DAVID Gallop has vowed to use the game's anticipated $1 billion-plus TV deal to ensure the survival of Sydney's financially stressed clubs before opening the door to any new interstate teams in an expanded NRL.
In a wide-ranging interview to mark his 10-year anniversary today as NRL boss, Gallop insists the game can't abandon its traditional market and old clubs such as the North Sydney Bears - or the proud and passionate fans who were lost to the game when they folded.
"Our saturation of Sydney is a really important part of the game's success,'' Gallop said, ``When the Bears went out of the competition we lost support on the north shore.
"If we lose a team in any area of Sydney, it's difficult to expect them to just migrate to another team.
"We don't want to lose any fans, particularly with our competitors being active in our heartland. I think all Sydney clubs will survive and it's important they do.''
Sydney clubs including Cronulla, Penrith and even premiers Manly are all struggling for funds.
The Sharks are still without a major sponsor and can't even afford to put on a chief executive.
Poker machine taxes, smoking bans and the tough economy have placed massive strain on Sydney clubs who have for decades relied on Leagues Club grants just to survive.
"It's an increasingly competitive market and their traditional funding models through leagues clubs are under pressure,'' Gallop said.
"A good broadcasting deal which will alleviate a lot of pressure on them and others .
"My view has been for a while that we wait until 2015 and allow our existing 16 clubs and players to share in the benefits of the next TV deal for at least a couple of years.''
And in a defiant message to Parramatta, the Roosters, the Bulldogs and his biggest critic Phil Gould who all privately campaigned last year for a new CEO, Gallop insists he is still the best man for the job.
"The NFL is the biggest sport in the world in terms of a domestic footy competition and they've only had a handful of commissioners since World War II,'' he said.
"Like most things nothing beats experience in dealing with challenges.
"I've signed a new contract and like everyone else I'm looking forward to working in our new environment.
"My experience as the CEO with 10 years' experience is an important part of the new structure.
"We have eight new people with great credentials but for the most part they're on a steep learning curve about rugby league.''
Gallop recently signed a four year contract to work under the game's new independent commission.
The deal was negotiated by the new chairman, Brisbane based businessman John Grant.
"I'm very proud to have clocked up such a significant milestone in this kind of job,'' Gallop said.
"The spectacle on the field and the closeness of the competition are the highlight of what we've achieved.''
