The constant talk of expanding the A-League has come into play and at times the existence of the Phoenix has been questioned.

It was announced in February 2016 that the Nix and FFA agreed to a 10-year deal for the extension of the club’s A-League licence to be reviewed every four years. They received an immediate four-year extension of their licence through to the end of the 2019/20 season.

The former Nix winger used the All White’s qualification for the 2010 World Cup as an example of Wellington’s importance to New Zealand where a total of five members of the 23-player squad were involved in the nation's undefeated campaign.

“It’s (Wellington) extremely important, if they’re not there then there’s no professional team in New Zealand,” Rojas said.

“There’s no pathway for young footballers aspiring to be professionals, there’s nothing even for the younger players to look in and watch.

“It’s something I hope continues. I hope the Phoenix continue to have a team in the league and hope New Zealand continue to have a team in the league.

“It would be devastating for them for something to change but I hope it stays the same because it’s important for football.

“A lot of players were playing for them (in 2010 World Cup). If they’re not playing for the Phoenix then they have to try overseas and it’s always nice to play professional football close to home, so they were very important back then and very important now.”

Rojas in his Wellington days

Rojas also weighed into the idea of bringing a second team in New Zealand to create a genuine rivalry, however he urged for cautious action in inducting new teams into the A-League.

“I’m not 100% sure on that one, I think we need to focus on the one team at the moment and get that working properly,” he said.

“If you’re going to chuck in another team or so you never know how it’s going to go. I think we just need to focus on Phoenix and for New Zealand football to do whatever they can to make sure that’s functioning well and we can move on from there.”

Rojas nets a brace in All White's 2-0 win over New Caledonia in Auckland last year

Since Rojas’ return in the A-League, the Kiwi has received plaudits for his performances this season and is in regular contention for a place in the All Whites.

After Victory striker Besart Berisha revealed last week he would line-up for Kosovo in Round 24, the club could potentially be without Rojas and James Troisi in the clash against Brisbane Roar away.

Kosovo, Socceroos and All Whites all play World Cup qualifiers in the same round and Rojas said it was time to have an international break in the A-League.

Wellington have had issues in the past with a number of key players involved in the All Whites including captain Andrew Durante and speedster Kosta Barbarouses as well as Fijian Roy Krishna.

“I understood why at the start it wasn’t like that because this wasn’t really happening. Now it’s a different story that A-League is a different league and it’s a lot better,” The All White said.

“There are better imports coming in, a few of the Australians are picking up Socceroos caps, so it’s definitely something they need to look at because it’s not ideal when the window comes along and three or four players are going because the scheduling just doesn’t work with it.

“Hopefully it’s something they work out and I’m definitely supportive of it.

“It’s something that’s always made me proud. To represent my country, so possibly for the coaches it’s a different story having us out but for us it’s an honour and something you want to do as much as possible.”

Victory look to thwart league leaders Sydney FC’s and their eight point advantage on the table Friday night.