FORMER Bradford Bulls owner Andrew Chalmers has confirmed that he is bidding for a second New Zealand NRL team, which would be based in Wellington

Chalmers who was at the Bulls helm between 2017 to 2019, proving a controversial figure among some fans and administrators, is trying for a third time to get the NRL licence after his previous bids were rejected by league officials in 1991 and 2004.

Chalmers hopes to create a second New Zealand franchise that develops young talented rugby players around the country and is willing to sign a current New Zealand international rugby player, who would form the basis of his franchise as well as being his star signing.

The NRL have indicated they would like to see a second team from New Zealand in the league from 2026, but had had no suitors until Chalmers stepped forward.

The only current team from New Zealand in the competition are the New Zealand Warriors, based in Auckland.