Outside the rock solid commercial viability of any successful ChCh bid, there seems to me to be an important role of the NRL here to assist in strengthening and growth of the playing pool, along side of any bid and the CRL.
To have had 3 unsuccessful bids being pitched out of the stronghold of NZ Rugby does says a lot about the potential opportunities and viability a team being based in Christchurch could be, because it was only a few years ago this wouldn’t have even been a consideration let alone an official opportunity .
The NRL can play a part here, or should I say, have to play a part here for the betterment of the game and its longevity.
What is the NRL’s strategic vision for the growth of the game in NZ ( and it’s talent pool for new players it’s competition ) and how do/can they can play a part in realising this because they cannot leave it up the Warriors alone especially if next year they have a poor season.
It does sound like in the interim David Moffet has had a chat with Peter V’Landys at Sundays sold out Test Match and he has been given a glimmer that one more shot will be given but if you cock this one up don’t bother coming back.
Either way, if the NRL are serious about the NZ game and the bigger picture of their game now is the time to capitalise on the growing disillusionment surrounding rugby in this country and the unrealised pool of talent to tap into, otherwise the opportunity might just pass it by.