The bid for a new rugby league team in New Zealand is shaping up to be highly competitive, particularly with multiple parties interested in establishing teams across different locations in the country.
In the South Island alone, there are three separate bid teams actively working on proposals. Former NRL CEO David Moffett is leading one bid, aiming to launch the South Island Kea as early as 2026. Another bid is spearheaded by ex-Warriors coach Frank Endacott, indicating strong interest and diverse leadership in expanding the sport’s footprint in New Zealand.
Warriors coach Ivan Cleary acknowledges the growing popularity of rugby league in New Zealand, noting the Warriors’ significant success with 14 consecutive sell-out games. Despite this, Cleary advocates caution regarding rapid expansion, emphasizing the need to consolidate and build on the Warriors’ current momentum before introducing new teams.
“I would prefer we keep progressing with the Warriors,” Cleary stated. “They are doing really well in that space over in New Zealand. They’re bridging the gap with rugby.”
Cleary’s sentiment echoes recent comments from Warriors coach Andrew Webster, who emphasized the importance of solidifying the existing team’s success before considering expansion.
In Australia, the bid for a potential 18th team in Perth is also gaining traction. Perth officials have met with representatives from North Sydney and Newtown, exploring potential partnerships for their bid submission. A decision on whether Perth will collaborate with one of these clubs or proceed independently is expected soon, underscoring the complexity and competitiveness of the expansion process in the NRL.
Be the first to comment