Behind The Scenes At Rabbitohs And Sea Eagles

Warrington Wolves' management staff continue their tour of the NRL clubs Down Under, this time visiting South Sydney Rabbitohs and Manly Sea Eagles.

Wolves' Sales and Marketing Controller Dave Hutchinson updates us on their visit..............................

"On our visit to the South Sydney Rabbitohs we first viewed the Redfern Oval stadium, which is a great boutique ground with a capacity of 5,000, and should generate a fantastic atmosphere come game time at the weekend. The ground staff were preparing the pitch whilst being watched by a couple of local Ibis birds perched on the fence!

"We then entered the new offices starting with the merchandise store where a replica jersey retails at $169, hence they don't sell as much as we do in the UK market.

"It was then into their board room for a series of meetings with various department heads including CEO, CFO, chief commercial officer, corporate sales and marketing. The facilities from an administration point of view were certainly impressive and they have a tremendous focus on growing their already impressive membership base of over 20,000 to 22,000 for the 2012 season.

"We then travelled over to Manly Warringah Sea Eagles who are based at the Sydney Academy of Sport, very much a no frills working club with all its performance and administration on one site.

"Once again the staff were very warm and friendly, they even organised the torrential rain to make us feel at home!

"The offices were functional and decorated with images from the past and the gym was very workman like and often shared with athletes from other sports in the area. Rehab includes hot and cold pools, contrasting temperature showers and a five-lane 25 metre swimming pool. Outside their pitches were being relaid and they also have an outdoor running track for additional regimes.

"Most impressively this is a club who have not needed to make any major signings in the last four years, such is the strength of their youth coming through, and during the same time have managed to win two Grand Finals!"

Dave Hutchinson

Sales and Marketing Controller