NRL 2024: Warriors popularity could fast-track New Zealand’s bid for second NRL team, three expansion bids emerge from Christchurch

The surge in popularity of the Warriors could see a second New Zealand team fast-tracked into the NRL as early as 2026, with Peter V’landys revealing three bid teams have emerged from Christchurch.

The stunning post-Covid resurgence of the Warriors could see a second New Zealand team from Christchurch fast-tracked into the NRL.

ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys says the governing body is seriously exploring further growth across the ditch with a second New Zealand team and the Perth Bears set to fight it out for the NRL’s 19th licence.

Ex-NRL boss David Moffett is leading one of three hopeful New Zealand bids based out of Christchurch.

The South Island Kea are not only confident that they can become part of an expanded competition, but believe they could expedite their entry as soon as 2026 should the NRL need more time for PNG to be introduced.

“We’ve been in contact with the NRL and we are just waiting for them to announce what the pathway looks like for the future,” Moffett said.

“We are able to add or change anything they might want once we get a look at the big document.

The rapid rise in popularity of the Warriors could prove pivotal in fast-tracking a second New Zealand team. Picture: NRL Photos

“If the NRL were to accept a team in 2026, we’d be ready because of the quality of the people we’ve got involved and some of the work we are doing already behind the scenes.

“We are fully aware that other NRL clubs see any additions as a threat to their funding and player drain.

“We are right in the middle of the area where a lot of the Sydney clubs get their talent.

“We’re focused on keeping as much of our talent here and especially in the Christchurch area so you don’t have to leave to head to Australia without the support of their families.”

The Kea faces opposition from a second South Island NRL bid involving former Warriors and Kiwi Test coach Frank Endacott, who has met with Christchurch council bosses.

An unknown third consortium of businessmen have also contacted the NRL expressing interest in a second New Zealand licence.

There is a view rugby union is under siege in New Zealand and rugby league could become the dominant code if the NRL launches a two-pronged attack on the iconic All Blacks.

The South Island Kea bid team recently released a video igniting a rivalry with the Warriors. Credit: Supplied.

The Warriors have been a revelation since returning home after Covid - they reached the top four last season - and V’landys is keen to capitalise on 25,000-sellout crowds at Auckland’s Go Media Stadium.

It seems only a matter of time before a second New Zealand team joins the NRL, and V’landys is adamant a 19th or 20th franchise on the South Island would not threaten the Warriors.

“New Zealand is a great market for us,” he said.

“Cameron George (Warriors CEO) and the ‘Wahs’ have done a wonderful job for us so we have to look at a second team.

“The Dolphins haven’t cannibalised any of the Queensland teams and it was important for our research that they wouldn’t do that.

“We don’t want a Warriors fan being lost to a second New Zealand team, there has to be a new market of fans.”

Peter V’landys doesn’t think a second New Zealand team would damage the Warriors’ popularity. Picture: David Clark

Former Kiwi Test forward Dean Lonergan, the man who delivered the NRL Nines to Auckland’s Eden Park in 2014, is adamant New Zealand is ready for a second team.

“The Warriors are the No.1 sports story right now in New Zealand,” he said.

“Peter V’landys is a genius who can see the benefits of a second New Zealand team.

“The NRL will soon amass so much money they will be able to poach any rugby player they want, including All Blacks.

“A Christchurch NRL team would be huge - it would replicate what we have seen in Queensland with the Dolphins and Broncos.

“A second New Zealand NRL team would be massive for the country ... the sport would go to another level.”