After a failed bid by the Southern Kea’s just last week, A new bid to make the Southern Orcas the newest NRL team was officially launched.
Originally to be based in Wellington, the team is now planning to base itself in Christchurch’s 30,000 capacity Te Kaha stadium, which will be completed in early 2026.
The Orcas have outlined a bid with an overall value of $AU325 million ($NZ360m) and are aiming to be ready to take to the field soon after receipt of NRL approval.
The proposed club “believes it will grow the game in every facet and contribute to a healthy and vibrant competition from the outset”.
The club will be chaired by New Zealand coaching great Sir Graham Lowe, who coached the Kiwis, Manly, the North Queensland Cowboys and the Queensland State of Origin team and was the chief executive of the Manly NRL club.
The bid team also includes former NRL chief financial officer Ed Farish, former Gold Coast Titans chief executive Michael Searle, former New Zealand representative player Phil Bergman, and former Canterbury Rugby League chairman Simon Doig.
This bid comes right off the bat off a sold-out Kiwis v Kangaroos test match a fortnight ago, as well as a sold out Warriors game back in March.
Photo Credit: Otago Daily Times
