The case for Christchurch to secure an NRL team – Mike Thorpe

Opinion bySenior journalist·NZ Herald·12 Oct, 2026 04:00 PM10 mins to readMike Thorpe is a senior multimedia journalist for the Herald, based in Christchurch.‌Christchurch has many elements needed to bring an NRL team to the city. Pictured are the new stadium with ARL Commission chairman Peter V'landys (inset top left) and Christchurch City Mayor Phil Mauger (inset bottom left).At least two bids for NRL expansion will come from the South Island. One backed by Christchurch City Council – if not fronted by the local authority - and an independent bid from the Southern Orcas. Despite the lack of public detail, the council-backed bid would seem to have the