Perth's Hold for NRL Side, Getting Intense
(Video Source:video.au.msn.com)
Tony Sage is on the fight of winning Pert-based NRL franchise. The West Australian Rugby League, however, worries WA grass roots football will suffer if he succeeds in his bids.
Sage exposed his plan of putting up a rugby league on Tuesday when met David Gallop, chief executive of NRL. Sage currently owns A-league club Perth Glory. He's aiming to follow Nathan Tinkler's method. Tinkler successfully bought and combined a few of the resources of A-League outfit Newscastle Jets and NRL side Newcastle Knights.
Sage is confident in gaining support from some of the WA mining firms on board to financially support a Perth-based NRL team when the planned expansion happens in 2015.
John Sackson, chief executive of WARL, however, said his group has the ability to gather sponsors for the team and can create a structure that is sustainable despite the huge amount needed to operate a franchise.
His consideration for the grass roots team was extremely strong that his business structure for the NRL franchise was deeply connected to the community rugby league.
His principle throws out the thought of just coming in and purchasing a team. Running a franchise for him is not like that.
Ben Elias, a former Test and Balmain hooker, who partnered with Sage, has allegedly previously talked to Ricky Stuart regarding taking the introductory coach position for the Perth-based team.
WARL said they have spoken to some prospective coaches, but Sackson said it's too early to mention names for the expansion that will be realized three years from now.
Sage questioned Sackson's ability to get sufficient sponsors when Sackson's failed at running Perth Glory. The failure was worth $10 million.
Sackson fought back saying Sage don't have a lot of sponsors for his present sporting team.
The plan of expansion will be decided before the end of 2012.