SEN’s Andrew Voss has pleaded his case that the next NRL team should be located in New Zealand in order to capitalise on a promising year for the sport.
Voss’ comments stem from reports earlier in the year suggesting that the NRL was strongly considering adding an 18th team to the competition after the success of the Dolphins.
The early reports indicate that the Australian government would financially back a team in Papua New Guinea alongside potential candidates from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.
The success of the Warriors this year, alongside a start-studded Dolphins’ forward pack made up of Kiwi players has sold Voss on the prospect of a second New Zealand team in the near future.
“My opinion (has been) reinforced this year by the Dolphins coming in and giving Southeast Queensland that extra derby,” Voss told SENZ Mornings.
“I still think the New Zealand derby as a part of the big picture would be fantastic, to have two New Zealand sides going head-to-head going forward.
“Just to reinforce that point, the other night, I don’t think I’ve ever called a game where all players… from five-eighth to (lock) were all New Zealand born and that’s an Australian-based club.”
Voss continued his belief by stating the talent pool for New Zealand-born players is ever-growing and a second team would only further that.
“There’s obviously enough talent to pick from to boost the playing pool of NRL competitors, which you would need to go to the extra yard,” Voss added.
“I think it would inspire others that are contemplating between rugby league and rugby union, if there’s a second rugby league club it could be the catalyst for saying, ‘No, no I’m going to preserver with rugby league’.
“Bring it on, a second team in New Zealand, for mine is a must and I would rather it be sooner than later, I think now is the time to strike.
“Rugby union is certainly not flying in (Australia), I’d be sticking the second rugby league in New Zealand right now.”
The NRL and ARLC have remained quiet on expansion talks in the last couple of months but are likely to continue listening to proposals for the 18th NRL license at the end of the season.