CC should be sending a message loud and clear to the ARLC by turning up.
Yes. But it shouldn't be forgotten that they're not turning up for a Bears match or for a Central Coast home game. They're turning up for a game basically involving two neutral clubs that have no interest in long term investment in the local area. It might be different if say Manly were looking to relocate, then the crowd might be a stronger reflection of the local fans willing to support that club if it moved. Not that I'm dismissing crowds entirely they are important but they're not necessarily the be-all-and-end-all indicator of future Bears sustainability.
Is a Wests Tigers fan that shows up for the match thinking to themselves 'If I attend this match then the Central Coast are more likely to get a team' or are they thinking 'It's just a Tigers match that happens to be in my area'. No doubt that fans that think the latter will turn up to a potential Bears vs Tigers game at Gosford as away fans and some might potentially convert and become Central Coast fans. If the NRL were serious about having the right information when it comes to deciding upon expansion they'd be surveying these people before and after they attended game in these new markets.
But the Bears organisation has no involvement in scheduling or promoting this match nor if they did would they gain any short term profit. Basically it would be strange to expect a group that have had no support from the NRL and no indication of future announcements to throw away resources to benefit two Sydney clubs who to date have shown no interest in supporting the Bears expansion campaign.
If the NRL want to see if the Bears outfit can run a club then give them the marketing budget for all the games played at Gosford. Let the Bears be in charge of promoting them. Do the same in Perth & Brisbane and wherever else. Then you'll see some real action.
