Australia’s richest man under the age of 40, Nathan Tinkler says he wants the Newcastle Knights to become an NRL powerhouse.
The Knights board agreed in principal on Wednesday night to a $100-million offer over 10 years, that would see the club privatised.
“It is incomprehensible that in our region we struggle to financially support a rugby league club yet we export 40 per cent
of the state’s wealth,” Tinkler said in a statement released by his
public relations agent.
“It is clear in our current format and structure we can’t financially compete with the big-city clubs.
“The Tinkler Sports Group will provide best practice, security and stability, affordability, a world-class team on and off the
field, which will make the Hunter the envy of the rugby league
world.
“We are investing in the Knights for the community, our children and above all because it’s time that Newcastle won another
premiership.”
“Anything is possible for the Newcastle Knights if we dare to dream,” the statement said.
“The Newcastle Knights is a genuine community asset that belongs to all of us; that is everyone who has ever been to a game, cheered
for the team or will in the future.
“And this will never change.
“Members will control club colours, the name, the location and the home ground.
“We will be the club everyone wants to play for and no-one wants to play against. We will be the team everyone in the region wants
to support.”
The Tinkler bid needs 75 per cent support from members when it’s put to a vote in March.
