Post by England 3 Lions on Mar 4, 2009 13:28:15 GMT 10
Wayne Bennett claims Perth team essential to NRL's future
By Andrew Webster
February 14, 2009
Source: FoxSports.com.au
St GEORGE Illawarra coach Wayne Bennett has called on the NRL to base a team in Perth from 2012 after it strikes a new television deal.
Speaking ahead of a trial match against the Roosters at Members Equity Stadium - his first match as coach of the Dragons - Bennett said it was fundamental that rugby league return to the west coast.
"I hope when the league addresses the issue of expansion, which I think they will when the new TV contracts are to be done in 2012, they look favourably upon us having a team out of this part of the world," Bennett said.
"All the other codes are into it.
"It works, I know it works, and we have to move in that direction."
Bennett has been impressed with the groundswell of support for the game since arriving in Perth with his squad early in the week.
After Friday's press conference with Roosters counterpart Brad Fittler, he went to great lengths to point out the South Perth rugby league club was formed in 1938 - long before the creation of the Perth Reds in the mid-1990s.
Officials are hoping for a crowd of 12,000 on Saturday night, but it is likely the NRL will need more convincing if a side is be established there.
While South Sydney have signed a three-year deal to play one match per season in Perth, the South Australian government has been heavily lobbying cash-strapped Cronulla about relocation.
Western Australian Rugby League chairman Geoff Baldwin said he had met with the NRL and ARL less than three months ago.
"Both have recognised our vision and they can see there is a viable opportunity to expand the game into WA knowing there's a good infrastructure here," he said.
"The NRL's fears is how much they would have to put in to make it work.
"The WA Rugby League is trying to convince them they have a strong structure and they're not far off being ready to go," Bennett said.
Meanwhile, Bennett says he is feeling no nerves ahead of his first game with his new club - his first since leaving Brisbane after 21 years.
By Andrew Webster
February 14, 2009
Source: FoxSports.com.au
St GEORGE Illawarra coach Wayne Bennett has called on the NRL to base a team in Perth from 2012 after it strikes a new television deal.
Speaking ahead of a trial match against the Roosters at Members Equity Stadium - his first match as coach of the Dragons - Bennett said it was fundamental that rugby league return to the west coast.
"I hope when the league addresses the issue of expansion, which I think they will when the new TV contracts are to be done in 2012, they look favourably upon us having a team out of this part of the world," Bennett said.
"All the other codes are into it.
"It works, I know it works, and we have to move in that direction."
Bennett has been impressed with the groundswell of support for the game since arriving in Perth with his squad early in the week.
After Friday's press conference with Roosters counterpart Brad Fittler, he went to great lengths to point out the South Perth rugby league club was formed in 1938 - long before the creation of the Perth Reds in the mid-1990s.
Officials are hoping for a crowd of 12,000 on Saturday night, but it is likely the NRL will need more convincing if a side is be established there.
While South Sydney have signed a three-year deal to play one match per season in Perth, the South Australian government has been heavily lobbying cash-strapped Cronulla about relocation.
Western Australian Rugby League chairman Geoff Baldwin said he had met with the NRL and ARL less than three months ago.
"Both have recognised our vision and they can see there is a viable opportunity to expand the game into WA knowing there's a good infrastructure here," he said.
"The NRL's fears is how much they would have to put in to make it work.
"The WA Rugby League is trying to convince them they have a strong structure and they're not far off being ready to go," Bennett said.
Meanwhile, Bennett says he is feeling no nerves ahead of his first game with his new club - his first since leaving Brisbane after 21 years.
