What’s the Buzz: Nathan Tinkler wants to sell the Newcastle Jets to save his Knights ownership
WHAT’S THE BUZZ: STRUGGLING businessman Nathan Tinkler wants to sell the Newcastle Jets soccer team to save his ownership of the Knights.
Opinion
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STRUGGLING businessman Nathan Tinkler wants to sell the Newcastle Jets soccer team to save his ownership of the Knights.
The financial whirlwind that has shaken the former mining billionaire could lead to foreign ownership of the soccer club and only a 50 per cent share of the NRL club for Tinkler.
The Jets licence is said to be worth about $5 million. That cash would be poured back into the Newcastle Knights and almost ensure Tinkler can retain a 50-50 shareholding.
The Jets valuation comes after the Melbourne Heart were sold to the Abu Dhabi royal family, the owners of Manchester City, for $11 million.
The Western Sydney Wanderers are about to be sold for $10 million to a local consortium that includes Asian interests.
I’m told Tinkler’s agents have been in Asia for some time actively trying to find a buyer for the club.
He’s also being advised by John Singleton in Australia.
The A-League’s connections to Asia via the Asian Champions League and 2015 Asian Cup are sparking interest. The Hunter’s coal export links to Asia are another key element.
But if Tinkler does end up relinquishing control there will be a strong push to convert the Jets into a member-owned club.
FFA boss David Gallop is watching closely. At this stage players and staff are being paid on time, unlike the Knights players. There are mixed views about Tinkler’s ownership future with the Knights.
The club knows there is a better chance of keeping super coach Wayne Bennett if Tinkler remains.
He becomes a free agent and can head back to Brisbane if Tinkler is forced out.
50 YEARS OF CHEERLEADING
This is the 50th year of cheergirls in rugby league. The girls were first introduced back in 1964 by the Western Suburbs club.
As you can see from these great old photos, outfits have changed quite dramatically over the years.
Some rugby league clubs have changed their attitudes to the girls on the sidelines but for many people they remain the highlight of the entertainment.
We thought it was fitting to honour them in the game’s heritage round.
GALLERY: 50 YEARS OF CHEERLEADING
ACT OF A GENEROUS YOUNG MAN
SIX weeks ago on a Saturday afternoon this column was stuck without a sport star’s kitbag we run at the bottom of this page every Sunday.
I ring racing editor Ray Thomas and, at a minute’s notice, jockey Nathan Berry comes to the rescue before the first race at Randwick, proudly posing with his riding gear.
He was that sort of person who, according to those who knew him, would do anything for anyone.
To lose such a wonderful young man at such a tender age is a terrible, terrible tragedy.
EAGLES MAKE INSURANCE BUY
MANLY has all but secured young fullback Peter Hiku on a new contract.
This can be seen as insurance in case Brett Stewart walks out with his brother Glenn at the end of the season.
The brothers are extremely close to Bulldogs coach Des Hasler.
Dessie is desperately looking for a great fullback and experience in the forwards.
A Stewart brothers package deal is not out of the question.
LICHAA DOGGED ABOUT HIS MOVE
WITH the Andrew Fifita deal off at the Canterbury Bulldogs, we’re now hearing boom Sharks hooker Michael Lichaa is having second thoughts about his three-year contract at Belmore.
Part of the appeal of signing at Canterbury was to play alongside the State of Origin and Kangaroos prop.
Lichaa is not happy about playing NSW Cup at the Sharks. He has until June to change his mind and stay at the Sharks if Peter Sharp gives him another crack in first grade.
PRAYERS FOR A RACING BATTLER
RACING can be a tough game. It’s not all about backing a winner or the glitz and glamour of yesterday’s Golden Slipper.
Spare a thought for battling South Coast trainer Erwin Takacs, who has been in a coma in Wollongong hospital for nine weeks.
Erwin was seriously injured when one of the four horses he trains played up as it was about to be exercised.
He was either kicked in the head or dragged by the horse. There were no witnesses, so no-one is sure.
It happened on January 26 and he’s been in a coma ever since as his family prays for a miracle recovery.
A FOCUSED MUNDINE
IT’S hard to believe this is the same Anthony Mundine we’ve grown to love or hate in the build up to his career-defining fight in Newcastle on Wednesday night.
His usual colourful entourage has been reduced to three or four essential team members and the traditional pre-fight Mundine theatrics replaced by a steely focus to the task at hand.
Josh Clottey is the real deal having previously fought the likes of Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto.
SAINT
Wayne Bennett no longer needs a premiership to be judged on his contribution to the Newcastle Knights.
As time goes by he will be remembered more than anything else for his magnificent leadership during the Alex McKinnon tragedy.
It’s done more for Newcastle than any premiership ever will.
SINNER
Inconsistent penalties for lifting tackles.
Last year the NRL issued a “one punch and you’re off” edict. No-one has thrown one since.
How about we now introduce a “one lift and you’re off” edict. It’s the only way to get rid them.
SPOTTED I
Blues Origin coach Laurie Daley in deep conversation with Sonny Bill Williams in the cafe at Allianz Stadium.
SPOTTED II
Cricket star David Warner, back in Coogee for a lightning visit, having coffee with mates at Tropicana Cafe before jetting off to his next assignment in Dubai next week.
SHOOSH III
The Wests Tigers are chasing unwanted Bulldog Krisnan Inu for a mid-season switch.
Des Hasler is so keen to get rid of him that he’ll probably provide a Cabcharge docket from Belmore to Leichhardt.
PARKING MAD
Here is further proof that parking-fine officers are the world’s biggest narks.
Sydney FC defender Sasa Ognenovski was posing for Sunday Telegraph photographs with his 1971 Chevrolet in Centennial Park last week when a ranger threatened to book him unless he moved.
KIWIS’ BITTER PILL
Don’t be surprised if the Kiwis get flogged by the Kangaroos in the Test match next month.
We’re hearing Kieran Foran and Sonny Bill Williams are still furious at being named in World Cup Stilnox controversy and at one stage even considered boycotting the game.
EELS’ EASTER PRESENT
The Parramatta Eels are doing everything possible to make it more affordable to attend Easter Monday’s ANZ Stadium game against the Wests Tigers.
Family tickets are available for just $20 tomorrow night, only between 5pm and 9pm, through Ticketek. The match will be used as a fundraiser and awareness builder for struggling NSW farmers.