McAuliffe playing for keeps with Titans bid
PROSPECTIVE Titans owner Stuart McAuliffe has assured the NRL he is committed to the club’s long-term future, saying he will never sell if he formally clinches the Gold Coast licence.
The sale of the Titans is imminent after McAuliffe and the rival Kelly-Frizelle bid completed their final submissions after fronting NRL hierarchy at Rugby League headquarters in Sydney last night. McAuliffe’s $25 million bid to buy the Titans was rocked yesterday by revelations that the Brisbane-based fund manager has faced two lawsuits from the Australian Taxation Office.
One of his companies is also being scrutinised by the Australian Stock Exchange and Australian Securities and Investments Commission.
NRL bosses will take no risks with the Gold Coast licence, mindful of the financial debacle that forced the governing body to rescue the Titans two years ago after the former owners racked up a $25 million debt.
McAuliffe has no background in rugby league, but insists he would never walk away from the Titans.
He is prepared to sign a long-term contract of commitment with NRL hierarchy.
“If I get the licence, I would never sell the club,” he said.
“I’m not saying that lightly – I’m happy to sign a contract on that.”
Rebecca Frizelle, the former Titans chairwoman, last night outlined her and former club co-owner Darryl Kelly’s longterm strategy to ensure the Titans prosper on the Coast.
“Our motivation for investing in the Titans is genuine and is for all the right reasons,” Frizelle said.
“Ourselves and the Kelly family are here for the long term.”