Any rival sporting code that shows a hint of being popular or gathering momentum is seen as a threat by the AFL.
That explains the disappointment, but regret implies that there was an action the AFL could have taken to prevent the qualification. I thought there might have been some story I'd missed.
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Look, he's definitely a bear; I reckon the Perth Bears will love him!
He's already lasted longer than his political career. First test passed.
Smel Mefinga. John Hopoate likes this.
Each to their own though?
Depends if the NRL are prepared to pour endless money into a franchise in a non-NRL state like GC and GWS, where no one really cares all that much.
There's a huge NZ, SA and UK population here that will rock up (wasn't here when Reds were here though, so may be the same again). They need to play opposite week to Force, and most rugby bods will watch both codes. NRL are doing a lot in schools too, reckon it might have legs this time, as long as they're competing early.
Those countries are rugby union countries, far less interest in league, if any at all. They’d be much more likely to get behind Force than an NRL team. I was brought up on union and will watch a union match with only a very loose passing interest in league. I hope the Bears do well, but it’s going to need a huge effort (and money) by all involved.
Welsh boy myself, so very much on the Union train, too, but there's definitely interest in League. Also a fair few East coasters over here who are League crazy. May be a Force scenario where the Kiwis are all in and then swap shirts when their side comes to town, but I reckon the Bears will go ok.
Most rugby people I know are rugby people, not leaguies. Different tribes.
what no fairytale?
The drop bears would have been a much better name and the character on the jumper could been so scary!
It would take a serious injury to the likes of SGA, Williams et al for the Hoosiers to win
DRAGONS FFC 
