I'm genuinely stunned how many Wellington-based die-hards have immediately latched onto the forced rivalry (leaning into spite) rather than be happy there are now two massive local professional pathways for New Zealand footballers. So 'us vs. them', and I just don't understand it
1) Wellington (and the rest of the country) hate Auckland, always have. Part of the pride of getting the Nix set up in the first place was Wellington having something that was "taken away" from AKL, hence the chants mocking the Kingz/Knights.
2) Foley's cashed-up club could put the Nix at a serious disadvantage, in attracting AWs and ex-Nix players (Rojas, Singh) and even current Nix players (Kosta). We started a rivalry with the Snakes because they took Dura and Kurto. Even worse if our neighbours with whom we have an ancestry civic rivalry do the same thing.
Speaking for myself: I was actually considering being an active member of both clubs. But if AKL is buying out the Nix's best players, I won't be able to stomach that.