Former rugby league coach Frank Endacott is hopeful the new Warriors owners will keep their word and help grow the game all over New Zealand.
The Warriors confirmed on Wednesday that the club was sold to Carlaw Heritage Trust and Autex Industries Limited, ending Eric Watson's 17-year run as owner of the club.
One significant promise the new consortium vowed to make was to try their best to stop local talent heading overseas to Australia or the UK. They claim around 800 players every year are lost to the other side of the ditch, an exodus that needs to be addressed.
Auckland Rugby League Chairman Cameron McGregor also confirmed to Newshub there are plans to withdraw the side from the Under20s Jersey Flegg Cup, formerly known as the NYC Cup as a part of their long-term strategy to retain talent.
McGregor said the ARL's long-term plan to retain local talent is to ensure that it's bred through Auckland's Fox Memorial competition, rather than the fledgling age-group league based out of Australia.
Speaking to Newshub, Endacott, who is a currently a rugby league scout in Christchurch, believes McGregor's idea to scrap the Jersey Flegg team has the potential to work, but they still need to help develop the provinces around the country.
"I have heard they will look after rugby league all across New Zealand and not just Auckland and that would have been a concern of mine," he said.
"But if they keep their promises and look after their provinces which will help them in the long run, I think it is a good idea.
"I would like to see them come here to Christchurch and help the development of our young players down here and it could benefit them in the long run.
"It would stop that player drain going to Australia. Instead, they would go to the Warriors."
Canterbury isn't the only province which loses local talent to overseas clubs. Northland Rugby League has formed a close bond with the Penrith Panthers who have produced a number of first-graders from the region including James Fisher-Harris and Corey Harawira-Naera
"The Warriors have traditionally never been able to take all the good players in New Zealand, they are one club, and lots of the provincial players go overseas to other NRL clubs.
"If they look after the provinces this time around and put some money into developing the game down here, they will get first choice at those players rather them going overseas.
"We have lots of special players coming out of Christchurch year after year, and most of them go overseas because they feel neglected by the New Zealand Warriors. Hopefully, by the sound of the new owners, things will change."
Endacott said he is pleased that Auckland Rugby League and the Carlaw Heritage Trust purchased the Penrose based club over former Hawaiian politician Richard Fale.
"It is an interesting buy-in by Auckland Rugby League and their trust.
"I prefer the buyers we have now rather than Richard Fale from America. I never felt good about that mix, but I certainly feel better with this one so hopefully, it benefits the whole country."
Newshub.
