Fearless Wallabies captain George Gregan has never stepped back from a an onfield confrontation.

It is for this reason that Melbourne Super 14 bid team general manager Ron Steiner is disappointed the feisty halfback has endorsed Perth over his city for the fourth Australian rugby franchise.

Steiner believes Gregan is intimidated by the presence of AFL in Melbourne and afraid no team could capture a sufficient market share in the sports-mad city.

"I was not shocked, more disappointed," said Steiner.

"Coming from his particular view it did not appear he knew our full criteria and objectives for the team.

"The irony is he seems to be intimidated by AFL. Why? He is not intimidated on the rugby field.

"We are not intimidated by AFL. We are trying to do what he does on the field and that is seize the gap and grab the opportunity."

Gregan on Wednesday expressed concern over the Melbourne bid, fearing a rugby team in the AFL-dominated city would not pull the crowds, as is the case with rugby league side the Melbourne Storm.

"Melbourne has offered the Wallabies excellent support as well but Melbourne is primarily AFL and that will always be the case," said Gregan.

"Perth is where the Super 14 team should go. The city has been fantastic in terms of growth and support for the Wallabies and rugby.

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