Mana Pasifika seeks to establish NRL's 20th team with five-nation plan

The Mana Pasifika franchise aims to become the NRL's 20th team, submitting a bid to play home games across five countries. Proposed home venues include Auckland, Cook Islands, Samoa, and Tonga, with potential games also in Hawaii. The franchise is led by general manager Geoff Brown and enjoys interest from investors. Brown stated the initiative aims to connect New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, and the global Polynesian community through rugby league. Plans are in motion to strengthen regional participation and collaboration while focusing on long-term growth and community engagement.

• 12:27 AMZero Tackle NRL — Five-nation franchise set to form bid to become 20th NRL team