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Auckland Rugby League Still Interested In Buying NZ Warriors

The Auckland Rugby League has not "given up on buying" National Rugby League side New Zealand Warriors, but admits it will not "be able to match what other bidders can pay," according to David Long of STUFF. A group of Tongan businessmen with NFL connections is "keen on buying the club." The CEO of that syndicate is Hawaiian politician Richard Fale. But there is also understood to be another party, which has "kept a low media profile," that is "still in discussions" with current Warriors owner Eric Watson, who is reportedly looking for NZ$20M ($14.8M) for the club he brought in '00. However, it is understood the price for the "under-achieving" NRL club is "significantly higher than that." If Watson wants the biggest financial return, he will sell the club to Fale's syndicate "or the mystery group." Auckland Rugby League CEO Cameron McGregor said that the league is "still in the hunt." McGregor: "We haven't got a hope of matching what these other guys are going to pay. So we've got to appeal to Eric's rugby league instincts" (STUFF, 2/18).

PROFILING FALE: Long also reported Fale has a past that "may not go down well at the NRL or among the club's fans." Fale was "embroiled in a financial scandal when running for office" in U.S. state elections in Hawaii, where the Tongan-born politician also voted against same-sex marriage. The NRL has a fit and proper person test to asses potential club owners. Before anyone can take over a club, "this must be passed, but there may be a few eyebrows raised about Fale" (STUFF, 2/18).

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