National Rugby League side New Zealand Warriors Owner Eric Watson is in talks to sell the "struggling" club but "may yet retain a small stake in the Penrose-based franchise," according to David Skipwith of the NEW ZEALAND HERALD. Auckland businessman Paul Davys is the favorite to buy the Warriors outright, "but he and Watson are still in negotiations and considering various partnership options." Watson is reportedly unsure if he wants to "sever all ties" with the club and is considering whether to "make a complete sale or sell Davys a share and stay on as a partner." Davys: "Everything's a possibility. At this stage it's just myself but more will be announced. We're still in negotiations so it may not even come to a deal. I don't know, I'm just hoping it does, so that's where I'm at." The Warriors are understood to be worth between NZ$15M and NZ$20M ($10.9M-$14.6M) and it is "unclear whether Davys has the capital to fund the purchase of the club himself" or whether he requires financial backing from a third party. Davys is understood to be "impressed with the commercial side of the Warriors business, but is keen to take a hands-on role" in overseeing and improving the club's football operations (NZ HERALD, 8/14).
