The architect of Western Australia Rugby League's bid for an NRL side admits he's frustrated by Tony Sage's rival consortium but is optimistic it won't hurt the chances of the competition returning to Perth.
WARL Chief Executive Officer John Sackson has spent more than two years putting together a bid for an NRL franchise for the competition's expected expansion in 2015, but his organisation is facing increasing opposition from Sage.
The WA businessman, who owns A-League side Perth Glory and is believed to be worth more than $800 million, met NRL CEO David Gallop on Tuesday with the eye to putting together his own bid for a team.
Sage has joined a consortium with former Test hooker Ben Elias and the pair have already identified Ricky Stuart as a coach they could target. The Sage bid is also modelled on Nathan Tinkler's ownership of the Newcastle Knights and A-League club Newcastle Jets.
Although Sackson remained adamant the WARL bid gave the best opportunity for top level rugby league to return to Perth for the first time since the Western Reds folded in 1997, he said he was open to the prospect of working with Sage.
"The fact that other people have emerged with a franchise here is a reflection on the fact that we are considered a favourite to get a franchise, so it's not surprising ... but it has come from left field," Sackson said of Sage's proposed bid.
"It is frustrating ... because I guess it just dilutes Perth's position."
"In reality it's a rival bid that's emerged. The challenge for us ... is to build a bid that's sustainable for the long term and hopefully be irresistible to the commission when it comes time to selecting expansion franchises."
"We've had no formal contact with any other competitor. If any other entity would like to sit down and discuss the situation with the WARL and perhaps get on board for one unified approach for getting an NRL franchise back here then we would welcome that opportunity."
But Sage said in a radio interview on Tuesday his ability to link a potential side with the Glory gave his proposal real strength.
"[Elias] has already got a lot of the financial backing, he just needed someone in the west to head it," Sage told the ABC.
"The synergies with Perth Glory are amazing. I've already got the administration with the Glory so I can supply that, they've got the capacity to do both. It complements Perth Glory rather than anything else."
"I've got a lot of confidence that there will be a support base here for rugby league on a week-by-week basis."
Sage said he expected $20 million would be needed to start a Perth franchise, with $12 million needed for each subsequent season, and Sackson said the WARL bid had no problems with that.
"I believe we can [match his bankroll]. We have a business model which we believe is sustainable and we back ourselves to raise the necessary funds," Sackson said.
"I think they're smart enough to realise Perth is extremely well positioned to win a franchise here, and I think he [Sage] is trying to capitalise on that."
The WARL boss said it was far too early in the process to be talking about potential coaches or recruits.