Warriors coach says no to New Zealand NRL expansion

The Warriors are riding a massive wave of popularity in New Zealand. (Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS)

Warriors coach Andrew Webster is firmly against the NRL bringing in a second New Zealand franchise any time soon after bid teams emerged from Christchurch.

The popularity of the Warriors - eyeing a season of 14 sell-out home games - could see a second New Zealand team fast-tracked into the competition as early as 2026.

Spearheaded by ex-NRL boss David Moffat, the leading bid is the South Island Kea, who are pushing to join the Auckland-based Warriors and play out of Christchurch's Te Kaha Stadium, which is set to open in April 2026.

Such is the soaring popularity of rugby league, New Zealand Rugby and SANZAR opted to play the Super Rugby Pacific semi-final between the Hurricanes and Chiefs in Wellington on Saturday afternoon, rather than clash with the Warriors and Melbourne Storm NRL match that night.

With a crowd of about 24,000 expected, the Warriors versus Storm match sold out three weeks ago, while entry to their round-17 Broncos home game sold out five weeks prior.

While not conceding the time change was to avoid going head to head with the Warriors, Super Rugby tournament director Matt Barlow acknowledged fans may wish to watch other sports.

"The finals schedule has some flexibility around time slots, so we looked at all sporting action taking place across the weekend to ensure we’re giving fans the opportunity to enjoy as much sport as possible," Barlow said.

But Webster said he didn't want to rush the NRL expansion in New Zealand and see the Warriors brand diluted.

Warriors coach Andrew Webster.
Warriors coach Andrew Webster doesn't want the NRL to rush bringing in a second New Zealand side.

The coach admitted some might find his stance "biased".

Webster felt there was still work to do to cement the Warriors' status in the traditional rugby stronghold.

"I really do hope that we keep one team in New Zealand for a lot longer, just keep making this product even better," Webster told reporters on Tuesday.

"There's certainly no complacency from us as a club, as players, or staff or anyone in the club that we've hit where we want to hit, so I'd like us to nail that first before we did that (expand).

"Not to say that it can't happen one day.

"People would say I'm being biased and that I'm holding back the rest of the country, but I think it doesn't matter where you are in New Zealand right now, they want to go home and watch the Warriors.

"I think the community, from the top of the country down to the bottom, is behind the Warriors, so I don't know why we need to ruin that."

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store