Andrew Voss believes the NRL have made a major strategic error by prioritising Perth and Papua New Guinea over a second New Zealand team.

With the Perth Bears slated to enter in 2027 and the PNG Chiefs following in 2028, Voss says the competition has missed a golden chance to capitalise on New Zealand’s booming rugby league interest.

Speaking on SEN 1170 Breakfast, the veteran commentator argued that if the NRL wants to seriously challenge rugby union’s dominance across the Tasman, it needs a second Kiwi club as soon as possible.

“I would love the Papua New Guinea team to be a success,” Voss said. “It’s going to be a long burn with that. I just think we’ve missed an opportunity to have a second New Zealand team right now.”

MORE: New Captain named for Australian Kangaroos – ‘he’s a natural leader’

‘We are so not getting it’

“We are so not getting it,” Voss said.

“If you are talking about making a serious challenge towards rugby union, put a second New Zealand team in right now.

“The St George Illawarra Dragons just signed a kid this week who is the second-best ranked rugby prospect in New Zealand.

“Just imagine if there was a second New Zealand team and a second pathway for Kiwi kids. It could allow kids playing rugby union to make that step to playing on the big stage of the NRL.

“That’s the player pool. To be honest, the next New Zealand team should’ve been in place of Perth for 2027.”

Christchurch bid still waiting

The Southern Orcas consortium has submitted multiple bids for a Christchurch-based team in recent years, backed by former Kiwis coach Sir Graham Lowe, but none have progressed beyond the proposal stage.

Many within New Zealand rugby league circles believe a second team would provide more balance to player development and help retain young talent currently lured to Australian clubs.

Alexander calls for under-20s revival

Fellow SEN host Greg Alexander backed Voss’ concerns and said the NRL must reinvest in youth development on both sides of the Tasman.

“The under-20s competition should never have been axed,” Alexander said.

“It was axed because of finances. It was costing clubs too much. I think we have the money now to re-introduce it.”

“I also want to see NSW Cup games, as many as possible, played before NRL games. You can’t have NRL players playing in some back paddock in front of no one.”

The Warriors’ reserve grade side won both the NSW Cup and NRL State Championship this year, highlighting the strength of New Zealand’s rugby league talent pool.