Ivan Cleary’s Blunt NRL Warning on New Zealand Expansion

Ivan Cleary’s Blunt NRL Warning on New Zealand Expansion

June 24, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Sports

Ivan Cleary has warned the NRL against rushing the placement of a 20th team in New Zealand, fearing a new club could cannibalize the progress of the New Zealand Warriors. Cleary, who coached the Warriors to the 2011 grand final, argues the game must foster the current rise of the Kiwi side to ensure they maintain necessary support.

Why is Ivan Cleary concerned about a second New Zealand team?

Cleary believes a second side could split the support currently flowing to the Warriors. He stated that the Warriors are a “club on the rise” and that this growth has been a long time coming. According to Cleary, the NRL needs to be careful not to disrupt this momentum.

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The coach’s perspective is informed by his history with the club. Cleary played in the Warriors’ first grand final in 2002 and coached them to their second in 2011. He has also served as an assistant coach for the New Zealand national team.

Did You Know? Ivan Cleary’s connection to the New Zealand market spans decades, having played in the Warriors’ first grand final in 2002 and later coaching them to their second in 2011.

How does the Te Kaha stadium impact NRL expansion?

The construction of Te Kaha stadium in Christchurch provides a ready-made venue for a potential South Island team. This infrastructure means the NRL could launch a side without investing in new facilities. The stadium recently hosted the Warriors’ 38-20 victory over North Queensland last Sunday.

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Cleary noted that Christchurch is producing a significant number of quality players. He observed that the Warriors are increasingly recruiting talent from that region, which he described as “good signs” for the sport’s growth in the area.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter suggests the NRL faces a strategic trade-off. While the Te Kaha stadium removes the financial barrier of infrastructure, the league must weigh this against the risk of diluting the Warriors’ commercial strength and sellout crowd trends.

What happens next for the 20-team league?

The NRL is already moving toward expansion. The Perth Bears are set to join the competition next year, followed by the PNG Chiefs in 2028. These additions have shifted the conversation toward the timing and location of a 20th franchise.

What happens next for the 20-team league?

Future developments may depend on the Warriors’ performance. Under coach Andrew Webster, a protege of Cleary, the Warriors could shape up as Penrith’s closest challengers by 2026. A second New Zealand team may be considered the “right time” depending on when the 20th spot becomes available, though Cleary remains cautious about the timing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which teams are joining the NRL in the near future?
The Perth Bears are scheduled to join next year, and the PNG Chiefs are set to enter the competition in 2028.

Why is Christchurch considered a viable location for a new team?
The city has the newly constructed Te Kaha stadium, meaning no infrastructure investment would be required, and it is producing a high volume of quality players.

What is the current state of the New Zealand Warriors’ popularity?
The Warriors have enjoyed regular sellout crowds in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Do you think adding a second New Zealand team would help or hurt the growth of the sport in the region?

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