Manly Sea Eagles in partnership talks with New York rugby league team
Manly Sea Eagles Chairman Scott Penn has had talks with New York chief executive Ricky Wilby for a potential alliance between both rugby league franchises.
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It could be the moment when Brookvale meets Brooklyn.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal Manly’s plans for an alliance with the new New York rugby league team.
Sea Eagles majority shareholder and chairman Scott Penn has held talks with New York chief executive Ricky Wilby about a “range of opportunities” for both rugby league franchises.
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The pair had coffee under the famous Brooklyn Bridge late last year. Penn would become the first businessman to be involved in two rugby league clubs in different hemispheres.
Manly’s exact role in helping New York hasn’t been formally nailed down but the Sea Eagles would offer high performance knowledge, sponsorship opportunities and player transfers.
New York was this week formally entered into England’s League One competition from 2022 and will contest the famous Challenge Cup next season.
The Daily Telegraph revealed Manly’s interest in New York way back in May last year. Penn spends half his time living in Sydney, the other in Brooklyn, New York.
“We have been in discussions with Ricky for some time and look forward to being a part of this fantastic initiative to grow the game globally,” Penn told The Daily Telegraph from New York.
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“We have been talking about a range of opportunities including feeder arrangements etc.
“I don’t want to pre-empt anything, however we have offered to assist Ricky and the NY team where we can in terms of sharing our High Performance Unit knowledge, player transfers and co-sponsorship opportunities.”
As revealed by The Daily Telegraph, New York will invite NRL clubs - Manly, South Sydney and North Queensland — along with possibly Sydney Roosters, Brisbane and Melbourne - to play trial matches in New York early next season.
“I first met with Ricky and his business partner (Tony Feasey) in New York in August last year to look at how we could collaborate and form a strategic partnership,” Penn said.
“We have had many discussions since and are looking forward to participating in a pre-season exhibition game if we can enough funding. I think it’s great.”
The New York franchise could also tap into a successful New York advertising and digital marketing agency – the EGC Group - owned by Penn’s wife, Nicole. EGC Group is about to open a Sydney office.
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The RFL will hold the Challenge Cup launch and draw in New York early next week.
Penn will fly out of New York tomorrow to be at Lottoland for Manly’s big round one match against Melbourne.
“What an amazing way to start the 2020 season – playing our long term rivals on a Sunday afternoon at Lottoland,” he said.
“We need the Manly faithful to show up in droves and give the team the home ground advantage they deserve.
“They have been training hard all off-season to make our members and fans proud and are excited to demonstrate what we have to look forward to this season.
“A full strength line up will be a great spectacle. There is a lot to be excited about this year. I can’t wait – it’s going to be huge.”
Originally published as Manly Sea Eagles in partnership talks with New York rugby league team