West Coast Pirates Bid News

[Highway1]

The biggest mistake AFL ever made was to expand State of Origin which killed it. If we can learn anything from them, it's that.

Plus, a SOO involving another state (other than NSW and Qld) wouldn't be anywhere near ready for decades.

Sorry I didn't mention this, but when I said we should have a VIC v WA origin, I didn't mean we should expand state of origin, I just meant that the VIC v WA match should be a curtain raiser to the main NSW v QLD state of origin.

 

[BDGS]

Sorry I didn't mention this, but when I said we should have a VIC v WA origin, I didn't mean we should expand state of origin, I just meant that the VIC v WA match should be a curtain raiser to the main NSW v QLD state of origin.

I like the idea, we could do it next year even. The top 2 affiliated cup teams are WA and Vic.

Perhaps they could play the affiliated cup as normal but before State of Origin and the the two teams to make the finals play a best of three series which is then a curtain raiser to the NSW vs QLD state of origin.

OR

Pick two permanent teams from the affiliated cup (WA and Vic) and play them off as a curtain raiser to the NSW vs QLD State of Origin.

But that has nothing to do with the WA Reds NRL bid and should not be discussed here.

 

[Perth Red]

The games in the affiliated cup have been close tough battles and would be fine as a SOO opener.

 

[Perth Red]

Just to update everyone on the Red Army Supporters Group. We now have 9 people willing to join the steering committee inc reps from Kalgoorlie (Gold Fields) and the Pilbara (far North). I will be meeting with the WA Reds bid committee next week to discuss how the Red Army can support the bid and how the Reds can link with the Army then we will get the ball rolling and aim to have it up and running in February.

Main aims will be:
1. Act as a voice for RL fans in WA
2. Support the development of RL in WA
3. Support the bid development
4. Act as a social gathering for WA RL fans and fans visiting from interstate (we intend to host other clubs fans come 2013 season when your team is playing here and organise trips over East to support the Reds)

We will shortly be announcing memberships, new website merchandise etc.

 

[Perth Red]

ps we intend to use red camo for our colours and have a "WAR zone" Red Army area at all home games in Perth. Some ideas of what the merchandise may look like:

 

[Hollywood Jesus]

I think the cammo is fantastic and I'd definitely purchase something along those lines to show my support for the return of the Reds.

 

[Spitty]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't east coast fans (with allegiances to other clubs) signing up as members for the WA bid, artificially inflate the membership numbers of the WA bid?

Apart from genuine WA fans who else is going to stay on as members after WA join the league?

 

[Perth Red]

Doesn't matter Spitty, one it shows that fans want to back expansion of the game outside of our traditional boundaries and two adds a little bit of financial support to growing RL in Australia. On top of that RL fans anywhere in the world get a rare collectors cap!

I am sure the Reds will eventually focus on the 95% of people who will sign up from WA for marketing of season memberships come 2013.

So come on Spitty get your hand in your pocket and put $35 to a good cause!

 

[PaulyTom]

What is the current amount of members the reds have?

 

[Perth Red]

Not sure the 11-12 memberships have only been launcehed for a few weeks, target is 5000 by end of 2011 and 10000 by end of 2012 (if we are succesful in bid). Last year was under 1000 but the pricing and value was all wrong. I am sure we will get up around the 5000 with the new pricing memberships if the Reds market it well and can get to the 15K RL fans that are in Perth and willing to pay to see a game.

 

[Spitty]

Doesn't matter Spitty, one it shows that fans want to back expansion of the game outside of our traditional boundaries and two adds a little bit of financial support to growing RL in Australia. On top of that RL fans anywhere in the world get a rare collectors cap!

I am sure the Reds will eventually focus on the 95% of people who will sign up from WA for marketing of season memberships come 2013.

So come on Spitty get your hand in your pocket and put $35 to a good cause!

Mate I'm all for a WA team, if it's sustainable.

But I'll spend my $35 here in Penrith if you don't mind.

I hope you do get enough genuine Reds fans to reach your 5000 goal though.

 

[PaulyTom]

Good to hear that membership is scene as a serious part of the bid. Hopefully 5000 can be reached by the end of this year.

 

[Perth Red]

Bid Update:

Just thought (as a couple have asked) that I'd do a quick update on what I know of our bid progress:

1. Memberships
New (and much improved) membership packages launched end of 2010. A wide range of options provides great flexibility for fans of the game to get behind the bid. Aiming for 5000 by end of 2011 and 10,000 ticketed by 2013 kick off.
http://www.warugbyleague.com.au/data/client/files/1320_wa_reds_membership_packages_2011.pdf

2. Ground
Govt announced in early 2010 that NIB stadium would get an $82million upgrade with the creation of a new stand and other improvements. Money allocated in budget so will definately happen. End of 2010 Govt bought out the ground lease from Town of Vincent for $20mill to progress development. Capacity will increase to 25,000 with much improved corporate boxes. Work due to commence 2011-2012 and be completed 2013. Feasibility study being undertaken to spend a further $160million to improve other stands.
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/mp/7898894/govt-to-take-control-of-nib-stadium/

3. Jnr development
Wa reds will once again run a SG Ball side during 2011. Jnr programmes across the State continue to be improved and numbers increasing. Targetting schools with good success. http://www.sportingpulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?c=7-2043-0-0-0

4. Corporate Support
The WA Reds have attracted over 20 sponsors for the bid/ SG Ball team inc one of the original main corporate supporters from the Western Reds days, Cash Convertors with a $300k deal. Rumours of interested backers keep rumbling.
http://www.waredsrugbyleague.com.au...e-major-sponsor&catid=37:reds-news&Itemid=212

5. Value of a Perth Team
WARL have commisioned reports that showed the value of a Perth team to TV rights and also the value of having an NRL Perth team to the State coffers. Approach made to WA Govt for $300k grant to support the bid development, not sure of outcome.
Late 2010 NRL clubs and NRL CEO back admission of a Perth team.

6. Fanbase
Encouraging attendances at one off NRL games during 2009 & 2010
Report by WARL showed strong support in Perth for a NRL team with many younger people expressing an interest in supporting them.
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sport/a/-/other/8228990/full-steam-ahead-for-wa-league-campaign/
Majority of fans on this website back a Perth teams admission, if reflective of the NRL fanbase as a whole there is clear support from RL for a Perth team
Red Army Supporters Group being developed. Providing an independent voice for RL fans in the West as well as passionate support for the WA Reds home and away the Red Army will soon be on the march!
WA economy about to boom again and population will swell significantly, especially from Q'land and NSW mining (RL ) communities boosting further the fanbase for NRL in the State.
http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/another-skills-shortage-looms-as-wa-booms-20100111-m211.html

So there you have it, things are progressing well. The submission report will be ready for when the NRL decide its time to announce calls for expansion and in the mean time for all the latest news on our bid development join our Facebook Page:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=6833492366

 

[BDGS]

Bid Update:

Just thought (as a couple have asked) that I'd do a quick update on what I know of our bid progress:

1. Memberships
New (and much improved) membership packages launched end of 2010. A wide range of options provides great flexibility for fans of the game to get behind the bid. Aiming for 5000 by end of 2011 and 10,000 ticketed by 2013 kick off.
http://www.warugbyleague.com.au/data/client/files/1320_wa_reds_membership_packages_2011.pdf

2. Ground
Govt announced in early 2010 that NIB stadium would get an $82million upgrade with the creation of a new stand and other improvements. Money allocated in budget so will definately happen. End of 2010 Govt bought out the ground lease from Town of Vincent for $20mill to progress development. Capacity will increase to 25,000 with much improved corporate boxes. Work due to commence 2011-2012 and be completed 2013. Feasibility study being undertaken to spend a further $160million to improve other stands.
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/mp/7898894/govt-to-take-control-of-nib-stadium/

3. Jnr development
Wa reds will once again run a SG Ball side during 2011. Jnr programmes across the State continue to be improved and numbers increasing. Targetting schools with good success. http://www.sportingpulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?c=7-2043-0-0-0

4. Corporate Support
The WA Reds have attracted over 20 sponsors for the bid/ SG Ball team inc one of the original main corporate supporters from the Western Reds days, Cash Convertors with a $300k deal. Rumours of interested backers keep rumbling.
http://www.waredsrugbyleague.com.au...e-major-sponsor&catid=37:reds-news&Itemid=212

5. Value of a Perth Team
WARL have commisioned reports that showed the value of a Perth team to TV rights and also the value of having an NRL Perth team to the State coffers. Approach made to WA Govt for $300k grant to support the bid development, not sure of outcome.
Late 2010 NRL clubs and NRL CEO back admission of a Perth team.

6. Fanbase
Encouraging attendances at one off NRL games during 2009 & 2010
Report by WARL showed strong support in Perth for a NRL team with many younger people expressing an interest in supporting them.
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sport/a/-/other/8228990/full-steam-ahead-for-wa-league-campaign/
Majority of fans on this website back a Perth teams admission, if reflective of the NRL fanbase as a whole there is clear support from RL for a Perth team
Red Army Supporters Group being developed. Providing an independent voice for RL fans in the West as well as passionate support for the WA Reds home and away the Red Army will soon be on the march!
WA economy about to boom again and population will swell significantly, especially from Q'land and NSW mining (RL ) communities boosting further the fanbase for NRL in the State.
http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/another-skills-shortage-looms-as-wa-booms-20100111-m211.html

So there you have it, things are progressing well. The submission report will be ready for when the NRL decide its time to announce calls for expansion and in the mean time for all the latest news on our bid development join our Facebook Page:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=6833492366

Thanks for that update mate.

 

[Von]

Good luck. Love to see Perth back in the big time.

1 question regarding nib Stdium.

The government is going to spend $20M + possibly another $168M; it may be better for the govt to go the whole hog and build a new rectangle stadium. Melbourne's stadium cost $268M, so in the scheme of things not that much of a diff.
You may want to start pressuing the WA govt before they commit more funds to an older ground.

 

[Perth Red]

Good luck. Love to see Perth back in the big time.

1 question regarding nib Stdium.

The government is going to spend $20M + possibly another $168M; it may be better for the govt to go the whole hog and build a new rectangle stadium. Melbourne's stadium cost $268M, so in the scheme of things not that much of a diff.
You may want to start pressuing the WA govt before they commit more funds to an older ground.

yeh and everyone in Perth agrees with you mate! Sadly the only people who don't seem to be the Govt (both this and the last one)

So far they have recently spent on NIB:
$4mill minor upgrades for S15 to play there
$20mill buying lease of Town of Vincent
committed $82.5mill for new East stand
talked about a further $160mill to finish it off.

They could have built a really nice 30k stadium at Burswood for close to that.

 

[Von]

So far they have recently spent on NIB:
$4mill minor upgrades for S15 to play there
$20mill buying lease of Town of Vincent
committed $82.5mill for new East stand
talked about a further $160mill to finish it off.

They could have built a really nice 30k stadium at Burswood for close to that.

That is madness! Based on your figures Red, that is $266M! Typical stupidity from governments, of all persuasions.

A new stadium would be great for Perth for use by Reds, Force & Glory.
Also, when you build a new stadium you can develop the surrounds such as parking and transport links. You can't do that with an existing suburban ground.

That is dissapointing news.

 

[Perth Red]

yeh welcome to WA Govt! Despite being one of the richest places in the world their reluctance to commit to major projects is astounding. They would rather spend $50mill a go and have to keep redoing it than spend $300mill and get it right first time. It's beyond me given the budget surpluses every year!

Still if we end up with a good 25k stadium at NIB eventually it will be a heck of alot better than rectangle sports fans have had to put up with for the last 100 years!

 

[supera]

thanks for that update perth red. your enthusiasm is infectious mate, you're starting to make me a believer. i've maintained all along that I think CC Bears and Ipswich-Logan should be the next two teams, because I just don't see the value in retrying a franchise in the same market that has already failed once.

but i take it all back perth red, you're making me a believer. i'm tempted to get on board with the membership, i want a reds cap

 

[adamkungl]

They didn't really fail...they were sacraficed for News Ltd...