Raiders and Titans woes set to scupper expansion

[GB7600]

Another dismal season in Canberra is raising questions about more than just Ricky Stuart 's recent coaching record, with expansion of the NRL now seeming unlikely unless existing clubs fold or re-locate.

Like Gold Coast Titans, the Raiders are under threat from AFL and some within the game are beginning to wonder about the long term viability of both clubs in their current locations.

The NRL is due to consider expansion at the end of the season and the Brisbane Bombers, Central Coast Bears, West Coast Pirates, Papua New Guinea Hunters and consortiums in Ipswich, Rockhampton and Wellington have already established bid teams.

But after the NRL was recently forced to take over the ownership of Newcastle, as well as providing financial assistance for Wests Tigers, St George Illawarra and Cronulla, club bosses are unlikely to support any increase in the number of teams.

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/canberra-raiders-and-gold-coast-titans-woes-set-to-scupper-expansion-plans-20140804-100611.html#ixzz39QEt5gka

More: http://www.zerotackle.com/nrl/raiders-and-titans-woes-set-to-scupper-expansion-14366/