However, that success has been slowly built by the 31-year tenure of the Warriors, who have been able to lay down roots as New Zealand\u2019s team \u2013 after rebranding away from Auckland in 2001 \u2013 with the fruits only now starting to show. <\/p>\n
Should a second Kiwi team be introduced, the Warriors would in theory have to share that space, and fight to secure players and sponsors in a market they\u2019ve traditionally dominated. <\/p>\n
Speaking before his Panthers meet the Warriors tomorrow night, though, Cleary urged that while it seems a second Kiwi team is all but confirmed, his former side must come into the equation. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve had that question a few times lately, and I answer it the same way,\u201d Cleary explained.<\/p>\n
Ivan Cleary and son Nathan with the NRL’s Provan-Summons Trophy. Photo \/ Photosport<\/p>\n
\u201cThe main thing is to consolidate the Warriors. But the more and more I think about it, there\u2019s a pretty good chance [a second team] might be over here.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe game is growing, it\u2019s just [about] that balance between expanding too quickly and consolidating what\u2019s gone well so far.\u201d<\/p>\n
Warriors chief executive Cameron George has also urged consolidation, saying a proper growth strategy must be in place<\/a> before a second Kiwi side is given the all-clear. <\/p>\n Another team based in Brisbane or Adelaide has been mooted as an alternative for a 20th side, should New Zealand be overlooked. <\/p>\n But, as reported by the Sydney Morning Herald, the NRL\u2019s new $6.3 billion broadcast deal with Foxtel and Nine contains a clause that would impose a $20 million penalty from 2029 onwards, until a 20th team is introduced.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, returning to Mt Smart puts Cleary back in the arena with former assistant turned Warriors coach Andrew Webster.<\/p>\n Webster worked as Cleary\u2019s attack coach at Penrith, and had a hand in two of the four successive premierships, before leaving for Auckland at the start of 2023.<\/p>\n Earlier this year, the two sides played out arguably the game of the season, where the Panthers pipped the Warriors in a 20-18 thriller<\/a> in Parramatta.<\/p>\n And while Cleary has \u2013 for the most part \u2013 held the upper hand against his former charge, seeing Webster succeed at his old club is still pleasing to watch from afar. <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m definitely happy for him,\u201d he continued. \u201cIt\u2019s good to see him do well, it\u2019s good to see the club do well.<\/p>\n \u201cBut we\u2019re opponents this week. It\u2019s pretty obvious that he\u2019s done a great job here. With the staff and players, the club\u2019s definitely going in the right direction.<\/p>\n \u201cThey have a clear style of footy they play. They\u2019re a real threat, they play well at home, it\u2019ll be a tight contest.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019ve been solid for quite some time, especially since Webby\u2019s been there. They\u2019re always there or thereabouts.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re definitely threatening.\u201d<\/p>\n Away from rugby league, the Panthers\u2019 trip to Auckland will also allow Cleary to reunite with his youngest son, Jett.<\/p>\n