Betham’s fan buy- out still alive

The proposal from a Monty Bethamled and fan- backed consortium looking to buy the Warriors NRL club has been approved with both parties entering the due diligence stage.

The former Warriors captain heads a team of mystery investors prepared to lead a bid to purchase the Auckland- based club New Zealand businessman Eric Watson has owned in part since 2000.

Betham issued an update on social media today, confirming that Watson had approved the group's proposal, with due diligence expected to be completed by the end of the month.

Betham addressed Warriors fans through a Facebook post updating them on negotiations, saying:

“This opportunity may never present itself again. We are excited and in turn giving it the due care and commitment to get this right for you so WE can own # OurWarriors.

“Stay tuned team. Our dream is now one more step closer to reality.”

Last Saturday, Betham and his team met with Warriors chief executive Cameron George, executive chairman Jim Doyle and Don Stanway, who is Watson's legal counsel in New Zealand.

Betham's bid comes after Auckland businessman Paul Davys’ unsuccessful attempt to buy the club when Watson turned down an offer of $ 15 million.

Meanwhile, rookie Warriors forward Isaiah Papali’i has experienced the highs and lows in his debut NRL season but hopes the hard times have prepared him for bigger and better things next year.

The 18- year- old back- rower didn’t to play first grade this season but now finds himself preparing to make his fifth appearance off the bench in tomorrow’s final round clash against Wests Tigers in Sydney.

The 13th- placed Warriors have missed the NRL finals for a sixth straight year and are looking to avoid a club record nine straight losses in a season, but Papali’i has been pleased with his personal progression.

The former Mt Albert Grammar rugby star has his sights set on regular game time next year but hopes to achieve success in the coming weeks with the club’s reserve grade side in the Intrust Super Premiership finals.

“This season has exceeded my own expectations,” said Papali’i. “I’m pretty stoked that he’s ( coach Stephen Kearney) given me the opportunity this season. I feel I’ve put my best foot forward in all of the games I’ve been able to play.

“I feel like I can definitely make a big step forward going into next year — after winning the finals with ISP.”