Five-nation franchise set to form bid to become 20th NRL team

The team could be the NRL’s first club to play home games in five countries.

By Kye Ferreira · Zero Tackle

Published: Tuesday, 27 October 2026 at 12:27 AM

Key Things to Know

The Mana Pasifika franchise is preparing a bid to become the 20th NRL team in 2029.
The proposed team would be based in Auckland and host matches across five nations, including the United States.
Former NRL chief operating officer Jim Doyle has joined Mana Pasifika as a senior advisor alongside general manager Geoff Brown.

The Story in 60 Seconds

The Mana Pasifika franchise is preparing a bid to enter the NRL as its 20th team ahead of the 2029 season. Based primarily in Auckland, the proposed club plans to feature an international footprint spanning five countries, hosting matches across New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga, the Cook Islands, and the United States.

Led by general manager Geoff Brown with former NRL chief operating officer Jim Doyle serving as a senior advisor, the franchise aims to engage the global Polynesian community. Potential home venues include Auckland's Eden Park, Apia Park in Samoa, BCI Stadium in the Cook Islands, Teufaiva Stadium in Tonga, and Hawaii's Aloha Stadium or the University of Hawaii.

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Five-nation franchise set to form bid to become 20th NRL team

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