Former National Rugby League side New Zealand Warriors captain Monty Betham "welcomed the Auckland Rugby League's bid" to purchase the club but said that it "remains to be seen if the two parties can work together," according to Marvin France of STUFF. ARL Chair Cameron McGregor confirmed the ARL "is in preliminary discussions to buy a majority share" of the Auckland-based club, which it sold in '99. The ARL's interest comes after Betham "launched a fan-backed bid last month," which is currently completing its due diligence. He "did not rule out working with the ARL" should it be successful but said that decision "may ultimately lie with the Warriors." Betham: "We're not threatened by the ARL and we think that's great that Auckland Rugby League has shown an interest." As part of its proposal, the ARL wants to set up a "new semi-professional competition to provide a new pathway to the Warriors and keep young players from moving to Australia" (STUFF, 9/28).
STICKING POINT: In Auckland, David Skipwith reported the ARL wants to buy the Warriors "but negotiations are at a delicate stage," with current Owner Eric Watson "holding out for top dollar." Watson is reportedly "reluctant to sell the club" for anything less than NZ$20M ($14.5M), while the ARL's offer sits below NZ$15M ($10.9M). The situation "is similar to the stalemate that squashed Auckland businessman Paul Davys' recent bid to buy the club," before his offer of NZ$15M was eventually rejected by Watson in late August -- but there is "greater optimism around the ARL's chances." Davys, meanwhile, is rumored "to have recently resurrected his bid -- but denied that was the case" (NEW ZEALAND HERALD, 9/28).
