Though she tried to keep it hidden from her students, Shakira Baker's second job was never going to stay secret for long.

The Manurewa High School teacher, Kiwi Fern, and Warriors forward saw her two worlds collide earlier in the season when the school's league team played curtain-raiser to the Warriors women, officially blowing her cover.

"I kept it quiet for a little bit, but they came down to the Hamilton game against the Knights. They were all screaming on the sideline, so it was really cool to have them there and that support."

Being exposed as a Warrior has, of course, seen her become much more popular at the school.

Baker admits balancing teaching with professional sport can be difficult, but she said being in the classroom helps keep her grounded throughout the NRLW season.

However, she is hopeful rugby league will eventually become a full-time profession for women.

"It's about having that going outside of rugby league, having that outlet. Being semi-professional is tiring but I can see where they're trying to take it in the long term and hopefully in the coming years we see it become a full-time competition."

In her second year at the Warriors after a decorated career in rugby union, the former Black Ferns Sevens star said the side was just beginning to gel after a tough run of injuries early in the year.

"It's been up and down a little bit, we're trying to get consistency. We've taken the learnings and just want to put our best foot forward."

Still a relative rookie in league, Baker knows she still has plenty more to learn.

"Having that first season, knowing what to expect, knowing what the body is gonna feel like and things like that. I'm still enjoying it, still loving being a part of this club and I am understanding the game a little bit more but still a lot to learn as well."

With the Warriors securing some big name signings in 2026, including Stacey Waaka and Mele Hufanga, Baker said they felt the expectations on the side grow.

"Their knowledge and the energy that they've brought in really sort of amped us ones coming in from last year. I'm not too sure if that put a target on our club or not. But we're really lucky to have that experience and their knowledge amongst us."

Though not a veteran in league, Baker brings 17 years of experience herself as a professional sportswoman.

Having started her career at 19 with the Wellington Farah Palmer Cup side, Baker went on to earn 13 test caps as well as Commonwealth Games and Rugby World Cup gold medals in Sevens.

She has no desire to return, however.

"Once I hung up the rugby boots and put my rugby league boots on, that was the decision I made, that I want to see that through long term. There's no thinking I want to make a switch back."

While leadership doesn't come naturally for her, Baker is a natural mentor for the team's younger players.

"I've been involved in sport for a very long time but I'm sort of a person of few words so I just go out there and do it and if it rubs off on them, it rubs off on them. They keep me young."

She also understands the sporting journey is not all smooth sailing, having also faced her fair share of adversity.

In 2013, Baker was diagnosed with Long QT syndrome, a heart condition which brings an increased risk of fainting, seizures, or sudden death during physical activity.

With her playing future under threat, Baker underwent surgery and has fortunately continued her career without incident.

"I was signed off by the cardiologist and I don't have to take medication and things like that, I still have the condition but it's non-symptomatic so it's all fine."

However, Baker must always have a defibrillator close by, though it is now largely precautionary.

"I'm most likely to use it on someone else than myself at the moment."

As seen on rnz.co.nz

The PNG Chiefs confirmed the signing of two-time NRL Premiership winner and New Zealand international, Kiwi #815 Joseph Manu on a two-year deal as the club continues to build a strong roster ahead of its inaugural season.

Currently playing for Racing 92 in French rugby union, Manu will become Chiefs Player #007 – joining Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston, Connor Watson, Matty Lees, Zac Lomax and Brian To’o as players signed to the club for the 2028 season.

He will link up with the Chiefs on a two-year deal for the 2028 and 2029 seasons.

Born in New Zealand with Māori and Cook Island descent, Manu made his first-grade debut in 2016 after an impressive junior rugby league career which included appearances in the U/19 Commonwealth Games in 2014 and Junior Kiwis in 2015. Manu last represented the Kiwis in 2023 when they won the inaugural Pacific Championships Cup.

Having won both the U/18’s (2014) and U/20’s (2016) competition with the Roosters, he won his first NRL Premiership with the Tricolours in 2018 – helping the club repeat their efforts the following year as they won the title again in 2019.

In addition to his 69 tries scored in 181 NRL games, Manu has also made 17 Test match appearances for New Zealand and was named the Golden Boot winner in 2022.

PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson said the star outside back was another significant signing for the club both on and off the field.

“Joey is another key signing for us and a further demonstration of the ambition we have for this club in making an impact for the people of Papua New Guinea. His connection to the Pacific, his character, experience and standing in the game will have a profound impact on our club.

“He understands the responsibility that comes with representing something bigger than himself, and we believe he can have a genuine impact on our young players and the next generation of Papua New Guineans – who we are proud to represent as a club.”

PNG Chiefs General Manager – Football Michael Chammas said Manu would offer a great attacking threat and experience to the Chiefs’ roster.

“We’re thrilled to add Joey to our squad moving forward,” Chammas said. “He is a world-class footballer with versatility across several positions and can change a game in a single moment with the skills he possesses.

“His experience and demonstrated success at the highest level will be a great benefit to our team and we can’t wait to see him have a significant impact in the Chiefs jersey."

As seen on nrl.com

The countdown is on to the pinnacle event of senior secondary schools rugby league in Aotearoa, with just eight days to go until the NZRL National Secondary Schools Tournament (NZSS) kicks off.

From Friday 4 to Sunday 6 September, Bruce Pulman Park in Takanini, Auckland, will bring together 44 teams of young boys and girls, representing their schools on the national stage. The highly anticipated tournament will cap off a week of secondary schools footy action, following the inaugural standalone U15 Boys National Secondary Schools Tournament.

Across the three NZSS grades, Boys Premiership, Girls Championship, and Boys Championship, teams will travel to Auckland from Northland, the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Coastline, Tairāwhiti, Taranaki, and Canterbury to compete.  

The Girls Championship is set for its biggest year yet, with 14 teams of young wāhine preparing to take the field. Waikato’s Te Wharekura o Te Kaokaoroa o Pāterere are among the new entrants to the tournament, while a composite team formed between Tokoroa High School and St. Peter’s School, Cambridge, will also take the stage.

In the Boys Premiership, Kelston Boys’ High School will defend their 2025 national title, and Whangārei Boys’ High School make their return after winning the 2026 Rugby League Northland Adam Blair High School Competition. Whangārei Boys’ alumna and Kiwis captain James Fisher-Harris represented the school at the 2013 tournament, where he was awarded MVP of the Development grade. Dilworth School will make their maiden Premiership appearance after winning the NZSS Boys Championship grade in 2025, in just their first year of rugby league and competing at the tournament.

The Boys Championship grade welcomes debutants Botany Downs Secondary College, alongside a composite team from Hobsonville Point and Lynfield College, with all three schools fielding their first-ever rugby league teams. King’s College Auckland will also make their rugby league and tournament debut, having played a role in the development of former students and current NRL players Ali Leiataua and Francis Manuleleua, both former NZRL U16 and U18 New Zealand representatives. With last year’s champions now promoted, the Championship title is up for grabs and set to be hotly contested among the 20 competing schools.

David McMeeken, NZRL National Football Operations Manager, said the tournament’s expansion is a positive sign for the game, “The National Secondary Schools Tournament has seen exceptional growth in recent years, from 13 boys and five girls teams in 2022 to 30 senior boys and 14 girls schools in 2026.

"The growth of school rugby league at a regional level has also been very promising. This year, Rugby League Northland ran one of their most successful high school competitions, while Tauranga, Hamilton, and Rotorua Girls’ High Schools, along with Te Wharekura o Te Kaokaoroa o Pāterere, competed in a regular weekly competition. The Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions now make up more than one-third of the schools competing in the NZSS Girls Championship. Schools across the country, particularly those outside the host region, work hard to give their students the opportunity to compete at Nationals.

“The continued growth of the game is supported by the Warriors’ strong form and the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns heading into a World Cup, with many current players having come through this tournament. This highlights the opportunities that can come from representing your school, and for many students, getting to play alongside their peers while representing their school and community is a very enjoyable and memorable experience."

All games on Field 1, including all Grand Finals on Sunday, will be broadcast live on Sky Sport.

Keep an eye on the NZRL website and socials for more NZSS news and updates in the lead-up to the tournament.

Following continued growth and strong participation in the NZRL National Secondary Schools Tournament, the U15 Boys grade has now grown into a standalone event, with the inaugural U15 Boys National Secondary Schools Tournament less than two weeks away.

From Tuesday 1 September to Thursday 3 September, Walter Massey Park in Māngere, Auckland, will host 15 teams of rangatahi representing their schools, whānau, and communities on the national stage.  

Seven teams will travel to Auckland to compete, including new entrants Mahaukura, a composite entry of Te Kōpuku High and Ngā Taiātea Wharekura School from Waikato, and Wellington’s St. Patrick’s Silverstream College. Avondale College from West Auckland will also make their tournament debut.  

David McMeeken, NZRL National Football Operations Manager shared, “The U15 grade has grown significantly, from three teams in 2022 to 13 teams in 2025. This year we're looking forward to welcoming 15 schools from across the North Island, from Tāmaki Makaurau, Waikato, Hauraki, Bay of Plenty, and Wellington. Following feedback from schools, we’ve made the U15 Boys Tournament a standalone event, giving it its own space ahead of the Senior Boys and Girls tournaments.  

“The purpose of the U15 grade and tournament is to provide schools with an entry point into rugby league, creating opportunities for students to participate in rugby league, play alongside friends, represent their schools, and hopefully continue playing the game through their local club. It also allows students to play the game without having to compete in senior grades too early. We’ve seen schools start their rugby league journey by entering U15s, and are now attending nationals with both U15 and Senior Boys teams.”

Keep an eye out on our NZRL website and socials for further U15 Boys and National Secondary Schools Tournament information to come.

Our Pirtek Volunteer of the Month award celebrates and recognises heroes from our grassroots rugby league community across Aotearoa for their hard mahi, dedicated to our game. This award is given to volunteers who display the core values of The Kiwi Way: being family first, innovative, inclusive, respectful, and humble.

We are proud to announce our fourth winner for 2026, the Pirtek Volunteer of the Month award for July goes to Stephanie Noa from the Whangamatā Whai.

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The Whangamatā Whai club was founded four years ago after a group of local U11 players represented Hauraki at an Aotearoa New Zealand Māori Rugby League tournament. With the tamariki having little experience or exposure to rugby league, the idea was sparked to establish a local club where tamariki and rangatahi could learn the game, get involved, and get the most out of rugby league.

Stephanie played an instrumental role in establishing Whangamatā Whai and has been at the heart of the club’s journey from day one, serving as President ever since. In addition to her responsibilities as President, Steph wears many hats around the club, from coaching and managing to administration, photography, social media, and whatever else needs to be done.

Under Steph’s leadership and through the hard work of the club’s volunteers and community support, Whai has grown from a humble 40 players to more than 200 in 2025, with 12 teams ranging from U5 through to senior men’s and women’s teams.

An achievement for the club was introducing U13 and U15 kōtiro girls’ teams. Steph is passionate about growing women’s rugby league, having played the game herself in Australia for the Burleigh Bears, where she learned from and played alongside some of the pioneers of the modern women’s game.

On top of all the mahi she puts into the club, Steph is also a mum, with three of her daughters playing for Whai. Balancing her work at the club while still being there on the sideline to support her girls can’t be easy, but Steph does it and makes it look effortless.

Her commitment, energy, and passion for the club have helped bring rugby league to life in Whangamatā, giving tamariki, rangatahi, and seniors the opportunity to play, grow, and thrive in the game.

The growth Whangamatā Whai has achieved in such a short time is outstanding, and Steph has been a huge part of that success. Pirtek CEO Chris Bourke shared:

"Congratulations, Stephanie, on being named the Pirtek Volunteer of the Month for July. The time, care, and commitment you put into your club and the people around you don't go unnoticed, and we're proud to recognise the positive difference you continue to make."

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Know a volunteer who does exceptional mahi? Help us celebrate these grassroots heroes by nominating them for the next Pirtek Volunteer of the Month award.

‍Each monthly winner will receive $200 worth of vouchers and have their story shared across our channels.

Make a nomination here: https://share.hsforms.com/2Lq4cbueQRVCRwqK8vsfK_Qsy1ug

If anyone thought Wests Tigers Raecene McGregor was on fire in Magic Round, then they will be eagerly awaiting the star halfback lining up against her former club St George Illawarra on Sunday.

McGregor dazzled the Sharks in the 32-20 win in Wagga Wagga with two line breaks, two try assists, and a double herself along with four goals to give her a club record haul of 16 points.

"It’s so good having someone like Rae, who just runs with that ball,” Tigers fullback Caitlin Turnbull told NRL.com.

“She has people falling off her no matter which direction she takes. There’s always inside shoulders she finds or opening up plays on the outside as well.
“Having someone like her on the team is outstanding.

“Obviously I’m still learning fullback – it’s my first full year in the position – but I’m learning so much from Rae.

“I just stay off her hip and work with her – I am loving it.”

McGregor finished her 2025 season at the Dragons prematurely, when work and personal commitments caused some upheaval between her and the club.

“The year didn’t end the way I wanted it to at the Dragons,” she told NRL.com earlier this year.

But incoming Wests Tigers coach Craig Sandercock saw the value in the 2022 Dally M winner.

Skipper and fellow Dally M winner Kezie Apps has a close-up view of McGregor’s skills since they both work the Wests Tigers right edge.

“Rae showed her little magic (in Wagga Wagga) with her footwork, show-and-goes. She’s just an incredible player,” Apps said.

“Just her as a player and how hard she’s worked in the pre-season... her leadership has been amazing and directing us around the park.

“It’s definitely what we needed at the Wests Tigers – somebody like that.”

Turnbull is into her second NRLW season and played mainly on the wing last year before moving into the custodian role this year.

She felt the pain of 2025 when the Wests Tigers enjoyed just one win in 11 games. But she’s been a major part of the revival in 2026 with her kick return metres, tackle busts and her staunch defence.

After winning the opening two rounds, the Wests Tigers had back-to-back 40-point losses to the Broncos and Roosters before returning to the winners’ circle against the Sharks.

“It’s really pleasing. We had those two losses which were hefty but it’s so good to comeback and get a win against a good side like Cronulla,” Turnbull said.

“We’re on the rise here. We only won one match last year – we’re now up to three – but our principles mean the girls get around each other and everyone is working hard.  

“It’s only up from here.”

As seen on nrl.com

Like father, like daughter.

If you wanted to know where Warriors Ivana Lauitiiti gets that energy from you only have to research her father Ali Lauitiiti, who played 394 first-grade games across 19 years.

Big Ali was a cult figure in his seven years with the Warriors before joining Leeds for eight years and finishing with four seasons at Wakefield Trinity.

He played for the Warriors in the 2002 NRL decider against the Roosters and won a premiership with Leeds in 2004 alongside 20 Tests for New Zealand and seven for Samoa (2000-2010).

Ivana says she’d like to have that kind of lengthy career.

And if you were thinking the NRLW Magic Round might be Ivana’s lucky charm, you’d be right.

She scored a try on her NRLW debut in the 2025 edition at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium, and in 2026 she scored again at Wagga Wagga’s Geohex Park to mark her 20th birthday.

“I don’t really like celebrating my birthday but I wouldn’t want to do anything else than play the sport that I love with the teammates I love,” Lauitiiti told NRL.com.

The young prop said she never felt the pressure “too much” from being Ali Lauitiiti’s daughter.

“I feel like I use him as a lesson, well not really a lesson, but as doing something I want to do well too," she said.

“The only pressure I really feel is do better each game.

“Dad talks to me a lot about footy – and sometimes I don’t listen – but I am quietly very proud of him.”

Ivania was born in Leeds in 2006, while Ali was playing with the Rhinos, and since he didn’t retire until 2016 she remembers him playing.

“I loved watching him... it’s what inspired me to get into football – my dad and my cousins," she said.

She’s not only followed down the club path by being at the Warriors, Ivana has already pulled on the Kiwis Ferns jersey in last year’s Pacific Championships.  

Perhaps nothing should really be a surprise in these father-daughter connections.

Lauitiiti also scored on his NRL debut against North Sydney in 1998, and while he won Dally M Second-Rower of the year in 2002 his daughter also has a Dally M honour.

She won the Youi ‘Tackle of the Year’ at the 2025 awards night for her tackle on Wests Tigers centre Emily Bass in the Round 11 win at Campbelltown Stadium last September.

“I do love the physical side of rugby league but also the bridges you build around it with your teammates in and out of footy,” she said.

“We give it our all every game and we hope to play finals this year.

“For me I need to execute all the coaches are teaching me.”

After two away games, the Warriors are sitting in third spot on the NRLW ladder and host the Knights at FMG Stadium Waikato, in Hamilton, this Saturday.

As seen on nrl.com

Expressions of interest are now open for players interested in selection for the NZRL Taurahere U19 boys and girls representative matches, for Kiwi youth residing in Australia.

Taurahere returns this year to the Gold Coast’s Runaway Bay from 11-13 September, featuring the inaugural girls fixture alongside the traditional boys match.

Two Under-19 boys' squads and two Under-19 girls' squads selected from players residing in NSW and QLD will be chosen to attend a short training camp before facing off in their respective representative fixtures.

Please complete the form below if you wish to express your interest in selection for the Taurahere teams, open to male and female players aged between 17 and 19 years of age who currently reside in Australia.

Expressions of interest will close Wednesday 5 August, complete the form here.

The countdown is on to our national tournament season, kicking off in just a few weeks across Aotearoa. With a tournament taking place every weekend throughout September and leading into October, another exciting representative season awaits.

This year's calendar features several exciting milestones, including the inaugural National U15 Boys Secondary Schools Tournament and Wheelchair Rugby League Nationals, while the National Secondary Schools Tournament is set to be its biggest yet.  

The Taurahere programme returns in Australia, the New Zealand Resident 16s and 18s representative programme is back, and senior representative rugby league heads to Hawke's Bay for what promises to be a historic weekend for the region.

See the full tournament calendar below, with more information, key details, and updates to be released in the lead-up to each event.

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National U15 Boys Secondary Schools Tournament

Tuesday 1 September – Thursday 3 September

Walter Massey Park, Māngere, Auckland

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National Secondary Schools Tournament

Friday 4 September – Sunday 6 September

Bruce Pulman Park, Takanini, Auckland

More info

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National Men’s Premiership | North Island qualifiers

Sky Sport National Women’s Premiership

Men’s and Women’s Championships

Saturday 12 September – Sunday 13 September

Mitre 10 Park, Hastings, Hawke’s Bay

More info

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National Men’s Premiership | South Island qualifiers

Saturday 12 September – Sunday 13 September

Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub, Aidanfield, Christchurch

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Taurahere Australia Resident U19 representative matches

Sunday 13 September

Runaway Bay, Gold Coast, Australia

More info

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Wheelchair Rugby League Nationals

Saturday 19 September – Sunday 20 September

Auckland

More info

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National Men’s Premiership semi-finals

Saturday 26 September

Bruce Pulman Park, Takanini, Auckland

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National Men’s Premiership Grand Final

Sky Sport National Women’s Premiership Grand Final

Sunday 27 September

Bruce Pulman Park, Takanini, Auckland

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National Youth Tournament

Sunday 27 September – Tuesday 29 September

Bruce Pulman Park, Takanini, Auckland

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New Zealand Resident 16s and 18s representative matches

Monday 26 October

Bruce Pulman Park, Takanini, Auckland

More info

Cronulla forward Briton Nikora has vowed to draw on the experience of a maiden Origin series as he looks to lead the Sharks back to the NRL finals.

The back rower made his Queensland debut in the interstate contest and impressed for the Maroons despite their loss to NSW in a tense Suncorp Stadium decider.

Nikora was handed a rest by Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon before returning for last week's tight win over the Knights. He will line up in the back-row for Sunday's clash with Manly at 4 Pines Park as the Sharks look to solidify their place in the top four.

Cronulla have progressed to the preliminary final in the past two seasons but have fallen short of a grand final berth and this season looms as the current squad's best chance to win a title before a host of players depart.

Having had a taste of the Origin furnace, Nikora is eager to draw on that experience throughout the upcoming finals series.

"It's exciting to be back with the Sharks after that experience," Nikora told NRL.com. "There's a lot there that I can draw upon leading into the finals. The atmosphere, the games, the intensity of the play.

"It's not just the physical side but mentally preparing myself for those games, it takes a lot to mentally prepare and there is a lot throughout the week leading into the game.

"I'll take those physical lessons and all the mental lessons with me if I play in those big games with the Sharks."

A mainstay in the Kiwis forward pack for the past few years, Nikora's Queensland debut came after eligibility rules were changed earlier this year to allow New Zealand and England players to contest State of Origin.

The forward was 10 when his family moved from New Zealand to the Gold Coast and playing for the Maroons quickly developed into a childhood goal.

After coming off the bench in Game One, the back-rower started in the second and third matches and was among the Maroons' best throughout the series.

While Queensland ultimately lost in the decider, Nikora said there were plenty of lessons learned from coach Billy Slater and his teammates that will hold him in good stead moving forward.

"It was a dream come true," Nikora said. "I never thought I'd see the day and I was so grateful for the opportunity that Billy gave me and the faith Billy and the coaching staff had in me to put that jersey on. I don't take it lightly and it was an honour to do it.

"I learned a lot off Billy and the coaching staff. The detail he shows with his coaching and the focus on the little effort areas. That's what I'm trying to bring back to the Sharks. I want to come back a better player than I was, I want to lift my game and do what I've got to do for the team."

Nikora was one of three Sharks to feature in the Origin series, with Blayke Brailey and Addin Fonua-Blake playing a key role in the Blues' victory.

Fonua-Blake has brushed off a pec concern to be named for this week's clash with the Sea Eagles, while Brailey has hit the ground running since returning from a broken arm midway through the campaign.

The trio are set to play a key role in Cronulla's run to the finals, with history suggesting Origin experience is a key indicator of premiership success.

It's an area the club has been lacking in recent years and coach Craig Fitzgibbon can already see the impact upon the group's return to the Shire.

"I really respect the way Addin, Blayke and Brit have come back and shown how much the club means to them, of wanting to play and play well," Fitzgibbon said.

As seen on nrl.com

Kiwi Fern #183 Mackenzie Wiki has spent her rugby league journey carrying a famous surname, but on a milestone day for the Canberra Raiders centre, she proved the green jersey belongs to her.

Playing her 25th NRLW match for the Raiders, Wiki crossed for two tries as Canberra secured a 42-16 victory against the Warriors in her milestone game.  

For Wiki, the occasion carried extra meaning. As the daughter of Raiders and New Zealand Kiwis great Ruben Wiki, she has grown up surrounded by the expectations that come with a legendary name.

But the 24-year-old said the advice from her father has always been simple... embrace the opportunity and make the jersey her own.

“It’s awesome wearing the same colours as my dad. But you know the message from him is to make your own name in the green jersey”, Wiki told NRL.com.

"I think we’ve both made a name for ourselves, and I’m just carrying on that tradition for the Wikis.”

Ruben Wiki played 224 games for the Green Machine from 1993 to 2004, including the Raiders' premiership-winning side in 1994, before finishing his illustrious career with four seasons at the Warriors.

"I’m very grateful to be in the same jersey and I hope I can make many more (memories) in the same jersey," Mackenzie said.

Born and raised in Queanbeyan, which borders the nation’s capital, Wiki has always called the ACT her second home.

“I’ve been here since the inaugural season so 25 games for the Raiders, it's just such a surreal thing," she said.

“I feel like we have such unity in the club and you know I just want to put my best out there for the club and what they’ve done for me over the four years.”

Raiders coach Darrin Borthwick praised not only Wiki’s performance but also her personal drive throughout her time at the club.

“To see her growth and development over the last three years, yeah really happy. I think she’s forged a name for herself now and I know that she will keep continuing to get better," Borthwick said.

“I’m glad she’s on our team and she’s doing a really good job at the moment with our back five and leading the charge with that, so I’m really happy for her.”

While Wiki’s dad has had a hand in shaping her playing career she wasn’t shy to mention the massive impact her mum has made as well.  

"I think my mum has been the biggest influence in my career. She is a strong woman. I just want to continue the way she lives life and do that on the field as well.”

As seen on nrl.com

Leading global technology company DJI (Da-Jiang Innovations) have officially partnered with New Zealand Rugby League, coming on board as technology partners for 2026.

DJI are renowned for their wide range of creative camera products including camera drones, handheld vlogging cameras, stabilising and filmmaking gear, accessories, and more.

NZRL General Manager of Communications and Marketing Amy Thomason shared, “We are thrilled to partner with DJI and look forward to incorporating their leading and innovative products into our technology suite.

“DJI’s products will help enhance our content capture across our grassroots tournaments and competitions, through to the Kiwis, Kiwi Ferns, and Wheel Kiwis World Cup campaigns.”

Deon Holgate, Field Sales Manager at Dicker Data New Zealand, distributor of DJI Consumer products in New Zealand, said on behalf of DJI:

"DJI is proud to partner with New Zealand Rugby League as the Official Technology Partner for 2026.

Innovation is at the heart of everything we do, and rugby league's speed, precision, and teamwork reflect the values that drive DJI. We're excited to support the Kiwis, Kiwi Ferns, and Wheel Kiwis throughout their World Cup campaigns by providing industry-leading imaging technology that captures the game from new perspectives.

Together with NZRL, we look forward to bringing fans closer to the game, taking them behind the moments that matter, and sharing the passion, pride, and journey of New Zealand rugby league with audiences around the world."