WA Reds support Rabbitohs bid
Media Statement 14 February 2008
WA Reds support Rabbitohs bid
After successful meetings this week with Souths Rabbitohs CEO, Shane Richardson and Peter Holmes a Court, the WA Rugby League has pledged its full support for the Club to play competition games here in Perth from 2009, WA Reds Chairman, Geoff Baldwin, confirmed today.
It is extremely important that the Rabbitohs initiative assisted rather than undermined our work in re-establishing a Perth based team and, after meetings with Peter and Shane over the past few weeks we are now confident that the outcome will be mutually beneficial, Mr Baldwin said.
“The proposal is for South Sydney to play two consecutive competition games here for five years from 2009 and we are now looking at including this in our WA Reds membership package along with several other joint initiatives.
“The South Sydney Perth Rugby League Festival is certainly an initiative we see as positive for the progression of our code in Western Australia.
"We also see this as a huge bonus for our WA reds sponsors and believe it will assist us in gaining additional corporate support for our code in WA.
“Souths have agreed on the importance of nurturing Rugby League in WA and recognise the importance of working hand in hand with the WA Rugby League and the Reds.
“It has long been recognised that South Sydney Rabbitohs have an enormous support base here in WA and since Russell Crowe and Peter Holmes a Court took a controlling interest the Club has been the entrepreneurial shining light of all Clubs in the NRL.
“For many years the WARL have been expressing to the NRL the importance of top level games being hosted in WA so it is enormously encouraging to see the South Sydney team take a leadership role in that regard.
“This year will see the WA Reds begin the journey back to the NRL via the Sydney based Jim Beam Cup competition and the prospect of a supportive partnership with South Sydney is a very positive one for the WARL.
“As Chairman of the WA Rugby League I encourage all Rugby League fans to support their game by getting behind the Reds this season and the South Rabbitohs/WA Reds in 2009.
“Fans are encouraged to catch up with the latest and to secure Season Passes for 2008 by visiting
warugbyleague.com .au, Mr Baldwin said.
Media contact – Geoff Baldwin - 0413754414