Why the NRL need the Central Coast Bears | Thebigtip

With the Independent Commission surely only weeks away and a decision on expansion needed within months, one team has already ticked all the boxes.

The Central Coast Bears comprise a catchment area of over 1.1 million people, 23 junior teams and perhaps most importantly for sustainability, the third largest corporate region in Australia....one that currently has no NRL side in its district. By any criteria, they will add value to the competition and have minimal impact on current teams. The benefits of the Bears are manyfold, but include the following:

1. Reward a heartland area. The third largest junior league region in NSW (behind Newcastle and Penrith only), with no local pathway to the NRL. The Central Coast is one of the fastest growing regions of NSW with a young family demographic, while the norther suburbs of Sydney represent one of Australia's richest demogrgraphic - both regions are a sponsors dream

 2. Added TV rights value. David Gallop concedes at least 40,000 supporters of NRL walked away when teh BEars were removed from the competition. Bringing back the Bears INSTANTLY generates increased TV ratings/revenues and Foxtel subscriptions, unlike other regions which would require growth over time. As a Foundation Club, the Bears have 103 years of history and multi-generationa lsupport that sees fans scattered across the country, with a large proportion as reflected in memberships coming from Queensland - half the Bears players I recall in the 90's came from the Sunshine State.

3. Zero risk. The Bears bring security no other franchise can offer - over 100 years experience running a Club that was financially succesful until the ill-fated move to Gosford in 1999. The CentralCoast have more sponsors already than some existing NRL clubs, and are being approached directly by companies wishing to buy into such a great ‘feel good’ story. Interest is coming from all the key commercial centres including Gosford and the 'golden triangle' of Nth Sydney-Chatswood-Nth Ryde. Financial memberships are already at a higher level (6,800) than most NRL teams were at a comparative stage last season, proving without doubt that this franchise will be well supported.

4. Accessible stadiums.  A massive factor supporting the Bears bid is the proximity to Gosford Station of Bluetongue Stadium, purpose built for the Bears, with the words "BEAR" emblazoned on the stadium seats. Add to that the proposed heritage round game against Manly every year at North Sydney Oval, and Rugby League fans on the Central Coast and northern Sydney will at last have a team they can easily access. This factor has also been noted by David Gallop.

4. Low costs. With airfares and accommodation requirements minimal for most current NRL teams, away team costs are minimal; plus the CentralCoast will bring an away army of an estimated 5,000+ Central Coast/North Shore supporters to all Sydney and Newcastle away games, increasing crowd attendances and revenues for Sydney clubs. Manly, Newcaslte and the Roosters in particular will benefit from increased gate attendances. Joint marketing with the Mariners will also produce savings and enhance exposure, with the possibilty of year round sporting memberships to Bluetongue.

5. Merchandise. As a Foundation Club wearing the popular red and black colours, the Bears have a huge head start on other franchises who will be uncertain as to the popularity/potential of their colours/logo.

6. Readiness. The Bears are ready now. They have ticked every requirement put to them by the NRL, with interest. All that is left to do now is continue to increase memberships until a green light is given. The clubs infrastructure is all in place – stadiums, management, staff recruitment plan, coach, merchandise.

 7. Opposition code threats. Only this week in local North Shore papers, Private School Knox has joined the list of local schools fielding AFL junior teams in a combined northern Sydney/Central Coast program. The Swans have an Academy on the Central Coast and the GWS Giants franchise will be encroaching into the Hills District of the North Sydney District Rugby League. I saw it first hand at Greenway Park, Cherrybrook last Saturday, where crowds/participants were larger at the adjoining AFL ground than at the Rugby League ground where Hills Hawks & Pennant Hills were playing Willoughby Roos at an under 6 and under 8 level. Only an NRL presence in the NSDRL area will preserve a Rugby League profile for the region in the future.

8. Player attraction. With a well respected coach in place already and $3.5 million pledged by the O'Farrell Government for training/office facilities, players will be confident about deciding to live and train at one of the most attractively located & professional franchises in Australia. This means the Club won't have to pay 'overs' to attract talent.

9. Justice. The game owes the Bears. Everyone knows it. The Bears haven't sat down with their hand out however, but have got their heads down and worked, bloody hard, to give the NRL a legitimate reason to bring them back. A handful of staff and around 20 volunteers have created enough noise to be heard. What is particularly heartening is the support from fans across all teams, including traditional rivals, Manly. Here come the Bears.