‘Eaten alive’: Gold Coast Titans fears over Brisbane Bombers expansion
The Gold Coast Titans say NRL expansion is inevitable but they have one huge fear.
NRL
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THE Titans say NRL expansion is inevitable but dropping a new club on their doorstep could “cannibalise” the Gold Coast and threaten the survival of both teams.
Titans chief executive Steve Mitchell said he applauded the rapid strides ARLC boss Peter V’landys had taken since assuming the role but warned caution must be king as the NRL considers adding a third team to the southeast Queensland corridor from 2022.
Sustainability must be the primary concern for any start-up club but also for the Broncos and Titans, whose ecosystems would be disrupted by any new presence in the region.
“In Peter’s commentary he talks about sustainability and ensuring a second Brisbane team doesn’t cannibalise the Broncos nor the Titans,” Mitchell said.
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“This is fundamental to the success of any expansion.
“It’s strategically important if there’s a push for another team in Brisbane that it’s got to be geographically positioned so it doesn’t compete head-to-head with clubs like the Titans, who are still a young franchise.
“Anything south or west or Brisbane is flawed because it will compete directly.
“There has got to be consideration of separation of distance and markets.”
The battle for junior talent and corporate sponsorship, already dominated by the Broncos in the region, would become even tighter with the addition of a second smaller-market team, Mitchell warned.
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“At the moment the difference in size of audience for the Broncos and the Titans means we have large regional brands while the Broncos deal in the national arena,” he said.
“We complement each other and don’t compete for the corporate dollar.
“Any new franchise positioned in the wrong location would compete directly for commercial dollars and from a sustainability point of view that would be problematic.”
Mitchell said he welcomed discussion of growing the game in Queensland’s southeast but stressed a strategic approach would be key to achieving sustainable growth.
“I think Peter has to get inside the business and look at the financial status of the NRL to make the sure the capital is there and they’ll see a return on investment,” Mitchell said.
“Young clubs lose money for a long time while they mature.
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“I’m sure the Commission through due diligence will analyse that and make the right decision.”
Brisbane Bombers bid spokesman Scott Sattler said he could understand fears of cannibalisation but challenged the NRL’s clubs to embrace any increased competition.
“A lot of people would look at it that way but in some forms of life, whether corporate, commercial or whatever, that competition keeps you fresh and healthy,” the former Panthers great said.
“A lot of businesses would embrace that challenge because it keeps you ahead of your game.
“Whether it’s the Titans, Broncos, Roosters or Bulldogs, we’re all dipping into the same pool of corporate partners and commercial dollars,” Sattler said.
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“Every club gets the opportunity to use the NRL brand, it’s about which clubs can sell themselves the best.
“Clubs like the Gold Coast and Broncos should embrace this competition to further diversify themselves and look to other chapters.”
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