The Christchurch double-header in Round 2 of the Rugby League World Cup is set to be the first sell-out for this year's tournament.
The flashy new ONE NZ Stadium in Christchurch recently opened its doors in March this year, which will host the New Zealand Kiwis facing the Cook Islands Aitu, while the Kiwi Ferns play France on October 25.
With limited tickets left, it propels the active bids for the NRL's 20th license in the right direction, showcasing Christchurch natives' powerful hunger for rugby league.
The latest indoor stadium is expected to host a team if Christchurch gets the nod from the NRL for a 2029 introduction into the competition.
Zero Tackle caught up with Christchurch's Southern Orcas in July, who revealed the South Island-based bid are making a strong push to enter the NRL after meetings with Peter V'landys when the Warriors played at the new stadium in June.
It is a glamorous look for the New Zealand city to be on the verge of the first World Cup sell-out, with the Kiwis' double-header the only fixture New Zealand fans can witness their side on home soil.
The Orcas are also competing with a fifth Brisbane outfit for the 20th team crown, with the Queensland bid wanting to capitalise on their western corridor in Brisbane, which is currently vacant.
More than 140,000 World Cup tickets have been sold so far across the tournament, with heavy interest invested in the opening match with heavyweights Australia and New Zealand battling it out in Sydney.
Given the strong hype developing for rugby league across the Tasman, compounded by the overwhelming success of the Warriors franchise, who are selling out every home game, all clues lead to New Zealand holding the rights for the 20th NRL team.
The Kiwis have been greatly strengthened with the inclusion of Kalyn Ponga, thanks to a recent change in eligibility rules in February.
The 2023 Dally M Medallist was cleared to make the switch to the Kiwis while also holding his rights to play for the Queensland Maroons in the State of Origin series.
Ponga is expected to join the side boasting the likes of Jahrome Hughes, Joseph Tapine, Kodi Nikorima, James Fisher-Harris, Moses Leota, Ronaldo Mulitalo, among more stars.
Meanwhile, Samoa and Tonga are expected to roll out star-studded line-up in their respective assaults to claim the World Cup trophy for the first time.
The World Cup will kick off with Australia and New Zealand at Allianz Stadium on October 15.
