Fears that Tasmania's AFL and NBL bids are in jeopardy from a change of Tasmanian political leadership are being played down by the backers pushing the state's case.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Concern over being left in a state of limbo was raised since the shock resignation on Tuesday of Will Hodgman following the influential role the Premier played dealing with the key organisations.
AFL Tasmania taskforce chairman Brett Godfrey has admitted to being somewhat left "a little in the dark" over which member of the state government is now in charge.
But the Queenslander is optimistic that the taskforce's findings will not be cast aside akin to a political football.
"What I can say is that all those who appear to be in the running to succeed Will have been fully engaged in and supportive of the process," Godfrey said.
"So I assume they will also remain so in the post-announcement."
The government took hold of recommendations for Tasmania's bid to join the AFL five days before Christmas.
The taskforce's plan was to deliver a briefing around the end of January or in early February after the findings are released to parliament.
ELSEWHERE IN SPORT
Godfrey intends to make contact with the government soon after the annoucement of the new Premier, expected to be between Peter Gutwein and Michael Ferguson.
Gutwein, a one-time East Launceston 1980s NTFA star, has been "very supportive and quite involved" in state discussions, according to the former Virgin Australia boss.
A government spokesperson told The Examiner the new Premier will take "the appropriate time to review and consider" before consulting with stakeholders to communicate the next steps.
The government has also baulked at the time taken with a proposal for Tasmania to become the 10th NBL side.
NBL executive chairman Larry Kestelman wanted to meet Hodgman this week.
"As Tasmanians would expect, careful due diligence needs to be undertaken to ensure value for taxpayer money, with community and economic benefits front and centre of all considerations," the spokesperson said.
The NBL has now declined to provide an update over whether or not talks over the detail of the new side will still take place any time soon.
Subscriptions are available here.
Sign up to our Sport email here.