium on their business plan," said NRL chief executive David Gallop.
"A rugby league-specific stadium has been a significant hurdle for the Gold Coast.
Our competition is strong and it's a terrific endorsement that the Queensland Government is stepping in."
The loser that I see in all of this is AFL. My knowledge of the area tells me that the closest oval to the GC is the Gabba in Brisbane. A rectangular Gold Coast Stadium is going to mean that AFL will have no opportunity to expand into the area, unless they pay out massive amounts of money to fund a brand new facility which really wouldn't be worth it.
I was tipping the GC to be the 16th club so im pleased with these developments.
. Beaussie whats happened to your love of demetriou lately? Looks like i was right (surprise surprise 
