15 December, 2015 10:45

CLANCY OVERELL | Editor | CONTACT

The man who made headlines earlier this year for the infamously lavish wedding that “put Auburn on the map” has been secretly trying to broker a deal that would render him as one of most powerful figures in Australian sports – and not everyone is happy about it.

The Advocate has been forwarded email correspondence that suggests Auburn Deputy Mayor, Salim Mehajer, and the board of the NRL’s Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs have been in talks about a controversial and secretive purchase of the club by one of Mehajer’s business organisations.

Although Mehajer couldn’t be reached regarding the recent emails, a litany of Facebook posts lend weight that this is more than just a flight of fancy from the self-styled “Prince of Punchbowl.”

“I am the Prince Of Punchbowl, The King of Canterbury, The Original Auburn Aristocrat. I own land, I own votes and I’m going to own the Doggies,”

There are unsubstantiated reports that Mehajer is looking to purchase the club so he can sell off some prime real-estate for his construction company, with some of the land surrounding the grounds receiving DA approval for sub-division from the very council that Mehajer sits on.

Not only that, but it appears the Australian entrepreneur may be looking to purchase the age-old rugby league club for his darling wife, Aysha, who is reported to be a lifelong fan of “the berries”.

“There is nothing more I would like to do than to prove my love for Aysha by giving her the entire Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. She’s deserves it. She’s my baby,”

Long-time Bulldogs supporter Mahmood wasn’t buying it when asked about the situation “Mate, this is the family club. We don’t want some botox-riddled loudmouth coming in here and buying the fucking thing. The Rabbitohs have already done that,”

“I mean, I know this Mehajer bloke has far more cash than probably the entire NRL… But I don’t even want to think about what he has planned for this place,”

However, former Bulldogs player, Willie Mason has come out in support of the Australian construction magnate.

“I say good on him,”

“This bloke can’t be as bad for the club’s reputation than the actual players are,”

“At least maybe with a bit of cash the club might be able to start sweeping things under the rug like the Waratahs and the Roosters,”