In one of John Grant’s first media interviews after taking over as Chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC), he poured cold water on the idea of expansion in the NRL.
It was a slight shock to those who thought the Commission would be in favour of such bold moves. It also had several bidders scratching their heads, wondering whether pouring money into a potential rugby league side was a good idea. At that point, sending 50 dollar notes into a paper shredder would’ve yielded the same return.
It seems Grant didn’t want to over-promise and under-deliver though because yesterday another suitor nailed its flag to the mast.
West Australian Rugby League (WARL) chief executive John Sackson gave life to the West Coast Pirates.
It followed discussions with the ARLC where Sackson was given the impression that expansion would be welcomed once the new TV rights deal was signed, sealed and delivered in September this year.
The Pirates are believed to be a key component of the ARLC’s discussions with the various media outlets. Having a side based in Perth provides plenty of scheduling options for rights holders and fans alike.
But this isn’t just a quick grab for cash.
Sackson has been working on the WARL’s bid for three years and has mapped out pathways for the game in the state that run from the Pirates brand right down to the junior leagues.
Perth Glory owner Tony Sage and Balmain and New South Wales legend Benny Elias had previously spoken to the ARLC about a rival bid that had no association with the WARL.
Sage intended to mirror what Nathan Tinkler had done with the Newcastle Knights and while the money attached appeared inviting, blindsiding the WARL was a strange choice.
Working in conjunction surely would’ve been a better option.
The two parties met recently and found little to no common ground. A relationship, at this stage, appears unlikely.
Ditching the ‘Reds’ name was also a smart move.
The colours remain, but the brand needed to start from a fresh base and the Pirates name provides that.
Similarly, it would’ve been a disaster if the Titans had have called themselves the Chargers or Seagulls.
Player agents picked up the scent around 12-months ago and Sackson has had discussions not just about players, but coaches as well.
He’s also known to favour recruiting, not just good players, but a name capable of providing “cut through” into the local market.
That market, in many ways, already exists.
Plenty of rugby league loving people have moved west from Queensland and New South Wales chasing opportunity in a state thriving on the back of the mining boom.
Those people have been in the stands at recent NRL matches that have attracted impressive crowds when compared to several Sydney clubs.
Some club CEOs remain wary of expansion. The ARLC will need to show them that their own fortunes won’t be harmed by any new clubs.
Grant himself has said in the past that the competitions existing tenants deserve to share in the riches of the new TV deal before expansion is considered.
But that TV deal may not be as big if expansion isn’t included in the deal.
A team in Western Australia and a second team in Brisbane could deliver the big bucks required. More content equals more money.
Jimbo
Guest
I am not a fan of 'The Pirates' ... So, I suggest something to combine the mining influence in the west (& maybe draw more finances from the flourishing industry) combined with australian vernacular ... West Coast Diggers - or Boomers... & of course the Nuggets. That works for me. Or perhaps the West Coast Cyclone ... kinda onna Melb Storm theme Either way - start a club afresh, & don't relocate a sydney team. Let's keep some history
oikee
Guest
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/nsw/how-benny-elias-put-the-bite-on-the-tigers-20120629-21822.html I think we now know why backdoor is in Perth. You have to even question Tony Sage's commitment to a bid, the WARL ceo said he has put nothing into rugby league in Western Australia.
Australian Rules
Guest
haha yeah I know mate, I like the Boppa's... though the Pirates could break into the victory song of "We love our Queen". ...maybe a tad too camp
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
The Pirates will have far less problems keeping players, than their predessor.They will have far better financial backing,long term security,a growing fan and junior base and the ability to earn a decent income. Trouble attracting players LOL.Interest has been expressed by current NRL players, should the new team get in..WA as no doubtother bidders have ben putting out feelers for potential players for ages.This is not a last minute possibility. Scenario:We have vacancies for 4-5 players base salary 5-700,000 pa plus 3rd party sponsorship added. Any takers? As the thundering herd tramples them in the rush.They wont be using 20 kids in their lineup.NRL clubs dont operate in that way. The GC had no trouble attracting quality players when they started. I suggest the Force were hardly brilliant at player retention: James O''Connor.They were upset when the were gazumped with Genia.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Situation room AR A dingo in one corner,a bilby in the other.Who wins round 1? The use of Dingo was an off the cuffer Just taking a little licence. The Big State Boppas would have more a resounding ring to it. More than happy to go with the Pirates of Penzance.
Queensland's Game Is Rugby League
Guest
Whether the Roosters arecompetitive on the field is irrelevant. They don't produce juniors. Their fanbase is tiny. They cannot grow any larger. Kick them out.
81paling
Roar Rookie
You are correct Nathan, a Perth team has a more natural place in the NRL than any Vic team but that Vic team that is their gets $28m a year before they have to raise a cent to help themselves and their finances are still shrouded in secrecy. They also have a massive influence over the NRL from their owner NEWS and if memory serves me correct they actually have the NRL license of the Western Reds. So yes lets get them in but, give them a few years to iron out and cement their structure and administration by putting them through their paces in either the NSW or QRL cup divisions for a couple of years with a set date for them to enter the NRL provided that they meet criteria of a stable club and not subject to the mood and politics of the NRL administration as NRL does not need another club like the one in Victoria that has already spent $350m since their inception and as mentioned they can only envy the success of others like WA. I am not saying no to a team I am just urging caution at the outset.
81paling
Roar Rookie
You are right CC (never though I would say that) still a massive waste of talent now unheard of and the Bronco's do not seem to have missed him at all. This does just go to show that with such talent coming to the surface every year in Brisbane Rugby League must be at risk of missing out on some strong talent that have a few bad days in the trials or there is just a player who is the next Dally M winner in front of him. Brisbane need another team for the good of all involved but, how can this be made to happen? who is strong enough and has the street credibility to stand up to the Bronco's and NEWS ? and when could this ever happen?
NF
Guest
The Roosters only exist due to millionaires bankrolling them if it wasn't there they be gone they contribute nothing to NRL in regards to juniors & crowds.
Easts
Guest
Why would u kick out the Roosters. Theyve got a top 8 NYC team. Are a foundation club and will have a competitive team next year as theyve recruited well. They also are one of the most financially stable clubs in the league and attract massive crowds when we play well. You a Bulldogs or Souffs fan
Micro
Guest
The Somali Pirates will have trouble attracting and keeping players like the Western Reds and Force...
Micro
Guest
The Somali Pirates will have trouble attracting and keeping players like the Reds and Force...
Australian Rules
Guest
Perth Dingoes..!!?? You're crazy CC!
Micro
Guest
Many teams try to align with their area especially more recent ones. Rebels, Brumbies did OK but Panthers? , Giants (although trying to court baskerballers), Storm (Melbourne has rain rather than storms) and Newcastle Knights struggled. Tragically the Steelers saw the end of the Steel City..,
Micro
Guest
I wasnt commenting on your comment - I was just being next in line...rather than buried back 2 days ago...
Go warriors
Guest
The Great G Nepia you could not be any more wrong but dont let the facts get in the way of your biast opinion. NZ could easily have a 2nd NRL team. Both Wellingtion and Christchurch have been trying for ages to enter a team in the NRL. Even Auckland could be a possible option for a second team. I know you dont like RL but here the facts. The warriors have the highest average crowd out all NZ sporting clubs. They also have by far the highest crowd attendance of any sporting club in NZ for the last two years. All of this and the Warriors are not even in the top 8. What will happen if the warriors do make the play offs and the GF. The country will come to a standstill like it did last year. All of the above reasons suggest NZ could easily have another team in the NRL.
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Tacky or not, it lends itself very well to chanting and song. Somewhere around the 100th rendition of Glory Til I Die you stop worrying about tackiness.
Queensland's Game Is Rugby League
Guest
I've had people attack me, not my arguments. The Roar did nothing about it.
Queensland's Game Is Rugby League
Guest
The Great G Nepia and co are scared of rugby league's potential.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
That's Ok BBTB.The Bears were in the past,my 2nd face team.The Sharks perennial battlers,the Bears always with the abilty to secure defeat from the jaws of victory,even with Flo and Co at the helm. Should they be reinstated, I will take much delight in watching them run on to Toyota,with John Gray kicking off the game as a sign of respect.Or even Flo during a round of the gound on his famous skateboard,if it is still operable. . I am also a realist to accept, should the Sharks ever be in the position they cannot continue financially,then relocation is the only option.Knowing the street smart mob in charge of the club now,I am sure they have a Plan B ,should the development get the knock back. So yes agree with your clarification.