STRUGGLING businessman Nathan Tinkler wants to sell the Newcastle Jets soccer team to save his ownership of the Knights.

The financial whirlwind that has shaken the former mining billionaire could lead to foreign ownership of the soccer club and only a 50 per cent share of the NRL club for Tinkler.

The Jets licence is said to be worth about $5 million. That cash would be poured back into the Newcastle Knights and almost ensure Tinkler can retain a 50-50 shareholding.

News_Image_File: Nathan Tinkler wants to sell the Newcastle Jets soccer team to save his ownership of the Knights

The Jets valuation comes after the Melbourne Heart were sold to the Abu Dhabi royal family, the owners of Manchester City, for $11 million.

The Western Sydney Wanderers are about to be sold for $10 million to a local consortium that includes Asian interests.

I’m told Tinkler’s agents have been in Asia for some time actively trying to find a buyer for the club.

News_Rich_Media: Daily Telegraph NRL writer Barry Toohey discusses news that Nathan Tinkler has relinquished sole ownership of the Newcastle Knights.

He’s also being advised by John Singleton in Australia.

The A-League’s connections to Asia via the Asian Champions League and 2015 Asian Cup are sparking interest. The Hunter’s coal export links to Asia are another key element.

But if Tinkler does end up relinquishing control there will be a strong push to convert the Jets into a member-owned club.

FFA boss David Gallop is watching closely. At this stage players and staff are being paid on time, unlike the Knights players. There are mixed views about Tinkler’s ownership future with the Knights.

News_Image_File: Nathan Tinkler wants to sell the Newcastle Jets to save his ownership of the Knights

The club knows there is a better chance of keeping super coach Wayne Bennett if Tinkler remains.

He becomes a free agent and can head back to Brisbane if Tinkler is forced out.

50 YEARS OF CHEERLEADING

This is the 50th year of cheergirls in rugby league. The girls were first introduced back in 1964 by the Western Suburbs club.

As you can see from these great old photos, outfits have changed quite dramatically over the years.

News_Image_File: Cheerleaders celebrate 50 years of performing at rugby league matches.

Some rugby league clubs have changed their attitudes to the girls on the sidelines but for many people they remain the highlight of the entertainment.

We thought it was fitting to honour them in the game’s heritage round.

GALLERY: 50 YEARS OF CHEERLEADING

ACT OF A GENEROUS YOUNG MAN

SIX weeks ago on a Saturday afternoon this column was stuck without a sport star’s kitbag we run at the bottom of this page every Sunday.

News_Rich_Media: The Whitney Berry wife of deceased jockey Nathan Berry tries to stay strong in light of the 23 year olds shock death just 48 hours before the Golden Slipper.

I ring racing editor Ray Thomas and, at a minute’s notice, jockey Nathan Berry comes to the rescue before the first race at Randwick, proudly posing with his riding gear.

He was that sort of person who, according to those who knew him, would do anything for anyone.

News_Image_File: Tommy Berry wears his late brother Nathan's pants during race 1 at Golden Slipper Day.

To lose such a wonderful young man at such a tender age is a terrible, terrible tragedy.

EAGLES MAKE INSURANCE BUY

MANLY has all but secured young fullback Peter Hiku on a new contract.

This can be seen as insurance in case Brett Stewart walks out with his brother Glenn at the end of the season.

News_Rich_Media: As the Glenn Stewart contract saga continues to drag on, Manly teammate, Matt Ballin, has joined the chorus of voices calling on the NRL to help clubs retain long-serving players.

The brothers are extremely close to Bulldogs coach Des Hasler.

Dessie is desperately looking for a great fullback and experience in the forwards.

A Stewart brothers package deal is not out of the question.

LICHAA DOGGED ABOUT HIS MOVE

WITH the Andrew Fifita deal off at the Canterbury Bulldogs, we’re now hearing boom Sharks hooker Michael Lichaa is having second thoughts about his three-year contract at Belmore.

Part of the appeal of signing at Canterbury was to play alongside the State of Origin and Kangaroos prop.

News_Image_File: Michael Lichaa is having second thoughts about his three-year contract at Belmore.

Lichaa is not happy about playing NSW Cup at the Sharks. He has until June to change his mind and stay at the Sharks if Peter Sharp gives him another crack in first grade.

PRAYERS FOR A RACING BATTLER

RACING can be a tough game. It’s not all about backing a winner or the glitz and glamour of yesterday’s Golden Slipper.

Spare a thought for battling South Coast trainer Erwin Takacs, who has been in a coma in Wollongong hospital for nine weeks.

Erwin was seriously injured when one of the four horses he trains played up as it was about to be exercised.

He was either kicked in the head or dragged by the horse. There were no witnesses, so no-one is sure.

It happened on January 26 and he’s been in a coma ever since as his family prays for a miracle recovery.

A FOCUSED MUNDINE

IT’S hard to believe this is the same Anthony Mundine we’ve grown to love or hate in the build up to his career-defining fight in Newcastle on Wednesday night.

News_Image_File: Boxer Anthony Mundine ahead of his fight against Joshua Clottey on April 9.

His usual colourful entourage has been reduced to three or four essential team members and the traditional pre-fight Mundine theatrics replaced by a steely focus to the task at hand.

Josh Clottey is the real deal having previously fought the likes of Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto.

SAINT

Wayne Bennett no longer needs a premiership to be judged on his contribution to the Newcastle Knights.

As time goes by he will be remembered more than anything else for his magnificent leadership during the Alex McKinnon tragedy.

News_Rich_Media: Wayne Bennett has urged Newcastle to continue to support Alex McKinnon after the Knights recorded an emotional 30-0 win over the Sharks at Hunter Stadium.

It’s done more for Newcastle than any premiership ever will.

SINNER

Inconsistent penalties for lifting tackles.

Last year the NRL issued a “one punch and you’re off” edict. No-one has thrown one since.

How about we now introduce a “one lift and you’re off” edict. It’s the only way to get rid them.

SPOTTED I

Blues Origin coach Laurie Daley in deep conversation with Sonny Bill Williams in the cafe at Allianz Stadium.

News_Image_File: Sonny Bill Williams of the Roosters is tackled during a game against the Roosters and Bulldogs

SPOTTED II

Cricket star David Warner, back in Coogee for a lightning visit, having coffee with mates at Tropicana Cafe before jetting off to his next assignment in Dubai next week.

SHOOSH III

The Wests Tigers are chasing unwanted Bulldog Krisnan Inu for a mid-season switch.

Des Hasler is so keen to get rid of him that he’ll probably provide a Cabcharge docket from Belmore to Leichhardt.

PARKING MAD

Here is further proof that parking-fine officers are the world’s biggest narks.

Sydney FC defender Sasa Ognenovski was posing for Sunday Telegraph photographs with his 1971 Chevrolet in Centennial Park last week when a ranger threatened to book him unless he moved.

News_Image_File: Sydney FC defender Sasa Ognenovski reveals his true love restoring classic cars — pictured with the 1974 Chevrolet he drives to training. Pictured in Centennial Park.

KIWIS’ BITTER PILL

Don’t be surprised if the Kiwis get flogged by the Kangaroos in the Test match next month.

We’re hearing Kieran Foran and Sonny Bill Williams are still furious at being named in World Cup Stilnox controversy and at one stage even considered boycotting the game.

EELS’ EASTER PRESENT

The Parramatta Eels are doing everything possible to make it more affordable to attend Easter Monday’s ANZ Stadium game against the Wests Tigers.

News_Rich_Media: Brisbane coach Anthony Griffin admits that Parramatta were the better side after the Broncos went down to the Eels at Suncorp Stadium.

Family tickets are available for just $20 tomorrow night, only between 5pm and 9pm, through Ticketek. The match will be used as a fundraiser and awareness builder for struggling NSW farmers.

Originally published as Buzz: Tinkler shops Jets for Knights