A SPECIAL meeting between the new board of Taree Leagues and Sports Club and the club's solicitor is expected to finalise a leasing agreement that would allow Taree City Bulls RLFC to take control of the Jack Neal Oval at Chatham.
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The Bulls had hoped all would be in place by late August. However, leagues club secretary manager David Brann said the solicitor will explain the details of the lease to the club's board at the meeting, which is expected to held soon.
The board was elected at the club's annual meeting last month.
"I don't think so,'' Mr Brann replied when asked if he thought there would be any unexpected hitches.
The Bulls are seeking a lease for 20 years with a further 20 year option, club president Mal Dixon told the Times in August.
Taree City's executive started negotiating with the club earlier this year regarding the lease. When all is finalised the club will be able to apply for grants to carry out much needed improvements at the Neal Oval.
Mr Dixon explained that April is the deadline for the next round of State government grants. He said previously the club will seek $1.5 million for a new grandstand, lighting, canteen, dressing sheds and fencing.
However, he added the club can also seek separate funding through the NRL when the lease is signed.
"It might only be $5000 for new seating of $10,000 for an electronic scoreboard - but it all helps,'' Mr Dixon said.
He emphasised that an improved complex will be an asset for the community and will be used by other groups and sports apart from rugby league and the Bulls.
The Leagues Club took control of the ground (then named the Group Three Leagues Ground) from Group Three Rugby League during the 1970s.
It was then the headquarters of Group Three, with all major matches including grand finals played there.
The club maintains the ground. However, there have been no major improvements at the complex for players or spectators since 1992.
