NRL expansion hopefuls to learn future by July

[Tiger_Watto]

**<big>NRL expansion hopefuls to learn future by July as new ARL Commission considers two-team expansion</big>**
By Chris Garry The Courier-Mail February 27, 2012 10:42AM
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Rugby league's expansion clubs will know if they are in contention for an NRL licence by July, with the ARL Commission set to announce growth guidelines mid-year.

It is believed the ARLC will detail its ideal expansion timelines once the code's broadcast rights deal is near completion.

A new broadcast deal must be formalised before November 1 but negotiations are progressing quickly with a resolution likely during winter.

While there had been some suggestion of mass expansion to a 20-team competition with a northern and southern conference, the ARLC will only consider a two-team expansion.

Seven consortiums - the New South Wales Central Coast, Papua New Guinea, Perth, Central Queensland, Western Corridor (Ipswich), Brisbane and Wellington - have spent more than $10 million collectively formulating NRL bids.

"The ARLC will set out its guidelines for expansion at the midpoint of this year so those bid teams who are not in the hunt will be ruled out and they can stop wasting their money," a source within the NRL said.

"It is most likely the commission will mark 2015 as the entry date for two new teams and there will be three or four bids singled out to formally submit their case.

"The television deal will likely be back-ended with the networks paying more money from 2015 to pay for the extra game."

Southeast Queensland's western corridor and Perth are the favourites because they would bring the game to rapidly growing markets and add the most value to broadcast rights.

Brisbane Bombers bid director Craig Davison said one of the ARLC's immediate priorities should be deciding who the frontrunners for expansion were because bid teams were spending a lot of time and money developing their prospective franchises.

"There is a lot of work being done on these bids from a variety of people and there should be clear instructions on who needs to pack their bags and head home," Davison said.

"It would make life a lot easier for people if they gave everyone an idea of what they were thinking.

"I think they should call for bids very soon."

The recent Gold Coast United debacle in the A-League is evidence that expansion cannot be rushed.

In light of United's struggles, the ARLC will demand bid teams have detailed strategies for engaging with their community and the grassroots of league.

http://www.foxsports.com.au/league/nrl-premiership/nrl-expansion-hopefuls-to-learn-future-by-july-as-new-arl-commission-considers-two-team-expansion/story-fn2mcuj6-1226282447111

 

[_Tiger_Zoe]

Am I the only one who isn't keen on the idea of a Perth team?

 

[Jazza]

Am I the only one who isn't keen on the idea of a Perth team?

I'd love to have a Perth team in the comp! How come you're not so keen Tiger Zoe?

This article just reminded me of what an ordinary name the Brisbane Bombers are, hopefully if a QLD team comes in, its Ipswich.

 

[Tiger_Watto]

A Perth Team will be great… Make it a 5 day trip!

Golf; Casino; Tigers vs WA Reds; Sailing; more Golf... I cant wait!

 

[Citizen_Tiger]

Am I the only one who isn't keen on the idea of a Perth team?

Anyone who has spent time in Perth over the last 10-15 years knows that it's a developing Rugby town, courtesy of Saffer ex pats. It would be commercial suicide to establish an NRL team there. The landscape has changed quite significantly since the days of the Reds and there's simply no room for a third code. I find it unbelievable that such thoughts can be courted by the NRL, while they completely ignore 500,000 RL fans in the North Sydney - Central Coast corridor.

Not really caring whether its the Bears or someone else, but it's a miracle that this area remains fertile ground, some ten or more years since they lost their Rugby League team. The ARU are lobotimised nincampoops and soccer just doesn't have the appeal

 

[1_4_chicken_chips]

Theres plenty of mining money to keep it afloat . The NRL will just relocate one of the Sydney teams. Brisbane is crying out for another side to halve the Broncos monopoly.The new tv deal will ensure any new clubs will survive.

 

[pacey]

Which Sydney team would relocate you think ?

 

[happy_tiger]

Am I the only one who isn't keen on the idea of a Perth team?

I'd love to have a Perth team in the comp! How come you're not so keen Tiger Zoe?

This article just reminded me of what an ordinary name the Brisbane Bombers are, hopefully if a QLD team comes in, its Ipswich.

Why Ipswich Jazza

 

[Tigerdave]

Ithink the Sharks would be the first cab off the rank for me, then the Roosters for relocation.
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In so far as the thread is concerned, I would really like to see the Bears back. The Central Coast has been demanding a team for a long time now.

The other team, Perth or another Brissie side.

 

[Juro]

Perth apparently sold out their one game last year, souths vs broncos. 15000 people turned up in horrible weather. I think there is enough demand there, with a potential for real growth.

Another Queensland team would be good. I'm sure the TV channels will be demanding another team up there. Brisbane should realistically have at least 3 teams. Of course, other south Queensland teams have tried and failed, with the Broncos doing everything they can to keep their monopoly. Hopefully with a good TV deal and higher club grants, a club up there can properly establish itself.

Central Coast get good crowds at their games, but how many are locals, compared with Sydney people driving up the freeway? I agree that the northern suburbs of Sydney are ignored by the NRL, but adding an entire new state is more important than adding yet another team to the Sydney region.

The days of the NSWRL and a purely Sydney comp were great but we need to move forwards, not back. Give us real expansion!

 

[Tiger_Watto]

I've always been sold on a new team in Perth and Brisbane, plus the NRL offering great incentives to the Gladiator to relocate Souths to the Central Coast to form an association with the Umina Bunnies.

 

[tigerbenji]

I think the only way to go is to relocate a couple of teams, but who would want to put there hand up to go. The reason i say this is there are not enough first grade footballers running around to start up two new teams.

 

[Gary_Bakerloo]

**<big>"It is most likely the commission will mark 2015 as the entry date for two new teams and there will be three or four bids singled out to formally submit their case.</big>**

**<big>What about the plight of current teams? The press I have been reading is that the NRL was keen for existing clubs to be retained under the new tv deal and allow them to stabilise.

I hope it is an 18 team competition in 2015 with teams from Perth, Southeast Queensland, Central Coast and PNG entering the NRL.

Minimum criteria (similar to 1998) is set at start of 2013 for the existing clubs. Two lowest ranked teams are cut after completion of season 2014\. Relocation option is not available for current clubs (everyone has made their bed now - sleep in it). Mergers are allowed.</big>**

 

[pacey]

The dark horse is another team in NZ ..
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_Posted using RoarFEED 2012_

 

[Tiger_Watto]

stuff NZ… We have done our bit to support them as a competitive nation in Rugby League.

I reckon we should kick the Warriors out now and focus on other areas within Australia!!!

They can start thier own competition...

 

[coolcat]

I would see teams on nsw central coast first( going back to the heritage of the game eg) then a qld team, either Brisbane or Ipswich( need to break up brisbane's monopoly). Then I would like to see a png team. If you see how they love the game up there. Boy.

But a 20 team comp. every one plays each once( balanced comp). If you need more rounds for a tv deal, have a play off series. Top 10 play offs. Helps player burn out. Or could take weeks off for rep games. More time to recovery, better sides on the park, better games, bigger crowds.

Just an idea
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_Posted using RoarFEED 2012_

 

[Alf_Duguid]

I cant see any justification for a team on the Central Coast. Brisbane, Perth or PNG for me

 

[pacey]

PNG won't be able to attract players

 

[Gothetigers]

Am I the only one who isn't keen on the idea of a Perth team?

In terms of the televisions rights and growing the game to new areas, Perth seem's like a great fit.

The issue I have with a team in a non rugby league land is the only way to get players is to rape and pillage the junior teams of the established clubs. If you want an example look what the Western Force did to Queensland Reds in the rugby. They took alot of their junior players on huge money and stuffed up Queensland Rugby for years.With no junior base they are struggling now.

Melbourne they have been in the competion for 13 years and are now looking at their first Melbourne bred player coming in first grade.

If putting a team into Perth gives the television deal a large increase in funds then they should look at. However if not I think they should be looking at New Zealand(look at the amouunt of players coming from NZ) and Brisbane/Central Coast.

News limited poured huge money into Melbourne and it has taken 13 years to only scratch the surface in Melbourne. They cannot expect a Perth businessman to do the same.

I remember something last year that over 50% of Toyota cup players are Polynesian (could be wrong, I was once before). That is where we need to put another team.

 

[Cultured_Bogan]

Am I the only one who isn't keen on the idea of a Perth team?

In terms of the televisions rights and growing the game to new areas, Perth seem's like a great fit.

**The issue I have with a team in a non rugby league land is the only way to get players is to rape and pillage the junior teams of the established clubs.** If you want an example look what the Western Force did to Queensland Reds in the rugby. They took alot of their junior players on huge money and stuffed up Queensland Rugby for years.With no junior base they are struggling now.

Melbourne they have been in the competion for 13 years and are now looking at their first Melbourne bred player coming in first grade.

If putting a team into Perth gives the television deal a large increase in funds then they should look at. However if not I think they should be looking at New Zealand(look at the amouunt of players coming from NZ) and Brisbane/Central Coast.

News limited poured huge money into Melbourne and it has taken 13 years to only scratch the surface in Melbourne. They cannot expect a Perth businessman to do the same.

I remember something last year that over 50% of Toyota cup players are Polynesian (could be wrong, I was once before). That is where we need to put another team.

This is already happening between every club. Realistically, it would mean more juniors will get a start in NRL.