The Herald understands Robertson was considering the offer because of his respect for Lowe. <\/p>\n
Lowe told the Herald he believed Robertson would have been a great coach despite league being a new sport for him, but understood his decision. <\/p>\n
\u201cI haven\u2019t had a chance to talk to Scott yet, but I got a text message from his manager last night. I\u2019ve just been running around doing other things at the moment, but as soon as I get a chance, I\u2019ll have a word to Scott, but you know, that\u2019s just how it goes,\u201d Lowe said. <\/p>\n
\u201cI understand whatever his decision is. It\u2019s a massive decision and, while I\u2019m disappointed for us, I still understand it. I mean, this is professional sport we\u2019re talking about and there\u2019s a lot of things to take into consideration. So I\u2019m sure Scott had plenty of advisers and friends and whatnot in his ear, so it\u2019s a big call for him to make and we totally respect it. <\/p>\n
Scott Robertson has turned down a four-year contract as head coach of the Southern Orcas. Photos \/ Photosport, Mike Thorpe<\/p>\n
\u201cDisappointed, but I wish him all the best in the future and I just think he would have been outstanding.\u201d<\/p>\n
Part of the desire to bring Robertson on board was the Orcas\u2019 hope of signing the best available options in every role. <\/p>\n
While Robertson has not coached in rugby league, his track record, including seven Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders, gave the group confidence he could successfully switch between codes. <\/p>\n
Lowe said, however, there was no shortage of coaches looking for a new opportunity. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s quite amazing how many coaches there are around who are keen to move on given an opportunity,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
\u201cGetting a coach, that\u2019s no problem. We\u2019ve certainly got a number under consideration already that we\u2019ve already had chats with.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Southern Orcas bid is being led by Sir Graham Lowe (left) and businessman Andrew Chalmers.<\/p>\n
The Orcas announced last month that the Carter Group<\/a> would provide 10ha of land near Rolleston for a proposed multi-sport facility that would become the team\u2019s long-term base. <\/p>\n That facility would also be available for use by other top organisations. <\/p>\n Documents released this week revealed the Christchurch City Council<\/a> has been working with the NRL for almost two years around what it would take to bring a team to the Garden City. <\/p>\n That work was separate from the private Orcas bid and included indicative hire pricing for One New Zealand Stadium to three parties involved in NRL bids, but those details were withheld. <\/p>\n Newstalk ZB\u2019s Jamie Cunningham reported that the documents<\/a> showed the NRL was reluctant to discuss individual bids for the 20th team during its June visit for the Warriors-Cowboys game.<\/p>\n Instead, the two sides agreed to use the visit to build their relationship and discuss what Christchurch could offer.<\/p>\nThe Warriors hosted the North Queensland Cowboys at One New Zealand Stadium in June. Photo \/ Photosport<\/p>\n