Paul Scott writes: What a superb Friend With Benefits partner Newcastle has been to desperados seeking an arrangement in recent times. Because Newy remains very susceptible to flattery.

FWB arrangements can come about anytime, but some pop-up during a relationship rebound when one of the parties has lost a preferred option. Such arrangements are initiated to orchestrate a good time, not a long time. Sometimes FWB arrangements will end in tears, particularly when one of the parties starts to develop unrequited emotional attachments like those found in the songs of Barbra Streisand.

And what a superb FWB partner Newcastle has been to desperados seeking an arrangement in recent times. Because Newy remains very susceptible to flattery.

Supercars was "sorta looking" for a new partner after its relationship with the Homebush Street Circuit went south in 2010, when a report from the NSW Auditor-General found the ALP state government failed to adequately estimate costs, and the much-trumpeted benefits of the event were not as valuable as puffery blurted.

Despite being unsuccessful and unprofitable, the lovers refused to split and remained entwined until the relationship finally exhausted in 2016.

Hot to trot and looking for a new affair, Supercars made some confident approaches to the lonely heart of the Central Coast, Gosford. And Gosford got trembly knees and sweaty palms, but the Central Coast Council looked into the details and saw that the proposal from Supercars didn't stack up.

The council indicated that insurmountable traffic management issues, the closure of a heavily used arterial road, and costs, were factors in the decision to scorn Supercars' push for a Central Coast circuit.

Supercars hit the dating apps and quickly found a willing partner in Newcastle City Council. Council appeared overly keen to bend over backwards to accommodate demanding desires set out in the 2016 services deed signed off by council's then interim chief executive officer and kept secret from councillors at Supercars' behest.

Services indeed. Newcastle has been well and truly serviced by Supercars. More demands follow each visit, and the relationship has evolved into one reliant on bondage and discipline.

And then the World Surf League (WSL) popped-up at Newcastle last March. That only occurred after the WSL's Snapper Rocks event was given the flick by long-term partner the Queensland Government, despite a 19-year history of mutual love and understanding.

Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe made it clear he was deeply disappointed at the break-up.

"The WSL made it clear holding the event at Snapper Rocks this year was conditional on the Queensland Government picking up the quarantine tab for the WSL's international competitors," he cried.

What about Lennox Head on the far north coast? Lenny was good-looking and possibly up for a bit. But Ballina Shire Council voted to reject an event on their patch and put forward a wide range of reasons, including concerns about COVID-19, restrictions on movement along Lennox Point, pressure on the area's amenity, and the super short notice provided by a lusty World Surf League.

What about Newcastle? Single, available and keen for some action in 2021 while long-term partner Surfest was absent during the pandemic.

"Although it's genuinely disappointing to miss locations like Bells Beach and Snapper Rocks this year, we are stoked to add Newcastle . . ." said the WSL's CEO.

In other words, "It seemed our first choices just weren't that into us. Well, not enough to stump up cash for quarantine, so we were looking for a can-do attitude, combined with the "I have a new partner" enthusiasm that would flood social media with happy snaps.

"I was always honest that this was a one-off hook-up. We haven't exchanged mobile numbers, but it's not like I've blocked Newy on social. There's no future for us, but I will always value our precious time together."

And then came the offer of a dead-rubber Origin at Turton Road.

"Pick me, pick me," yelled a tired and emotional Newy, jumping on the shoulders of contenders and pretenders to cleanly mark the COVID-Safe bouquet thrown over Peter V'landys' COVID-safe shoulder.

Can-do Newy. COVID-Safe essential workers from COVID-Safe anywhere would pull COVID-Safe beers for COVID-Safe spectators.

Then Newcastle was dumped for Goldie and the hottest lust had the coldest end.

At least Newy avoided the COVID-Safe walk of shame.

Unfortunately, when Newcastle swipes right excitably for a potential partner to fulfil dreams - such as the 2023 Women's World Cup and host city status - FIFA swipes left.

Newcastle. The always ready-to-go, can-do FWB when desperation strikes.

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