Heading a consortium, billionaire businessman Tony Sage has engaged in discussions with Ricky Stuart, aiming to attract the New South Wales Blues State of Origin coach to lead a new NRL franchise in Perth.
Sage, who is a mining tycoon and the owner of A-League club Perth Glory, along with consortium partner Ben Elias, a Balmain Tigers legend, possesses a $20 million budget and is also looking to recruit Andrew Johns for the proposed team.
“I’ve been closely watching Nathan Tinkler’s endeavors with the Knights and Jets,” Sage remarked ahead of an anticipated meeting with NRL CEO David Gallop on Tuesday regarding the establishment of a new club in Perth for 2015.
“I can see several synergies.”
With an estimated worth of over $800 million, Sage expresses confidence in securing the necessary $20 million start-up fund to create an NRL club in Perth.
“I know virtually all major sponsors in WA,” Sage, who owns 13 mining companies, stated.
In 2014, nib Stadium in Perth will be renovated with a $100 million upgrade, and the Western Australia Government is poised to support a proposal.
The new independent commission for the game will need to promptly evaluate expansion for 2015.
Thanks to varying time zones, rugby league matches could be aired across the day from Auckland to the eastern coast and then onto Perth.
Sage presents a strong case for the formation of a club in Western Australia.
“Perth boasts a rapidly expanding population and a sizable expat community from not just NSW and Queensland but also New Zealand, who enjoy rugby league,” he mentioned.
“For the competition to be genuinely national, Perth and Adelaide have to be included in the NRL’s branding.
“Currently, the focus remains solely on AFL.
“The entire western time zone is being overlooked by TV broadcasting.
“Consider the possibility of broadcasting games starting at 6pm in Perth, which translates to 9pm in the east. It’s fantastic for pay-TV.”
Acknowledging Nathan Tinkler’s impact on his ambitions, Sage noted that the Hunter businessman owns two sports franchises—Newcastle Knights in the NRL and Newcastle Jets in the A-League.
“I have communicated with his associates,” Sage disclosed.
“Though I haven’t personally spoken to Nathan yet, I’d be very interested in understanding his perspective.”
Sage refutes the notion that rugby league might face challenges attracting sizeable crowds in AFL-dominated Perth.
“I believe a core membership of 10,000 is achievable,” he stated.
“If you consider South Sydney, they have consistently averaged 15,000 at nib Stadium over the past four years.
“I am completely familiar with nib Stadium. I understand what it takes to generate profit. There are many expats in Perth eager for rugby league each week.”
Sage is convinced that sponsors will be eager to connect with the proposed club, highlighting the support received by the Perth Scorchers in the inaugural KFC T20 Big Bash League. “Look at the success of the Perth Scorchers in the Twenty-20,” Sage remarked.
“Atlas, which is a mining company, became involved with them for the first time as a sponsor.
“These enterprises have evolved from small junior mining companies worth around $3 million or $4 million. Within two years, Atlas has appreciated to a valuation of $3 billion.
“They now bear social responsibility. They resemble BHP and Rio. There are 20 or 30 such companies that have flourished in Perth. These companies are eager to raise their profile and sponsor events. Acquiring sponsorship shouldn’t pose any difficulty.”
Sage believes that his staff at Perth Glory can transition between soccer and NRL, functioning throughout the summer and winter months.
“The seasons differ, allowing staff involved with membership and sponsorship at Perth Glory to shift roles owing to the off-peak seasons,” he noted.
“Any new club that launches will likely allocate around $1.5 million solely for administration salaries.
“I have already prepared for that.”
“I know nearly every major sponsor.in WA.”
However, Sage acknowledges that the new NRL club he proposed will incur losses initially.
“You have to acknowledge that there will be losses,” he remarked. “For instance, I’ve invested $10 million of my own funds to support Perth Glory.
“It operates at a loss every year. But there are two reasons for this. Firstly, because I’m passionate about the game, and secondly, I aim to create a legacy in WA; that is, I saved the Glory from potential bankruptcy and closure.”
Regarding his discussion with Gallop on Tuesday, Sage expressed: “We simply want to understand if WA is being considered.
“We seek clarity on whether the future vision involves expansion.
“If it doesn’t, then we’ll discontinue our efforts.
“I’d like to know if pursuing a license for Perth is a futile endeavor.”
When asked if he would initiate plans should Gallop show interest in expansion, Sage replied: “Absolutely. If 2015 is the target date, then preparations need to start immediately to form a team.”
Buford Balony says: Ricky Stuart my ass. If he’s the coach, you can expect a terrible brand of defensive football and wooden spoons. That’s all he’s capable of. Sage ought to extend his support to the genuine League fans of Perth, the WARL, who have been dedicated to this for years.
