With the news that the Sharks have proposed to move five home games to Bluetongue Stadium for desperately needed income, why not take the lot up there?
If they did that, the NRL would giftwrap them $8 million, which I’m sure could be negotiated to $10 million even in today’s economic climate.
Everyone acknowledges that there are so many reasons to have an NRL team up there:
1. Traditional league heartland
2. Great stadium
3. Leagues club across from stadium
4. Great nursery for junior and senior players
5. Lifestyle
The list goes on and on.
The NRL are now ready to commit a team there, so they are really daring one of the clubs to make the move.
NRL clubs in Sydney are petrified of entertaining this idea after the Northern Eagles debacle. And rightly so, to some extent.
They are concerned the locals won’t buy in to a relocated team. The locals want their “own” team to support. I can understand this.
However, what about Bill, John and Mick, who support the Rabbitohs, Tigers and Eels? Do they ditch their Sydney teams to support the Sharks?
No they don’t.
Do they ditch their Sydney team to support a new start up Central Coast team?
I doubt it.
Any League follower on the Central Coast already follows an NRL team. Look at the Central Coast Mariners. They have good support but still average around ten to twelve thousand people at each home game, leaving another ten thousand empty seats.
This is still an impressive figure for the size of the area.
However, why aren’t they selling out every home game? This is the only pro sporting team representing the area. This is their team, the one they call their own.
Why didn’t the NRL set up a team there ten years ago?
The Titans have done a great job re-establishing themselves after several failed attempts. They have finally got it right and the timing couldn’t be better as South East Queensland is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia.
The NRL didn’t hesitate in awarding a team there, while the Central Coast never stood a chance. Does the NRL think the Central Coast is a sporting graveyard?
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