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Rugby League is changing, and for the better. I can proudly say that New Zealand are the new leaders of Rugby League. Good or bad? VERY good and about time too.
For years we saw Australia dominate the world in NRL, World Cups and Four Nations. Would you believe it? The Warriors getting mobbed at the airport. New Zealand winning the Four Nations. New Zealand winning the World Cup.
I see our game changing. I see the sport in New Zealand changing. More players are playing Rugby League. League is on the back page now WITH Union on local newspapers.
New Zealand need to push their Wellington NRL team bid. Two teams would benefit each other so much.If the Warriors stay this strong over the next 3-5 years, surely there’s a compelling case to be put to the NRL.
Ok, we’ve probably missed the chance for the upcoming expansion round – The Bears and Reds have well-developed bids, and then there’s any number of Brisbane area syndicates in the running.
But perhaps next time around? We have the raw playing talent for it – and imagine the buzz that a Warriors v New Zealand 2 (Orcas? Keas?) would create! There’s definitely a need for a second team and the plans should be put in place for entry from 2015-2017.
Look at three of the top four teams in the National Youth Competition this year. The Warriors were minor premiers with the Cowboys and Storm getting there with a huge Kiwi influence. There needs to be two teams so the local Kiwi talent can stay in New Zealand.
There simply isn’t enough positions up for grabs for them at the Warriors to stay there.
Look at the ages of their First Grade squad/side for 2011. It highlights the fact that there is not many positions at all up for grabs in the next 2-3 years.
Locke 22, Vatuvei 25, Brown 25, Ropati 26, Inu 24, Tupou 21, Maloney 25, Johnson 21, Lillyman 27, Packer 21, Rapira 24, Matulino 22, Mateo 27, Mannering 25, Luck 29, Taylor 21, Ta’ai 24, Steve Rapira 22, Fisiiahi 20.
I haven’t included hookers Hohaia and Heremaia who are leaving this year. However there won’t be a Hooker position available with Nathan Friend joining in 2012. Mara (21) and Godinet (23) will push for the bench utility/hooker position.
I also didn’t include the likes of Seymour, Berrigan, Moon and Latimore who are also leaving this season.
Enough Said.
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