Possible Return to Perth
4th May 2008
THE cashed-up West Australian Government is preparing to sign a sponsorship deal worth up to $1.5 million with the historically rich but now struggling South Sydney Rabbitohs rugby league club, taking some of the financial heat off co-owners Russell Crowe and Peter Holmes a Court. Under the proposed deal, the state's Go West Now campaign would be the major sponsor on the Rabbitohs' away game jerseys, alternating with existing sponsor National Australia Bank.
Club spokesman Christopher Green refused to confirm the deal but said Souths, which is one of the competition's founding clubs but sits bottom of the table this year, was in negotiations with six possible sponsors. "We can't comment on sponsors other than ones that are signed, sealed and delivered. But I can confirm we are in negotiations with half a dozen companies and we deliberately haven't hurried with that as we are seeking a premium sponsor," Mr Green said.
However, Mr Green, who also works with Mr Holmes a Court's new sports investment vehicle The Passionate Group, was able to confirm that Souths were in serious negotiations to play two matches each season in Perth, starting next year. Mr Holmes a Court, the son of legendary Perth businessman Robert Holmes a Court, flew to Perth early last month to discuss with officials the pros and cons of Souths playing some of its home games in Perth. "We are talking with the Government about playing games over there. The discussion is about does it make sense to play over there. We've had proposals put to us by both the WACA and Members Equity," Mr Green said.
Mr Green said there was a huge market for the Rabbitohs and for rugby league in the west due to the influx of east coasters chasing the big money available in the state's resources sector.