The 16 NRL clubs have unanimously endorsed WA Reds to join the competition in 2013.
A significant boost of confidence has emerged from the non-binding vote taken at a recent NRL conference in Byron Bay, as the West Australian Rugby League prepares to present its proposal in March or April.
According to WARL chief executive John Sackson, a newly established WA team, set to play at nib Stadium, would have the necessary corporate backing and audience support for long-term success, contrasting with the earlier Western Reds franchise that played at the WACA from 1995 to 1997.
The NRL is anticipated to expand to 18 teams in 2013, with Perth being a strong contender, along with Rockhampton in Central Queensland, Logan or Ipswich south of Brisbane, and Gosford on the NSW Central Coast.
The WARL asserts that three critical selling points—an $82.5 million redevelopment of the eastern grandstand at nib Stadium backed by the State Government, WA’s thriving economy, and the advantageous WA TV time zone—will be essential for the bid’s success.
“The stadium has already received a positive assessment from David Gallop (the NRL CEO); players enjoy coming here, as do coaches,” remarked WARL chief executive John Sackson.
“Our economy is thriving, and the infrastructure associated with a capital city like Perth provides robust corporate support.
“We have a rich rugby league history. The Western Reds, despite playing at the WACA—a less-than-ideal venue for rugby league—averaged 16,500 fans per game.
“Perth is ideally situated for games to be televised back to the eastern states due to our time zone.
“The unanimous support from clubs, CEOs, and chairmen of the existing clubs for Perth as an expansion destination is a very positive endorsement.”
To establish a team, the WARL estimates a timeline of at least 18 months, yet they are already progressing towards a $15 million annual budget to operate an NRL franchise.
“Our objective is to present a proposal to the NRL’s new independent commission in March-April next year; in the meantime, we will be proactive in developing a sustainable, robust, and compelling business strategy that we hope will help us succeed.”
In other developments, David Hobbs has been appointed as the chairman of the WARL board.
Hobbs, who serves as the CEO of the Professionals Group WA & NT, has experience in club establishment.
He was involved with the Fremantle Dockers from their inception, assisting in the creation of their marketing and sponsorship division. Hobbs succeeds Terry Creasey, who resigned due to business obligations.
Buford Balony says: They should grant them the licence now, enabling them to commence recruitment as they are the most logical option for an expansion team.
If the NRL fails to seize this opportunity to establish a presence in the West, an economic stronghold of Australia, they would be making a grave mistake, potentially giving the AFL something to reconsider.
Currently, there is a significant population of “Eastern staters” residing there, and one can observe as many NRL jerseys as AFL jerseys in the streets, so they should act swiftly. The chances of success for this venture are far greater than that of the AFL’s GWS and Gold Coast expansions, which are likely to end in costly failures.
I find it amusing that they are promoting Israel Folau as the face of GWS. How misguided! Residents in NSW will never regard him as one of their own; he will always be seen as a Qld’er who left for financial gain.
