Andrew Johns has called on the NRL to consider establishing a second team in New Zealand, following the announcement that the North Sydney Bears are set to return as the league’s 18th team.
After extensive discussions, reports suggest that the ARL Commission has sanctioned a team in Perth, eyeing the 2027 season as the potential launch year.
This new club will have connections to the North Sydney Bears and marks a significant expansion for the league into Western Australia, resuming its presence there since the Super League conflict.
A young supporter of the North Sydney Bears. SMH
Additionally, a team from Papua New Guinea is set to join the competition in 2028.
“This is promising news,” Johns commented on Wide World of Sports’ Immortal Behaviour.
“There’s significant investment over there [in Perth], along with a substantial ex-pat and Polynesian community.
“The next challenge will be to cultivate enough NRL-ready players to support both teams.”
Brad Arthur is currently the frontrunner to take the reins as coach of the Bears should everything go according to plan, with matches likely being held at HBF Park.
Although Johns supports the initiative to launch a team in Perth, he believes that another team across the Tasman would be his preference.
Warriors supporters celebrating at a game in Christchurch. Getty
“For me, the South Island option is a no-brainer,” he asserted.
“Christchurch has a large stadium … they have the Crusaders and excellent training facilities. I’m not sure if the NRL would share the venue with the Crusaders.
“There’s a strong interest in rugby union at the schoolboy level, but there’s also a growing presence of rugby league. On the North Island, rivalry thrives, and sport is about rivalries.
“This opportunity is, in my opinion, a clear choice.”
Catch the 2025 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.
However, one potential hurdle for establishing a 20th team from New Zealand lies in the number of competing bids being processed.
Johns proposes a straightforward solution for the advancement of the game.
“I believe there are two groups vying for the licence there,” he mentioned.
“For the benefit of the sport, it would be wise to unite and resolve it.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
Fanpage: SportArena.com.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
