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

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 upper hand, given the NRL’s recent preference for expansion franchises to have governmental ties.