Read Bob Carr's original letter in full: The case for a Central Coast team in the National Rugby League is compelling — a brief any advocate would be happy to argue look at the evidence:.

BIG-STEVE

Media Release: NSW Premier Bob Carr Supports Central Coast NRL Team
MEDIA RELEASE
CENTRAL COAST RUGBY LEAGUE - 4/5/2004

Adman John Singleton got a boost for his bid for a Central Coast NRL team from an unlikely ally today when NSW Premier Bob Carr ran onto the field in support of a 16th team in the competition.

Mr Carr sent a letter to Singleton’s office this afternoon telling the businessman his two-year battle for entry for a Central Coast team in the National rugby league competition was “a goal that has my full support”.

The letter said: “The case for a Central Coast team in the National Rugby League is compelling - a brief any advocate would be happy to argue

“NRL Membership is not only a good sporting proposition but a sound economic one. Remember when the region hosted Rugby World Cup matches, money poured into local small businesses. Imagine a similar effect every second weekend during the league season.

“The bottom line is simple -. it’s time for the Central Coast to take its rightful place in the world’s most elite Rugby League competition.”

Mr Carr’s enthusiastic endorsement arrived just in the nick of time as the NRL board, comprising representatives from the ARL and News Ltd, will meet in Sydney tomorrow and proposals for a 16th rugby league team have been listed on the agenda.

However, Central Coast Express Advocate Stadium Manager, Monique Marks, while optimistic, has already lived through several years of discussions on the topic.

“While I would love an outcome from tomorrow’s meeting, I am not expecting one,” she said.

‘We first submitted a business plan in February last year and then re—submitted another earlier this year.

“I think the most we will get from tomorrow’s discussions will be a request for further information.

“While Wellington and the Gold Coast have also submitted proposals, I would like to think we are the frontrunners. The Central Coast has all the infrastructure and we are ready to go,” she said, a statement supported by Premier Carr.

“Look at the evidence - Central Coast teams already successfully compete against NRL junior teams; the purpose-built Central Coast stadium is as good as any in the country; and 300,000 local fans - plus sponsors - are ready to back a team to the hilt.

the Central Coast has one ingredient that no amount of razzmatazz can buy - it’s a rugby league “town”, a region steeped in league tradition,” the Premier wrote.

If the decision were up to the Premier, it would seem there would be no contest.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: LOUISE Dl FRANCESCO, MACSWEEN COMMUNICATIONS
(0418) 617 869
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