West Coast Pirates Bid News

[BuffaloRules]

The Bears have always been at the top of the list behind closed doors.

What is happening at Ronny and your house is irrelevant...

 

[Goddo]

Your assuming of course the Titans will survive and become financially secure and prosperous in the next 3 months.

The Titans are going nowhere, despite the death riding from Bears fans. May end up with new owners, but they will continue.

The Bears have always been at the top of the list behind closed doors. The fact 9 will pay extra for a SEQ team means they have a good chance for the 18th license, but the Titans dramas bring WA and Rocky into the game.

:sarcasm:
You are basing that on what exactly?

 

[Red&BlackBear]

The problem there is that the Cowboys are are a regional side and not as valuable ratings wise as a Brisbane metro side.

The Titans are metro, but are a niche within that.

Then you have the problem of at least one team sucking from Queensland, and the way games are divided up between Pay/Free TV means the best Qld game is Friday Night 9, second best is a Pay TV Saturday or Monday game.

The crap Qld game ends up the early Saturday or Sunday timeslot on pay TV, usually as one of the last picks by Pay TV, along with Raiders and Warriors home games.

To meet the demand for a Sunday Qld vs NSW block buster from the networks, the game needs a 4th side, preferably in Brisbane.

No such scheduling issues exist in Sydney, where there are more teams than there are high demand timeslots.

Time to set your sights on Perth. I don't know why you see Brisbane as your enemy.

Well if the networks think that the Titans are the crap QLD option then what hope will another SEQLD have once the initial honeymoon period is over? If the networks are so worried about QLDers why not promote the Titans more so? Especially when they actually need it to stabilize their franchise. At the end of the day the extra funding we get for another SEQLD side will basically automatically go back into them once they're struggling and believe me they will once the honeymoon period is over. Their is a strong lack of consumer demand for another side at this point of time, in the long run that'll hurt any new franchise.

I say 9 and Fox support the Titans better, show them at decent times and then we can measure the potential for another side better. Judging it off the Broncos success in ratings alone is ludicrous because like I previously stated, it's their brand which is strong. That doesn't necessarily mean that a new side plonked beside then will be. Not until there's an overwhelming support for them by the larger community anyway.

The Bears army is mobilising for the full frontal assault on Perth as we speak...

Im expecting three negative articles about the WA Reds on The Roar by this time tomorrow....

You couldn't be more off the point, Bears fans for the majority have always seen having WA and CC come in as the best options. There is absolutely no ill views attached to WA and we for the majority hope that they get a team and prosper. But like you said before, what does it matter what you think?!

 

[Goddo]

Well if the networks think that the Titans are the crap QLD option then what hope will another SEQLD have once the initial honeymoon period is over

I didn't say "titans". Winning teams are more marketable as they have more entertaining games. TV stations like these games rather than watching belting of spooners. Winners change from year to year, but with only 3 teams (1 regional) its easy to see where the demand is. Remember, 9 have said a second Brisbane side is worth an extra $100M to them, even without a 9th game. Would any other bid offer this? NO.

You couldn't be more off the point, Bears fans for the majority have always seen having WA and CC come in as the best options. There is absolutely no ill views attached to WA and we for the majority hope that they get a team and prosper. But like you said before, what does it matter what you think?!

But if the Bears and Reds are now in competition for a single licence? Still no animosity/rivalry?

 

[Red&BlackBear]

I didn't say "titans". Winning teams are more marketable as they have more entertaining games. TV stations like these games rather than watching belting of spooners. Winners change from year to year, but with only 3 teams (1 regional) its easy to see where the demand is. Remember, 9 have said a second Brisbane side is worth an extra $100M to them, even without a 9th game. Would any other bid offer this? NO.


But if the Bears and Reds are now in competition for a single licence? Still no animosity/rivalry?

So if the Titans and a new SEQLD side are both not winning and 9/Fox decide to chuck them on graveyard time slots due to poor form then how does that justify them being brought in due to TV rights initially? Who can predict such things? What if the support starts waning a'la Titans after 3 or so years? What then? Because for all the campaigning being done by the pro SEQLD/BNE 2 squad alot of questions still need answering.

Reds unlike Bombers or CQ haven't had ill words directed at the Bears, why should we have animosity towards them? I just think people like you want us to so you can turn around and call us bitter and naive.

 

[Goddo]

So if the Titans and a new SEQLD side are both not winning and 9/Fox decide to chuck them on graveyard time slots due to poor form then how does that justify them being brought in due to TV rights initially? Who can predict such things? What if the support starts waning a'la Titans after 3 or so years? What then? Because for all the campaigning being done by the pro SEQLD/BNE 2 squad alot of questions still need answering.

? I'm not sure what you are trying to say here. The point of having 4 clubs is that it provides redundancy in the case of poor performing sides, as well as scheduling options. We do have a salary cap which ensures a fairly even comp anyway - if you're at the bottom one year you might be at the top the next.

I again don't know why you are arguing this point so much when its the TV networks themselves who are saying this. They are the ones who will pay millions for another Qld side.

These things are market realities. I don't understand your beef with it?

Reds unlike Bombers or CQ haven't had ill words directed at the Bears, why should we have animosity towards them? I just think people like you want us to so you can turn around and call us bitter and naive.

So you are only bitter towards Brisbane Bombers and CQ because they said nasty things about your bid? What about Ipswich?

Well, how about your bids death riding of existing clubs? Seriously, glass houses much?

I'll say this again at this point in time: I'd prefer the Bears in the comp to Manly, they'd meet the games needs on the North Shore/Central Coast better than Manly does. But we don't need more NSW clubs, and Manly already has a licence.

I don't think you're bitter and naive for backing your club. I just think you are refusing to accept the commercial reality of expansion because of what it means for your bid.

Write it down now and memorise it, please: Brisbane 2 will be licence 17.

 

[Perth Red]

Sadly the Bears started the negative comments last month when their bid questioned the vaiability of a WA team. I hope we keep to our plus points and don;t feel the need to run other hard working bids down.

Reality is perth offers the only viable option for true expansion of the game within the foreseeable future. Time for the ARLC to decide if they are happy with the game being seen as an East Coast sport or if they want to take this golden opportunity to grow the game in a new area. There won't be a better time, we have the stadium, the fanbase, a growing Jnr structure, the place is awash with $'s, Govt support, strong bsuiness leadership on the bid team and value to Tv with new live game options. If the game has an extra $150mill a year to spend then now is the time to push it into a brand new area and push it hard.

 

[Goddo]

^ Exactly red. You said it in another post (I'll paraphrase):

Brisbane = $$$, Perth = New Market

both over 1.5M people, both OzTam capitals.

 

[Beowulf]

So all the reasons you put forward against a WA team in your second paragraph go away if an East Coast team relocates there. All of a sudden TV networks are interested?

I'll put it simply - the ARLC dont have the confidence to put in a start-up WA team unless the networks would pay a huge premium to cover the risks...a relocated team with existing structures & support bases in the Eastern States reduces the possibility of failure significantly....a bit similar to the Sydney Swans relocation.

I have consistently said, like all Bears fans, our preference for Reds and Bears, but as soon as 9 said they wouldn't pay more for a WA team, WA's chances reduced.

The fact 9 appear willing to pay $100m for a SEQ team does, in my opinion only, mean they may take the punt on a SEQ side iso perth because they can absorb the inevitable failure of a new SEQ club from the surplus (6 failed franchises in a row does not inspire confidence). I think its wrong to put in a SEQ team over a WA team, but if the Titans recover, thats what may happen.

 

[Broncos thats my team]

Reds>Ipswich>CQ>2nd NZ>Bears>Sunshine Coast/Redcliffe>Bombers IMO

I would like Bears in, but not at the expense of expanding the game.

I dont want a 2nd Brisbane team tho.

 

[Perth Red]

Nrl has been consistent in its one expansion, one heartland growth scenario. The Arlc will have $150million a year extra income from next year, it can afford to invest in a new market to grow the game. If the WA Reds can put the 7figure sponsor on the table, show a good stadium deal, give confidence in a 15k membership base etc the risk is minimal and the growth of the game potential great. New live tv slot, extra 1million on the annual capital city ratings, growth of the game etc etc, our case remains strong!

 

[RedVee]

What if a NZ 2 bid comes in ? I assume the NZ TV deal is small in comparison, but Bris2 plus NZ2 may deliver an increase in the Australian fee plus an increase in the NZ fee.

 

[Perth Red]

True but as there is no NZ2 on the table and it is highly unlikely they could put a bid together in a short time.

 

[bobmar28]

Reds>Ipswich>CQ>2nd NZ>Bears>Sunshine Coast/Redcliffe>Bombers IMO

I would like Bears in, but not at the expense of expanding the game.

I dont want a 2nd Brisbane team tho.

Ipswich is not Brisbane. It is SEQ and that's what the networks want.

 

[Goddo]

I'll put it simply - the ARLC dont have the confidence to put in a start-up WA team unless the networks would pay a huge premium to cover the risks...a relocated team with existing structures & support bases in the Eastern States reduces the possibility of failure significantly....a bit similar to the Sydney Swans relocation.

The ARLC don't want another Melbourne Storm situation requiring an extra so many millions each year. But they do look at Perth as being the best "expansion" option, they just have reservations.

I think Brisbane 2 being already over the line (due to the enormous financial windfall for the game) is a good thing for the Bears bid - 3 rival bids are now fighting for the Qld spot, while the Bears are simply up against Perth.

The fact 9 appear willing to pay $100m for a SEQ team does, in my opinion only, mean they may take the punt on a SEQ side iso perth because they can absorb the inevitable failure of a new SEQ club from the surplus (6 failed franchises in a row does not inspire confidence). I think its wrong to put in a SEQ team over a WA team, but if the Titans recover, thats what may happen.

A SEQ team has been put ahead of all other locations. A Brisbane bid is the best option for the game bar none. $100M before even adding another game to sell. That is huge.

Whats happening with Searle on the Gold Coast has no bearing on expansion - Gallop has said that. Just like the financial troubles of Cronulla have no bearing on the Bears bid. The fact that there are 10 teams in the NSW market and none in WA will be an issue for licence 18 though.

What if a NZ 2 bid comes in ? I assume the NZ TV deal is small in comparison, but Bris2 plus NZ2 may deliver an increase in the Australian fee plus an increase in the NZ fee.

That would be interesting.

NZ dollar being what it is and the rate they currently pay is pretty high, so not a lot of money there. You'd imagine they would be up against Perth and the Bears for licence 18 if they got a bid sorted.

 

[clarency]

It will be a depressing day in league if Perth don't get their own team.

 

[Perth Red]

I've been following the game 35 years, the potential for stupidity by the games administration stopped surprising me a long time ago!

 

[Perth Red]

Good to see some work going on to further develop the game in far North WA

WARL announces Rugby League road show in the Pilbara region
The Western Australian Rugby League is taking a taste of the NRL Telstra Premiership to the Pilbara in May as part of its ongoing commitment to the development of Rugby League in regional WA.
The WARL initiative is in conjunction with the Australian Rugby League Commission’s “One Community” division, as well as sponsorship support from Healthway.
The seven day road show featuring One Community Ambassadors and Rugby League legends Trent Barrett, Mario Fenech, Adam MacDougall and David Peachey will take place from Saturday May 5 until Saturday May 12, with visits to Karratha, Port Hedland and Wickham.
Martin Weekes, head of WARL’s Referees’ Association will also be a part of the touring party that will showcase Rugby League’s unique education and lifestyle classroom activities, junior development opportunities and coaching master classes for seniors and referees.
“This will be a real chance for people in regional WA to talk first hand with Rugby League’s ambassadors and to experience some really important One Community programs,” Australian Rugby League Commission Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, said today.
“Rugby League enjoys support across Australia and this visit underlines our commitment to engaging communities so that they can share in the excitement and the opportunities that are a part of our game.”
WARL CEO John Sackson said that in regards to regional development of the code in WA, he was very encouraged by the new “whole of game” approach being demonstrated by the newly formed Independent Commission.
“The WARL is very grateful to the ARLC for their belief and investment in this One Community initiative which will not only strengthen the foundations of the game in the Pilbara Region, but will also enrich the local communities by way of inspirational health, education and wellbeing messages delivered by some of the legends of Rugby League.”

http://warugbyleague.com.au/warl-announces-rugby-league-road-show-in-the-pilbara-region/

 

[Perth Red]

If AFL really got $150mill for introducing the lame Suns and Giants then what the frick are the ARLC waiting for? Announce the two teams and make the TV execs pay through the nose for them!

 

[Lockyer4President!]

If AFL really got $150mill for introducing the lame Suns and Giants then what the frick are the ARLC waiting for? Announce the two teams and make the TV execs pay through the nose for them!

Getting the networks to ask for the new teams gives the ARL the upper hand in negotiations.

They're already getting $100M for a second Brisbane team without playing the networks against each other.