Manly look to Perth for Storm rematch
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/leag ... 1qn1k.html
Manly look to Perth for Storm rematch
DEFENDING NRL premiers Manly are negotiating a deal with the West Australian government that could result in the club surrendering its home ground advantage to play bitter rivals Melbourne in Perth.
The rematch against the Storm after last year's round 25 ''Donnybrookvale'' game was marred by a wild free-for-all has become the season's most anticipated match-up.
The decision to even consider transferring the clash to Perth is certain to anger fans. The round 15 showdown is one of two games the Sea Eagles faithful are sweating on - the other being against the Des Hasler-coached Canterbury after he dramatically swapped camps after the grand final triumph.
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Manly would effectively sacrifice a full house, maximum gate receipts, bar takings at their club and the home game advantage by travelling 3300 kilometres across the continent.
However, it has been suggested the club could make four times the revenue it would at Brookvale by playing Melbourne in Perth. The West Australian government's financial backing is needed to underpin the cost to transport and accommodate the two teams and their support staff as well as the extra expense to Foxtel of televising the clash.
The WA government is considering outlaying the cash because it views the match as an investment and another opportunity to ''sell'' Perth as the perfect location to base a team in the soon-to-be expanded NRL premiership.
Manly boss David Perry declined to comment last night but the Western Australian Rugby League chief executive, John Sackson, confirmed there were talks between Manly, the NRL and his state's government.
''There's a plan being worked on,'' he said. ''I've had discussions with David Perry and the relevant senior management at the NRL. I know the West Australian government has been approached by them … while the negotiations are under way nothing has been finalised.''
Sackson, who has worked tirelessly to push his state's bid to be included in an expanded NRL premiership, was ecstatic that Manly had considered Perth to host such a prestigious match.
''If this game can take place against the Storm, if the planets align and it can come together financially, it'll be an appealing game,'' he said. ''It's going to be against the Storm and the first time they've met since the infamous 'Battle of Brookvale' last year.
''Anyway, that's their plan and we really hope they can get it together.''
Sackson said St George Illawarra's and North Queensland's trial match, to be staged there on February 11, had generated a lot of excitement and early indications suggested the March 23 premiership match between Souths and Brisbane would attract another bumper crowd.
Manly look to Perth for Storm rematch
DEFENDING NRL premiers Manly are negotiating a deal with the West Australian government that could result in the club surrendering its home ground advantage to play bitter rivals Melbourne in Perth.
The rematch against the Storm after last year's round 25 ''Donnybrookvale'' game was marred by a wild free-for-all has become the season's most anticipated match-up.
The decision to even consider transferring the clash to Perth is certain to anger fans. The round 15 showdown is one of two games the Sea Eagles faithful are sweating on - the other being against the Des Hasler-coached Canterbury after he dramatically swapped camps after the grand final triumph.
Advertisement: Story continues below
Manly would effectively sacrifice a full house, maximum gate receipts, bar takings at their club and the home game advantage by travelling 3300 kilometres across the continent.
However, it has been suggested the club could make four times the revenue it would at Brookvale by playing Melbourne in Perth. The West Australian government's financial backing is needed to underpin the cost to transport and accommodate the two teams and their support staff as well as the extra expense to Foxtel of televising the clash.
The WA government is considering outlaying the cash because it views the match as an investment and another opportunity to ''sell'' Perth as the perfect location to base a team in the soon-to-be expanded NRL premiership.
Manly boss David Perry declined to comment last night but the Western Australian Rugby League chief executive, John Sackson, confirmed there were talks between Manly, the NRL and his state's government.
''There's a plan being worked on,'' he said. ''I've had discussions with David Perry and the relevant senior management at the NRL. I know the West Australian government has been approached by them … while the negotiations are under way nothing has been finalised.''
Sackson, who has worked tirelessly to push his state's bid to be included in an expanded NRL premiership, was ecstatic that Manly had considered Perth to host such a prestigious match.
''If this game can take place against the Storm, if the planets align and it can come together financially, it'll be an appealing game,'' he said. ''It's going to be against the Storm and the first time they've met since the infamous 'Battle of Brookvale' last year.
''Anyway, that's their plan and we really hope they can get it together.''
Sackson said St George Illawarra's and North Queensland's trial match, to be staged there on February 11, had generated a lot of excitement and early indications suggested the March 23 premiership match between Souths and Brisbane would attract another bumper crowd.
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"Since light travels faster than sound, people appear bright until you hear them speak" Anon
"Since light travels faster than sound, people appear bright until you hear them speak" Anon
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CooperCronk
- Monsoon
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- Location: Storm Land
I hope they do move the game to Perth cos there's always some drama at Brookvale when we play there.
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Rose Madder
- Thunderstorm
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- Location: Melbourne
Yes this is true,I would hate to be a Manly fan though ( obviously ) to have a home game like this taken away. When you take membership the cost includes 12 home games,and if they take one interstate and you can't get to it..What happens??? I would feel really ripped off,I hope The Storm never do that.CooperCronk wrote:I hope they do move the game to Perth cos there's always some drama at Brookvale when we play there.
Sydney teams can give you a pass to an away game in sydney as compensation. its a little harder for storm to do the same. but i dare say a home game against storm would be high on the list of manly members and fans, hard to take that away from themRose Madder wrote:Yes this is true,I would hate to be a Manly fan though ( obviously ) to have a home game like this taken away. When you take membership the cost includes 12 home games,and if they take one interstate and you can't get to it..What happens??? I would feel really ripped off,I hope The Storm never do that.CooperCronk wrote:I hope they do move the game to Perth cos there's always some drama at Brookvale when we play there.
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Rose Madder
- Thunderstorm
- Posts: 602
- Joined: Mon Sep 06, 2004 7:27 pm
- Location: Melbourne
Yeah this one should be better than our game..they will be looking for Adam Blair no doubt about that,