27 Sep 2011

Warriors success highlights ability for a second NZ NRL team

2:18 pm on 27 September 2011

The former Kiwis coach Graham Lowe says the success of the Warriors club this season underlines the ability of New Zealand to sustain a second National Rugby League team.

Not only are the Warriors through to Sunday's National Rugby League grand final against Manly but the club's second team the Auckland Vulcans contest the final of the New South Wales Cup, while the Junior Warriors are into the final of the under-20 competition the Toyota Cup.

Lowe, who has served as both coach and chief executive of Manly, says the Auckland club's success will also attract further attention from Australian-based clubs as the Warriors can't offer everyone first grade contracts.

He says there are three competitions and New Zealand sides are in all three finals which proves how much depth there is here.

Lowe says he has no preference on where on where a second New Zealand NRL team could be based but suggested Wellington and Christchurch as possible bases.