So many interesting contributions on this topic. For what it's worth my priority would be a second NZ team....and the perfect candidate exists right now, the Wellington Orcas.
The Orcas already have significant infrastructure and following as they play in the NZRL competition. They play at a perfect and huge rugby stadium at Wellington (sharing it with the Hurricaines) and have an existing juniors program. The Orcas missed out when the Titian joinned the NRL so they are well prepared.
Secondly, for those making the important point about TV money and timings....a NZ game can kick off at 8pm local time and be broadcast into the Eastern states as the early game at 5pm. For Friday and Saturday night broadcasting that's important. By comparison, Perth woould likely never have an evening game as it would broadcast into Eastern states at after 11pm...and 2 am in NZ. Remember that evening games have the best attendance and TV numbers so are what the broadcasters pay for.
Thirdly, NZ and the islands have significant Rugby juniors to draw from, have broadcast infrastructure in place, would be cheaper and for some more desireable to live in. I understand that many wont agree.
Finally, any new franchise has to be able to conveniently and economically induce away supports to travel and support their team. Travel to Perth would be hard just for supporters....and that doesn't begin to consider the complexity of travel from Auckland or Townsville to Perth for team infrastructure and player management. NZ is the only answer when it comes to this.
However, if the news rumours are correct, the power of the government purse will secure this for PNG...... and then what happens when a new government pulls the funding...Gold Coast Chargers all over again. The NRL needs the 18th team to succeed, so stupid expansion to Perth or PNG is just plain silly.
The Orcas already have significant infrastructure and following as they play in the NZRL competition. They play at a perfect and huge rugby stadium at Wellington (sharing it with the Hurricaines) and have an existing juniors program. The Orcas missed out when the Titian joinned the NRL so they are well prepared.
Secondly, for those making the important point about TV money and timings....a NZ game can kick off at 8pm local time and be broadcast into the Eastern states as the early game at 5pm. For Friday and Saturday night broadcasting that's important. By comparison, Perth woould likely never have an evening game as it would broadcast into Eastern states at after 11pm...and 2 am in NZ. Remember that evening games have the best attendance and TV numbers so are what the broadcasters pay for.
Thirdly, NZ and the islands have significant Rugby juniors to draw from, have broadcast infrastructure in place, would be cheaper and for some more desireable to live in. I understand that many wont agree.
Finally, any new franchise has to be able to conveniently and economically induce away supports to travel and support their team. Travel to Perth would be hard just for supporters....and that doesn't begin to consider the complexity of travel from Auckland or Townsville to Perth for team infrastructure and player management. NZ is the only answer when it comes to this.
However, if the news rumours are correct, the power of the government purse will secure this for PNG...... and then what happens when a new government pulls the funding...Gold Coast Chargers all over again. The NRL needs the 18th team to succeed, so stupid expansion to Perth or PNG is just plain silly.
