http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/central-queenslands-nrl-bid-prepared-to-merge-with-cronulla-sharks/story-fni3fbgz-1226784359886
Central Queensland's NRL bid prepared to merge with Cronulla Sharks
CHRIS GARRY EXCLUSIVE THE COURIER-MAIL DECEMBER 17, 2013
THE Central Queensland NRL bid team have fast-tracked stadium construction and drawn up a "2014 contingency document" in the event the Cronulla Sharks are crippled by the ASADA investigation.
With the Sharks expected to incur a seven figure fine in coming days, chief executive of the proposed Rockhampton-based club Denis Keeffe told The Courier-Mail a merged entity could be fully operational as early as February.
"If that did eventuate, and I won't make any comment about the likelihood of that happening (to the Sharks), we would be ready to go immediately," Keeffe said.
"We would prefer to have a licence to build our own club. If the NRL says there is a licence for a current club available then we would be interested too.
"We have plans that can be brought forward pretty quickly.''
Despite numerous denials, the code's senior officials did privately discuss the potential of the Sharks moving 1450km to Central Queensland earlier this year.
NRL chief executive Dave Smith is currently reviewing the independent report into the drug protocols of all 16 NRL clubs, including a more detailed analysis of the Sharks.
Large fines for Cronulla and suspensions of its staff are expected at a minimum.
A merger with a Central Queensland-based NRL side could be the best way for the Sharks to have an NRL presence in the short-term.
Under NRL rules, the game's governing body has the power to rescind any club's licence if they deem it financially insolvent.
To ensure they are ready if required, Rockhampton officials have drawn up plans in case they receive a call from Smith next month.
They have begun the "licencing and approval stage" for their stadium and pencilled in locations for their home games in 2014/15.
"We would prefer to play in a brand new world class stadium but we have plans in place just in case," Keeffe said.
"We have a plan that if the NRL says "go" we could play for a year and a half without a stadium.
"We have done a lot of work on the concept and the sizing of the stadium.
"Now it is about the licencing and approval stage which is about site selection and that is due to finish in June next year and from there it is 18 months of building.
