A New Zealand club led by Sir Graham Lowe made a $360m bid to join the NRL competition and announced its formal proposal to be awarded a license as part of the NRL’s expansion plans.
The Christchurch-based Orcas has outlined a bid with an overall value of A$325 million ($360m) that includes a substantial license fee and will be ready to take to the field soon after receipt of NRL approval.
The club says it will grow the game in every facet and contribute to a healthy and vibrant competition from the outset.
Advanced plans were unveiled for a 20-hectare Multi-Sport Centre of Excellence just 15 minutes from the Christchurch city center, with a project value of $100m, which would include seven full-sized training fields (one of them roofed), sports science, gymnasiums, medical facilities, and accommodation.
They say the design phase is nearly complete, with a target to have the first phase open in the second quarter of 2026.
