Wellington vows to fight for 16th
spot and beyond

NZRL officials have confirmed they will step up their claims for a second team in the National Rugby League even if they are overlooked for the mooted 16th franchise.

The New Zealand bid for a side to be based in Wellington has been wiped away recently, following the strong claims of the Central Coast and Gold Coast in the race to woo the NRL. However, New Zealand Rugby League director Andrew Chalmers says his team are working on the basis that there will be another team across the Tasman in 2006.

He also says the Kiwi's will continue to push for another team even if they miss out on the 16th spot.

The contest for the new team will intensify over the next couple of months, with the league's partnership executive committee to discuss expansion at its meeting on March 25.