They are encouraging WA Reds, Ipswich Jets and CQ. Should they be shut down now?
They encouraged the W.A. Reds & C.C.Bears in selling members and merchandise. The CCBEARS started this whole push for expansion and then W.A. Reds took the opportunity to also bring forth and build their bid around this push.
CQ came into the frame amost a year after without any NRL encouragement. They were brought forth and started building their bid around Murphy and O'Keefe. It wasn't until Gallop went to CQ that he saw the potential in the area as it grows in the next decade-15 years.
Ipswich Jets then saw their opportunity to put together a bid as well. Initially and still they are seen as simply making up the numbers. I say this because their work doesn't reflect a bid that is 100% commited yet. Lack of information and general community engagement tells the story. Due to this they are behind the 8-Ball.
In the last 18 months when expansion has been mentioned in the media, the CCBEARS & WAREDS always get a mention. The CCBEARS are so ready that the NRL has put them on stand by twice to fill the void should a current team fall (Cronulla & Melbourne).
If the NRL however were to currently encourage JUST the WAREDS and CCBEARS it would do more harm then good because the message it would send to the QLD bids wouldn't be good. So just like last time (GCTITANS, S.ORCAS & CCBEARS). One bid gets the majority of attention whilst the others get part mentioning so it makes them feel like they have a genuine chance and therefore can keep growing their profile and as such the potential for a team (if not now atleast in the near future).
Memberships, stadiums, business model, community support, sponsorships, merchandise, corporate support aside and the CCBEARS still have the better bid team and bid process. Because unlike the others, we have been there done that and learnt from past failures. I believe in life sometimes you have to fail to be able to win. You must learn from that and come back stronger than before.
W.A.Reds and CCBears have undoutably done this. Their profiles expands and the support base grows. Through this equity is acheived and through that the neccessary funds are reached to be able to lauch a bid that is 100% commited to not only to the area which they plan to represent but also to make sure it highlights the strength of the game in Australia.
No half-assed bids will get close. Regardless of potential. Because at the end of the day, potential and success are two different things. Whilst potential is filed with maybes and possibilities, success is built from performing 100% and covering all corners.