Nathan Tinkler's HSG sports group has settled a $583,000 stadium rental bill with the NSW government. Picture: Liam Driver Source: Herald Sun
THE uncertainty surrounding Nathan Tinkler's Newcastle sporting empire eased yesterday after the coal magnate settled his $583,000 stadium rental bill with the NSW government.
The development came on the same day the Knights struck a two-year deal with Roosters discard BJ Leilua and also extended an offer to bring local junior Anthony Quinn back to the fold.
For the past six months, Venues NSW had unsuccessfully tried to get Tinkler's Hunter Sports Group (HSG) to cough up unpaid rent for Hunter Stadium, which accommodates the Knights and Newcastle Jets.
But The Daily Telegraph yesterday learnt the money had been cleared into a government account, giving HSG some breathing space after Knights members had sought an urgent meeting about the club's finances last month.Over the past year, Tinkler's racehorse business has been decimated and his private jet repossessed.
In mid-December, the Australian Tax Office also moved to wind up HSG, the Knights and Jets owing over a combined $2.7 million unpaid tax bill.
HSG officials vowed to re-pay the debt well before the Federal Court hearing on February 20.
Venues NSW chair John Quayle last night confirmed the deal.
"We are now getting on with the business of finalising a new tenancy agreement to secure the long-term future of both the Knights and the Jets at one of the best sporting facilities in NSW," Quayle said.
Leilua's deal was finalised yesterday but cannot be officially registered until the NRL confirm this season's salary cap - expected to be $5.85 million.
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