Auckland consortium reveals plan for NRL’s 20th team to ‘unite the Pacific Islands’

An Auckland-based consortium aiming to secure the NRL’s 20th licence has released a proposal for a new team - Mana Pasifika - that would represent “the vibrant culture, heritage, and values of Pasifika and Māori athletes”.

In a statement released on Friday, the Mana Pasifika consortium advised of its “strong interest in acquiring a franchise” to join the NRL, with a bid that “seeks to unite the rich traditions of the Pacific Islands with the passion of New Zealand’s rugby league community”.

The statement added “the franchise has garnered widespread support from across the Pacific region and New Zealand, standing as a beacon of unity and pride for the people of Samoa, Tonga, the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau.”

Bid lead Paepaetele Geoff Brown said Mana Pasifika would be more than a rugby league team, advising “it's a movement that celebrates the culture, resilience, and shared history of our Pacific people. With the support our Iwi, Pacific nations, and Auckland's leadership, we are confident that this franchise will bring a fresh and vibrant dimension to the NRL."

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has thrown his support behind the proposal, advising "Mana Pasifika embodies the heart and soul of Auckland - our diversity, our heritage, and our love for sport. This franchise will not only strengthen rugby league in the region but also serve as a symbol of unity for all our communities.”

With the Warriors currently based out of Auckland’s Go Media (Mt Smart) Stadium, Mana Pasifika says it has the backing of the city’s Eden Park as a possible home base.

Eden Park Chief Executive Nick Sautner has welcomed this, saying that the venue would welcome the opportunity to be Mana's home ground.

However, the franchise could follow the same model as Super Rugby’s Moana Pasifika, which is based out of Auckland’s North Harbour Stadium but plays matches across New Zealand and the Pacific.

Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) Chairman Peter V’landys has made expansion a key priority, with a PNG franchise’s inclusion into the NRL locked in for 2028.

While a Perth-based team is likely to become the 19th franchise the ARLC has also indicated that it aiming to have a 20-team competition by the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane.

Last year another consortium - South Island Kea - revealed plans for a Christchuch-based NRL team.

Lower image: Auckland’s Eden Park is a possible home base for the proposed Mana Pasifika team.