NRL CEO Andrew Abdo believes New Zealand could sustain a second team should the competition choose to expand to 20 teams.

With the Warriors continually selling out home matches at Mt Smart Stadium and throughout New Zealand, including Hnry Stadium in Wellington on ANZAC Day, the NRL is keen to capitalise on the sport’s popularity.

With this growth in interest, there have been numerous calls for the NRL’s 20th side based in Aotearoa, ideally in the South Island, with matches played at the brand-new 30,000-seat Te Kaha Stadium in Christchurch.

When asked about the possibility of expansion, the NRL’s CEO believes that the growth in participation and fan support shows the country could adequately support another team.

“It’s just been phenomenal growth for us (in New Zealand),” Abdo told SEN’s Arvos with Adam Peacock.

“Of course, (it’s) built off the success of the Warriors.

“But also interestingly enough, (there’s) huge interest from New Zealand fans watching the NRL competition when the Warriors aren't playing too. So, there's strong interest in the competition.

“We're playing a State of Origin game in New Zealand for the first time next year, and that is going to be a huge moment for us.

“We've got a World Cup game that we're playing in Christchurch later this year, and of course, the (ANZAC Day) game in Wellington's sold out.

“Now, Wellington Stadium has not sold out a football fixture, rugby league, (or) rugby union for a number of years. So, that is as strong a sign as ever.

“We had 45,000 registered participants playing club football in New Zealand last year for the first time ever, the highest number we've ever had.

“So, certainly, New Zealand as a country could sustain another team.

“Whether it's in the north in Wellington or whether it's in the South Island in Christchurch, that is definitely something we're looking at when the commission will consider potentially moving to 20 teams”.

Whilst heaping plenty of praise on the growth within New Zealand, Abdo also acknowledged that it’s not the only area where the NRL could add a 20th side.

“But there are other markets too,” he acknowledged.

“The game is growing really well in Southeast Queensland, and I think we could sustain another team there too.”