Interesting to see the comments made by Gallop regarding all expansion teams (PNG, CQLD, SEQLD bids, CC, WA and Wellington) through Elbusto's post on the other major forum site.
Not sure if he has posted them up here.
Don't think he has but as it backs up all that some have been saying on here (and getting shot down for!), I'll take the liberty of quoting him (and you!) without permission - apologies to all concerned.
Originally Posted by El Diablo
He (David Gallop) didn't say too much on the TV rights deal as a whole SA.
Basically said that they're already working it out with both Nine and Fox, and working out the best time-slots for games, with the possibility arising that Monday night may be scratched, and moved to Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Only an idea though, but it may not necessarily happen.
On the note of expansion, Gallop didn't implicitly state the areas he would like to see teams go as such, as that might seem contradictory, but he did outline the pros and cons of each team with a bid.
Central Coast - Said that the idea with expansion, is all about going back to the NRL heartlands, and he sees the Central Coast region, and more importantly, the Bears name as a key part of the heartland regime in the area, and given they currently have the biggest support behind them, that does hold them in good stead. Not too many cons on the Bears as such, but he did raise the point of congestion between the Central Coast and Newcastle sides.
CQ - He said that he was impressed with what Central Queensland had to offer in many respects, but the one major concern raised was whether or not the population is there to regularly attend games.
Perth - Pointed out that Rugby League is growing, and growing rapidly in the region, and it is a possible area of expansion, given that a purpose-built stadium for League is now built, and they too have some strong backing. The downside was the distance that teams will have to travel in order to get to Perth, and also the possibility of players and families having to get up and leave to play on the other side of the country.
PNG - At some stage, but not anytime soon.
Wellington - Strong support in the area for the team, but same boat as PNG, and probably won't materialise for quite a while, though they are keen to venture into that avenue to try and get more NZ supporters into the game.
Originally Posted by L T Smash
No mention at all of South East Queensland bids?
Originally Posted by El Diablo
Very briefly, given that they're only all in the beginning phases.
He mentioned that an Ipswich had emerged, but was only in the starting phases.
Mentioned a second Brisbane team too with the backing of the Thoroughbreds, but said that he and the NRL had major concerns in relation to the congestion in the Brisbane CBD, and garnering support for a second team, given most already support the Broncos.
Based on the above, if the feedback is an accurate reflection of David Gallops comments, the Bears can be optimistic and probably Perth as the other side....surprisingly, even CQLD looks a better chance based on those comments than Ipswich or Brisbane2.
