Racing
League
Rugby
Football
Cricket
Golf
Sport Nation
Motorsport
Netball
Basketball
Combat Sports
Olympics
Other Sports
'Quick and easy choice': Lowe on why the Orcas want Razor
Jaxin Daniels • August 10th, 2026 5:03 pm
Sir Graham Lowe | Photo: Photosport
Sir Graham Lowe says the Southern Orcas did not need long to decide Scott Robertson was the man they wanted to lead their potential NRL franchise.
While Robertson’s rugby union background makes the proposed move one of the boldest coaching plays in New Zealand sport, Lowe said the Orcas were sold on his leadership, honesty, and coaching pedigree.
“It didn't take much of a talk with him, because we'd already made our minds up that he was the right person,” Lowe said. “As big as this decision might sound now, it was a very quick and easy choice for us to make.”
The Orcas have made Robertson a four-year offer, subject to the franchise being granted an NRL licence.
Lowe said Robertson is still working through the decision with his management, but made it clear the Orcas believe they have identified the best possible candidate.
Orcas reportedly make deal for Scott Robertson to coach potential NRL expansion team | Sport Nation Mornings
Robertson has built his coaching reputation in rugby union, but Lowe said the attraction was not based on code-specific experience. Instead, he pointed to Robertson’s qualities as a coach and leader.
“I've got to be honest, I've spoken to him a limited amount of times,” Lowe said.
“How he's handled the media and the response to all the challenges that he's been involved with in his years as a coach of both the Crusaders and the All Blacks, I was always impressed with the honesty he put forward, with the confidence he always displayed in his own actions.
"Just a really good person, but not only that, a fantastic coach of sport, whatever it might be.”
Scott Robertson knows a thing or two about leading a team to a title | Photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz
Robertson’s potential switch would be a major cross-code move, and Lowe admitted the approach came as a surprise.
“I think it did take him a little bit by surprise,” Lowe said. “We were expecting that because, you know, he would never have guessed it, I suppose.
“We also knew that it would take a while to sink in and he'd need to talk to a lot of people. Let it all sort of settle in his mind.”
Asked whether he was confident Robertson would accept, Lowe said he remained hopeful while acknowledging the scale of the decision.
“I'm as confident as I can be,” Lowe said.
“I do understand it's a massive call and I'm sure he's got every man and his dog giving him advice whether he wants it or not.”
Lowe believes the appointment, if it happens, would carry major significance in New Zealand sport.
“As far as coaching appointments go in this country, it probably will go down in history as one of the biggest calls ever.
“We've offered him a very competitive four-year deal, and we've just got to leave it as that and see how things pan out.”
Is Razor and the Southern Orcas a PR play or a smart option for NRL bid? | Millsy & Guy
The Orcas are still waiting on the NRL’s decision around their licence bid, but Lowe said identifying a head coach was a key part of showing the franchise’s ambition.
“I think it's like putting a jigsaw together,” Lowe said. “A major part of it is who's going to coach the team.
“We have to show the confidence in what we're doing and what we are about, the planning and our ambition, and our vision that we've got for the whole thing.”
Should Robertson accept the role, Lowe said the Orcas would look to provide experienced rugby league support around him. However, he stressed Robertson would be given the freedom to shape his own staff.
“We want to give Scott as much leeway as he thinks he needs,” Lowe said.
“We've already been speaking to a number of extremely experienced and successful guys and coaches in their own rights.
“Scott will make the call on who he wants around him.
"He's going to be the head coach and that's his role.”
For now, the Orcas are waiting on two major decisions: Robertson’s call, and the NRL’s.
“All we know is we had to put our best foot forward, and that's what we've done,” Lowe said. “We've got to hold our horses and just wait and see what happens.”
Listen to the full interview below:
