Florimo said the Bears provided the NRL with an update on the bid and that Mr Gallop offered plenty of encouragement to the bid team.

“David Gallop suggested the NRL was looking at expansion in mid-2011, and that the Central Coast Bears are “on the right path” and that the NRL is “very impressed with progress” of the bid,” said Mr Florimo.

“The NRL recognises the importance of membership, and Mr Gallop is impressed with the 2000 members who have joined the Central Coast Bears along with 25 foundation members and sponsors.

The Central Coast Bears aim is to have 100 foundation members and sponsors by April 2011.

Mr Gallop also complimented the Central Coast’s ability to secure major sponsors such as Mortgage House and Fortunity, plus the support of the local community, without the guarantee of an NRL licence.

Mr Florimo added that the NRL supremo is also impressed with the Bears’ work with the local rugby league through an ongoing series of coaching clinics and the “coach the coach’s” seminars designed and administered by David Fairleigh.

“I was particularly encouraged when David Gallop told us we were doing a great job at the completion of the meeting.”

The Central Coast Bears will maintain regular dialogue with the NRL on issues such as the organisation’s long term sustainability and membership initiatives.

Florimo said, “It’s gratifying to know we are on the right path and ticking the right boxes with the NRL.

“This latest meeting will give us further impetus in the market, and I would like to thank David Gallop for giving us the opportunity to meet with him today.”