Warriors legend sounds warning as Christchurch NRL bid gains steam

Penrith Panthers coach and Warriors legend Ivan Cleary has warned the NRL against rushing into a second NZ franchise, but a Christchurch bid to become the competition’s 20th team appears to be gathering serious competition. 

While 2024 saw an original pitch, it has regained traction after reports that the Christchurch City Council is looking to help lead a unified South Island bid. 

Not everyone's convinced it's the right move, though. 

Cleary, who played in the Warriors' first grand final appearance in 2002 and coached them to their second in 2011, said the NRL needs to be careful not to damage the progress the Warriors have worked years to build.

"I've got to be careful what I say here, with all my friends in New Zealand - I definitely think we need to make sure the Warriors continue to get the support they need," Cleary said.

His concern lies with a club on the rise, and not wanting that to be “split”. 

And it’s fair enough. 

The Warriors are enjoying one of the strongest periods in their history, with crowds turning up in force and league interest booming around the country.

At the same time, Christchurch is making a pretty strong case of its own. 

The new Te Kaha stadium is already creating a buzz, with a sold-out crowd packing the venue for the Warriors' win against the Cowboys over the weekend. 

This ticks a box in the NRL bid, with no investment required in the infrastructure. 

According to Sport Nation, the proposed bid would bring together several groups already pushing for a South Island team. 

Former Kiwis and Warriors coach Frank Endacott is involved, alongside former Christchurch East MP Poto Williams, Waikato Rugby Board President Coal Groves, Canterbury Rugby League director Darren Littlewood and former CEO Duane Fyfe.

Even Warriors CEO Cameron George isn’t shutting the door on the idea.

"There's no doubt that the NRL wants to expand," George said. "New Zealand is a great option, and it should be explored."

Even former Warrior Shaun Johnson is begging for Christchurch to get a team. 

"I might have to find Willie [Mason] and get him to put V'landys (Aus Rugby League Chairman) in a headlock and tell him we're not letting him go until he's signed off on a new team from Christchurch," Johnson joked during pre-match coverage.

The Perth Bears and PNG Chiefs are already locked in as the NRL's next expansion clubs, leaving league fans wondering who'll be next. Christchurch clearly wants its hand up first.

What do ya reckon?