In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the NRL, the Sydney Roosters have announced plans to relocate their home games to New Zealand for the remainder of the 2025 season. The move, which club officials have dubbed “a strategic expansion initiative,” is the first of its kind in the league’s history and is expected to have a major impact on the competition.
The decision comes after extensive discussions between Roosters management, the NRL, and New Zealand-based stakeholders, with the goal of strengthening the club’s international fanbase. Reports suggest that negotiations were accelerated after a lucrative sponsorship deal with a major New Zealand corporation was finalized, making the move financially viable for the club.
Roosters chairman Nick Politis addressed the media early Monday morning, confirming the decision and outlining the club’s vision. “We see this as an exciting opportunity to grow our brand beyond Australia and embrace our fans across the Tasman. Rugby league has a strong following in New Zealand, and we believe the Roosters can play a key role in expanding the game’s footprint there,” he said.
The team will reportedly base itself in Auckland, playing the majority of its home games at Eden Park while also scheduling matches in Wellington and Christchurch. Players and coaching staff will relocate temporarily, with arrangements being made for families to join them if necessary.
However, the decision has not come without controversy. Roosters fans have expressed mixed reactions, with many taking to social media to voice concerns about losing the experience of attending home games at Allianz Stadium. “This is a slap in the face to loyal fans,” said one disgruntled supporter on Twitter. “We’ve supported this club through thick and thin, and now they’re shipping our home games overseas?”
On the flip side, New Zealand rugby league fans are ecstatic at the prospect of having a second de facto home team alongside the Warriors. “This is huge for rugby league in New Zealand. We’ve always wanted more NRL games here, and now we get to see a powerhouse club like the Roosters up close,” said one Auckland-based fan.
The NRL has reportedly given the move its full backing, with league officials believing it could serve as a test case for potential future expansions. There is already speculation that other clubs could follow suit in the coming years.
The Roosters’ first New Zealand-based home game is scheduled for Round 6 against the Brisbane Broncos at Eden Park. Whether this historic decision will prove to be a masterstroke or a misstep remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the 2025 NRL season just got a whole lot more interesting.
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