NRL takes its time over 16th franchise - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

NRL takes its time over 16th franchise

By Brent Read 11/06/2004 07:44:10 PM Comments (0)

The National Rugby League has no plans to speed up its decision on a 16th team despite requests from Gold Coast coach-elect John Cartwright to have the matter decided as soon as possible.

The NRL, with the assistance of external specialists experienced in Olympic and Commonwealth Games bids, has been gathering information from the three parties vying for the proposed 16th franchise - the Gold Coast, Central Coast and Wellington.

That information will be presented by the partnership executive committee at the end of July, but NRL chief executive David Gallop said there was no guarantee a decision would be made at that meeting.

"That won't necessarily be decision day but it will be a time when we intend to present more matter," Gallop said.

"Obviously they (the bid teams) take the view that they don't want to leave any stone unturned but at the same time I have told them in no uncertain terms that no decision has been made on the 16th team.

"We are collecting information."

The Gold Coast went on the front foot on Thursday night in the race to become the 16th franchise, revealing their coach, logo and colours.

The Dolphins, who are looking at entry to the NRL in 2006, propose to play in an orange and turquoise jersey at Gold Coast Stadium.

Cartwright admitted the Gold Coast would like an answer as soon as possible.

"It can't be too hard a decision to make," he said.

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