Private ownership, the way of the future or a path to league oblivion?

First it was the Delmege family with Manly, then came the much publicised acquisition of the Rabbitohs by Hollywood figure Russell Crowe and Peter Holmes, now this week it has been confirmed that Newcastle's beloved Knights will be the property of mining magnate Nathan Tinkler.  As the game of Rugby League moves forward into the new decade one must pose the question, is private ownership of foundation and regional clubs the right step forward for a code fighting for dominance in Australia's competitve sporting market?  The answer is quite simple, YES.

Club's financial reliance on Leagues Clubs and revenue generated from poker machines has gone on long enough and it is now time for private ownership to ensure what many of these institutions haven't, survival.  If any doubt exist one needs only cast eye over the impact Russell Crowe's prescence at South Sydney has made in recent years.  Since acquiring the so called 'peoples club', Crowe has not only ensured financial security at the once cash strapped club but more importantly has began to turn around its losing culture which has plagued the bunnies since their reinstatement into the competition in 2002.  Crowe has been influential in attracting big names such as Sam Burgess and Greg Inglis to the Rabbitohs in recent seasons but perhaps his biggest contribution to the game is using his star power to promote and publicise the game any chance he gets, whether it be in Europe or the United States.

The terms of Tinkler's takeover deal ensures that the club's current debt of $2.75 million is immediately resolved but more importantly will commit $10 million of sponsorship to the club each year for a ten year period.  Such a deal can only have a positive benefit on a club who have long represented the rugby league mad region of Newcastle and can now bask in the glory of the fact that their club will now live to see the next decade.   

In a week where the Knight's financial head aches have been put to rest, the Cronulla Sharks represent a club on the cusp of oblivion as its recent development to merge its struggling Leagues Club with the Sutherland District Trade Club has spectacularly fallen through.  This further demonstrates that complete reliance on Leagues Clubs for financial support is not the way forward for embattling NRL franchises but rather the extensive prescence of passionate committed owners like Crowe and Tinkler will ensure this great game and the clubs we love to thrive in the future.