$10 million on table to get the Central Coast Bears over the line
HE has already pledged $1 million a year in sponsorship to a club that doesn't exist.
Now, in a massive boost, Sydney businessman Ken Sayer says his company would be prepared to underwrite the Central Coast Bears for an astonishing $10 million if necessary to bankroll their bid for entry into the NRL in 2013.
In an amazing show of support for a project with no guarantee of success, the managing director of national home-loan lender Mortgage House says his boots-n-all approach is built around a major show of faith.
"I believe in the Bears and what they are trying to achieve and whatever we can do to help, we will," Sayer said.
After more than two decades of false starts and shattered dreams, the Central Coast has never been closer to having its own NRL side.
The detailed bid document is currently being put together and will go before the NRL, or the new commission, next March. A decision on expansion is likely by June.
Bears insiders argue their case for inclusion is already compelling and will only gather momentum as decision time approaches.
"There is a real positive vibe around the whole project," coach-in-waiting David Fairleigh said.
"We have more than 3500 financial members, have signed 48 out of 100 foundation members at $5000 each, the sponsorship on our playing strip has basically been sold and in the past 12 months, we have sold more than 1000 jerseys.
"Remember, this is a team that doesn't exist. We've got a stadium and a supporter base of fans who want to see the Bears return and the people of the Central Coast, who just want their own team."
For Sayer, the attraction as a sponsor and board member was the opportunity to help build the club from the ground up. He's been a sponsor of Parramatta and the Sydney Roosters and a part-owner of the Sydney Kings basketball franchise.
But he's never been more excited about a sporting venture.
Asked for his thoughts on the Bears' chances of getting the green light from the NRL, Sayer was optimistic.
"I reckon it's a no-brainer. It's a high degree of certainty. The league has all but said yes," Sayer said.
"The way they treat us, the response, the feedback and recognition and just the way local business on the Central Coast have embraced us, my view is we will be in."
Sayers believes a minimum of $10m will be needed in guarantees to win NRL approval.
"Obviously, the more cash we raise, the safer the first two or three-year journey will be," he said.
"I think we can raise it or, if not, we will underwrite it. That is a serious likelihood, but I am very confident."
NRL boss David Gallop gave little away about the bid and the Bears' chances of success.
"There is the issue of expansion to consider first and foremost and then there is the issue of whether you go into a completely new area and try to build it into a rugby league stronghold or whether you fish where the fish are and stick to the heartland," he said.
"The Central Coast certainly falls into the heartland category."
The Central Coast Bears membership drive out today @ Westfield Hornsby. Daisy popped in.
