Push for NRL season opener in China

[DIEHARD]

Push for NRL season opener in China

Plans to take rugby league to China are back on the table after Manly and Canberra pushed for a historic NRL season opener to be held there next year.

The Sea Eagles smashed the Raiders 54-18 at Brookvale Oval last weekend in a clash both teams had originally tried to stage in Shenzhen.

However, those plans were scuppered last year when the Australian Rugby League Commission opted not to fork out the funds necessary to underwrite the round-eight fixture in Asia.

Having put more than 18 months of planning and due diligence into the venture, both clubs were disillusioned with the governing body's decision and it appeared the bold proposal would be shelved forever.

However, the vision of Super League supremo John Ribot, who trumpeted his desire to take rugby league to China 16 years ago, is not dead yet.

Manly boss David Perry and Canberra counterpart Don Furner caught up when their teams played each other last weekend to further refine their proposal to make the trip happen.

Much of the due diligence has already been done. The NRL engaged Red Tape Consulting's Tom Parker, the man who helped to take an AFL exhibition match to China, to put together a feasibility study.

Parker did the groundwork before the Melbourne Demons took on the Brisbane Lions at Jiangwan Sports Centre in Shanghai four years ago.

That match was an exhibition, played in front of 7000 spectators. However, the NRL clubs want to be playing for competition points, in round one no less, in front of a much bigger audience.

"We would clearly like to re-engage with the NRL and our partners to discuss the fantastic opportunity to promote this game in a market which is the fastest-growing, economy wise, in the world," Perry said.

"We still have significant interest from our sponsors and the game as a whole will benefit if we open our minds and get into that market."

Manly's major sponsor, Kaspersky, and Raiders backer Huawei, are keen for the event to happen. A sellout is likely at the 60,000-seat Shenzhen Stadium, situated an hour north of Hong Kong, as Huawei has as many employees in the region.

The clubs are in talks with other commercial partners interested in finally making the proposal a reality.

"It's not dead and buried," Perry said. "There are some influential people behind the scenes who would like to see it happen.

"By doing it in round one, it would make the opening round of the NRL a huge event."

It's understood the preferred timeslot would be the opening Friday night game. The Nine Network has previously stated the proposal had some merit but would need to be briefed further.

It's understood the NRL was prepared to commit up to $750,000 over three years to the project, while the clubs wanted $500,000 of that sum channelled into the first of a two-season deal, with the option of a third.

The NRL's head of strategy, Shane Mattiske, was the man chiefly involved in negotiations from head office but he has subsequently resigned and will finish up in June.

NRL chief executive Dave Smith recently outlined a new club funding model, which included a growth fund to encourage innovative ideas. The Raiders and Sea Eagles are hoping their ambitious plans to launch into China will qualify under the new funding scheme, which will come into effect in November.

Taking first-grade matches overseas was not part of the ARLC's strategic five-year plan but the decision to give the green light to the Auckland Nines tournament, the brainchild of promoters Duco Events, is evidence they will consider new proposals.

Another plus for the project is the fact an increasing number of Asian companies are sponsoring clubs, and there are hopes more will come on board if it gets the go-ahead.

Raiders chief executive Don Furner could not be contacted for comment.

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/l...503-zr3qa.html

[DIEHARD]

Get my seat ready for me!

[TITAN PETE]

Get my seat ready for me!

U & Titanic will look good wearing a Manly jersey

[Mexican titan]

U & Titanic will look good wearing a Manly jersey

I have a few spares which I am happy to lend.

[TITAN PETE]

I have a few spares which I am happy to lend.

Me too so between you,me,Shamus & Teke we should be able to kit them out

[Titanic]

U & Titanic will look good wearing a Manly jersey

Thanks but I've still got mine … I went to the debacle that was the gAyFL match in Shanghai. If they had 2,000 there I'll bite my bum … the first thing the NRL should do is avoid the clowns that promoted that game.