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By Iain Payten
July 10, 2009 Samoa have emerged as the surprise new player in the $5million race for the new Super 15 franchise, but the Gold Coast may be a non-starter.
The official bidding process for the fifth team in Australia's conference in 2011 kicked off on Thursday with SANZAR calling for expression of interests.
A range of demanding criteria have been attached to any bids, however, with the ARU saying candidates must not only have solid corporate structure, a 25,000-seat stadium and good geographic location - but at least $5million in start-up capital as well.
While favourites Melbourne will have little trouble with state government backing, rival bidder Gold Coast are wavering.
"Unless we could find a Santa Claus investor, it would be impossible for the Gold Coast to do it," bid boss Terry Jackman said.
Mining magnate Clive Palmer bankrolled the $5 million guarantee to put Gold Coast United on the Australian football map yet a "Mr Claus" for rugby's future on the tourist strip is still a dream.
"The Gold Coast remains extremely interested in being involved in Super rugby, our (bid) team will now look at all it will take and go from there," he said.
"I'd make the comment that $5 million is the sort of money the AFL has put into the Gold Coast to get it right for a new team."
ARU deputy chief executive Matt Carroll said the field loomed as Melbourne, Gold Coast and western Sydney beside South Africa's outsiders, the Southern Kings.
Throwing in an intriguing new twist, however, is news the Samoan Rugby Union are genuinely interested in running a side. Led by rugby-mad Prime Minister Tuila'epa Sailele Malielegaoi, Samoa have even engaged consultants to help with the process.
Though a team in Apia is not seen as viable by SANZAR, the possibility of a Samoan-run team based in Australia or New Zealand could still happen. A further option could even be a joint venture with an Australian-based bidder such as Western Sydney, who are already sourcing foreign investment.
"One of the attractions of Western Sydney is they have a strong Polynesian population, who love their rugby," Carroll said.
Bidders will apply with the ARU, NZRU and South Africa before July 22, and ultimately a decision will be made by the SANZAR board on October 31.
South Africa's hope of fielding a sixth side appears slim, with SANZAR saying "geographic" location and time-zone would be a key criteria - mostly for broadcasting considerations.
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,...002381,00.html