The debate over how best to grow rugby league in New Zealand and promote its dominance over Rugby Union across the ditch has taken a decisive turn, with Warriors CEO Cameron George urging the NRL to prioritise grassroots development over expansion.
As suggestions circulate for a second New Zealand franchise, the Warriors CEO has instead thrown his support behind a nationwide pathways system—one he believes could unlock the country's vast untapped talent and even lure athletes away from rugby union.
George, inspired by the well-established junior systems in New South Wales and Queensland, argues that replicating those structures across New Zealand is the key to sustainable growth.
"The sole focus should be to build up junior domestic competitions to the same level as NSW and Queensland," George said.
"Having elite domestic competition will help underpin the opportunity for a second team.
"That's where we can get the talent out of rugby as well.
"These competitions will give more kids access to elite development opportunities."
Such a shift could have far-reaching consequences, particularly given the dominance of rugby union in New Zealand.
A strong league pathways system may begin to draw promising athletes away from the traditional First XV pipeline and into the NRL system at an earlier age.
For George, however, the priority is clear: build the foundation first, then consider expansion.
The Warriors' own success offers a compelling case study.
Since introducing an under-17s side in 2024, the club claimed back-to-back titles in the NSWRL junior competitions from their inaugural year, highlighting the immediate impact of structured development.
Beyond results, the system is also designed to keep young players at home longer—an approach that promotes both wellbeing and accessibility, while still offering a pathway to elite rugby league.
Warriors Head of Recruitment Andrew McFadden echoed George's stance, stressing the importance of carefully building the necessary infrastructure.
"All that infrastructure needs to be considered carefully," McFadden said.
"But the end goal should be that there are quality competitions for players to be able to stay in New Zealand and develop while they are with family.
"Whether that's school competitions or standalone pathways competitions run by New Zealand Rugby League or the NRL.
"There is definitely enough talent. We would have to capture some of the First XV schoolboy rugby players.
"But the league under 17's competitions and schoolboy rugby First XV don't overlap with rugby, so it will allow these kids to play both."
The potential for crossover talent is already evident in players like Rocco Berry, whose journey underscores the opportunity for league to tap into union's traditional strongholds.
Berry, the son of a former All Black, came through a rugby-dominated school system before being identified by league scouts and joining the Warriors straight out of school.
He made his NRL debut in 2021 and has since established himself as a promising outside back.
"I was straight up rugby, went to a rugby school and got scouted from there and moved up the Warriors straight out of school and I've been here since," Berry said.
"In the area I'm from, there was no league played at all."
"Growing up, I loved watching league but it seemed like a more far fetched thing (to play league).
"But I started playing first fifteen and we play on TV back home, so it's a good way to get exposure and there's league scouts watching."
Berry believes the transition between the two codes—particularly for backs—is relatively seamless, making the case for why league should target those athletes.
"I think the outside backs and the backs in union translates pretty well, it's probably a lot more similar in the backs than in the forwards," Berry said.
"I think these young outside backs, they have the skills and they're fast, which makes it an easier transition."
He also pointed to the Warriors' revamped development system as a turning point for the club.
"A few years ago the Warriors revamped their pathways system after Covid, and it's been shown to be a real plus for the club with all the young talent they have coming through," Berry said.
"The pathways gives the young kids more confidence to come to the club and make a career of it."
In order to continue to build the game in New Zealand, the NRL must prioritise sustainable pathways growth if they are going to successfully instill rugby league culture in a nation defined by union.
