This season is the final year of our second three-year term to play matches in Canberra and the club is presently in talks with the ACT Government about extending this partnership.
Our club, with the support and understanding of our members, is committed to playing a package of games in new and developing markets.
Apart from the benefits this brings to the code, it obviously underpins the Kangaroos attempts to grow it’s supporter base, expand it’s corporate base and in general infiltrate the Kangaroos “brand” around the county in a way and at a rate we cannot do by restricting our activities solely to Victoria
Playing at Manuka has not only given us a great home ground advantage, but it has made great inroads in relation to this factors.
What is different as we come up to the end of this contract is that there are now competitors in the marketplace, which previously have not been obvious.
As a club we would be derelict in our duties to our members not to investigate what would be the best option for us as a club.
Considerations that will influence our decision as to where we play this package of games includes financial inducement, membership/support potential, free-to-air broadcast opportunities, potential corporate support and community alignment.
Just as we have talked to the ACT Government representatives, and will continue to do so, we also held talks with South East Queensland interests this week as we explore our options to construct the best possible deal for the club.
Unfortunately the media have driven this situation towards hysterical talk about relocation. This is not on the agenda of this current Board of Directors & Executive Staff.
Over the next few weeks we will further discussions with both the ACT & South East Queensland interests to finalise another agreement to play the current package of games outside of Victoria.
We will also watch with interest the rally launched by the ACT Government as we take all factors into account as the club’s administration makes a decision of this magnitude.
