The "exact amount" the National Rugby League "spent to support financially stricken clubs last year will be revealed when the annual report is handed down" at Friday's '14 business review, according to Brad Walter of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD.
While the report will show that the game "has never been in better shape financially," with the NRL to announce a A$50M ($39M) profit, the game's governing body "now controls Newcastle and Gold Coast, and is propping up the Balmain side of the Wests Tigers joint venture."
St. George Illawarra "has also received financial assistance from the NRL to help the club develop a business model, which enables the Dragons to be sustainable without relying on leagues club funding."
The costs associated with the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority investigation into Cronulla "are also expected to be included in the report." The extra financial support provided to some clubs is a factor in a A$30M increase in the NRL's total expenditure from A$265M in '13 to A$295M last year.
The NRL also spent A$2M "to improve the stadium experience for fans" and A$5M "to assist clubs to recruit new and service existing members" (SMH, 2/26).
