NRL boss David Gallop has accepted a peace offering from Wagga City Council (WWCC) after expressing concern over the controversial $300,000 partnership deal with AFL newcomers the Greater Western Sydney Giants.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The NRL's executive brigade visited Wagga yesterday to meet with mayor Kerry Pascoe and council officials, looking to broker an equal share of support for rugby league in the city.
Joined in support by Country Rugby League boss Terry Quinn and Canberra Raiders CEO Don Furner, Gallop declared he felt rugby league had been "taken for granted" and requested equal consideration.
After 30 minutes in a meeting room, Gallop received the answer he was looking for as council agreed to consider any submissions for funding the NRL may submit.
"We're looking for some equality from council, and obviously we've had some good indications from our discussions today," Gallop said yesterday.
“It’s a matter for AFL what they’ve secured, but what we’re looking for is something of equal standing for our game, given the importance of our game to this district and the importance of this district to our game.
“What we understand of the arrangement that’s been put in place with GWS is a payment to play games, and we’re certainly interested in something equivalent to that.
“The good news is the mayor said his door is open to submissions and we’re certainly going to go away and work on that.”
With the ball in their court, the NRL and CRL will immediately begin planning submissions for funding partnerships with council, which are likely to include Wagga’s nearest club, Canberra Raiders.
However, Gallop said the Raiders will not be considered exclusively in any partnerships with WWCC.
Although a monetary figure was not discussed, Gallop believes council will keep its word and provide NRL with an equal share of support.
“It’s difficult to say, but we’re looking for equality, and looking to ensure the local game is looked after as well as the professional game,” he said.
“It’s a very important part of our system to ensure the local game is looked after, especially when (players from this region) go on to play in the NRL.”
