Eric Watson: I'm in no rush to sell the Warriors

Warriors owner Eric Watson. Photo / Photosport

Warriors owner Eric Watson has assured fans he is in no rush to sell the NRL club as he considers several bids to buy the Penrose-based franchise.

Watson issued a statement tonight addressing the ongoing speculation regarding the potential sale of the club and reiterating the fact he is in no rush to offload the Warriors.

The Herald revealed last Sunday that Watson is in discussions to sell the Warriors to Auckland businessman Paul Davys, but a deal is far from done while Watson is also considering at least two other offers from interested buyers.

"I appreciate there has been a good deal of media coverage over the past week regarding the ownership of the Warriors, and it is true that several parties have expressed the desire to be involved in our future," Watson's statement reads.

"These interests are being considered privately but as I've said before there is no rush and any decision will be made with the best interests of the club in mind.

"In the meantime we are focused on our remaining games of this season and implementing our plans for the 2018 season."

Watson and Davys have signed a non-disclosure agreement and both parties are going through their due diligence but it's unlikely a sale will happen any time soon.

The Herald understands Davys is offering around $15 million to purchase the Penrose-based franchise, while Watson wants at least $20 million.

Davys has tonight become embroiled in in a legal battle over the ChoiceKids childcare business he co-owns together with former Kiwis international and player agent Peter Brown.

The Ministry of Education has shut down the ChoiceKids Ormiston in South Auckland, and is prosecuting it after it was found to be operating without a licence.

The sudden closure has come after repeated warnings from the Ministry regarding the centre's certification.

The Herald has made repeated attempts to contact Davys and Brown for comment but calls have gone unanswered this evening.

Warriors managing director Jim Doyle declined to comment, saying it had nothing to do with the Warriors.