It's understood a number of backers met at a restaurant in Sydney's west and as a result are keen to potentially join James Gage's bid for the north Queensland franchise.

Following last week's decision by nursing home mogul Melissa Fischer-Massa to split from the Gage-run bid and go it alone at the eleventh hour, North Queensland Thunder's momentum ground to a halt.

But it's understood the FFA prefers a group of business people behind the bid - not one person such as the Con Constantine model in Newcastle.

This could favour the group bid of Gage and his new investors.

“These [investor] people can possibly guarantee the difference from Melissa Fisher and hopefully by today or tomorrow morning we can see what we can put on the table,” Gage told au.fourfourtwo.com on Sunday.

North Queensland put a letter in on Friday to the FFA regarding their bid and are hopeful they can be given a few more days to finalise their new arrangements. “But it's a decision FFA have to make and we can't do anything about it,” said Gage.

“These people we are talking to are sounding very positive. We are looking at three to four people to help get us over the line and then we have two or three other investors who, with a little bit more time they believe they'll be able to come on board as well.”

It's understood Gold Coast Galaxy has presented FFA with sufficient funds in the bank but may not get the green light to start season 2008/9.

However the FFA are keen for a ten team competition and so may give North Queensland a few extra days in order to help get them across the line and bring in both clubs this season after all.