Gallop believes in Knights’ future

NRL boss David Gallop has thrown his support behind Newcastle after businessman Nathan Tinkler withdrew his $100 million takeover bid.

Tinkler removed his offer after negotiations between the pair stalled, leaving the Knights in apparent financial limbo.

But Gallop says this is not true and stressed the importance of the club to the area.

“The Knights are going into a new stadium, they are a big part of the community up there – so this isn’t something where we would be suggesting that this has put them in any financial trouble,” Mr Gallop said.

Gallop spoke on the subject at a NRL press conference ahead of the Newcastle club’s afternoon media announcement.

“Obviously anyone with deep pockets who wants to get involved in rugby league has got a certain attraction to us, but whether that is a deal that is going to tick all the boxes for the Knights is not for us to say.

“At this stage it’s very much been an issue between the Tinkler group and the Knights, obviously the detail was being worked through.”