Southern Orcas NRL bid faces scrutiny over leadership track record

The Southern Orcas, a New Zealand consortium bidding for a National Rugby League (NRL) license for 2029, is facing scrutiny regarding the professional history of its managing director, Andrew Chalmers. The bid, chaired by former coach Graham Lowe, aims to establish a franchise on the South Island.

Chalmers previously managed a network of forestry companies that collapsed a decade ago, leaving lenders with debts exceeding $23 million. Chalmers stated the collapse was due to an industry-wide downturn and global price falls, noting that all external lenders and staff entitlements were ultimately repaid through asset sales and restructuring. Additionally, questions have been raised regarding his previous part-ownership of the Bradford Bulls during a period of mounting debt between 2017 and 2019.