NRL legend Gorden Tallis has put forward New Zealand as a left-field option to host the next expansion side for the rugby league competition.
With the growing interest in the Dolphins this season there has been much talk about where the next potential NRL side should take place.
The Redcliffe-based team has spawned a rivalry with the Brisbane Broncos which has seen a growth of interest in rugby league in the Sunshine State.
A Pasifika team based out of Northern Queensland where games would be played in Samoa, Tonga, and Papua New Guinea has been touted as a potential suitor.
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Meanwhile, an NRL side based out of Perth, Western Australia is also being strongly considered.
However, according to Fox League expert Tallis, one area that should stake its claim for an additional team actually comes from Australia’s eastern neighbours.
He told SPORTbible: “Call me silly, but a second team in New Zealand should be it.
“The amount of talent out there is incredible. Hear me out here, the under-20s comp in New Zealand had so many kids coming across into our game and the Warriors under-20s was such a breeding ground for the talent.
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“I’m a big believer in New Zealand and the Pasifika team can be aligned with those guys.”
It’s an option that hasn’t been shouted about but makes complete sense according to the Raging Bull.
He continued: “If you look at all the big major teams, there’s always a rivalry and could you imagine the North Island playing the South Island over there?
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“I love the Warriors, I love what they bring to the game, they’ve gone to a couple of grand finals but they don’t have a natural rivalry.
“The biggest rivalry is with Melbourne Storm on ANZAC Day, which we love and they do a fantastic job, but just imagine if you tune in and you see those guys playing for their home island - it would be pretty cool I believe.”
It would be a rivalry that would more than likely translate over to Australian audiences - I mean, just imagine watching those two teams square off in such a heated battle.
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And while Tallis is a Queenslander through and through, he believes it’s too soon to be talking about another team in the area.
He added: “If it goes to North Queensland, where they’re talking about it, I’m a North Queenslander - I don’t know where they get the corporate dollars. [Cowboys] own that market.
“I think Queensland at the moment, let’s not burst the bubble that’s just being created.
“The Dolphins have had a great start but they’re far from being entrenched as a top four or top six team, and look at the Cowboys now [after their defeat].
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“I think grow the pie somewhere else.”
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Topics: NRL, New Zealand, Australia, Rugby League