The bid for a second New Zealand NRL franchise has received a significant boost, with the consortium signing a $10 million deal with Christchurch's Celebration Lions Sports Trust to enter a feeder team in the NSW or Queensland Cup.

The agreement gives the bid team a strong foothold in the South Island and will strengthen the new club's rivalry with the Auckland-based Warriors.

Kiwi stars: Benji Marshall and Shaun Johnson share a joke before the 2015 NRL season launch in Auckland. The choice of venue is seen as a sign of the NRL's commitment to the game in New Zealand. Credit:Getty Images

It also provides another pathway for Kiwi players to the NRL as the Celebration Lions plan to establish a NSW or Queensland Cup team that would play out of their proposed new ground at Porritt Park in Christchurch.

The Lions, who play in the strong Canterbury Rugby League, also want to enter junior representative teams in the NSWRL's Harold Mathews and SG Ball competitions.