The backers of a bid for an NRL team based in Wellington are pleased at the response to their proposal but question the lack of support from the Warriors.

Since details of the plan for a second Kiwi team were revealed by Fairfax Media four weeks ago, the bid has gained momentum. Organisations in other areas of New Zealand have expressed interest in becoming involved or seeking to host matches.

Lack of support: The Warriors' response to the possibility of a second NRL team in New Zealand has disappointed the consortium behind the bid. Credit:Getty Images

A big boost to the chances of success was the combining of rival bids from a private consortium and the Wellington Rugby League. They are working together to convince the NRL to admit a team from the New Zealand capital after the current television rights deal expires in 2017.

However, Warriors chief executive Jim Doyle has stunned those behind the bid by suggesting – during a trip to Wellington last week to launch the club's match against St George Illawarra at Westpac Stadium – that the 16-team competition was unlikely to be expanded until after the expiry of the next broadcast deal, expected to be in 2022.