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The new 12-franchise national rugby league competition, the Bartercard Cup, kicks off this weekend. Wellington will be represented by two teams, Porirua and Wainuiomata. JAMIE TROUGHTON
PORIRUA Pumas league coach Mike Kuiti says only time will tell if Wellington can sustain two teams in the new national competition.
The 12-franchise Bartercard Cup kicks off this weekend, with Porirua away to Manurewa and Wainuiomata at home to Northcote on Sunday.
Wellington area clubs are expected to suffer in the short term as the two franchises tap into the local talent, and Kuiti isn't sure if two teams are practicable.
"It's probably a fair point," Kuiti said this week. "Wainui have had to bring in a couple of players from outside their area, and we've had to do the same.
"At the end of the day, can Auckland sustain eight teams? If a couple of Auckland teams finish at the bottom of the table, then obviously they couldn't sustain them. It's probably just a matter of time before that's known for sure."
His counterpart at Wainuiomata, Ralph Moore, is certain that the competition is in the players' interests.
"The local clubs will have to go through some rebuilding," Moore said.
"It might take a bit of time to get them back on their feet. At the end of the day though, this national competition gives exposure...