The battle for a second New Zealand team has got nasty, with legendary Kiwi coach Graham Lowe slamming the Warriors' claims that the country should not have a second team for 10 to 15 years. In a story in the News Limited press on Sunday, Warriors owner Mark Robinson and chief executive Cameron George declared it would be "devastating" if the NRL added a second franchise anytime soon. That drew an angry response from Lowe, who is behind the Christchurch-based Orcas franchise's bid to join the NRL competition. "It's ridiculous for them to say that New Zealand isn't ready for a second team for at least 10 years," Lowe told Wide World of Sports. "I don't even know why they would say that - they have to realise it would be a massive boost for the game in this country. "For years we got the rough end of the pineapple compared to rugby union but now things have changed. League is making huge inroads here. It's like having two supermarkets in town instead of one - the consumers benefit. "Maybe the Warriors are scared - there could be a bit of fear there. What if the Orcas turn up in their first year and are an immediate success? We have grand plans and are confident of making an impact. Our model will be different to Warriors. "We want to be a development club, not a recruitment club."There are so many good players here just waiting for a chance. We've never had this chance in my lifetime - imagine how great the local derby will be twice a year. "This is why we need a second team here and soon - even if the Warriors don't like it." Lowe held talks with NRL boss Andrew Abdo last week. "It was great to touch base and he assured me that we would be given serious consideration," he said.
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