Rabbitohs hold out for a $2.5 million sponsor

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Any takers ... the high-profile Rabbitohs are the only team without a sponsor for season 2008 - but they won't lower their $2.5 million asking price. Image digitally altered

By Dean Ritchie
February 12, 2008 12:00am

SOUTH Sydney are refusing to slash their hefty $2.5 million sponsorship asking price despite being the only NRL club without a major sponsor for 2008.

With just 31 days remaining until season kick-off, the Rabbitohs - despite all their glamour and glitz of the past 18 months - do not have a major sponsor for their home or away strips.

The club is prepared to split the sponsorships but is demanding $2.5 million for the home and away package.

Souths' asking price is virtually double that of all other NRL clubs.

Last season's home sponsor, Firepower, has parted ways with the club while Trivest, the 2007 away sponsor, has discussed a return in 2008 but may not be a major sponsor.

The NRL is monitoring the situation but Souths remain sure they can announce a deal before the season-opener against the Sydney Roosters .

Rabbitohs co-owner Peter Holmes a Court said his club will not be rushed.

"We won't be lowering our price to do a quick deal," he told The Daily Telegraph last night.

"The key for all teams is to not lower your price - no one sells their house below the price it's worth. We are not after anything but a national brand.

"It is very competitive out there and $2.5 million is double what other teams get. We are asking a lot from companies. We knew it wouldn't be simple.

"But we hope to announce something before the start of the season, absolutely. We can then come out with a bang.

"We are in final negotiations with three parties."

Holmes a Court said rugby league clubs must strive for the same sponsorship dollars AFL clubs attract.

"Our figure ($2.5 million) is still less than what AFL teams receive," he said. "Rugby league has to take itself seriously and demand the same value as AFL clubs. We're not little biscuits compared to AFL. Rugby league shouldn't have an inferior complex."

NRL chief executive David Gallop is confident Souths will get a sponsor.

"We are not concerned yet," Gallop said. "There's been a lot of great initiatives at Souths and I'm sure some sponsors will get on board soon.

"We obviously keep a careful eye on the club sponsorship landscape."

Souths Cares - the club's charity - will be on the club's jumper for next month's Charity Shield against St George Illawarra.

The Rabbitohs are planning on playing matches in Perth - a move Holmes a Court hopes will broaden the club's sponsorship appeal.

Holmes a Court is now focused on sponsorship after the club signed off on their new ANZ Stadium deal and completed their promotional Florida trip.

"We have seen a 100 per cent growth in sponsorship below the jersey level," he said. "We are doing things right."

Holmes a Court recalled that Brisbane did not have a major sponsor for the first eight weeks of a premiership during the late 1990s.

http://www.news.com.au/dailyteleg.../0,22049,23196529-5006066,00.html

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