Jamayne Isaako believes an NRL team in Christchurch could grow to the same levels of popularity as the booming Warriors in Auckland.
The NRL last week rejected three separate bids from New Zealand's South Island among eight that were unsuccessful in the latest round of expansion applications.
But to players from the area, the Pacific Championships clash between New Zealand and Australia on Sunday was the latest reminder of the game's potential in Christchurch.
While Christchurch has long been synonymous with Super Rugby powerhouse the Crusaders, some 17,005 fans packed into Apollo Projects Stadium for the Kangaroos' first visit since 1989.
The last three NRL games played at the ground have also pulled crowds above 17,000, while construction on a 30,000-seat stadium in the Christchurch CBD is set to be completed in 2026 as another boon for sport in the area.
Teams from Perth and PNG remain the favourites to enter the NRL as the 18th and 19th teams in coming years.
But in his role heading up Christchurch's leading bid the South Island Kea, ex-NRL chief executive David Moffett told Nine Newspapers this week he was committed to revisiting the push for inclusion in the NRL.
Players hailing from the area were hopeful Christchurch would be considered in plans to expand to 20 teams in the next decade.
"I definitely think that they're ready for a team to be blooded here in Christchurch or in the South Island, wherever it is, that they look to bring another team in," Dolphins winger Isaako said after playing in New Zealand's 22-10 defeat by Australia.
"It was good to see the passion of the Cantabrians when it comes to rugby league."
For further evidence of rugby league's growth potential in New Zealand, Isaako pointed to the Warriors' spike in popularity since their homecoming after COVID-19 restrictions eased.
The Auckland side became a national phenomenon en route to a preliminary final in 2023 and sold out every home game this season for the first time in any of their 30 years in the league.
"You see the fanbase that turn out for the Warriors. We could certainly have that here in the South Island if there was a team brought here," said Isaako.
"Rugby league certainly is a game that's growing here in New Zealand. If we could bring another team to New Zealand, it'd only add to that."
Local product Jordan Riki knows first-hand of rugby league's growth in Christchurch. The Brisbane second-rower's mother Janelle sits on the board of the Canterbury Rugby League.
"I talk to her pretty much nearly every day and she's been telling me about some cool plans that have been coming through for Canterbury Rugby League and South Island rugby league," he said.
"It's awesome to see that it's growing down here."
