Raiders China-bound for 2013CANBERRA is deep in discussions in a bid to play a 2013 pre-season trial match in China.
Having struck a two year major sponsorship deal with one of the world’s leading IT and telecoms providers, Huawei, the Raiders are keen to exploit the limitless membership and marketing opportunities that would be presented by showcasing rugby league in the country.
“It was discussed with the chairman of Huawei the day we announced (the deal), we went to lunch afterwards and had a chat and they would be very keen on looking at a game (in China),” Raiders chief Don Furner told ABC Canberra.
“Funnily enough we’ve received a proposal from an English Super League club to play an exhibition match over there.”
Huawei Australia chairman John Lord said the sponsorship would help Huawei build its local brand as it partnered with such a well-supported rugby league team.
“This is Huawei’s first major sports-team sponsorship anywhere in the world, and we’re delighted it’s with the Raiders,” Lord said after the sponsorship announcement in March.
“As Huawei ventures into new business areas like mobile handsets and Enterprise IT, this partnership with the Raiders will help build our brand.
"With Huawei’s 140,000 staff, it’s safe to say that the Raiders have just gained 140,000 new fans around the world.”
With Huawei keen to bring a game of rugby league to China, Furner believes a trial game would be a giant coup for all parties.
“It’s something that we will investigate for February next year and whether it be an NRL club we play there or a Super League club, we’ll look at it.
“Obviously the numbers would have to stack up so Huawei would have to support it which they would and perhaps from the Chinese government but it would be a fantastic way for us to support Huawei and get our brand other there.”
Meanwhile pressure is mounting on off-contract hooker Travis Waddell to claim a new deal with the Raiders for 2013.
“Anyone who is off contract is under pressure and certainly Travis is in that position as are a few other players,” Furner said.
“It’s just a matter of seeing how they go.
"Matt McIlwrick’s progress is good, he score three tries on the weekend I think and we’ve got Masada Iosefa on contract through the Mounties as well.
“We need a bit more time there and see how that pans out.”
Source: Raiders China-bound for 2013
Topic: Raiders Could Play a Super League Club in China Next Year
