WARL right on schedule for new NRL team
Despite the boom in Rugby Union and no NRL matches in Perth this year, WARL Chairman Geoff Baldwin stated that there were more positives about Rugby League in Perth then negatives. Speaking to Austadiums.com he talked about the steps League was taking for its bid in 2010.
An important aspect in gaining an NRL team was to show the NRL that it had a support base, Baldwin explained that it didn't make sense to attract an NRL game the same year as Force's first year. "We decided we were not going to compete with the Force in its first year...it didn't make sound commercial sense"
Baldwin reaffirmed that WARL will hold NRL games in 2007 and exclusively revealed that the WARL will host a Rugby League World Cup game in 2008 and minor games before the tournament. "We will host 3 games in 2007 and we have just heard that we will be holding a Rugby World Cup Game in Perth".
The World Cup game is scheduled to be played at Members Equity Stadium, but Baldwin stated that if demand warranted, they would play the game at Subiaco Oval. "We haven't signed any contracts, if we have 30-40,000 people wanting to go to the game, we will play it at Subiaco Oval".
Baldwin also laid a stinging attack on Perth's media, particularly channel 9. "I think it's a disgrace that Channel 9 don't show the NRL Grand Final Live, State of Origin or International matches live into Perth...apparently the Western Reds burnt them in the ratings as they had put significant funding into the team".
