No bidders for 2nd NRL team in NZ

‘‘If they were looking for a spot in New Zealand, and obviously I’m biased, ChristchurchCanterbury would be the place to have it.’’

Duane Fyfe Canterbury RL CEO

region of Auckland.

Canterbury chief executive Duane Fyfe said the Christchurch region would have appeal given the infrastructure in the area.

The Nga Puna Wai complex is already of state cup standard, while a new stadium that will seat up to 30,000 fans should be completed in 2024.

‘‘Obviously any rugby league advocate would be jumping out of their skin at the prospect of [expansion], but it won’t be viable unless there are people prepared to put money into it,’’ Fyfe said.

‘‘It would be feasible in time. You would need to do a platform of work for that to happen.

‘‘If they were looking for a spot in New Zealand, and obviously I’m biased, Christchurch-Canterbury would be the place to have it.’’

‘‘It’s very much a sporting city with a population just a bit bigger than Canberra, which hosts a super rugby and NRL team. Here we could do the same.’’

Wellington Rugby League CEO Andre Whittaker also welcomed the prospect of a new team in his region, but said it could not be rushed.

‘‘It certainly could work with the right support,’’ Whitaker said.

‘‘As a minimum, it would need five years to put this together. That’s how long it would take to happen.’’

There has been a mixed reaction in the league community to the competition being split into conferences.

Manly coach Des Hasler said the proposal ‘‘makes sense’’, while Melbourne’s Craig Bellamy said ‘‘it’s a fair way off if it does happen’’.

Roosters mentor Trent Robinson said the game missed an opportunity last season to trial the system following the Covid resumption.