NZ Warriors coach Andrew Webster has offered his perspective on former All Blacks coach Scott Robertson potentially transitioning to rugby league. Robertson’s name has been put forward to lead the proposed Southern Orcas, a Christchurch-based team aiming to become the 20th franchise in the NRL competition.
Sir Graham Lowe, president of the Orcas, stated that the organisation has offered Robertson a four-year contract if their bid for the licence is successful. Robertson previously achieved seven Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders. His tenure as All Blacks coach saw him accumulate a 20-win, seven-loss record over two years before his mid-term departure.
Coaching Cross-Code Transitions
Despite Robertson’s lack of rugby league coaching experience, Webster does not view this as a significant obstacle. He highlighted that many coaches have successfully moved between rugby codes. Webster recounted meeting Robertson, along with Stacey Jones and Darryl Halligan, in Christchurch during a trial match a few years ago, noting Robertson’s passion for coaching.
Webster emphasised that successful cross-code coaches are often strong man managers and are willing to employ experts in specific areas of the game. He expressed confidence that Robertson, if he chose to pursue the opportunity, is astute enough to assemble the right team around him.
Examples of coaches who have switched codes include Alan Jones, who coached the Wallabies before moving to the Balmain Tigers. Additionally, Andy Farrell, current coach for Ireland and the British & Irish Lions, had a significant rugby league career with Wigan before transitioning to rugby union. David Kidwell, a former NZ Kiwis coach, worked as an NRL assistant before taking on defensive coaching roles in rugby union. Michael Cheika has also coached in both codes, including leading Lebanon at the Rugby League World Cup and serving as an assistant with the Sydney Roosters.
Tanner Stowers-Smith, a former St Bede’s College product and current Warriors interchange player, also shared his positive view on Robertson. Stowers-Smith had experience with Robertson during his time with the Junior Crusaders. He believes that Robertson’s track record of success with the Crusaders indicates his potential to achieve similar results in rugby league, despite it being a new code for him.
Local Support and Financial Considerations
The prospect of a second NRL team in New Zealand has generated mixed reactions, particularly regarding its potential impact on the Warriors’ fanbase. Webster expressed concern about potentially diluting the national support the Warriors have cultivated, noting that the team now enjoys backing from across the country, not just a specific region. He questioned whether adding another team would maintain the same level of widespread support.
The Warriors recently hosted the North Queensland Cowboys at the new Te Kaha indoor stadium, drawing an attendance of 25,365 fans. Webster highlighted the effort it took to build such a dedicated fanbase.
Meanwhile, the Christchurch City Council’s involvement in the Southern Orcas bid has drawn scrutiny. The council has reportedly hired and paid a consultant to work with league officials on establishing a Christchurch-based team. This move has raised questions about the use of ratepayers’ money for the bid.
Reports suggest that the NRL is actively seeking to expand its competition, with a team set to launch in Perth next year and another in Papua New Guinea the following year, bringing the total to 19 teams. The Sydney Morning Herald indicated that the NRL needs a 20th team operational by 2029 to avoid an estimated $20 million annual loss from a significant broadcasting deal signed earlier this year. Sir Graham Lowe expressed optimism about the bid following a meeting with NRL bosses in Christchurch earlier this year during the Warriors game.
The council has been asked for details regarding the consultant’s work and the progress of the bid.
Source: rnz.co.nz
