Broncos say new Brisbane NRL bid won't phase them
- Wayne Heming
- From: AAP
- January 27, 2011 11:11AM
New top Bronco . . . Paul White will replace Bruno Cullen as CEO of Broncos. Pic: Broncos TV
Source: Supplied
BRONCOS chief executive Paul White said it would be "business as usual" at the club, despite revelations one of the club's most powerful supporters was backing a bid to have a second NRL team in Brisbane.
Craig Davison, chairman of the Thoroughbreds, a group of wealthy businessmen who support the Broncos and mentor their young players, is understood to have started due diligence into the formation of a team to go up against the Broncos.
Former coach Wayne Bennett, who had close ties with the Thoroughbreds through the late mining magnate, Ken Talbot, has already been earmarked as a possible coach of the side if it's approved by the NRL, which is planning expansion in 2013.
Central Queensland, Ipswich, the Central Coast and Perth are already confirmed candidates with Davison's consortium expected to reveal their bid as early as Friday.
White said Davison had spoken to the Broncos' football operations manager Andrew Gee to give him a "heads up" that the news was coming.
"I've met Craig but I'm not aware of the other people behind the bid," he said.
White, who replaced former chief executive Bruno Cullen last month, said the report didn't change too much at the Broncos.
"We'll never be complacent because of everything that has been done to make this club as successful as it is today," said White.
"Everyone in this organisation is well aware of the need for us to continually improve on our benchmark performance.
"Regardless what is happening externally with bids, we will continue to strive for excellence in our own performance."
Brisbane, who have won six premierships, rate hugely on TV, and lead the NRL in crowd support, sponsorship and branding.
While some supporters would love to see a second team go up against them, such a move would come with a risks.
"My job is to make sure I carry forward the legacy of the history of the club and its achievement and of those who set it up, not rest on it," White said.
"What we won't do as an organisation is sit back and say we're happy with what we've achieved.
"We're not. We won't to take the Broncos to the next level of performance."
White said Brisbane would not have any say in who the successful consortium or consortiums would be.
"But the fact people are taking a strong interest in our game and want to be part of it, is a good thing," he said.
"Decisions will be made individually of us as to where the bid goes, what we have to do is make sure if there's sponsorship dollars out there with people who want to be involved in our game, we have to find a way to involve those people in our game."
Gallop has confirmed the Brisbane bid "had merit".
"I've spoken to (the bid team) and agreed to meet with them in the next couple of weeks," Gallop said.
http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport...-wont-phase-them/story-e6frep5o-1225995400666
on a side note: have a read through the comments left by brisbane locals regarding the original article concerning brisbane 2 bid.
http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport...bane-nrl-club/comments-e6frep5x-1225995096367
