Why Christchurch needs an NRL team

Rugby league in New Zealand is at an absolute high at the moment. The Warriors have regained their following, and youth registration numbers are growing every year.

Still the NRL were not willing to pull in either of the two South Island sides that put in bids to become the 18th team. Instead they opted for a Papua New Guinea-based side.

With the new world class facilities almost finished in Christchurch, where the proposed South Island Keas or Southern Orcas would have been based, the backing of the local councils, and most importantly support from the fans, it seemed likely they were going to win the bid. 

But Warriors coach Andrew Webster put the first nail in the coffin when he didn’t support the idea of a second New Zealand side.

However fans are still calling for it, and the city is craving it. The audience is there in the South Island, being that Christchurch sold out both the last Warriors and last Kiwis' game in the city.

Loren Aberhart from Christchurch NZ said they and the Christchurch City Council were very supportive of both bids, and an NRL side would be a great addition.

“We believe an NRL team based in Christchurch would be a great addition to the city’s sporting community.

"Our city is already a rugby league powerhouse, with Canterbury Rugby League currently supporting 15 clubs and close to 3000 players."

Last year's taste of league had major success, says Aberhart.

“The game in March pulled in 15,912 attendees, attributing to 7012 visitor nights and visitor spend of $1.4M.

"The high numbers of both local and domestic attendees show just how strong the demand in the South Island is for NRL games. 

"For residents attending, 96% agreed events like this make the city a more enjoyable place to live.”

Local league fans, including Alizjah Campbell, are all for the side, saying they would definitely get behind it. 

"I'd be pretty stoked to have a Christchurch league team."

There is rumour the NRL might take two teams and jump to a 20 team competition in their next expansion. The only certainty is that the NRL will continue to grow, but Christchurch and South Island fans just might have to be patient.