Balmain eyes partnership with South Island Kea amid NRL expansion
The Wests Tigers’ joint venture faces fresh uncertainty as reports surface about the Balmain faction exploring a collaboration with the South Island Kea, an NRL expansion bid team.
The proposed partnership would see Balmain merge with the Christchurch-based Kea in a bid to strengthen the Kea’s chances of becoming the NRL’s 19th team.
The plan includes splitting matches between the Kea’s home ground in Christchurch and Balmain’s historic Leichhardt Oval.
The Kea, who are modelling their approach on the North Sydney Bears’ bid to re-enter the NRL, believe an alliance with a foundation club like Balmain could boost their expansion bid by leveraging Balmain’s legacy, fan base, and brand recognition.
Should the proposal proceed, it could pave the way for the return of the Western Suburbs Magpies as a standalone NRL club, pending approval from rugby league authorities.
This prospect has reportedly gained traction among influential figures on the Tigers’ board at Concord.
The Wests Tigers joint venture, formed in 1999, has experienced internal tensions between the Wests and Balmain factions in recent years.
Leaked communications have revealed a growing divide, with some senior Balmain officials preferring to remain in the merger while others see a partnership with the Kea as their best path forward.
The Kea’s bid to join the NRL as the 19th team comes after the rugby league organisation announced Papua New Guinea as the 18th franchise earlier this year.
Despite a previous rejection, the Kea are hopeful that merging with Balmain will strengthen their case with league officials.
The Wests Tigers’ partnership has delivered mixed results, with their crowning achievement being the 2005 NRL premiership under the leadership of then-star player and now-coach Benji Marshall.
Whether the club’s current structure survives these latest developments remains to be seen, with the Wests Tigers currently a $31 hope to win the 2025 Premiership with the top NRL bookmakers.