Brad Fittler floats Rugby League expansion competition in New Zealand

Brad Fittler has floated a new idea for the future of rugby league expansion, suggesting the NRL should consider establishing a standalone competition in New Zealand rather than simply adding another team across the Tasman.

With the Perth Bears and a Papua New Guinea side set to enter the competition in the coming years, attention has turned to what the next phase of growth should look like. A second New Zealand based side has long been mused.

Former NSW coach Brad Fittler believes New Zealand’s talent pool is strong enough to support its own competition that would sit underneath the New Zealand Warriors.

“I think what we need to do is get a competition over there,” Fittler told Code Sports.

“Establish a competition, so we have more players – playing at a higher standard.”

Fittler said the concept has been discussed in rugby league circles and would help develop more players while strengthening the overall pathway for talent emerging from New Zealand.

The Warriors have started the season in blistering form largely relying on a number of young players who have stepped into first grade roles. Among them are Leka Halasima, Demitric Vaimauga and Ali Leiataua, who have formed part of a youthful core driving the club’s recent performances.

Fittler said that group reflects the depth currently coming through in New Zealand.

“We’re talking about a whole new squad of players really. Like Halasima and Vaimauga, Leiataua all these type of blokes, and their kids in their twenties. They could be there for the next 10 years.”

He also pointed to the increasing number of New Zealand schoolboy rugby players being recruited into NRL systems, including prospects such as Caelys-Paul Putoko, Rokko Walker, Saumaki Saumaki and Harry Inch, as evidence of the growing talent base.

“Add onto that all of the players from over here that will want to go over and play,” Fittler said at a Harley Davidson event this week.

“It’s obvious, just their genetics, they’re just built for rugby league. They’re just so strong and fit and fast. And they’re fitness, that’s really come of late. They’ve adapted. They’ve always been considered good athletes, but now, they’re thinkers.”

Fittler also highlighted the influence of Polynesian players across the NRL, highlighting the Wests Tigers, led by captain Jarome Luai, as an example of the demographic’s growing presence in elite squads.

“At the moment, they’re top 13, you’ve got two Lebanese players, and 11 Polynesian,” he said.

While the proposal remains hypothetical, Fittler said it reflects conversations already taking place as the game considers its long-term direction.

“It’s been brought up in conversation. I work at the NRL, so yeah it will be interesting which way they’re going to go,” he said.

“So whether we need another team, or need a new competition on its own New Zealand competition sitting underneath the Warriors, that’s for someone else to decide.

“But that’s the path we’re on.”

Hero image: Source - NSW Rugby League/New Zealand Rugby League