LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The A-League's bold move to launch a second team in Auckland for the 2024-25 season has put the NRL to shame.
The decision to expand soccer's presence in New Zealand has highlighted the missed opportunities and lack of investment from the NRL in the region.
While rugby league has historically been the dominant sport in New Zealand, the A-League's move signifies a shift in the sporting landscape.
The NRL's current strategy to combat soccer in New Zealand by promoting players like Nathan Cleary and Mary Fowler is not enough to compete with the A-League's expansion.
The A-League's proactive approach serves as a reminder of the NRL's neglect of the region, and the need for a more substantial investment in growing the sport of rugby league in New Zealand.