By PETER JESSUP
The Yes Group officially said no to a stake in the Auckland Warriors yesterday, wishing the New Zealand Rugby League well as it goes on to seek a partner elsewhere.
NZRL chairman Gerald Ryan declared himself confident a new investor would be settled into serious negotiations within the next couple of days, with an offer put to two-thirds owners Tainui within a fortnight.
Graham Lowe said last night that his and Malcolm Boyle's one-third shareholding was still available for sale to a realistic buyer but they would want that to go into hands that had a realistic plan to secure the future of the club.
The Yes Group said the actions of self-interested parties had led to its withdrawal from negotiations.
It would not elaborate on that, and denied the suggestion that they were stepping back with a vulture act in mind if the price was forced down as a result.
"Despite out best efforts we have been unable to bring the various parties together to work to a common agenda that will allow us to create a professional sporting organisation and develop a winning formula with a team that would live financially within its means a remain fiscally responsible," spokesman Paul McCormick said.
"The self-interest of certain parties has made it impossible to implement the structure necessary to achieve the objective.
The NZRL and the Yes Group have had several amicable meetings that have not reached any resolution and by mutual agreement have ceased negotiations. "We have met some wonderful people with absolute dedication who are committed to the game and the community, and hope to maintain these associations in future."
That did not mean they still had the door open, McCormick said.
"Things would have to change considerably before we would come back in."
The stumbling block was the NZRL's requirement for a major stake and a major say in management.
"We've always said we wanted control." The group's motivation was always to be involved in the game.
They were all aware that football clubs do not as a rule make money, and price was not where the deal fell down, he added.
Ryan said the NZRL board was prepared to step in as sole buyer if it had to but did not want to do that.
It had other parties interested in a joint shareholding, but could not reveal who they were because past leaks had spoiled previous talks.
"They're serious, they've got the money, that's all I can say," he said.
"They're doing the due diligence now. If we have to go it alone we will for the good of the fans, the players and the game."
The board had passed a motion allowing that option. The NZRL remain cashed up after its settlement with News Ltd following Super League and some lucrative tests against Australia, but did not want any deal to deplete its resources.
Lowe described the breakdown between the NZRL and the Yes Group as a shame.
"I saw them as the saviour, I believed they were the chance for the club. They had the expertise in business and the enthusiasm to carry it off. I'll be interested to see what Gerald comes up with."
Rugby League: Yes Group says no thank you to stake in Warriors
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