Adelaide encouraged by Panthers
By Doug Robertson
April 17, 2006
NEGOTIATIONS have already begun to bring the NRL back to Adelaide next year after the "encouraging" clash between Melbourne Storm and Penrith on Saturday.
South Australian Rugby League chairman Paul Shepherd says the body is in discussions with "four or five" NRL clubs to play another premiership match at Hindmarsh Stadium in 2007.
Western Australia's rugby league officials are also attempting to secure a match in Perth next year, in competition with the South Australian bid.
"One thing we have on line next year is an NRL game in Adelaide," Shepherd, who reached New South Wales country junior level as a player, said.
"The AFL has a split round in the middle of the year and we felt that would be a good weekend to have it if it (suited) the NRL club.
"Penrith wants to come back. We're in negotiations with four or five clubs but I can't say who they are yet. But I can tell you for sure that Perth wants a game next year so it becomes pretty competitive."
Melbourne upset Penrith 40-18 on Saturday, when Storm fullback Greg Inglis thrilled the 7017 crowd with three second-half tries to prove skilled athletes are a pleasure to watch in any code.
It was a home fixture for Penrith, which averages about 18,000 at its own stadium - which is being refurbished.
South Australia' Government underwrote the promotional game to ensure Penrith would not be out of pocket.
"I was a tiny bit disappointed with the crowd," Shepherd said.
"I thought we'd get about 10,000.
"But it's Easter and we're up against Oakbank and a lot of people go away for the Easter weekend.
"(The game) had to be in the first 10 rounds and (Department of) Sports and Recreation gave two choices to the NRL - and this was it."
Shepherd said the former Adelaide Rams had averaged 11,500 spectators in the club's two years of existence, which showed there was a market for an NRL club in Adelaide.
NRL chief executive David Gallop has said the body wants to spread nationally, and "grassroots" support had to be established in the traditional AFL states.
No NRL team would be forced to relocate interstate, but some clubs may have to move to survive, Gallop said.
Rising costs and heavy competition in Sydney for corporate sponsorship meant tough times ahead for some clubs.
"Whether that ultimately means they've got to move to ensure their future I'm not sure," he said.
"It's an expensive business. Sydney is highly competitive and we've got a lot of teams in Sydney so the pressures are not going to go away."
There would certainly be a fair degree of resistance (to relocation). But if the option was there then I'm sure they'd look at it if it meant that would mean a sure future."
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