NRL Rules Out Expansion In 2006
By NRL MEDIA
NRL - 16/8/2004

The National Rugby League partnership executive has today ruled against expanding the competition in 2006.

The partnership has said that the Telstra Premiership should be represented on the Central Coast, the Gold Coast and Wellington at some time in the future.

While valuing each area, the partnership points to the considerable success being enjoyed by the Telstra Premiership as a direct result of the stability that has been brought to the game in recent seasons.

The partnership has decided that the issue should be re-examined in 2005 to assess whether a team should be introduced in 2007.

It recommends:

* The NRL management continues to monitor expansion opportunities so that this issue can be formally revisited towards the end of the 2005 season (with a view to the next possible opportunity being season 2007).

* The NRL continues its assessment of the likely opportunities created by future television broadcasting agreements which expire at the end of 2006 and 2007 respectively, and which may influence expansion.

* The Partnership increases its development commitment to the Central Coast, the Gold Coast and Wellington.

* The NRL fully assesses the increasing impact of the state government’s poker machine tax on existing clubs so that this can be factored into any future expansion decision.

The NRL partnership further notes that club agreements have already been issued to all 15 existing teams offering tenure until 2011.

 The partnership committee members issued the following statement:

“The enthusiasm of individuals associated with the bid teams has understandably raised the expectations of new areas being added to the competition.

“However it is to be remembered that the partnership had neither sought nor invited expansion submissions.

“The strategic focus of the NRL has been, since its inception, the need to create as stable a financial environment as possible for existing teams to ensure an equitable distribution of players and the highest standard competition.

“This has already resulted in a period of record success for the Telstra Premiership, substantial growth in participation at all levels of Rugby League and ‘in principle’ resolution on a Collective Bargaining Agreement with the game’s players.

“While the partnership sees merit in being in each of the areas discussed, it needs to see further evidence of the financial stability of the existing competition before setting a timeline for that expansion.

“History has proven that to succeed a new team needs to enter a strong and stable competition environment.”

The partnership reiterated that the game’s core strategies should remain:

*The consolidation of Rugby League’s position as the number one winter sport on the east coast of Australia by increasing average crowds and television ratings.

*Ensuring the highest quality of matches through a deep and evenly distributed player talent pool.

* The provision of financial well-being for all Rugby League players and the game generally.

* Investment in the development of junior players to ensure rugby league remains the preferred pathway of juniors throughout NSW and Queensland, thus growing participation.

* The maintenance of strong links with all regional areas that support Rugby League.

* The extension of the sport’s national profile across Australia and NZ by the promotion of major events throughout the season, including the transfer of some games to key strategic areas.

* To ensure the game maximises its appeal across all demographic areas of support.
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