International Rugby League has welcomed New Zealand Rugby League Chairman Justin Leydesdorff as a new IRL Director as part of a Board restructure.
Justin will join the IRL Board, which has been reduced from 11 directors to eight after regional consultations led by IRL Chair Troy Grant, and the finalisation of the desired configuration by Board members. The Board restructure was approved by the members last month.
The IRL Board will now comprise of the Chairs of Asia-Pacific Rugby League Confederation, Australian Rugby League Commission, European Rugby League, New Zealand Rugby League, England’s Rugby Football League and three independent Directors. The reduced Board sees an increase in the ratio of independent to member-elected Directors.
The CEOs of ARLC, NZRL and RFL will still be able to attend IRL Board meetings as official observers.
Under the IRL constitution, the Chair must be an independent Director.
Troy Grant, Emma Young and Laurie Daley are the current independent Directors on the IRL Board.
The other Directors are Sandis Tsaka (APRL), Peter V’landys (ARLC), Dean Andrew (ERL) and Justin Leydesdorff (NZRL).
Troy Grant continues as IRL Chair, with Dean Andrew recently elected by the Board as Deputy Chair, replacing Simon Johnson, who recently stood down from his role as RFL Chair.
The IRL is awaiting the appointment of the RFL Chair at the conclusion of the strategic review currently underway in England.
IRL Chair Troy Grant said the changes would ensure that the game wasn’t ‘over governed’ and the IRL focused on a more efficient and cost-effective way to strategically service member nations.
“Our new strategy pieces being designed with deliberate capacity building investments will see us build on the international momentum we have achieved since our bounce back after the pandemic,” he said.
“We have a long way to go. We can’t be everything to everyone, nations at all levels of development have to do their own lifting as well, and if they do that, IRL will reciprocate with investments in technical education and genuine pathway competition opportunities to World Series’ and World Cups.”
NZRL Chair Justin Leydesdorff said: “It is an exciting time to be joining the IRL board and I look forward to continuing the good work currently happening to advance Rugby League across the globe. The international game has its challenges but is well positioned for further commercialisation and new markets are presenting themselves.”
Troy Grant will also Chair a new IRL Strategy Committee to refresh the IF’s strategy by incorporating the key changes developed at the 2023 Board meeting in Singapore, which was the launchpad for the current approach around the commercialised international calendar.
“There’s been an entitlement attitude to being subsidised by the IRL which isn’t sustainable or realistic and those days are over,” Mr Grant said. “Viability must be achieved domestically then investment will come from the IRL for nations to grow and build capacity, and ultimately on-field improvement.”
New Zealand Rugby League is deeply saddened by the passing of former Kiwi #647, Robert Piva. A rugged and determined forward, Piva proudly represented New Zealand on the 1993 tour of Britain and France, earning his Test debut against Wales.
Born on November 4, 1966, Piva was a stalwart of the Wellington rugby league scene, first making his mark with St George in the Wellington Rugby League competition before switching to Randwick in 1988. His powerful presence saw him earn provincial honours for Wellington, taking the field against international sides such as Great Britain and Australia.
A surprise selection for the Kiwis’ 1993 tour under coach Howie Tamati, Piva played one Test match and 6 non-Test fixtures before an unfortunate eye-socket fracture cut his tour short. His resilience and passion for the game carried him into the professional era, featuring for the Taranaki Rockets in the inaugural Lion Red Cup (1994) before stints with Wakefield Trinity and the North Queensland Cowboys during their foundation 1995 season. He was later named in Western Samoa’s squad for the 1995 Rugby League World Cup.
Piva’s impact on the game extended well beyond his playing days, as he remained involved in the sport, turning out for the Porirua Pumas in the Bartercard Cup in 2001.
New Zealand Rugby League extends its heartfelt condolences to Robert’s family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of playing alongside him. His contributions to the game will not be forgotten.
After a false start, retirement is now a reality for Shaun Johnson.
He turned on a clinic to wind up his illustrious Test career in the Kiwis’ trouncing of Papua New Guinea in Sydney earlier this month.
The 54-12 win over the Kumuls had his fingerprints all over it as he was credited with no fewer than five try assists while he was prominent in others as well.
His 35th and final Test saw him extend his New Zealand record Test points tally to 225 with his last scoring act – a conversion.
Johnson finished with 14 tries, 84 goals and a field goal in a career highlighted by victory in the 2014 Four Nations competition and a run of three consecutive wins over the Kangaroos in 2014-2015.
The golden Boot winner in 2014, Johnson’s Kiwi career began with three straight losses to Australia before he went on to be part of 18 Test wins.
SHAUN JOHNSON | TESTS FOR KIWIS
1 April 20, 2012 v Australia Eden Park, Auckland LOST 12-20
1 try
2 October 13, 2012 v Australia Dairy Farmers Stadium, Townsville LOST 10-18
0 points
3 April 19, 2013 v Australia GIO Stadium, Canberra LOST 12-32
2 goals
4 October 27, 2013 v Samoa Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington WON 42-24
5 goals
5 November 1, 2013 v France Parc des Sports, Avignon WON 48-0
2 tries, 8 goals
6 November 8, 2013 v PNG Headingley, Leeds WON 56-10
8 goals
7 November 15, 2013 v Scotland Headingley, Leeds WON 40-4
1 try, 4 goals
8 November 23, 2013 v England Wembley, London WON 20-18
9 November 30, 2013 v Australia Old Trafford, Manchester LOST 2-34
1 goal
10 May 2, 2014 v Australia Allianz Stadium, Sydney LOST 18-30
3 goals
11 October 25, 2014 v Australia Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane WON 30-12
1 try, 5 goals
12 November 1, 2014 v Samoa Toll Stadium, Whangarei WON 14-12
13 November 8, 2014 v England Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin WON 16-14
14 November 15, 2014 v Australia Westpac Stadium, Wellington WON 22-14
1 try, 3 goals
15 May 3, 2015 v Australia Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane WON 26-12
16 May 6, 2016 v Australia McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle LOST 0-16
17 October 29, 2016 v England John Smith’s Stadium, Huddersfield WON 17-16
1 try, 1 field goal
18 November 5, 2016 v Australia Ricoh Arena, Coventry LOST 8-14
19 November 11, 2016 v Scotland Derwent Park, Workington DREW 18-18
20 November 20, 2016 v Australia Anfield, Liverpool LOST 8-34
21 May 5, 2017 v Australia GIO Stadium, Canberra LOST 12-30
22 October 28, 2017 v Samoa Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland WON 38-8
23 November 4, 2017 v Scotland AMI Stadium, Christchurch WON 74-6
1 try, 9 goals
24 November 11, 2017 v Tonga FMG Waikato Stadium, Hamilton LOST 22-28
25 November 18, 2017 v Fiji Westpac Stadium, Wellington LOST 2-4
26 October 13, 2018 v Australia Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland WON 26-24
27 October 27, 2018 v England KCOM Stadium, Hull LOST 16-18
4 goals
28 November 4, 2018 v England Anfield, Liverpool LOST 14-20
29 November 11, 2018 v England Elland Road, Leeds WON 34-0
30 June 22, 2019 v Tonga Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland WON 34-14
2 tries
31 October 25, 2019 v Australia WIN Stadium, Wollongong LOST 4-26
32 November 9, 2019 v Great Britain Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch WON 23-8
33 October 27, 2024 v Australia Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch LOST 10-22
34 November 2, 2024 v Tonga Go Media Stadium, Auckland LOST 24-25
35 November 10, 2024 v PNG CommBank Stadium, Sydney WON 54-12
Tests: 35
Wins: 18
Draws: 1
Losses: 16
Tries: 14
Goals: 84
Field goals: 1
Total: 225 points
New Zealand have closed the curtain on a disappointing 2024 Pacific Cup campaign by avoiding relegation to the tournament’s second-tier with a 54-12 victory over Papua New Guinea, while unearthing a future star in teenage debutant Casey McLean.
Having lost the chance to defend the title they won last season by falling to Tonga in Week 2, the Kiwis faced being replaced by the Kumuls in the Cup for 2025 if they were unable to muster a result at CommBank Stadium in the promotion-relegation clash.
And early on PNG made them work for everything, with just four points between the two sides for much of the first half, but in the end the world No.2 Kiwis proved far too good.
Crucial to New Zealand pulling away on the scoreboard was 18-year-old Panthers winger Casey McLean, who scored four tries (equaling the Kiwis record for a debutant set by Brian Jellick in 1999), and set up another.
He wasn’t the only young player in Stacey Jones’ squad to impress, with 20-year-old fullback Keano Kini immense at the back, running for 301 metres from 20 carries.
At the other end of the spectrum Shaun Johnson bowed out of professional rugby league in style with five try assists, having paused plans to retire at the conclusion of the Warriors’ NRL campaign after receiving an 11th-hour call-up to the national team.
After McLean got things going in the fifth minute, Jamayne Isaako benefitted from a couple of late offloads from Peta Hiku and Johnson which set him free down a narrow corridor for the second.
But what was shaping as a cake walk for the Kiwis soon became anything but and for a short time there was real concern PNG would get on top.
Sylvester Namo steamrolled through Joseph Tapine and James Fisher-Harris on his way to the line on 21 minutes, before the Kumuls blew a golden chance to hit the front when Liam Horne fumbled over the line without a defender near him and Rhyse Martin had a claim ruled out due to a teammate being offside.
Appearing lost for options on the ball. New Zealand looked set to lead by just four at the break before they turned it on to strike twice in the final two minutes of the half and instead go 22-16 up.
First Leo Thompson charged over after some hot-potato footy, before McLean bamboozled PNG down the left to put Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad over.
The next had a heartfelt storyline attached to it, with Johnson, in his last Test, kicking for McLean to score the second of what is likely to be many tries in the black jersey.
After McLean grabbed his third and fourth of the night, which put the result well and truly beyond doubt, Papua New Guinea halted things briefly with a hit back through Cowboys prospect Robert Derby.
A quickfire double from Isaako, which gave him three for the night, came either side of Naufahu Whyte going over, to take the Kiwis up over the half century mark.
A dream start to life as a Kiwi international for 18-year-old debutant Casey McLean. Having touched the ball just once prior, on a regulation carry, McLean grabbed a lovely cut-out pass from Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad to finish the first of his four tries on the night.
Interchange forward Erin Clark has been confirmed as the second player to make his Test debut for the New Zealand Kiwis in today’s Pacific Championships clash against Papua New Guinea at CommBank Stadium in Sydney (6.20pm kick-off local time; 8.20pm NZT).
The 27-year-old comes onto the bench for back rower Marata Niukore to earn his first Test for New Zealand before returning home to rejoin the One New Zealand Warriors after spending the last five seasons with the Gold Coast Titans.
His inclusion follows yesterday’s announcement that 18-year-old Penrith centre Casey McLean would play his maiden Test as a replacement for the injured William Warbrick. McLean and Clark become the sixth and seventh players to debut for the Kiwis during the Pacific Championships after Warbrick, fullback Keano Kini, hooker Phoenix Crossland, prop Naufahu Whyte and second rower Jordan Riki started their Kiwi Test careers against Australia in Christchurch two weeks ago.
Manurewa Marlins junior Clark burst onto the rugby league scene with the Warriors in the now defunct NYC under-20 competition in 2015 before making his NRL debut – and sole appearance – for the Warriors in 2017. The previous season he represented Samoa in two Tests.
After a two-year absence from top-level football in 2018 and 2019 Clark revived his career with Gold Coast in 2020 and went on to amass 94 appearances for the club including all 24 matches this season. He averaged 99 metres and 22 tackles a game.
Penrith rookie Casey McLean is to make his Test debut in the New Zealand Kiwis’ Pacific Championships clash against Papua New Guinea at CommBank Stadium in Sydney tomorrow (6.20pm kick-off local time; 8.20pm NZT).
The 18-year-old has been brought in to replace winger William Warbrick who has been ruled out with a thigh injury he picked up in last Saturday’s 24-25 loss to Tonga at Go Media Stadium in Auckland.
McLean will become the third youngest Test debutant in New Zealand rugby league history at the age of 18 years 200 days.
That leaves him behind only Dennis Williams and Thomas Leuluai.
Williams started at standoff against Great Britain in his first Test the day after his 18th birthday on September 25, 1971, marking it with a dazzling try in the Kiwis’ shock 18-13 win at the Willows in Salford.
Halfback Leuluai had played just 12 NRL games for the One New Zealand Warriors when he started his Test career from the bench at the age of 18 years 118 days in a stunning 30-16 win over the Kangaroos on October 18, 2003.
Sydney-born McLean is even less experienced than Leuluai was with only seven NRL appearances behind him after debuting for the Panthers against North Queensland on June 30 this year.
He was also on the wing that day but his other six matches have all been in his usual position in the centres. He scored three tries and averaged 121 metres a game with two try assists, four line breaks and 17 tackles breaks.
McLean’s New Zealand-born father Wiilie McLean, a Marist Saints junior in Auckland, played for Waitakere City in the now defunct Lion Red Cup and the New Zealand Residents before making first-grade NRL appearances for the North Sydney Bears from 1997-1999. He was selected in the Rest of the World team which played Australia in 1997.
Casey McLean’s 19-year-old brother Jesse made the first of his two appearances for Penrith last year. Of Māori heritage, the McLean brothers are nephews of former Kiwi Alex Chan and first cousins of Melbourne Storm forward – and 2023 Kiwis A representative – Joe Chan and France international Tiaki Chan.
As seen on NRL.com
From the highs of claiming last year’s title with a resounding win over arch-rivals Australia, to being locked in a relegation against a relatively unknown upstart, the Kiwis’ hopes will inevitably rest on the shoulders of favourite son Shaun Johnson.
With Johnson confirming this Sunday’s promotion-relegation match against the PNG Kumuls to stay in the Pacific Cup will definitely be his last, he will still hold the key to victory.
The only player in the squad to have faced the Kumuls before, his experience and the desire of his team-mates to send him out on a high are helping to ensure the Kiwi side lifts for the occasion.
“It was pretty cool when I saw that Shaun Johnson was going to be in camp, I’ve got a photo of him from when I was 12 years old,” Kiwi forward Griffin Neame said.
‘This is definitely it’: Final farewell for Johnson
“I loved him when I was growing up and when I saw he was going to be in here, it was pretty special.
“I was a bit starstruck at first, but he’s a really good fella and he’s a really big leader and he’s been awesome for us younger guys.
“We haven’t talked about it too much (about it being his last game), but I know everyone deep down will be feeling that.
“I know as it gets closer to the game, we’ll probably have more conversations, but it’s going to be a big one, his last game, so there’s a lot on the line and I’m sure the whole team will be really keen to do a good job for him.”
As for the team’s mindset was like after being thrown into promotion-relegation playoff the Pacific Cup, veteran Kodi Nikorima was keen to downplay any talk of extra pressure, but said the side were preparing well to face the relatively unknown Kumuls side who were gunning for their Pacific Cup spot.
“Preparations have been really good,” Nikorima said.
“Obviously, disappointed that we’re not playing in the main game, but in saying that, it’s always an honour to represent your country.
“We’ve prepped really well, obviously got to give the opposition the respect they deserve.
“They’ve played some pretty tough games and they come away with some good wins, so it’s not going to be easy, we know that.
“We have got to turn up ready to go.
“To be honest, we haven’t sort of spoken about what type of game it is, it’s another game where we get to represent our country, our people.
“That’s at the front of your minds when you go into a game. I think the rest of it will take care of itself.
“It’s always a big game when you put on this jersey and pretty keen to run out this Sunday.”
Speaking about his own thoughts on the retiring Johnson, Nikorima was hoping to see his former roomie finish his career with a win to keep the Kiwis in the top tier of the competition.
“I was fortunate enough to room with Shauny I think it was a 2018 tour, so that was a cool experience in itself … obviously it’s his last game, hopefully we can see some SJ magic for that last hurrah,” Nikorima said.
“I am just glad I get to be next to him when he does play his final game.
“That’s pretty cool.”
Rookie Kiwi international Keano Kini is among the list of contenders for the coveted Golden Boot award.
The 20-year-old Aucklander has been a standout since making his Test debut against the Kangaroos in the Kiwis’ opening match of the Pacific Championships in Christchurch last month.
He marked his arrival on the world stage with a game-high 254 metres from 26 runs including five tackle breaks in New Zealand’s 10-22 loss to Australia.
Kini repeated the dose in the agonising 24-25 defeat by Tonga last Saturday when he again led all players with 240 from 25 carries with a line break, a line break assist, seven tackles – the equal best of the game – and his first Test try.
His performances came off the back of a season in which he was named the Gold Coast Titans’ player of the year.
Kini is the only current New Zealand international named in the list of 17 contenders.
Also included are former Kiwis Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Addin Fonua-Blake.
Samoa fullback Tuivasa-Sheck and Tonga captain Fonua-Blake have been outstanding for their teams on opposite sides of the globe over the last three weeks.
Building on his NRL form, departing prop Fonua-Blake has helped Tonga into the Pacific Championships final against Australia at CommBank Stadium in Sydney on Sunday while Tuivasa-Sheck was impressive in a beaten Samoa team in its two-Test series against England.
After making 134 metres from 17 runs and 19 tackles without a miss in Tonga’s 0-18 first-up loss to the Kangaroos, Fonua-Blake was exceptional in last Saturday’s 25-24 win over the Kiwis.
Rampant with the ball in hand, he scored a stunning first half try as he made 224 metres from 19 runs with seven tackles breaks backing it up with 20 tackles.
In Samoa’s 18-34 first Test loss to England, Tuivasa-Sheck made 205 metres from 22 runs with two tackle breaks and three off loads. In the 16-34 second Test defeat he finished with 193 metres from 26 carries with a line break, a line break assist, a try assist, five tackle breaks and five off loads.
Tuivasa-Sheck won the Golden Boot in 2019 while playing for the Kiwis.
A third ex-Kiwi included is Esan Marsters who was used at halfback and fullback by the Cook Islands Aitu in their matches against Fiji and Papua New Guinea.
Players have been nominated from all six nations involved in the Pacific Championships – Australia, Tonga, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Cook Islands – as well as England and Samoa, who last weekend completed their two Test series.
Golden Cap recipients Darren Lockyer (Australia), James Graham (England) and Petero Civoniceva (Australia/Fiji), who are among just nine players to have played 50 internationals, will choose the men’s IRL Golden Boot winner. There isn’t a former Kiwi on the panel.
Short lists for the men’s, women’s 2024 IRL Golden Boot awards will be announced after the Pacific Championships quadruple header in Sydney on Sunday, November 10.
Nominations for the wheelchair 2024 IRL Golden Boot will be announced after the second international between France and England on Saturday, November 23.
The winners of the 2024 IRL Golden Boot awards will be announced in early December.
2024 Golden Boot | Men’s nominees
Herbie Farnworth (England)
Addin Fonua-Blake (Tonga)
Harry Grant (Australia)
Lachlan Lam (Papua New Guinea)
Zac Lomax (Australia)
Jarome Luai (Samoa)
Keano Kini (New Zealand)
Nene Macdonald (Papua New Guinea)
Esan Marsters (Cook Islands)
Taane Milne (Fiji)
Haumole Olakau’atu (Tonga)
Harry Smith (England)
Jason Taumalolo (Tonga)
Tom Trbojevic (Australia)
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Samoa)
George Williams (England)
Isaah Yeo (Australia)
An unchanged lineup has been named for the New Zealand Kiwis’ Pacific Championships encounter with Papua New Guinea at CommBank Stadium in Sydney on Sunday (6.20pm kick-off local time; 8.20pm NZT).
Following their 24-25 loss to Tonga in their Pacific Cup contest in Auckland, the Kiwis finished third on the table to set up a promotion-relegation clash against the Kumuls, the winners of the Pacific Bowl competition.
Tonga takes on the Kangaroos in the Pacific Cup final at 4.05pm local time which is preceded by the women’s Pacific Cup final between the titleholders the Kiwi Ferns and the Australian Jillaroos (1.50pm local time). The day’s programme begins with a women’s promotion-relegation encounter between the Papua New Guinea Orchids and Fetu Samoa.
While the New Zealanders lost to the Kangaroos and Tonga, the Kumuls beat Fiji Bati 22-10 in Suva and the Cook Islands Aitu 42-20 in Port Moresby on Sunday.
The Kiwis are coming off a devastating loss to Tonga which saw them climb back from a 0-24 halftime deficit to level the match up at 24-24 with 14 minutes to play only to lose by one one point in a controversial end to a dramatic match.
After conceding 24 points in the opening 32 minutes, the Kiwis responded with 24 points in 31 minutes starting with an Isaiah Papali’i try five minutes before the halftime break before Keano Kini (49th minute), Phoenix Crossland (58th minutes) and Joseph Tapine (66th minute) followed suit.
Head coach Stacey Jones has today listed the same side which staged the valiant second half comeback.
Captain James Fisher-Harris and second rower Isaiah Papali’i will be making their 12th consecutive Test appearances for the Kiwis, having featured in every international in the last three years.
The Kiwis will meet Papua New Guinea for the first time in 11 years since a 56-10 win in Leeds en route to the 2013 Rugby League World Cup final at Old Trafford.
It will be the 19th international between the two countries since the first in 1978 with New Zealand winning 18. Their sole loss was in Port Moresby in 1986.
NEW ZEALAND v PAPUA NEW GUINEA
CommBank Stadium
Auckland
6.20pm, Sunday, November 10, 2024
(more…)
Wheel Kiwis captain Jayson Hooker has expressed his team’s commitment to growth and resilience following their historic trans-Tasman wheelchair rugby league Test in Auckland, where Australia triumphed 98-4. This milestone game, which saw the first haka performed in wheelchair rugby league, marked New Zealand’s international debut in the sport, with Jamie Tapp scoring the Wheel Kiwis’ inaugural try.
The Australian Wheelaroos, led by captain Brad Grove, showed their dominance, with Bayley McKenna achieving a record-breaking 44 points through five tries and 12 goals. Although Australia led 42-0 at halftime, the Wheel Kiwis’ spirited performance on such short notice was a source of pride for Hooker, who acknowledged his team’s limited training time. “We’ve only had five hours together, so it was all heart from us today,” he said. “It was great to put points on the board.”
Looking ahead to the second Test at Eventfinda Stadium on Monday, Hooker is optimistic about New Zealand’s potential for improvement. He also hopes that this Test series will pave the way for more frequent matches with Australia and inspire other Pacific nations to join the competition.
Australia’s win builds on their World Cup semi-final success in 2022, with Grove determined to capture the title on home soil in 2026. “This is a great start to our World Cup campaign,” he said. “We’ve not played a home World Cup, so this one means a lot to us.”
Despite Australia’s formidable display, Grove was encouraged by New Zealand’s entry into the sport, seeing it as a promising step for wheelchair rugby league in the Pacific region. “The Kiwi team is fantastic; there’s a bright future for them,” Grove said. “We’re keen to see the Pacific nations – like Papua New Guinea and Fiji – join in soon.”
Match Summary:
Newcastle front rower Leo Thompson returns to the international stage in the only change to the New Zealand Kiwis’ side for Saturday’s must-win Pacific Championships encounter with Tonga at Go Media Stadium (8.05pm kick-off).
The 24-year-old Gisborne-born Thompson, outstanding off the bench in all three Tests in last year’s title-winning campaign, is named on the interchange.
He was forced to watch on from the sideline on Sunday as he served a one-match ban for a careless high tackle charge in the Knights’ final game of the NRL season.
Thompson comes into the lineup for Brisbane Broncos second rower Jordan Riki, who became Kiwi #840 when he debuted in the Kiwis’ 10-22 loss to the Kangaroos in his Christchurch home town.
The starting pack shows a positional swap with Sydney Roosters prop Naufahu Whyte this week listed to run on at loose forward and Canberra’s Joseph Tapine named in the front row after being selected in jersey #13 against Australia.
The imposing Auckland-born Whyte was impressive on his Test debut last week. After being included on the bench, he was switched to start at prop where he had a 32-minute opening shift and another 10 minutes late in the match, finishing with 147 metres from 15 runs, 65 post-contact metres – the best of any forward on the field – five tackle breaks, three off loads and 29 tackles with no misses and no ineffective tackles.
Tapine played 52 minutes in total making 148 metres from 16 runs and 36 tackles while captain James Fisher-Harris was used for 67 minutes finishing with 121 metres from 16 runs and a perfect defensive effort (38 tackles, no misses).
Debutant hooker Phoenix Crossland and second rower Scott Sorensen had heavy defensive workloads with 48 tackles and 45 tackles while interchange prop Griffin Neame and second rower Isaiah Papali’i both made 31 tackles.
Of the backs fullback Keano Kini excelled in his first Test with a game-high 254 metres from 26 runs while winger Will Warbrick (182), centre Matt Timoko (173), winger Jamayne Isaako (121) and halfback Shaun Johnson (107) all topped 100 metres.
While the Kangaroos came into the match with a game behind them, the Kiwis had no such benefit but were still ahead in most key measures with a better completion rate (86%-79%), more metres (1814-1707), post-contact metres 597-463), tackle breaks (36-32) and more average metres per set plus fewer missed tackles and errors.
Now they must beat Tonga to reach the Pacific Championships final in Sydney after the Tongans went down 0-18 to Australia in the first round. In seven previous clashes, the Kiwis have beaten Tonga six times and lost once taking out the last two at Go Media Stadium (34-14 in 2019 and 26-6 in 2022).
NEW ZEALAND v TONGA
Go Media Stadium
8.05pm, Saturday, November 2, 2024
ONE CHANGE FOR KIWIS’ CLASH AGAINST TONGA
The Kiwis fought hard but fell short 22-10 against the Kangaroos in a spirited battle at Christchurch’s Apollo Projects Stadium on Sunday. Despite the loss, the home crowd was treated to some thrilling moments, including a brilliant debut from fullback Keano Kini and a relentless display from Shaun Johnson, who looked sharp in his return to the Test arena. The Kiwis will look to regroup ahead of next week’s crucial clash against Tonga, with hopes of earning a rematch against the Kangaroos in the Pacific Championships final on November 10.
After an early try from Angus Crichton was disallowed, the Kiwis had a golden opportunity to strike first, following a kick out on the full by Kangaroos halfback Mitch Moses. But a mistimed set saw the chance slip away.
It was Australia who opened the scoring in the 16th minute when Lindsay Collins crashed over despite brave efforts from Keano Kini and Phoenix Crossland to halt him. But the Kiwis responded with flair and precision 10 minutes later, thanks to some brilliant ball movement. Johnson found Isaiah Papali’i, whose offload allowed Kini to send Peta Hiku down the sideline. Hiku then flicked a perfect pass to Jamayne Isaako, who dived over in the corner. Isaako’s sideline conversion tied it up 6-6, lifting the crowd’s spirits.
Just before halftime, the Kangaroos struck again through Tom Trbojevic, who burst into space and linked with Zac Lomax. Despite Kini’s best efforts, Lomax muscled his way over, giving Australia a 12-6 lead at the break.
The Kiwis started the second half with intent, pinning Australia deep with Johnson’s precise short kicks. But the Kangaroos held firm, denying Isaako thanks to desperate defense from Xavier Coates and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.
Momentum swung in Australia’s favor with 20 minutes to play when Harry Grant’s flick pass put Lomax over in the corner for his second try, stretching the lead to 16-6. However, the Kiwis refused to go quietly, responding through Test debutant Will Warbrick, who leapt high to collect a cross-field kick from Johnson and twisted past Lomax to score. Isaako’s conversion attempt drifted wide, leaving the score at 16-10 with 13 minutes to play.
The Kangaroos sealed the win when Moses broke through and backed up Dylan Edwards to score under the posts, with Lomax’s conversion bringing the final score to 22-10. Despite the result, the Kiwis’ grit and flair kept the match competitive and gave fans hope for what’s to come.
Match: Kiwis vs Kangaroos Date: Sunday, October 27 Venue: Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch
Score:
Although the Kiwis came up short, their resilience and moments of brilliance will give fans hope heading into next week’s showdown with Tonga. With a chance to earn a rematch against the Kangaroos in the final, the team knows the job is far from over. Kiwis supporters will rally behind them, confident that the best is yet to come.
2024 Pacific Championships | Meet the Kiwis
ERIN CLARK
(Gold Coast Titans)
Born: September 6, 1997
Birthplace: Auckland, NZ
Junior clubs: Manurewa Marlins, Point Chevalier Pirates (Auckland)
Position: Utility
Height: 180cm
Weight: 98kg
Clubs: One New Zealand Warriors (2017), Gold Coast Titans (2020-2024)
Kiwi number: Yet to make debut
Kiwi Test debut: Yet to make debut
Tests: 0
Test points: 0
NRL games: 95 (2017 & 2020-2024)
NRL points: 20 (5 tries)
PHOENIX CROSSLAND
(Newcastle Knights)
Born: July 7, 2000
Birthplace: Wellington, NZ
Position: Hooker/halfback
Height: 183cm
Weight: 86kg
Junior club: Erina Eagles (NSW)
Club: Newcastle Knights (2019-2024)
NRL games: 84 (2019-2024)
NRL points: 42 (10 tries, 1 goal)
JAMES FISHER-HARRIS
(Penrith Panthers)
Born: January 5, 1996
Birthplace: Rawene, NZ
Position: Prop
Height: 187cm
Weight: 103kg
Junior club: Marist Brothers (Whangarei)
Club: Penrith Panthers (2016-2024)
Kiwi number: 801
Kiwi Test debut: v Scotland, Workington, 2016
Tests: 15 for Kiwis (2016-2023)
Test points: 8 (2 tries)
NRL games: 203 (2016-2024)
NRL points: 64 (16 tries)
PETA HIKU
(Hull Kingston Rovers)
Born: December 4, 1992
Birthplace: Gisborne, NZ
Position: Centre
Height: 181cm
Weight: 94kg
Junior club: Manurewa Marlins (Auckland)
Clubs: Manly Warringah Sea Eagles (2013-2015), Penrith Panthers (2016-2017), Warrington Wolves (2017), One New Zealand Warriors (2018-2021), North Queensland Cowboys (2022-2023), Hull Kingston Rovers (2024)
Kiwi number: 781
Kiwi Test debut: v Australia, Sydney, 2014
Tests: 17 for Kiwis (2014-2022)
Test points: 28 (7 tries)
NRL games: 201 (2013-2023)
NRL points: 246 (60 tries, 3 goals)
Super League games: 38 games (2017 & 2024)
Super League points: 140 (35 tries)
JAMAYNE ISAAKO
(Dolphins)
Born: June 6, 1996
Birthplace: Christchurch, NZ
Position: Wing
Weight: 95kg
Junior club: Aranui Eagles (Christchurch)
Clubs: Cronulla Sutherland Sharks (2014-2015), Brisbane Broncos (2016-2002), Gold Coast Titans (2022), Dolphins (2023-2024)
Kiwi number: 808
Kiwi Test debut: v England, Denver, 2018
Tests: 9 for Kiwis (2018-2019 & 2023), 1 for Toa Samoa (2019)
Test points: 89 (7 tries, 30 goals, 1 field goal)
NRL games: 136 (2017-2024)
NRL points: 1039 (63 tries, 391 goals, 5 field goals)
SHAUN JOHNSON
(One New Zealand Warriors)
Born: September 9, 1990
Position: Halfback
Height: 179cm
Weight: 91kg
Junior clubs: Hibiscus Coast Raiders, Northcote Tigers (Auckland)
Clubs: One New Zealand Warriors (2011-2018), Cronulla Sutherland Sharks (2019-2021), One New Zealand Warriors (2022-2024)
Kiwi number: 774
Kiwi Test debut: v Australia, Auckland, 2012
Tests: 32 for Kiwis (2012-2019)
Test points: 223 (14 tries, 83 goals, 1 field goal)
NRL games: 268 (2011-2024)
NRL points: 1476 (85 tries, 559 goals, 18 field goals)
KEANO KINI
Born: April 14. 2004
Position: Fullback
Height: 177cm
Weight: 83kg
Junior club: Northcote Tigers (Auckland)
Club: Gold Coast Titans (2023-2024)
NRL games: 22 (2023-2024)
NRL points: 32 (6 tries, 4 goals)
CASEY McLEAN
Born: April 24, 2006
Birthplace: Blacktown, NSW
Junior club: Blacktown City Bears (Sydney)
Club: Penrith Panthers (2024)
NRL games: 7 (2023)
NRL points: 12 (3 tries)
GRIFFIN NEAME
(North Queensland Cowboys)
Born: March 1, 2001
Birthplace: Greymouth, NZ
Height: 193cm
Weight: 106kg
Junior clubs: Suburbs (Greymouth), Halswell Hornets (Christchurch)
Club: North Queensland Cowboys 2021-2024)
Kiwi number: 834
Kiwi Test debut: v Toa Samoa, Auckland, 2023
Tests: 3 for Kiwis (2023)
Test points: 4 (1 try)
NRL games: 69 (2021-2024)
NRL points: 24 (6 tries)
CHARNZE NICOLL-KLOKSTAD
Born: August 2, 1995
Height: 182cm
Weight: 96kg
Junior clubs: City Newton Dragons (Auckland), Altona Roosters (Melbourne)
Club: One New Zealand Warriors (2017-2018), Canberra Raiders (2019-2022), One New Zealand Warriors (2023-2024)
Kiwi number: 820
Kiwi Test debut: v Australia, Wollongong, 2019
Tests: 10 for Kiwis (2019 & 2022-2023), 3 for Cook Islands (2015-2017)
NRL games: 113 (2017-2024)
NRL points: 172 (43 goals)
KODI NIKORIMA
Born: April 3, 1994
Birthplace: Palmerston North, NZ
Height: 174cm
Weight: 82kg
Junior clubs: Burnham Chevaliers, Hornby Panthers, Halswell Hornets, Linwood Keas (Christchurch); Aspley Devils (Brisbane)
Club: Brisbane Broncos (2015-2019), One New Zealand Warriors (2019-2022), South Sydney Rabbitohs (2022), Dolphins (2023-2024)
Kiwi number: 793
Kiwi Test debut: v England, Hull, 2015
Tests: 15 for Kiwis (2015-2019)
NRL games: 202 (2015-2024)
NRL points: 303 (40 tries, 71 goals, 1 field goal)
MARATA NIUKORE
Born: July 29, 1996
Position: Second row
Height: 188cm
Junior club: Mangere East Hawks (Auckland)
Clubs: Parramatta Eels (2018-2022), One New Zealand Warriors (2023-2024)
Kiwi number: 825
Kiwi Test debut: v Tonga, Auckland, 2022
Tests: 3 Tests for Kiwis (2022), 3 for Cook Islands (2017-2019)
NRL games: 132 (2018-2024)
NRL points: 56 (14 tries)
ISAIAH PAPALI’I
(Wests Tigers)
Born: September 20, 1998
Weight: 111kg
Junior clubs: Te Atatu Roosters, Richmond Rovers (Auckland)
Clubs: One New Zealand Warriors (2017-2020), Parramatta Eels (2021-2022), Wests Tigers (2023-2024)
Kiwi number: 817
Kiwi Test debut: v England, Leeds, 2018
Tests: 10 for Kiwis (2018-2024), 1 for Toa Samoa (2018)
Test points: 10 (2 tries, 1 goal)
NRL games: 155 (2017-2024)
NRL points: 124 (31 tries)
JORDAN RIKI
(Brisbane Broncos)
Born: January 18, 2000
Birthplace: Adelaide, South Australia
Height: 190cm
Weight: 105kg
Junior clubs: Riccarton Knights, Hornby Panthers (Christchurch)
Club: Brisbane Broncos (2020-2024)
NRL games: 89 (2020-2024)
NRL points: 72 (18 tries)
SCOTT SORENSEN
Born: March 16, 1993
Birthplace: Sydney, Australia
Weight: 100kg
Junior club: Cronulla-Caringbah Sharks (Sydney)
Clubs: Cronulla Sutherland Sharks (2014), Canberra Raiders (2017), Cronulla Sutherland Sharks (2018-2020), Penrith Panthers (2021-2024)
Kiwi number: 831
Kiwi Test debut: v Jamaica, Hull, 2022
Tests: 1 for Kiwis (2022)
NRL games: 121 (2014-2024)
NRL points: 44 (11 tries)
JOSEPH TAPINE
(Canberra Raiders)
Born: May 4, 1994
Position: Prop, loose forward
Height: 189cm
Junior club: Harbour City Eagles (Wellington)
Clubs: Newcastle Knights (2014-2015), Canberra Raiders (2016-2024)
Kiwi number: 800
Tests: 19 for Kiwis (2016-2024)
NRL games: 213 (2014-2024)
NRL points: 100 (25 tries)
LEO THOMPSON
Born: May 28, 2000
Height: 186cm
Weight: 107kg
Junior club: Napier Marist rugby union (Hawke’s Bay)
Club: Newcastle Knights (2022-2024)
Kiwi number: 833
Kiwi Test debut: v Toa Samoa, Auckland
NRL games: 64 (2022-2024)
NRL points: 8 (2 tries)
MATT TIMOKO
Junior club: Ellerslie Eagles (Auckland)
Club: Canberra Raiders (2020-2024)
Kiwi number: 832
NRL games: 86 (2020-2024)
NRL points: 96 (24 tries)
TRENT TOELAU
Born: November 12, 1999
Birthplace: Melbourne, Victoria
Position: Hooker
Height:180cm
Weight: 87KG
Junior club: Doveton Steelers (Melbourne)
NRL games: 9 (2024)
NRL points: 4 (1 try)
WILLIAM WARBRICK
(Melbourne Storm)
Born: March 6, 1998
Birthplace: Whakatane, NZ
Junior club: Ngongotaha Chiefs (Bay of Plenty)
Club: Melbourne Storm (2023-2024)
NRL games: 49 (2023-2024)
NRL points: 128 (32 tries)
NAUFAHU WHYTE
(Sydney Roosters)
Born: April 4, 2002
Height: 192cm
Junior club: Bay Roskill Vikings (Auckland)
Club: Sydney Roosters (2021-2024)
NRL games: 34 (2021-2024)
Such is the delicate balance of power between the three Pacific Cup heavyweights that defending champions New Zealand know even a win over old foes Australia on Sunday doesn’t guarantee them a place in the final on November 10.
The Kiwis open their campaign in Christchurch with a vastly different side to the one that mauled the Kangaroos 30-0 in last year’s final, with Joseph Manu, Jahrome Hughes, Kieran Foran and Nelson Asofa-Solomona among those missing.
Coach Stacey Jones has coaxed mercurial playmaker Shaun Johnson out of his brief retirement to steer the side around the park, while giant Storm winger Will Warbrick, Titans flyer Keano Kini and Roosters youngster Naufahu Whyte are among the debutants.
Should the Kiwis ride the home support and get the job done on Sunday they will still need to beat Tonga in Week 3 to be guaranteed a spot in the final.
A win over Australia and a loss to Tonga would see all three Pacific Cup sides finish on one win apiece, with the standings to be determined by for and against.
A change to the format for the second year of the Pacific Championships ensures that every match counts, with the third-placed team in the Cup playing off against the winner of the Bowl – Fiji, PNG or Cook Islands – for a place in next year’s Pacific Cup.
Coming in with the same 17 that got the job done against Tonga in Brisbane, the Kangaroos’ combinations will be slicker and they will be quietly confident of avenging the horror of Hamilton from 12 months ago.
Jones, meanwhile, will be relying on 32-Test veteran Johnson and his new halves partner Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad to steer the Kiwis around the park and dominate field position for Matt Timoko, Kini and Warbrick to go to work.
Inside Camp: Will Warbrick
“It’s making sure that we get the connection right within the group,” Jones said.
“What we did last year certainly set a benchmark and there’s quite a few players who were involved last year that have come back again and will set standards.
“And then we’ve also got players that have come back that have been part of this side before, like Shaun and Peta Hiku and Kodi Nikorima, players that have tasted Test footy so the experience they bring has made my job a lot easier.
“What we saw last weekend [with Australia and Tonga] was two teams blowing cobwebs and we hope we can get all our cobwebs out in training and put together a good performance on Sunday.”
Back to captain the Kiwis again in 2024 is four-time premiership winner James Fisher-Harris, one of the game’s most respected leaders who will call New Zealand home again next year when he joins the Warriors.
What you need to know about the 2024 Men’s Pacific Championships
The decision to leave Penrith with two years remaining on his contract followed the death of his grandfather in March, with Fisher-Harris feeling a strong obligation to assume the role as head of the family.
Fisher-Harris’ devotion to his family and his teammates has earned him the respect of all in the game and Jones can’t think of a better man to lead his men into battle.
Inside Camp: Joseph Tapine
“James has been outstanding, he’s a player I’ve had a close connection with throughout the year,” Jones said.
“What he brings, the word you can use that describes Fish is ‘mana’, the heart and soul of the team, a leader that everyone respects.
“He is so passionate about this space and we couldn’t ask for a better leader.”
Victories for the Kiwis over old foe Australia have traditionally been hard to come by but none have been sweeter than the 30-0 triumph in last year’s Pacific Championships final in Hamilton.
The win came three matches after the Kiwis’ 26-24 success in Auckland in 2018 and signalled what many believe to be a changing of the guard at the top of the international game.
Under new head coach Stacey Jones, the New Zealanders have a chance to show their Pacific Championships conquest was no flash in the pan when they host a Kangaroos outfit coming off a clunky 18-0 win over Tonga in the opening game of this year’s tournament.
With the mercurial Shaun Johnson coming out of retirement to answer an SOS from coach Stacey Jones, the jam-packed crowd at Apollo Projects Stadium will be at fever pitch and the Kangaroos will be hit with a tidal wave of parochial Kiwi support.
Up front the Kiwis have the hugely respected James Fisher-Harris leading the way and his influence during the week and on game day will be enormous. He has proven performers around him in the pack including Joey Tapine, Isaiah Papali’i and Penrith’s four-time premiership winner Scott Sorensen plus the seasoned Marata Niukore on the bench.
In the backline Johnson, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Super League-based Peta Hiku and winger Jamayne Isaako will have big roles to play alongside second-year Kiwi centre Matt Timoko and debutants Keano Kini and Will Warbrick.
Team News
Kiwis: The Kiwis are fielding five Test debutants in fullback Kini, winger Warbrick, hooker Phoenix Crossland and bench players Naufahu Whyte and Jordan Riki. With Jahrome Hughes, Kieran Foran and Te Maire Martin injured, favourite son Johnson comes out of retirement to play halfback alongside Nicoll-Klokstad, who shifts to No 6 in the absence of Dylan Brown (knee) and Joey Manu (rugby union). Centre Peta Hiku plays his first Test since the 2022 World Cup semi-final while Kodi Nikorima makes his first appearance since 2019. Knights prop Leo Thompson is serving a one-match ban for a careless high tackle in week one of the NRL finals and will be available for selection against Tonga. Erin Clark is 18th man.
Kangaroos: Coach Mal Meninga sticks with the same 17 that got the job done against Tonga. Matt Burton retains the No.14 jersey and will hope to get more game time than the nine minutes he played in Brisbane while Hudson Young (12 minutes) is also looking to play more of a role. Halves Mitch Moses and Tom Dearden will be better for the run after combining for the first time last week. Ben Hunt is again the 18th man.
Stat Attack
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
Christchurch, New Zealand, October 22, 2024 – Five players have been named to make their Test debuts in the New Zealand Kiwis’ sold-out Pacific Championships clash against the Kangaroos at Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch on Sunday (6.05pm kick-off).
The match is the second leg of a Trans-Tasman Labour Day Weekend doubleheader following the Kiwi Ferns’ encounter with the Australian Jillaroos (3.35pm kick-off).
In his debut as Kiwi head coach, Stacey Jones has handed maiden Tests to Gold Coast fullback Keano Kini, Melbourne winger William Warbrick, Newcastle hooker Phoenix Crossland, Brisbane second rower Jordan Riki and Sydney Roosters forward Naufahu Whyte.
While Crossland is in a New Zealand camp for the first time, Kini and Whyte were non-playing members of the Kiwis’ title-winning Pacific Championships squad last year, Riki was in New Zealand’s mid-year Test squad in 2022 and Warbrick played for the Kiwis A team against Tonga A last season.
The 26-year-old Warbrick becomes a triple international after impressing with 32 tries in 49 matches in his first two seasons in the NRL.
He was first a New Zealand representative in Australian Rules football before becoming a rugby union international with the All Blacks Sevens, winning a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
With Titans player of the year Kini starting at fullback, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad has been selected at standoff, a role he filled when the One New Zealand Warriors stunned premier Penrith 22-20 during the NRL’s Magic Round in May.
Nicoll-Klokstad teams up in the halves with his 34-year-old clubmate Shaun Johnson who has made a return to the international arena for his 33rd Test just weeks after he announced his retirement.
Hull Kingston Rovers centre Peta Hiku, who arrived back in New Zealand on Sunday, becomes the first Super League-based player to line up for the Kiwis since Thomas Leuluai was brought back home from Wigan for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.
The starting pack features two of Penrith’s four-time premiership-winning forwards in captain and prop James Fisher-Harris and second rower Scott Sorensen.
Christchurch-raised Riki, named on the bench for his debut, is one of five players with South Island connections.
A Riccarton Knights and Hornby Panthers junior, he is joined by Christchurch-born and raised winger Jamayne Isaako (an Aranui Eagles junior) while Greymouth-born forward Griffin Neame played for the Halswell Hornets as a junior and Crossland’s family on his mother’s side are from the West Coast. Nikorima lived in Christchurch as a youngster playing for the Burnham Chevaliers, Hornby Panthers, Halswell Hornets and Linwood Keas.
Apart from Johnson, the Kiwis’ most experienced Test players are Joseph Tapine (19 Tests), Hiku (17 Tests) and Fisher-Harris and Nikorima (15 Tests each).
Seven players were in the New Zealand side which beat Australia 30-0 in last year’s Pacific Championships final – Isaako, centre Matt Timoko, Nicoll-Klokstad, Fisher-Harris, Tapine, Isaiah Papali’I and Griffin Neame while an eighth player in prop Leo Thompson was ruled out as he serves a one-match suspension picked up in his last outing of the NRL season.
After facing Australia, the Kiwis take on Tonga at Go Media Stadium in Auckland on Saturday, November 2. Buy tickets HERE.
The Kangaroos arrive in Christchurch later tonight after opening their campaign with an 18-0 win over Tonga in Brisbane last Friday night.
The Kiwis, Kiwi Ferns, Kangaroos and Jillaroos will all assemble at Wainoni Park in Aranui for a pōwhiri at 3.30pm tomorrow followed by a fan day.
NEW ZEALAND v AUSTRALIA
Apollo Projects Stadium
Christchurch
6.05pm, Sunday, October 27, 2024
27 June 2024
2023 was one of the best years for rugby league in New Zealand in the last decade, with increased participation almost outshined by an unprecedented growth of popularity and positive narrative surrounding the game. New Zealand Rugby League saw record entries for their National Secondary Schools Tournament (NZSS), which almost doubled in size from 21 teams in 2022, to 38 teams in 2023.
Off the back of this, the 2024 NZRL National Secondary Schools Tournament (NZSS) is lining up to be the biggest year of the Nationals to date.
As one of the most anticipated events on the rugby league calendar, 65 teams are set to be invited to the Nationals across four grades; Boys’ Premiership, Boys’ Championship, Girls’ Championship and U15 Boys’ Carnival.
In 2022 the Girls’ and U15s’ divisions were successfully introduced to the Tournament. In 2023 these two additional divisions returned and NZSS history was made when St. Thomas of Canterbury College became the first non-Auckland and South Island school to win the Boys Premiership in over 20 years.
Interest in the female and girls’ game has significantly grown, with over 18 schools expressing interest in entering the Girls’ Championship grade this year.
The spike in interest in the Tournament can be attributed to the continued work being carried out nationally, with secondary school competitions taking place in both the North and South Islands.
General Manager of Football & High Performance Motu Tony says, “Our NZSS Tournament continues to grow year on year, and this year’s tournament will be the biggest ever. Our NZSS tournament caters to those wanting to have fun as well as represent their school, and to those seeking to capture the attention of NRL and NRLW clubs.
“Not only will rugby league be played at the tournament, education hubs for wellbeing and injury prevention will also be available to participants”.
Recent NZSS participants both male and female have progressed to high-performance teams and pathways domestically and in Australia.
Sharnyze Pihema who represented Manurewa High School in the inaugural 2022 Girls’ Tournament, went on to captain the 2024 NZRL Ahi Kā Aotearoa national representative team. At the NRL Harvey Norman Women’s Championship in the Gold Coast Pihema was named Player of the Tournament.
From the 2023 Boys’ Premiership Champions St. Thomas of Canterbury College, Bishop Neal, Lennox Tuiloma, Micah Sula, and Isaiah Savea were selected for the One NZ Warriors 2024 Harold Matthews Cup squad who won their NSWRL competition earlier this year.
The 2024 NZSS Tournament will be played in Auckland from 6th – 8th September.
24 June 2024
The 2024 New Zealand Sport & Recreation Awards took place last night, where Kevin Bailey was awarded the highly prestigious Sir Eion and Jan, Lady Edgar Lifetime Achievement Award for his lifetime of service to the game of rugby league.
Kevin Bailey has been a dedicated player, referee, administrator, and influential figure in rugby league for over 72 years.
His journey began at the age of six in Auckland with the Marist Saints before later joining Mt. Albert at 15, excelling as an open-side prop. His passion for rugby league led him to the Glenora Bears as well as the New Lynn Stags where he not only played but also made significant contributions as a Committee Member, leaving a lasting impact on the club.
Upon retiring from playing, Kevin’s desire to stay in the game saw him pick up a whistle and commence his officiating career and he could be found every Saturday refereeing matches around Auckland. Kevin’s dedication to Auckland Rugby League and the Auckland Rugby League Referees Association has been invaluable, with his invaluable contributions earning him Life Membership with both organisations.
Kevin’s tenure as a referee saw him excel and surpass domestic rugby league as he earned international appointments, officiating international games and representing the sport on a global stage.
In 1994, Kevin became one of the first New Zealand Rugby League employees as the National Referees Manager which saw him elevate officiating standards. His mentorship has been crucial in developing, growing, and retaining referees over many years.
As his career progressed Kevin was instrumental in the creation and administration of numerous competitions including the Bartercard Cup, the Pacific Cup, and the NZ Secondary Schools Rugby League Competition.
Kevin excelled at crafting comprehensive rules and regulations for competitions and tournaments. He was key in establishing a high standard that ensured fairness, consistency, and a high level of competitive play. His meticulous attention to detail and deep understanding of the game helped create frameworks that enhance the professionalism of rugby league events.
Arguably, Kevin’s biggest contribution to the NZRL organisation was through his extensive work in policy development, constitutional amendments, and the creation of by-laws. His efforts raised the game’s standards by ensuring that all operational and competitive aspects were governed by clear, fair, and consistent regulations. Kevin’s expertise in these areas provided a solid foundation for the sport by promoting integrity, safety, and bettering the overall structure and quality of rugby league.
Over the years Kevin served on the ARL Appeals Panel, playing a key role in justly resolving disputes within the league. As the ARL Judicial Chair, Kevin upheld the highest standards of integrity, overseeing disciplinary matters with impartiality.
Kevin is a current member of the NZRL Museum Committee and has played a crucial role in safeguarding our rich history, ensuring that our heritage remains preserved for generations to come.
New Zealand Rugby League recognised Kevin’s outstanding contributions by awarding him the Distinguished Service Award in 2014, and recently awarded him the honour of Life Membership at the 2024 Annual General Meeting.
New Zealand Rugby League CEO Greg Peters says, “Congratulations to Kevin on earning this distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award. This is testament to all his incredible work and dedication to the game of rugby league for more than 70 years.
“Kevin’s unwavering commitment and positive impact on rugby league has left the game in a better place. Congratulations again Kevin, there is no one in our game more deserving of this award.”
The 2024 New Zealand Rugby League Annual General Meeting took place at the NZRL Head Office on Saturday 22 June, with several changes to the Board taking place for the coming year.
At this AGM Howie Tamati stood down as President after 11 years of service and Tawera Nikau was appointed to replace him.
Hugh Martyn advised that he will be standing down as NZRL Chairman but will be staying on as a Director for the year as the final year of his term, to enable a smooth transition to the next Chair.
At the Board meeting following the AGM Justin Leydesdorff was appointed Chair and Honey Hireme-Smiler Deputy Chair for the coming year.
Robyn Morete was elected to the Board to replace Natasha Tere who stepped down from her role as Director which she filled for the past four years.
New Zealand Rugby League would like to thank Howie Tamati and Natasha Tere for their invaluable service to the Board, and wishes congratulations Tawera Nikau, Justin Leydesdorff, Honey Hireme-Smiler, and Robyn Morete as they step into their new roles.
New Zealand Rugby League is sad to announce that at the 2024 Annual General Meeting on Saturday 22 June, Howie Tamati stood down from his role as NZRL President after 11 years of service.
One of the game’s great servants, Tamati has dedicated years of service and made significant contributions to the game of rugby league and NZRL as a player, coach, Life Member, and President.
In 1990 Tamati was awarded the New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal and in the 1994 New Year Honours, he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire for his services to rugby league.
Tamati was later awarded the honour of NZRL Life Membership in 2009 before being appointed NZRL President in 2013, a role he faithfully filled for over a decade.
Most recently Tamati was inducted into the Legends of League in 2022, a testament to his on-field achievements including 24 Test appearances and captaincy for the Kiwis from 1979-1985, followed by two years of Kiwis coaching duty in 1992-1993.
New Zealand Rugby League CEO Greg Peters says, “We owe a debt of gratitude to Howie for his unfaltering service to the game of rugby league and NZRL as our President over the past 11 years. Thank you, Howie, we are incredibly grateful for you and your work.”
Congratulations to Jeff Whittaker and Kevin Bailey who have both been awarded New Zealand Rugby League Life Membership at the 2024 Annual General Meeting which took place at NZRL headquarters on Saturday evening.
Jeff Whittaker received Canterbury Rugby League life membership in 2018 after over 20 years of playing, coaching, selecting, and tireless work for the game in the District.
Whittaker played rugby league for 22 years, progressing through the junior grades and representing Canterbury, South Island and Rest of New Zealand at the age-group level.
The end of Whittaker’s playing days only ramped up his involvement in rugby league. After coaching a string of Halswell Hornets junior teams, he was a coach and selector for countless Canterbury and New Zealand age-group rep teams from 1992 until only a few years ago.
His first national appointment was as New Zealand 16s selector and coach in 1996, while he took the NZ Secondary Schools team to Australia in 2000 and guided the NZ 16s to a win over Samoa in 2016.
Whittaker was also a long-serving Canterbury Bulls selector and a tireless administrator for Halswell and Canterbury.
The CRL Coaching and Development Manager from 1997-2003, Whittaker was Halswell’s president from 2004-11 – a tenure that included the NZRL Grassroots Club of the Year honour and the CRL Club President of the Year award in 2010.
In 2022 Whittaker alongside other rugby league mainstays was key in the building and opening of the new Halswell Hornets rugby league club headquarters.
Whittaker’s other accolades include earning the Sport Canterbury Outstanding Exponent of Fair Play in 1997 and Outstanding Winter Sports Administrator in ’98.
His journey began at the age of six in Auckland with the Marist Saints before later joining Mt. Albert at 15, excelling as an open-side prop.
His passion for rugby league led him to the Glenora Bears as well as the New Lynn stags where he not only played but also made significant contributions as a Committee Member, leaving a lasting impact on the club.
Upon retiring from playing, Kevin commenced his officiating career. Over many years he showed invaluable dedication to Auckland Rugby League and the Auckland Rugby League Referees Association, earning the honour of Life Membership for his great contributions.
In 1994, Kevin became one of the first New Zealand Rugby League employees as the National Referees Manager which saw him elevate officiating standards. His mentorship was crucial in developing, growing, and retaining referees.
NZRL recognised Kevin’s outstanding contributions by awarding him the Distinguished Service Award in 2014.
Over the years Kevin served on the ARL Appeals Panel, playing a key role in resolving disputes fairly within the league. As the ARL Judicial Chair, Kevin has upheld the highest standards of integrity, overseeing disciplinary matters with impartiality.
New Zealand Rugby League CEO Greg Peters says, “Congratulations to both Jeff and Kevin on earning Life Membership with NZRL. This is testament to all their incredible work and dedication to our game over many years, thank you Jeff and Kevin for your service and congratulations again.”
6 June 2024
The prestigious Pirtek Volunteer of the Month award returns for 2024, as members of the grassroots rugby league community across Aotearoa are given the chance to see their hard mahi for the game recognised.
This award is given to volunteers who display the core values of NZRL’s Kiwi Way: being family first, innovative, inclusive, respectful, respectful and humble. New Zealand Rugby League is proud to announce our first winners for 2024, the Pirtek Volunteer of the Month award for May is jointly given to Troy and Sam Davis.
Troy, his wife Sam, and their two young sons are right at the heart of the Mt. Albert Lions junior grade teams in Auckland.
A Mt. Albert junior himself from a long-time committed family, Troy often assisted by his sons can be found down at the club helping in any possible way.
This includes setting up fields early Saturday mornings, rain, hail, or shine, driving monthly junior prizegivings, finding team sponsors and prizes, cleaning and monitoring the club’s car park ensuring cars keep to a safe speed for children, manning the BBQ for fundraising, and cleaning the sheds.
Troy was even instrumental in rebuilding the club’s changing rooms, volunteering his expertise as a block layer and brick mason to help reconfigure the changing rooms.
Like Troy, Sam wears many hats around the club from volunteer administrator to kitchen hand, sock seller, and uniform sorter. She connects families new to the club with the appropriate coaches and teams, and is always present at games throughout the winter to ensure all families have a great rugby league experience.
Their sons are ballboys for senior teams and are always on hand to assist with cleaning and other tasks to help around the club.
As a family, they give endless energy and support to not only the club, but also the wider junior football community in Auckland by hosting Friday night games for local clubs.
Pirtek CEO Chris Bourke shared, “Troy and Sam Davis, together with their children, embody the Kiwi way, earning them the title of May’s Pirtek Volunteer of the Month.
“Their devoted service to the Mt. Albert Lions and their inclusive attitude towards members of all clubs ensures a positive experience for everyone involved.”
Congratulations to Troy and Sam Davis!
4 June 2024
New Zealand Rugby League is incredibly saddened by the devastation that took place in Papua New Guinea on May 24, with the colossal landslide that hit the highlands of the remote Enga Province.
New Zealand Rugby League has a very strong connection to the Pacific Islands including Papua New Guinea, we take comfort only in knowing that our New Zealand Government has committed to aiding in the response and recovery of this tragic event.
Greg Peters NZRL CEO shared, “Papua New Guinea is not just part of our rugby league whānau, it is the heartland of rugby league where unmatched passion and support of the game is shown by its people.
We are deeply saddened by this terrible disaster and extend our love and prayers to all those affected.
We mourn alongside you and awhi you in this troubling time, kia kaha Papua New Guinea.”
New Zealand Rugby League offers our deep and sincere condolences to the whānau, friends, and communities of English rugby league legend Rob Burrow who passed away on June 2 in Wakefield, England.
We pay tribute to Burrow who had an exceptional 17-year career with the Leeds Rhinos and Great Britain including eight Super League Grand Final wins, three World Club Challenges and two Challenge Cups.
He then bravely battled Motor Neurone Disease (MND) after being diagnosed in 2019. He became an extraordinary advocate for the degenerative disease, relentlessly raising awareness as well as funds including millions to help build a new care centre for MND patients.
New Zealand Rugby League CEO Greg Peters shared, “Our condolences to Rob Burrow’s family and the wider RFL whānau on his passing.
The amazing player that he was, came almost secondary to his final battle and all that he stood for. His bravery and strength through all the adversity he faced, and all with a smile and time for people, was an inspiration to us all.
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in UK rugby league who mourn him, kia kaha.”
New Zealand Rugby League congratulates John McMeekan Bray and Mervyn Allen Gore for being awarded King’s Service Medals for their services to rugby league.
The King’s Service Medal is awarded by the New Zealand Government to recognise and reward volunteer service to the community, which Bray and Gore received on the occasion of His Majesty’s Birthday on Monday 3 June.
John Bray has been involved with rugby league for more than 40 years as a player and has held various roles at local and regional levels.
Bray played for Hornby Rugby League in Christchurch since age six and represented Canterbury at all levels through the early 1960s. He served as the Secretary and Treasurer of the Hornby Club, managing the schoolboys section. In 1964 Bray was made Kiwi #428 when he represented New Zealand, and served on the Wellington Rugby League Board in 1977 for two years before becoming a board member of the New Zealand Rugby League Board in 1978.
He served on the New Zealand Rugby League board for 13 years, serving as an Independent Director and Vice Chair of the board, navigating the board through enormous growth of the sport. He used his accountancy skills to help the board with audits and budgeting. He has served on the New Zealand Rugby League Museum Trust since 2005 and was Chair from 2015 to 2023 and was made a Life Member of New Zealand Rugby League in 2010.
Similarly, Allen Gore has been involved with rugby league for more than 40 years as a player before going on to hold various roles at local and regional levels.
Gore played for Otahuhu Rugby League from age 11 until retirement from playing at age 29. Upon retirement from playing, he served as Treasurer for Auckland Rugby League and lead an Auckland delegation to the New Zealand Rugby League Board. He was the Business Manager for the New Zealand Kiwis during the 1967 tour to Australia. He served as a board member of the New Zealand Rugby League Board for 20 years, holding positions of Vice Chair and Treasurer.
As a board member he has represented New Zealand at international conferences including at Leeds, Sydney and Toulon conferences. He served 18 years as a member of the New Zealand Rugby League Trust Museum Committee and is a member of the Carlaw Park Heritage Trust. Gore was made a life member of Auckland Rugby League and of New Zealand Rugby League.
21 May 2024
As seen on nrl.com
The Raiders have announced the signing of recent Kiwi Fern debutante Amelia Pasikala for the 2024 NRLW season. Pasikala has signed a two-year-deal through to 2025 after making seven appearances for the Roosters last year, after which the 20-year-old capped off a big debut season by representing New Zealand in the Pacific Championships.
This brings the number of Kiwi Ferns-eligible wāhine at the Canberra Raiders to a total of seven as Pasikala and Matua join Cheyelle Robins-Reti, Apii Nicholls, Ashleigh Quinlan, Madison Bartlett, and Mackenzie Wiki.
In Sydney, the St. George Illawarra Dragons have locked in Kiwi playmaker Tyla King on a new deal which will see the 29-year-old remain at the club until at least the end of the 2025 season.
Read more on nrl.com
20 May 2024
The Warriors’ heroic 22-20 victory over the Panthers on Sunday will go down as one of the club’s most impressive triumphs and an unforgettable one for 21-year-old centre Ali Leiataua.
The nephew and namesake of the legendary Ali Lauitiiti, young Leiataua put the name Ali back on the One New Zealand Warriors’ first-grade team sheet for the first time in 19 years when he made his NRL debut last year in the club’s 15th-round clash.
Last week’s contest against the Roosters saw multiple injuries to the Warriors including frontline centres Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Rocco Berry who were both sidelined ahead of Magic Round, giving Leiataua the opportunity to make his second NRL appearance.
“Some tough shoes to fill… lucky the boys around me had my back and it was good to get the win out here in Magic Round,” shared the young talent post-match.
With the Panthers up by six at the break, the sin-binning of Isaah Yeo three minutes into the second half for a professional foul was the first turning point and on the very next Leiataua crossed for his first try at NRL level.
To complement his try Leiataua produced 105 run metres, 2 line breaks, and 11 tackles in the nail-biter which eventually saw the Warriors hang on to a 2-point lead and claim the win of the round.
In the club’s system since he was 14, Leiataua was a foundation member of the One New Zealand Warriors’ first SG Ball Cup under-18 side in 2020.
Before the Warriors stage, the born-and-raised South Aucklander was a standout in age-group competitions throughout his younger years earning numerous New Zealand Rugby League representative selections.
The Papatoetoe Panthers junior featured in the NZRL 2019 Resident 16s and 2020 New Zealand 18s Schools national sides, as well as Auckland’s National 20s team in 2021.
Most recently Leiataua has been in outstanding form for the club’s New South Wales Cup side throughout the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
In 2023 following his NRL debut and exceptional NSW Cup performances, Leiataua was selected for the first-ever Kiwis A team who went on to beat Tonga A in the inaugural Pacific Championships.
18 May 2024
Raised in South Auckland’s Ōtara, 22-year-old Josiah Karapani made his NRL debut for the Brisbane Broncos last knight.
Reece Walsh’s knee injury opened the door for Karapani to make his long-awaited debut, with the young gun starting in the centres for Brisbane in Magic Round after Selwyn Cobbo switched to fullback.
The young debutante shared, “I only got the call-up yesterday, but I had to take it [the opportunity]
“It means a lot especially having my family behind me watching me play for the first time since I moved to Australia, it’s the best feeling.”
An Otahuhu Leopards junior, Karapani was a standout player in the Auckland Rugby League age-group competitions throughout his younger years, earning Counties Manukau and New Zealand Rugby League representative selections.
Karapani participated in the 2019 NZRL Talent Development Programme, then featured in the first-ever 18s New Zealand Clubs team in 2020.
Josiah Karapani playing for the New Zealand 18s Clubs team v New Zealand 18s Schools team, 2020.
The talented back was first scooped up by the Warriors for their SG Ball Cup squad during the COVID pandemic in 2020, before making the move across the ditch to the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
From 2021-2023 he solidified himself as a mainstay in the Rabbitohs SG Ball Cup squad, eventually moving up into the Jersey Flegg and New South Wales Cup squads before the age of 21.
He came extremely close to making his debut with the Sydney club, if not for an untimely serious illness.
Joining the Broncos in the recent off-season, Karapani initially signed on a train-and-trial contract but was upgraded into the club’s top 30 squad after impressing in the pre-season.
Karapani has been plying his trade for feeder team Burleigh Bears in the Queensland Cup, crossing for six tries in eight appearances so far this season.
He was due to enjoy a week off with the Bears on a bye, but has now achieved a career dream on one of the biggest stages in the game.
Coach Walters noted how excited he was for Karapani ahead of his debut at Magic Round this Friday, citing how the youngster had earned his chance after impressing in reserve grade.
“He’s really accelerated his form over recent weeks, he’s got speed and a great attitude and deserves his opportunity,” Walters said.
15 May 2024
As seen on smh.com.au
Sydney Roosters fans should be thanking Roger Tuivasa-Sheck for helping deliver Joey Manu to Bondi Junction.
Two of the nicest Kiwis you will ever meet were set to go head-to-head on Sunday afternoon at Allianz Stadium, completing the circle on a remarkable rugby league story, but RTS has succumbed to a hamstring injury and Manu is out after suffering a head knock.
Tuivasa-Sheck played on the wing when the Roosters won the premiership in 2013. He then joined the Warriors in 2016 then switched to Super Rugby in 2022. He went on to play three Tests for the All Blacks, then returned to the Warriors this year.
Tuivasa-Sheck, now 30, but somehow still looks 17, revealed on Monty Betham’s Once A Warrior podcast late last year how the Warriors had shown him clips of Manu, the way he was given a licence to roam in the centres, and how that was what they had in mind for him.
Tuivasa-Sheck liked what he saw. Maybe Warriors supporters should be sending Manu a little thanks for helping seal the deal with “RTS”.
Anyways, back to the story about Tuivasa-Sheck and how he put Manu on the Roosters’ radar.
You have to go back to 2011 in Auckland, where the New Zealand Rugby League National Secondary Schools Tournament was underway. Tuivasa-Sheck was the rugby star leading Otahuhu College, who went on to win the whole thing.
Manu who was only 15, three years younger than Tuivasa-Sheck – was a reserve for Tokoroa High School, a lowly bush team with his father, Nooroa, one of the assistant coaches.
According to Manu Junior and Senior, there were rugby league scouts everywhere that week, just to catch a glimpse of Tuivasa-Sheck. Manu had heard about Tuivasa-Sheck, but was blown away by what he actually witnessed in the flesh.
Nooroa recalled Tokoroa being shunted to one of the back fields, well out of sight, when a player went down injured. Joey got the call to warm up.
“We were playing against Southern Cross, Joe was a reserve, he was only 15, we had an injury, we tried to find him, and he was kicking the ball with one of the coach’s grandsons,” Nooroa recalls.
“So Joe dawdles over, we sub him in for a centre, he comes on, the game is tight, and the ball comes to him. We were all like, ‘Joe, just don’t drop the ball’. But he dummies, beats the centre, then steps the fullback and offloads. He did those three things, had one more run, then we brought him off. He was on for about eight minutes.
“Then a scout who was in town for Roger, Peter O’Sullivan, came up to us after that game and said, ‘We think he’s got a future’. We were like, ‘Joe? He doesn’t even play league, he plays rugby’. They told us they were keen to fly him over to Sydney for games, and we thought they were kidding.
“He was doing well in rugby. League was played on a Sunday where we lived, and Sundays were for church. We didn’t believe the Roosters until the contract was emailed. That’s when we realised they were serious.”
Manu told this masthead during the week that had it not been for the interest in Tuivasa-Sheck, maybe, just maybe, he would not have been given the chance to spend more than a decade at the Roosters, where he has won two premierships and become a fan favourite.
“I’m glad they all came over to watch him [Tuivasa-Sheck] because I ended up getting picked up, too,” Manu says. “I actually remember that game I played at that tournament. I was up against big Islander boys. I was scared as, and I was as skinny as.
“I also remember watching Roger. Even when we got home, he was all over the news. He was the man. I used to record the games and watch his step. It was crazy to watch.”
Manu would fly to Sydney on school holidays and at Christmas. In 2013, he played more than half a dozen games in the Roosters’ SG Ball side. Nooroa would drive more than two hours to Auckland in the early hours of Friday, sometimes a Thursday night, put his son on a plane to Sydney where he would train at Matraville that night, play Saturday, then fly home Sunday.
In those early years, Manu played with Tuivasa-Sheck’s younger brother, Johnny. The pair, along with Latrell and Shaq Mitchell, as well as Angus Crichton, were part of the 2014 SG Ball side that took out the title.
“When I was in the under-20s, we’d train against Roger and the first team,” Manu says. “We’d get smashed. We were basically tackling bags for them.”
Two years later and Joey went on to make his NRL debut for the Roosters in 2016 – and the rest is history.
Read more on smh.com.au
The New Zealand Rugby League mourns the passing of Richard Bolton, a player, coach, manager and administrator who left an indelible mark on on rugby league in New Zealand.
Born on June 4, 1943, Bolton carved out a strong career as a loose forward, representing Auckland and Mount Albert clubs. His playing highlight was undoubtedly his selection for the 1972 tour of Australia, where he earned his sole New Zealand Test cap as Kiwi #499. Despite missing out on World Cup selection that year, Bolton contributed significantly to Māori Rugby League. He represented them as a player in 1972 and later captained the side to victory in the inaugural Pacific Cup in 1986. He repeated this feat in 1988 and served as a trainer for the Māori team in 1990.
Bolton’s leadership extended beyond the playing field. He served on the NZMRL board and coached Waikato from 1987 to 88. His dedication to the sport’s development shone through his roles as manager of the Howie Tamati-coached Kiwis from 1992 to 93 and the 2005 Junior Kiwis. Notably, he was pivotal in establishing the National Secondary Schools competition while serving as the NZRL’s National Development Officer.
Bolton’s commitment to Auckland Rugby League as deputy chairman further cemented his legacy as a tireless administrator. In 2013, he was awarded an NZRL Life Membership, a fitting tribute to his lifelong service to the game.
The New Zealand Rugby League extends its deepest condolences to Richard Bolton’s family and friends. He will be remembered as a versatile player, a leader, and a passionate contributor who helped shape the sport not only on the field but also from the sidelines.
Richard Bolton, former New Zealand rugby league player and coach. 1995. Copyright photo: www.photosport.nz
APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED
3 May 2024
Position: Director, Wellington Rugby League Zone of NZRL
Location: Wellington Region.
Kō wai mātou |About us
Wellington Rugby League (WRL) is the Regional Sporting Organisation (RSO) charged with leading,
developing, promoting and fostering Rugby League and modified Rugby League, such as TAG, in
Wellington. WRL has built a strong and loyal following across the Wellington region and has been
through a period of growth over the last four years.
As an organisation WRL plays an important role within the community by delivering on its Strategic
Plan, WRL continues to build on its rich history and create a sustainable future for the game.
We are looking for people who are passionate about making a difference and enjoy working as part of a governance team on a Board. Our Strategy gives us our direction and our Values lead us.
Our vision is to: Enhance the mana and hauora of our people
Our mission is to: To bring our communities together through Rugby League
Our Values:
Whanaungatanga: Relationships matter
Manaakitanga: We serve and look after our people
Whakakaha: We never give up
Whakamahi: We work hard
Whakapono: We act with integrity
WRL has in place an experienced management team of four including the Chief Executive. The staff of WRL are based at Pelorus Trust Sports House in Lower Hutt.
WRL is seeking to appoint four directors due to rotation and retirements, which will see the board at seven members.
Hei whakahere | What we offer.
Appointment term: the term is a maximum of four years with the possibility of re-appointment, subject to effective performance and rotation, up to a maximum of two terms. The Constitution requires a third of the Board to retire by rotation every year.
Location: To ensure regional connection it is highly desirable for the director to live in the area.
Commitment: Board meetings are held on the fourth Monday of each month and they are a mix of virtual and in person meetings. It is expected that every Board member join one of the three permanent Board sub committees and this will require a minimum commitment of 5-10 hours a week. In addition, AGM and events supporting the development of the sport in the Greater Wellington region are expected.
The role is voluntary but should be considered a stepping-stone to a host of other governance opportunities. Importantly the role is an opportunity to directly influence our Rugby League communities and the positive outcomes that active recreation brings. This role requires a high commitment to the kaupapa of WRL.
It is important the successful candidate has the time available to undertake the role effectively, taking note of the director’s duty to act with due care, diligence and skill in the best interests of WRL.
He korero mōu | About you
We are looking for:
1. Experience in commercial matters and a strong association with potential commercial partners.
2. Financial acumen.
3. Proven track record in governance
4. High Performance and Pathways experience of Sports Leadership experience.
5. A commitment to and understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
6. Desire to build Rugby League to meet the needs of our current and future stakeholders – a genuine ‘customer’ and ‘stakeholder’ focus.
7. Gender diversity and inclusion are a focus.
WRL will be shortlisting for interviews to be held towards the end of May 2024 with an induction for the preferred candidates.
To apply for this role please do so at: www.appointbetterboards.co.nz/position/apt21880
For further information contact Jane Moore at New Zealand Rugby League at jane.moore@nzrl.co.nz
Applications close at 5:00pm on Friday 17 May 2024.
1 May 2024
As seen on warriors.kiwi
Exciting second rower Jacob Laban ended something of a drought when he became One New Zealand Warrior #286 on NRL debut against South Sydney last Saturday.
Not since 2016 had a player with Wellington connections made his club debut with the Warriors.
That was Warrior #206 Issac Luke who, while Taranaki born and bred, had strong links with rugby league in the Capital through attending St Bernard’s College and Wainuiomata High School as well as playing for the Wellington Orcas at a junior level.
Now Laban, from one of Wellington’s best-known rugby league families, has added a new chapter.
While born in Samoa, Laban is Wellington through and through. Another St Bernard’s College product, he played for the Randwick Kingfishers before coming into the One New Zealand Warriors’ pathways system.
He moved to Auckland where he was initially signed in 2021 – along with Zyon Maiu’u – while finishing his schooling at Kelston Boys’ High School. Jacob’s younger brother Dezman, also a back rower, is in the Warriors’ Harold Matthews Cup (under-17) side for Sunday’s week one finals clash against Parramatta.
The Wellington influence on the Warriors began on opening night when two players with links with the Capital were there on March 10, 1995 – Warrior #8 Gavin Hill and #11 Stephen Kearney.
Players considered for this exercise qualify in a number of ways – by birth or living in the region at some point.
Former One New Zealand Warriors captain Ryan Hoffman, for instance, spent two years in the area when his father transferred on business; Hoffman junior attended Hutt Intermediate School and played age group representative rugby union during his time in Wellington.
Marc Ellis was born in Wellington and educated at Wellington College before his move to the University of Otago while Auckland-born Sione Faumuina went to Rongotai College.
29 April 2024
As seen on nswrl.com
The U17 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs wāhine etched their place in history with a convincing 36-0 win over the Wests Tigers in the inaugural Grand Final of the Westpac Lisa Fiaola Cup.
Winger Asha Taumoepeau-Williams continued what she’s been producing all season for the Under 17s girls. She had 11 tries coming into today’s decider and ratcheted that up to 15 by the end of the match.
But the one to snatch Player of the Match was hooker Mary-Jane Taito for her scheming work around the ruck and her relentless defence.
Former dual international Lisa Fiaola presented the match ball to Taito and congratulated five-eighth Evelyn Roberts, who scored two tries today, after she was named Player of the Series.
Taito and Roberts were just two of the young kiwi wāhine who made the move to Sydney to join the Bulldogs side. They were joined by Seriah Palepale, Lahnayah Daniel, Paige Tauaneai, Trinity Tauaneai, Josinah Filisi Tauiliili, and Giovanna Suani.
Bulldogs coach Michael Stuart had warned his team not to expect everything to go their way in the finals even though they had been the dominant team all season to finish as Minor Premiers.
“Finals is a whole new competition, so we prepared a little bit differently to reflect that,” Stuart told nswrl.com.au
The Bulldogs beat the Newcastle Knights 22-4 in last weekend’s Semi-final to concede just one try in two matches while scoring 13 of their own.
“The girls deserve it, they’ve had a long, hard seven months and this is just the icing on the cake,” Stuart said.
“We’ve got a lot of local girls in the team. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a team bond and come together as quick as these girls have.”
As for his winger’s four tries: “She’s only 15; turns 16 in November; and she’s a superstar.”
Taumoepeu-Williams said she had scored four tries before for her junior club in New Zealand.
“But it feels good to do it today,” she said. “We’ve bonded so well in a short amount of time. My teammates are my friends and like family.”
And as for the secret to scoring so often in a grand final?
“I just trusted my team.”
This was the Bulldogs 10th straight victory – eight in the regular season and two finals.
It might have been first versus fifth on the ladder, but the Wests Tigers mustered a fine Semi-final win with a 32-14 upset over the second-placed Illawarra Steelers.
Although they tried hard, they were denied possession today and were outclassed in the middle and on the edges.
A try in the opening minute, and then three more in a six minute period later in the first half, helped the Bulldogs to a commanding 18-0 half-time lead.
They gobbled up possession, restricting the Wests Tigers to only two entries into their territory for the first 30 minutes.
It was the Bulldogs right edge that shone – three of their first four tries came down that channel.
The first try was off a Tigers mistake in the opening set. On the third play the Bulldogs shot the ball through the hands for Taumoepeau-Williams to score his first for the day – her 12th for the season.
She followed up with a second in the 18th minute after a neat chip kick from halfback and skipper Olivia Vaalele.
The other first-half tries came from second rower Aliahana Fuimaono – cousin of Westpac NSW Sky Blues utility Taliah Fuimaono – who put on a mighty left fend to see her way to the chalk.
Then in the 20th minute five-eighth Evelyn Roberts stepped off her left foot, then her right, for a fine individual try.
The Wests Tigers were awarded the only penalty of the first half but were unable to capitalise.
In the second half the dominance continued with another three tries, including Taumoepeau-Williams grabbing her third and fourth.
Roberts bagged her second and centre Lahnayah Daniel got onto the scoresheet supporting Roberts, who drew in the defence on the left edge.
The win in the metropolitan version of the Lisa Fiaola Cup followed a 22-8 win by the Western Rams 22-8 over the Northern Tigers last March in the regional NSW competition of the same name.
Read more on nswrl.com
The Warriors have become the first team in the history of the UNE Harold Matthews Cup to claim the premiership in their maiden year after defeating the Western Suburbs Magpies 34-16 at CommBank Stadium over the weekend.
It continued a fairy tale run for the Warriors who had to win their final game of the regular season to snatch the sixth spot in the finals, followed by sudden death wins over Parramatta Eels and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs to make the decider.
Warriors lock Lennox Tuiloma, who scored two tries in the decider including a strong effort in the second half where he dragged defenders over the line with him before breaking free to score, was named Player of the Match.
South Island Scorpion Tuiloma featured in the 2023 NZRL National Secondary Schools team in the national representative competition. Teammates Turama Paranihi, Kairus Booth, Romana Whitiora, and Isaiah Savea all also featured in the competition for the Aotearoa Whaanui boy’s side.
Warriors coach Thaine Ashford said the historic result was just the beginning for pathways programs in New Zealand, with the Auckland-based club joining the UNE Harold Matthews Cup for the first time in 2024.
“It is probably bigger than us,” Ashford said.
“Obviously it is special to us, but (also) for the game in New Zealand having the opportunity to showcase that you can stay home and build something from where we are.
“I’m very grateful to be a part of something special and to be a part of history.”
The Magpies started strong with two back-to-back tries to back-rower Teancam Epati and five-eighth Jhevon Lele in the opening six minutes to take their lead out to 10-0.
The Warriors hit back in the 11th minute through halfback Jack Thompson who broke through the defensive line to race down the field to score (10-6).
Trailing by four points, the Warriors pushed the Magpies in defence – forcing an error in their half.
The Warriors pounced on the mistake and found themselves in front after Thompson passed short to back-rower Militonimolela Sikuvea who crashed over the line (12-10).
With momentum behind them, the Warriors scored another two tries along with a penalty goal to extend their lead to 24-10 at half-time.
The second half started with both teams testing one another in both attack and defence with set-for-set football being played for the opening 12 minutes.
The Warriors were the first to score in the second half after Magpies fullback Ali Hickam Karnib spilled a Thompson grubber.
Winger Ezekiel Davidson-Faaiuaso regathered the ball and charged to the line – carrying a defender on his back before passing the ball to utility Boston Krone to score (28-10).
The Magpies won the ball back from the kick-off before hooker Ashton Large found space for prop Christina Taupau-Moors to crash over the line and reduce the deficit to 12 points with 10 minutes remaining (28-16).
The Warriors sealed the deal in the final five minutes when lock Tuiloma powered his way through the goal-line defence for his second try.
“Every single one of these boys has played their part to get us here today, not just the boys that took the field today,” Ashford said.
“The boys turned up for each other and they believed in each other and that’s what it can do for you sometimes.
“I’m very happy and very grateful for the win.”
Read more on warriors.kiwi
26 April 2024
POSITION BRIEF
NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE INC
Background
Rugby league is a sport for all New Zealanders, played from the grassroots level to the international stage. The sport is ‘More Than A Game’; it is part of our country’s social fabric and has a critical role in developing young men and women in our communities.
Through the ‘More Than A Game’ philosophy NZRL aspires to transform lives and community wellbeing through rugby league.
Underpinning this philosophy is ‘The Kiwi Way’ – our organisational ethos representing the culture instilled within all those involved in rugby league.
In 2019, NZRL developed a new strategic blueprint to take it forward to 2025. ‘More Than A Game’ is central to the new strategy.
Our Goals
The Board comprises eight directors; four appointed, three elected and one permanent Director being the current Chair of Aotearoa New Zealand Māori Rugby League (ANZMRL). Of the seven appointed or elected Directors, at least three must be Independent Directors and three must be Rugby League Knowledgeable. A Board Appointments Panel, comprising one independent Sport NZ appointee, a Rugby League Knowledgeable representative appointed by the Members, the NZRL Board Chair and one NZRL Director who is both Elected and Rugby League Knowledgeable is convening this appointment process.
For more information on the organisation, please visit www.nzrl.co.nz.
Positions
This year, the Panel is seeking applicants for one Elected Director vacancy. The incumbent Elected Director will not be standing again for a second term.
All Board members need to: demonstrate governance knowledge and leadership, apply a future-focused mindset, understand confidentiality, contribute to highly functional board dynamics be able to work collaboratively within a high-trust environment and have an understanding and appreciation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
The Board is continually seeking to appoint people who bring diversity of thought and perspective to enhance board decision-making. Accordingly, the Board encourages applications from Women, Tangata Whenua, Pasifika, Other ethnicities, Individuals with a disability, the LGBTIQ community and Provincially-based individuals.
Candidates who have the skill sets set out below and who can bring an element of diversity and strategic thinking to the current board mix will be looked upon favourably by the Appointments Panel. As a qualifying partner organisation of Sport NZ, NZRL is required to have 40% self-identified women on its board and this requirement forms a key component in the selection process.
The desirable skill set and experience the Panel is looking for in the Elected Director include:
Experience in fund-raising through commercialisation of assets and connections to business and philanthropic networks would also be an advantage.
Please note that applications for the Elected Director need to be supported by a nomination letter from a NZRL member (Zone or Affiliate) and written acceptance of that nomination by the nominee. Nomination letter templates are available if required.
Time commitment and term
As a guide, we expect an average time commitment of around two days each month per Director. Full-day board meetings are currently held bi-monthly in Auckland with the alternate month via Zoom.
We anticipate the role starting immediately after the AGM which this year is being held on Saturday 22 June 2024. Terms are four years and directors are eligible for re-appointment for one further term.
Remuneration Directors fees are set at $10,000 per annum.
Interviews
All applicants should be available for interview by Zoom during the week of 13 May 2024.
To Apply
Applications incorporating a Zone/ANZMRL nomination by way of completion of a Zone/ANZMRL nomination form should be emailed to: jane.moore@nzrl.co.nz please or apply online at www.appointbetterboards.co.nz. Applications must be accompanied by the nominee’s full CV and his or her acceptance of the Zone/ANZMRL nomination in writing.
The closing date for applications is 5.00pm Friday 10 May 2024.
20-year-old Zyon Maiu’u from West Auckland made his NRL debut last night for the One New Zealand Warriors’, in their narrow loss to the Gold Coast Titans at GoMedia Mt. Smart Stadium.
Coming on in the 57th minute, the young prop/second rower instantly made an impact in the middle with his strong up-the-guts running style. In just 13 minutes on the field Maiu’u took seven runs for a total of 77 run metres, 39 of which were post-contact.
His intensity visibly lifted the energy for the Warriors who were battling against the clock to make a late comeback against the leading Titans.
Maiu’u started off in the Warriors 2020 S. G. Ball Cup squad, before signing a three-year contract with the club in 2021.
Upon his signing, Peter O’Sullivan Warriors recruitment manager praised Maiu’u’s “competitiveness, skill and toughness and ability to play edge and middle equally as well as the other”.
Since 2023 he has been a mainstay in the Warriors New South Wales Cup squad having played 32 matches, until earning the call-up to the NRL side this week.
A Te Atatu Roosters junior, Maiu’u featured in the 2020 NZRL New Zealand Schools representative side and the following year played in the NZRL National 20s Competition with the Auckland Blue team, going on to be named Tournament MVP.
With only a first small glimpse of his talent and impact seen on the NRL stage last night, young Zyon Maiu’u is definitely one to watch.
23 April 2024
They stunned Parramatta last week and now the One New Zealand Warriors’ Harold Matthews Cup side has shocked minor premier Canterbury Bankstown to reach the under-17 competition’s grand final, the first time the club has had a team in a premiership decider since 2014.
The TJ Ashford-coached Warriors held on for a gritty 12-10 victory over the Bulldogs at Henson Park today to add yet another chapter to their fairytale debut campaign in the renowned pathways competition.
It began with what could have been a deflating 10-36 loss to the Eels in February but that result instead provided the launching pad for what has turned out to be an exceptional season so far – and the biggest game of all is yet to come.
It’s the first time a One New Zealand Warriors side has been in a grand final since the Stacey Jones-coached side beat the Broncos in the NYC (under-20) showdown in 2014.
When the Warriors’ 2024 Harold Matthews side was trounced 40-10 by Cronulla Sutherland in the second to last round of the regular season, chances of reaching the finals hung in the balance but the team snared the sixth and final spot a week later with a resounding 46-10 win over St George and hasn’t looked back since.
Last Sunday the Warriors avenged their opening-round loss to the Eels by racing to a 24-0 lead and then closing out the game 30-20 to eliminate the third-ranked side.
That lined them up against the minor premiership-winning Bulldogs in today’s preliminary final at one of Sydney’s most famous old venues Henson Park.
The Bulldogs had been dominant all season with seven wins and a draw averaging more than 37 points a game. The fewest points they had been restricted to in any match was 20.
As one of the two top qualifiers, they’d had the last two weeks off giving the One New Zealand Warriors a potential edge in match fitness.
With the match played in wild, wet and windy conditions, the Warriors again made a fast start as they had against Parramatta with winger Kairus Booth from Balclutha, scoring in just the seventh minute.
Then five minutes later powerful loose forward Lennox Tuiloma added to his try-scoring tally with Booth converting for a 10-0 lead.
Canterbury Bankstown responded in the 19th minute with an unconverted try to halfback Matthew Barakat to leave the Warriors holding a 10-4 advantage at halftime.
That became 12-4 with a Booth penalty four minutes into the second spell, two points that would prove vital in the final analysis.
South Island Scorpion Booth featured in the 2023 Aotearoa Whaanui representative team, while Tuiloma played in the National Secondary Schools team after winning the NZRL NZSS Boys Premiership with St. Thomas of Canterbury College.
Heading into the closing stages the Warriors still had an eight-point lead until the Bulldogs scored and converted with two minutes to play.
Defending heroically throughout, they shout out their opponents to prevail 12-10 to earn a grand final date with the Western Suburbs Magpies, who finished second in the minor premiership and held out Cronulla Sutherland 8-6 in today’s other preliminary final.
The Warriors now return home before heading back to Sydney for the season decider next Saturday (April 27), part of the New South Wales Rugby League’s super grand final day for all junior grades including the SG Ball Cup (under-19).
UNE Harold Matthews Cup Grand Final: New Zealand Warriors v Western Suburbs Magpies 2:00PM
Best of luck to our rangatahi hitting the field this weekend, live stream the Grand Final games on nswrl.tv.
This Saturday 27 April the Grand Finals for the UNE Harold Matthews Cup and Westpac Lisa Fiaola Cup will take place at CommBank Stadium in Sydney. A number of young talented Kiwi players will be taking the field for the Under-17s Warriors and the Under-17s Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs women in their respective finals.
Westpac Lisa Fiaola Cup Grand Final: Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v Wests Tigers 12:30PM
Watch the action live on nswrl.tv.
UNE Harold Matthews Cup:
They stunned Parramatta and now the One New Zealand Warriors’ Harold Matthews Cup side has shocked minor premier Canterbury Bankstown in their semi-final to reach the under-17 competition’s grand final, the first time the club has had a team in a premiership decider since 2014.
The TJ Ashford-coached Warriors held on for a gritty 12-10 victory over the Bulldogs at Henson Park today to add yet another chapter to their fairytale debut campaign in the renowned pathways competition. Tries by Kairus Booth and Lennox Tuiloma secured the victory for the Warriors, as well as a successful conversion and penalty from Booth.
South Island Scorpion Booth featured in the 2023 Aotearoa Whaanui boys team while Tuiloma played in the National Secondary Schools boys team after winning the NZRL NZSS Boys Premiership with St. Thomas of Canterbury College.
Click here to see the Warriors Harold Matthews Cup team list.
Westpac Lisa Fiaola Cup:
The semi-final game between Canterbury-Bankstown and Newcastle ended with the Bulldogs extending their undefeated streak to nine matches, coming away with a 22-4 win in which Auckland’s Evelyn Roberts and Seriah Palepale crossed for a try each. The duo played alongside each other in the 2023 National Secondary Schools girls team.
The Bulldogs side is further bolstered by several young Kiwi wāhine who made the move over the ditch including Lahnayah Daniel, Mary-Jane Taito, Paige Tauaneai, Trinity Tauaneai, Josinah Filisi Tauiliili, and Giovanna Suani. At the 2023 National Girls Youth Tournament Taito was the 16s Tournament MVP and captain of the champion Counties Manukau team.
Best of luck to all our rangatahi hitting the field this weekend, live stream the Grand Final games on nswrl.tv.
The Canberra Raiders have continued to build for the 2024 NRLW season with the re-signing of Cheyelle Robins-Reti until 2025.
Robins-Reti made her NRLW debut in the club’s inaugural season in 2023 and produced some fine performances.
The centre featured in all nine games for the Raiders and was voted the club’s Rookie of the Year award before making her Kiwi Ferns debut in October.
One of a handful of Kiwi dual-coders, she will return to the Raiders camp following a second season in the Super Rugby Aupiki competition playing for 2023 champions Matatū.
She is joined by fellow Kiwis Apii Nicholls, Ashleigh Quinlan, Madison Bartlett, and Mackenzie Wiki for the 2024 season.
Read more here nrl.com
19 April 2024
Melbourne Storm forward Nelson Asofa-Solomona has dismissed reports of a rift with coach Craig Bellamy after making a successful return from injury in Thursday night’s win over the Roosters.
The 115-kilogram behemoth injured his hamstring early in the pre-season and battled multiple setbacks in the recovery process throughout a frustrating summer.
The injury struggles came as speculation mounted over his future in Melbourne, with reports suggesting the New Zealand international had fallen out with Bellamy.
Asofa-Solomona, however, has put the speculation to bed and declared his desire to see out his current contract through to its conclusion in 2027.
“I put in a lot of work in the off-season so to have rumours thrown around like that and to have my name get thrown through the mud was just wrong,” Asofa-Solomona said.
“I wanted to correct it but the people close to me knew the truth. They said don’t worry about it, don’t listen to the noise.
“I just control what I can control. I can’t control what people say on the outside, what I can do is play good footy and let my footy do the talking.”
Asofa-Solomona ran for 70 metres and made 17 tackles in 32 minutes on Thursday night in his return to the NRL.
The Storm ultimately prevailed 18-12 in a tense clash in which both sides struggled to find their groove.
Asofa-Solomona’s performance came after two appearances in reserve grade for the North Sydney Bears.
While there was no rift, Bellamy did challenge him to be better during the off-season and was pleased with the forward’s outing.
“I thought he did a good job,” Bellamy said after Thursday’s game.
“There’s a little bit around his defence that we were a little bit concerned about but he knew what that was. He made a conscious effort tonight to improve that and he did.
“He carried the ball real strong for us. They [did] a pretty good job to handle him like they did. The real improvement was in a couple of those defensive actions that we need from him to be more consistent.
“He did it tonight and hopefully as we go on he’ll get more and more game time and be a real benefit for us.”
Asofa-Solomona knows he has a long way to go before he returns to the form that made him among the most damaging forwards in the game.
He’s confident, however, he’s on the right track and views Thursday’s match as a stepping stone.
Emotions will be high next week when the Storm host the Rabbitohs on Anzac Day, with Asofa-Solomona eager to lead his team to their third-straight victory.
“I had a good talk with the coaches [in the off-season],” he said. “It’s about applying the energy in the right place for the team. I feel like last year I let my team down being too aggressive, making silly errors of judgement, trying to get into scuffles.
“It’s not part of the game and it’s not part of my game anymore. I’m trying to rub it out, trying to do what’s right for the team.”
Jesse Bromwich is proof that we don’t always get it right when it comes to defining what makes a marquee player in sport.
That term is derived from the Hollywood-style names that used to adorn cinemas and theatres to grab people’s attention and lure them inside. It’s the type of stuff a no-nonsense prop from south Auckland has little hope of ever living up to.
But what he lacks in ability to draw a crowd – or in most cases even be noticed in one – Jesse makes up for with his knack for attracting people that do have star power.
In that way he has been the marquee player for a Dolphins club who have been accused of failing to sign one so far.
“We will be indebted to Jesse forever,” Dolphins CEO Terry Reader tells NRL.com.
“The first thing Wayne [Bennett] said to me and Peter O’Sullivan when we hung up from talking to Jesse when we were recruiting him was ‘there’s our captain, boys’.
That legacy continues to grow now in season 15, which Jesse says will definitely be his last, and as of this Friday night it’ll include achieving something nobody in the game’s 116-year history has ever done before – starting 300 games at prop.
Through the opening 12 games of his NRL career, all of which began from the bench, Jesse used to watch players like Brett White, Adam Blair and Jeff Lima excel in the aggression and energy of the opening exchanges.
He was happy just to be playing, but being a passenger for the first 20 minutes didn’t feel right.
“I used to burn up so much energy sitting there. Up and pacing around, just wanting to get out there, and I always thought ‘man, it’d be good to start, just to get out there and straight into it’,” Jesse says.
Since then he’s managed to do it more than any other front-rower in the history game, with Friday night’s encounter against the Eels at TIO Stadium in Darwin marking his 300th starting appearance at prop in the NRL.
While the hunger was always there, Jesse credits the nine weeks he spent in camp with the Kiwis back at the 2013 World Cup – in a forward group that included players like Simon Mannering – for making him embrace what it was to lead from the front from the very first minute every week.
In the 238 club games he’s played since that tournament, he’s failed to start just twice.
Having watched the now 34-year-old all the way through his career, former Storm assistant and long-time Kiwis coach Michael Maguire says what makes him such a great starting prop is simple.
“You always know what you’ll get from Jesse and that he can handle all the intensities from the start,” Maguire says.
“You know that the first 20 minutes, especially in a Test match, will be flat out and intense and you know Jesse can handle those moments.”
Growing up Jesse got used to being knocked back by Auckland rep selectors, who with the exception of his final year at high school, knocked him back for every age-group team.
On one particular occasion when Jesse was 16, his dad Mike decided enough was enough and took matters into his own hands.
“They had four different games at this trial day and they wouldn’t even give him a run. He was pretty disheartened,” Mike says.
“Straight after that I signed him up at the gym. I’d get him up at 5.30 in the morning, every day I’d drag him and Kenny out of bed, no mucking around.
“The next year Jesse went back and he was killing it, it made all the difference.”
With nothing much happening in rugby league at home, Jesse headed to Orange, New South Wales after high school seeking better work opportunities and to play in the Group 10 competition.
A move to Melbourne to join the rest of his family, who had relocated for Mike’s work, ended up putting him in front of Storm selectors, thanks to a request from Kenny, who already been signed at this stage, to let his brother come and train.
In a somewhat cruel twist of fate at the time Jesse ended up taking the U-20 spot Melbourne had reserved for his younger brother in 2009, and while it delayed Kenny’s advancement by another 12 months, it also marked the emergence of Jesse as an NRL prospect and he never looked back.
At every step since he’s approached rugby league in a way that reflects his working-class roots.
Growing up in south Auckland, both he and Kenny saw their parents work hard – Mike laying drains and later working in an aluminum factory and Alex making a living at a local food distribution plant.
The family unit was and still is incredibly tight, evidenced by both boys insisting on playing together throughout their career and the decision of their parents, along with sister Paula, to relocate to Brisbane from Melbourne in order to be closer to them in recent times.
Cowboys prop Jordan McLean, who spent five seasons playing alongside Jesse and Kenny at the Storm, says those factors helped create dream teammates who have no ego, and he believes it’s a big reason why Jesse has become such a sought-after leader.
“The way he got into an NRL system is not the normal way of getting into a team, so he’s always been very humble in his approach to it,” McLean says.
“If something needs to be done he puts his hand up.
“He’s from humble beginnings and comes from a hard-working family, he’s been brought up well by his old boy and old girl.”
“In a way I’m a bit happy that he’s finishing,” Mike tells NRL.com when asked about his oldest boys’ looming retirement.
“It’s been a real long journey, we’ve been through so much, and I think Jesse is ready to finish.
There will be plenty of special occasions to mark over the next five months or so before the boots are hung up, including a Round 25 return to Melbourne.
But at the top of that list will be the final game on New Zealand soil for the Bromwich brothers together, which barring a finals match-up against the Warriors on that side of the Tasman, will come in Round 12.
It has always been a special trip for the proud Kiwis and a chance to celebrate with their whānau (family) still living in New Zealand.
“Every time they run out in games against the Warriors it brings a tear to my eye,” Mike says.
“It’s definitely always been special for them to play in New Zealand. To catch up with the old coaches and some of their friends, it means a lot to them, they still love the place.
“It’ll be an emotional one to watch for the last time.”
But first, there’s a more memories and history to be made.
As seen on cowboys.com
The 10 Test match Kiwi David Faiumu will join Kiwi Ferns head coach Ricky Henry as an assistant coach for the 2024 NRLW season. Faiumu spent the previous two years working under Henry as an assistant coach for the Kiwi Ferns, including for their historic 12-6 victory over Australia in last year’s Pacific Championships.
An International in his own right, Faiumu made 10 appearances for the Kiwis, including the 2005 Tri-Nations grand final triumph over Australia.
David Faiumu appeared in the first grand final in North Queensland Toyota Cowboys history as a player in 2005, he’ll now be attempting to guide the Cowboys to premiership glory as a coach.
Faiumu, Cowboys NRL player No.162, appeared in 76 NRL games for the Cowboys between 2004-2008 before relocating to England where he compiled a glittering 162-game stint with Huddersfield in the UK Super League.
Following his playing retirement in 2014, Faiumu moved into a development role with Huddersfield before returning to Australia. He has had a long association with the CQ Capras based in Rockhampton, including three seasons as Queensland Cup Head Coach and stints in operational roles within the football department.
Aside from his role with the Cowboys, Faiumu will also join the staff at Kirwan State High School, working as a programs coordinator and in youth wellbeing.
Faiumu will be one of two assistant coaches working under Henry, joining Alicia-Kate Hawke.
“It’s fantastic to be able to bring back an ex-Cowboy, who contributed so much to the club as a player, to be part of our NRLW coaching staff,” Head of NRLW and Women’s Elite Pathways Anita Creenaune said.
“David’s experience as a player, coaching resume and importantly, knowledge of our club and what we stand for, made him a clear top candidate to complete our coaching staff.
“All our coaching staff, including David, have made enormous sacrifices, uprooting their lives and in some cases leaving their family behind to be a part of our club and help guide our NRLW players. We believe we have assembled a staff who will give us the best opportunity to perform on the field and also to guide our players in their off-field lives.”
Read more on cowboys.com
17 April 2024
Kiwi captain and powerhouse Penrith prop James Fisher-Harris has signed a four-year deal to join the One New Zealand Warriors from next season.
The 28-year-old Northlander has reached agreement with Penrith to be released from the last two seasons of his contract on compassionate grounds so he can move back to New Zealand to be closer to his family.
A 183-game NRL veteran, Fisher-Harris has been at the forefront of Penrith’s run of three consecutive premiership wins in 2021, 2022 and 2023 while he also played in the 2020 grand final.
He led the Kiwis to a record 30-0 win over the Kangaroos in the Pacific Championships final last year culminating in him winning the Golden Boot player of the year award along with the New Zealand Rugby League’s player of the year accolade.
“We’re absolutely delighted to be able to sign James,” said One New Zealand Warriors CEO Cameron George.
“It’s a huge signing for us, undoubtedly one of the biggest in our club’s history.
“To be able to add a player of his calibre and standing to our squad is a tremendous boost for 2025 and beyond. He’s such a highly-respected player and leader.”
One New Zealand Warriors head coach Andrew Webster and Fisher-Harris will be reunited after working together when Webster was an assistant coach at Penrith for the grand final-winning seasons in 2021 and 2022.
“It’s going to be fantastic having James with us. He’s one of the game’s elite players, a super tough forward who sets and demands the highest standards,” said Webster.
“I loved working with him at the Panthers and we really look forward to bringing him into our system from next season. He’ll add terrific value to our roster, to the club overall and he’ll also be invaluable as a mentor for our young players coming through.”
Fisher-Harris, born in Kohukohu in the Far North, made his NRL debut with Penrith in 2016 followed by his Kiwi Test debut later the same year. Rising to become Kiwi captain last year, he has played a total of 15 Tests. He has also captained the Māori All Stars.
“James has such standing in the game. He’s a player with real mana who commands respect on and off the field,” said One New Zealand Warriors general manager recruitment, pathways and development Andrew McFadden.
George said the One New Zealand Warriors won’t be making further comment about signing Fisher-Harris out of respect to the commitment he has to Penrith for the rest of this season.
10 April 2024
Five years into his time with the Storm and with just 81 minutes of NRL to his name, Jack Howarth knows it’s easy for people to “believe what you can’t see” but has shrugged off any suggestions of an attitude problem holding back his development.
A long-time star in the making, Melbourne fans were given just their second glimpse of the teenage prodigy after he was injected into Craig Bellamy’s forward pack against the Broncos – five years after starring in the 2019 Australian Schoolboys alongside the likes of Reece Walsh, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Sam Walker.
With several of his former teammates already playing well over 50 NRL games, many reports have speculated reasons for Howarth’s limited opportunity in first grade, but the aspiring back-rower is confident 2024 will put the rumours to rest.
“I don’t know where that came from. I haven’t ever really been late or got in trouble for things for me to have attitude about,” Howarth told NRL.com.
“I never saw the comments, I just got told about it but it is what it is. I haven’t played much so it’s easy for people to believe whatever they hear.
“Maybe at school I had attitude at times but not in the footy world, I’m way too scared of Belza [Craig Bellamy] to try and upset him.
“Hopefully I get more opportunity to get out there on the field to show the player that I am.”
Standing at 193cm tall and now an imposing 105kg, the Māori All Star is blessed with a natural frame for a footballer but said developing his rugby league IQ has been the focus over the past few seasons.
“I’ve had to learn a lot more technical stuff about the game. Obviously throughout my juniors I was pretty naturally athletic and mobile,” Howarth said.
“But nailing down my role as a back-rower and understanding all of the little techniques is almost more important than being mobile and athletic.
“I was a bit raw through my juniors, I was always good at running and stuff but I think over the last year and a bit, I’ve really come to understand that it’s not just about that – it’s really important to understand the purpose of things.
“There hasn’t been a direct conversation why I haven’t had had many opportunities yet but I think it’s more towards my understanding of the game.
“I think they just want to make sure that when I do step into that role, I’m fully ready and won’t be swapping in and out.”
Melbourne’s NRL Development coach and former premiership-winner Todd Lowrie knows the club has a unique athlete in Howarth and assures his development is still on track.
“Jack’s got a lot of physical attributes that you can’t coach. He’s big, strong and fast and moves really well, he’s a pretty good athlete,” Lowrie told NRL.com.
“So that’s something I guess that when they signed him they would have been looking for. And he’s got a lot of those attributes that you can’t coach.
“He was playing in the centres when I first got here at the start of last year and he sort of transitioned into the back row, so there’s a little bit of learning that goes on with defending in the different positions.
“He’s come a long way in his understanding of the game and is still learning what it requires to be a consistent NRL player at the Melbourne Storm.
“But he’s on track and has been going really well.”
Lowrie admits the club is still filling the holes left by experienced forwards Felise Kaufusi and the Bromwich brothers but said Howarth is well in contention for Melbourne’s vacant left edge position.
“Guys like the Bromwich brothers and Felise, they’re seasoned quality first graders, so there was always going to be a transition period to replace them,” he said.
“We were pretty fortunate with Eli Katoa’s development. He came in without a whole lot of experience either and his development shot through early on and he nailed down that spot on the right edge.
“But there is pretty good competition on that other side for us. Joey Chan got the jump at the start of the year and did a good job before getting injured and Shawn Blore got an opportunity the other day, but Jack is definitely in the mix as well.
5 April 2024
As seen on nzherald
In the sporting world of rugby league and rugby, we are used to seeing the All Blacks’ Barrett brothers or the Savea siblings wreaking havoc on their opponents.
Now the Onesemo-Tuilaepa twins are making moves on the field and are fast becoming names to look out for as they come through the ranks of representative rugby league.
Demielle and Christabelle Onesemo-Tuilaepa, 19, were chosen to represent New Zealand as part of the Ahi Kā Aotearoa squad, who travelled to the Gold Coast last month to play in this year’s Harvey Norman Women’s Championship.
They took on teams representing parts of Australia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and First Nations.
The sisters took part in this year’s RISE Talent Development Programme – an initiative set up to help better prepare young players for the demands of high-performance environments, with a focus on female players aged 17 to 21 years old.
The talented twins come from a family of 10 and hail from the villages of Lepā and Vavau in Samoa. They began their athletic careers from a young age.
“We played our first rugby game back in 2018, in Savaii, for the girls’ secondary schools rugby competition; then our village rugby team for the Lepā and Lotofaga union,” Demielle said.
“From here, my sister Christabelle and I were the youngest to be named in the Manusina squad at only 14 years old.
“[We] were chosen to play for the New Zealand U18 Barbarians Sevens team in the 2020 World School Sevens Tournament. I believe we were also the youngest on the team.”
Christabelle remembers the days she and her siblings were running around the rugby fields every weekend, helping to set things up before the players arrived.
Their parents are heavily involved in rugby in Samoa and have played at professional level. They describe their mother as a “huge advocate” for women in rugby and has always pushed them to work hard.
“I look back now. My siblings and I used to wake up early on Saturday mornings to help our parents set up the fields for the Atua i Saute Rugby Union in Lepā.”
By 7am, the twins would be at the fields setting up the pole paddings, sideline flags, ice, water and even music for the respective teams. Then after the tournaments, they would wash uniforms or take anyone who was injured to the hospital.
“So to now be the ones playing – I appreciate all the hard work that goes into organising sports tournaments,” Christabelle said.
[The sport] is not popular among Samoan women and the twins did not get to attend many rugby league tournaments because their village is about an hour from Apia.
“I remember that when we first started playing…our dad had to go look for players and equipment from all parts of Upolu, as the resources available were limited,” Christabelle said.
“If equipment was available, it was usually for the men’s team.”
The twins say there is a massive difference in resources. In New Zealand there is a coach, assistant coaches, trainer, manager, physio, wellbeing support, great facilities and gear.
“The establishment of development programmes for both men and women would hugely improve the sustainable development of rugby and sport in Samoa. This is something I would be keen to do in the future,” Christabelle said.
When the twins moved to Aotearoa for better opportunities, they found the environment was completely different from Samoa and they faced some challenges.
“Funny, I didn’t know the rules for my first league [game],” Christabelle laughed.
“My sisters and I were Googling ‘rugby league rules’ in the car on our way to our first rugby league game at Richmond, to learn it quickly.”
Demielle said women’s rugby in New Zealand is well-developed, with many pathways and opportunities for players to develop and succeed, such as the opportunity to represent New Zealand on the Ahi Ka 2024 team.
“It is not light on me that many girls, especially those who I played with in Samoa, do not have the same opportunities to also develop in the league.”
The girls encourage aspiring players to be disciplined and to work hard.
“A quote I live by is: ‘Hard work beats talent’. You can be a talented player but you have to put in the hard work to achieve your dreams and goals,” Demielle said.
Christabelle’s advice is simple: “Remember your why and let that fuel your drive to achieve your dreams.”
The future remains hopeful for the twins as they work toward a professional career in rugby league for the Kiwi Ferns or Black Ferns for rugby union; as well as becoming role models and inspirations for the upcoming generations that want to play league.
Read more on nzherald.
His career didn’t start there, and for a long time recently didn’t look like finishing there either, but it feels right that Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will be wearing a Warriors jersey as he celebrates 200 NRL games this Saturday.
Players like ‘RTS’ – who when it’s all said and done will probably be regarded as the best Kiwi talent of his generation – don’t become available too often, and when they do it sets off a feeding frenzy between clubs, with plenty having tried in vain to lure him to their shores over the past decade-or-so.
So how is it that where so many others failed, the Warriors succeeded not once, but on two separate occasions, in signing the rugby league virtuoso?
Back in 2016 when they first achieved it they were effectively righting a wrong which had long irked their fanbase, signing the then 21-year-old superstar they had let the Roosters steal from under their nose as a teenager.
A second raid last year to bring Tuivasa-Sheck back after he’d left for rugby union in mid-2021 – following a successful six-season stint at Go Media Stadium – was even more audacious and saw the Warriors beat out a host of NRL and global rugby union clubs to secure his signature.
Home again now, on a three-year deal that almost certainly means it’s for good this time, there’s a sense of relief and pride across the board in Auckland that the fullback-turned-centre will be celebrating his latest career milestone as a Warrior.
“There’s a lot of satisfaction in bringing Roger back,” Andrew McFadden, the Warriors recruitment boss who helped secure Tuivasa-Sheck’s signature for both his stints at the club, tells NRL.com.
“But it’s terrific that he’s back in our team. We’re certainly glad that he’s here and that we can celebrate that 200 with him.
“From those 200 games, 199 of them will have been first-class games. He rarely has a bad game.”
This week Tuivasa-Sheck’s teammates Tohu Harris and Jazz Tevaga each recounted meetings with their friend prior to him signing back with the Warriors, which began to sow the seeds for a return that only months earlier had seemed highly unlikely.
In the background the Warriors had been persistently knocking at the door, staying in regular contact with Tuivasa-Sheck’s management team about a potential return, despite being met with various versions of ‘thanks, but no thanks’.
Eventually they got the sit down they’d been after though and just minutes into it McFadden realised their dream was a real chance of becoming a reality.
“I was at the original meeting when we met and Roger’s body language – he got very excited very quickly,” McFadden said.
“It was after that meeting that I went ‘oh, we’re a chance here’.
“It’s funny with Roger, I know he’s very ambitious and wanted to be an All Black, and he achieved that, but I always thought that his game didn’t suit union.
“His game is built on effort over time and I’m not sure that union sort of allows that with the stoppages. When fatigue comes in, that’s when Roger really comes into his own. His power, his strength, his endurance.
“That’s why I always had it in my mind that he might return, and I knew that with Andrew Webster here he’d be able to put something together that would really excite Roger.”
The Warriors acknowledged Tuivasa-Sheck with a presentation on Wednesday that included a screening of what Tevaga described as a “20-minute-long highlight reel”, featuring some of the best moments from his 11 seasons in the NRL so far.
Afterwards Webster said it was clear how much it meant to the 30-year-old to be reaching the milestone as a Warrior.
“He wanted to come back to his hometown team… Roger was like ‘yeah, I want to come here, I like the vision, I like where the place is going. If I’m going to play rugby league I want to play at the Warriors’,” Webster said.
“He’s had a great journey with lots of life experiences.
“To put an All Blacks jersey on, Kiwis jersey, Warriors jersey, be at the Roosters and win a grand final; he’s had a great career.
As seen on qrl.com
It was just two weeks ago that towering teenage prop Ben Te Kura put in what Karmichael Hunt believes was the best performance of his career so far.
Last night the young forward made his NRL debut for the Brisbane Broncos in a narrow loss against the Melbourne Storm. He featured in the Kiwis A squad in the recent 2023 Pacific Championships, playing in the Queensland Cup since 2022.
Despite the Brisbane side’s loss, Te Kura’s debut was made sweeter when he crossed for his first-ever try in the NRL.
Hunt, who coaches Te Kura for the Souths Logan Magpies Hostplus Cup team, has watched the 19-year-old develop over the past two years, not only maturing as a person but starting to understand his body and his strength more.
And in the Magpies’ Round 3 clash with the Norths Devils – Te Kura’s former club – Hunt saw him go to another level.
“He’s only three games in (to season 2024) but I especially thought his second half against Norths was some of the best footy he has played,” Hunt said.
“It’s like he’s realised his own strength and what he can do with that body of his.
“He was running really powerfully and causing a lot of havoc for the defence.”
Te Kura – who stands at 205 centimetres – started playing rugby league at the age of six for the Redcliffe Dolphins, staying with the club throughout all his junior years.
When he signed with the Brisbane Broncos, he moved to the Norths Devils where he played Mal Meninga Cup and made his Hostplus Cup debut in 2022.
He played four Cup games in his initial year before switching to Souths Logan last season where he donned the jersey 20 times in a massive year for the Magpies, under the tutelage of Hunt for the first time.
Hunt said from what he has seen, Te Kura is ready for the occasion and knows Broncos coach Kevin Walters would not have named him if he didn’t think he could handle a tough Storm outfit.
“He’s still a teenager but he’s matured quite a bit over the last couple of years, especially when it comes to his footy detail and effort areas,” Hunt said.
“Last year was his first full season of Cup and he had a really great year. As the year went on, he got better and better and by the end he was our best middle.
“When he actually runs through the line and causes havoc with his power, he’s almost unstoppable.
Hunt – who also made his NRL debut as a teenager with the Broncos – said the only job Te Kura had to do was to be himself.
While he admitted the Storm is one of the most daunting teams in the competition, he had no doubt the Wavell State High School product would bring much-needed impact from Brisbane’s bench.
“A trip to Melbourne is as hard as it gets for a 50-gamer, let alone someone making their debut,” Hunt said ahead of Te Kura’s maiden game last evening
“One thing that can be rest assured though when you’re making your debut is you have a team full of mates that will back you up and look after you.
“I know Benny will be feeling nervous and excited as well.
“My advice for him would be the same advice I’d give everyone else: it’s just another game of footy.
“The quicker you realise that and settle into the occasion, all you can do is what you’ve been called in to do.”
Read more on qrl.com
3 April 2024
The Roosters have landed US Rugby 7s representative Liz Tafuna for the upcoming 2024 season.
Spotted by recruits at the NRL’s Talent Combine in Las Vegas earlier this year, the 21-year-old is in line to become the first American to play in the NRLW after signing with the Roosters.
Born in New Zealand, Tafuna began playing rugby union after her family moved to Utah and has represented the US in sevens and the 15-aside version of the code.
Relocating to Australia for the NRLW pre-season commencing in June, coach John Strange said expects Tafuna to have a big impact on the 2024 competition.
“Liz stood out to me with her speed, footwork, ball skills and toughness and I believe that she has the physical attributes to play our game at the highest level,” Strange said.
“Most importantly, Liz has demonstrated a huge desire to test herself in the NRLW and I have no doubt that with hard work, she can have a great impact on this year’s NRLW competition.”
She will join a number of fellow Kiwi wāhine including Amber-Paris Hall, Mya Hill-Moana, Otesa Pule, and Tiana Davison at the Sydney Roosters.
31 March 2024
18s Girl’s Finals
Auckland 10 v Canterbury 20
The host team were first to put points on the board in the opening minutes of the game, scoring through their right edge before successfully kicking the conversion. They continued building momentum in the game, scoring again shortly after off the back of excellent ball play and strong finishing on the try line. The Cantabrians were unable to score in the first half, with the score set at 10-0 half time to Auckland.
The opening of the second half saw the Canterbury Bulls strike back to maintain a footing in the game, after a nifty dart from dummy half and over the try line to score. The girls from Canterbury continued to build momentum after an Auckland error gave them possession and the opportunity to score again. A successful conversion equalised the score to 10-all with minutes to go. The Aucklanders struggled to fire back as Canterbury continued to play with energy and pace. A barging run from a Canterbury forward 10 metres from the try-line saw them score a third try to take the lead. In the final minute of the match, the South Islanders sealed their win with one final try down their right edge, crowning them the national U18 girls champions for 2024.
18s Boys Finals
Wellington 20 v Canterbury 4
The boys from the capital were first to put points on the board in the opening minute of the match, with fast pace and skill giving them the opportunity to cross the white line. They continued to build momentum while keeping out the South Islanders, going on to score again minutes later and successfully converting. The halftime score was set at 10-0 in favour of the Wellington Orcas.
Wellington continued their roll-on from the first half, firing straight away to score twice in the opening minutes of the second half. Determined to stay in the game, the Cantabrians struck back with excellent ball play and speed down their left edge to give them their first try. This would be the final try of the match, the Orcas being too dominant and claiming the championship title.
16s Girl’s Finals
Wellington 8 v Waikato 14
It was the defending champions Wellington who put points on the board first in their initial attacking set of the game, utilising their strong-running left edge. Shortly after they would cross for another, shifting the ball along to their right edge for the winger to score. The girls from the Waikato fought to stay in the game, scoring their first try just before the half to set the score at 8-4 to Wellington.
In a shift of momentum, the Waikato side struck first after the halftime break, with a show of pace from the left winger to beat the Wellington defender and score. A successful conversion put them in the lead by two points. The team would cement their win with another try in the last minute of the game through another individual display of speed down the right edge, dethroning the team from the capital.
16s Boys Finals
Canterbury 10 v Auckland 18
The Aucklanders came firing out of the gates to score right from the kick-off, with a well-placed kick seeing them win possession and go on to score. Minutes later, skilful passing and ball movement saw #7 Calvin Harris-Tavita score his second for the host team, followed by a successful conversion. Not to be diminished the Cantabrians rolled down the field with excellent momentum, before spreading the ball across to cross for their first try. The halftime score was 10-4 in favour of Auckland.
The first four minutes of the second half went scoreless, until an excellent cut-out pass by Auckland saw them score their third down their left wing. The boys from Canterbury battled to maintain their footing in this match, capitalising off an Auckland error in their own in-goal to score. A successful conversion saw the margin narrow to just four points. Now a one-try game, in the last minute before the full-time hooter, the determined Aucklanders stormed down the pitch to score once more.
The National District 9s semi-finals action kicked off this morning to determine which teams and districts are headed to the finals later today. The first final will take place between the girls from Canterbury and Auckland at 2:00pm. In the boy’s grade, Wellington and Canterbury were successful in their matches and will head to the final at 2:30pm. Both finals will be broadcast on Sky Sport.
Boys 18s Semi-Finals
Wellington 12 v Auckland 10
Canterbury 8 v Otago 4
Both semi-finals were closely-contested, with the Wellington Orcas narrowly beating the the Aucklanders by a 2-point kick to secure their place in the final, and the Cantabrians beating Otago by one try to join them.
Boys 16s Finals – Wellington v Canterbury 2:30pm
Girls 18s Semi-Finals
Waikato 10 v Canterbury 16
Auckland 16 v Northland 4
The girls from Canterbury overcame the Waikato side by one converted try, while the Aucklanders showed their skill to overcome Northland by three tries to face Canterbury in the final.
Girls 18s Finals – Canterbury v Auckland 2:00pm
The National District 9s semi-finals action kicked off this morning to determine which teams and districts are headed to the 16s finals later today. The first final will take place between the girls from Wellington and Waikato at 1:00pm. In the boy’s grade, Canterbury and Auckland were successful in their matches and will head to the final at 1:30pm. Both finals will be broadcast on Sky Sport.
Boys 16s Semi-Finals
Wellington 10 v Canterbury 12
Auckland 26 v Northland 4
The Cantabrian boys narrowly beat the Wellington Orcas by a 2-point kick to secure their place in the final, while the Aucklanders produced a dominant win over Northland.
Boys 16s Finals – Canterbury v Auckland 1:30pm
Girl’s 16s Semi-Finals
Wellington 12 v Manawatu 8
Auckland 4 v Waikato 8
Both girl’s semi-finals were close-contested, with Wellington and Waikato narrowly winning their games by one try to book a place in the finals.
Girl’s 16s Finals – Wellington v Waikato 1:00pm
30 March 2024
The New Zealand Rugby League National District 9s kicked off at Bruce Pulman Park this Easter Saturday, with Day 1 consisting of round-robin matches. By the end of the day, semi-finalist teams were confirmed consisting of the Wellington, Northland, Auckland and Canterbury boy’s sides, and Wellington, Waikato, Auckland, and Manawatu for the girl’s grade.
Boys 16s
Round 1 of the day saw the Northland, Wellington, Bay of Plenty, and Auckland sides all claim their first victories. The Coastline team in Pool A are making their National District 9s Tournament debut.
In Round 2 Otago took their first win, while Wellington and Northland finished in a low-scoring deadlock at 4-all. In Pool B, the Aucklanders continued their winning streak and Canterbury chalked up their first win against Bay of Plenty.
In the final round of the day, Wellington and Northland cemented their spots in the semi-finals for Pool A by winning their respective matches. In Pool B it was the Aucklanders and Cantabrians who finished first and second ahead of Bay of Plenty and Taranaki to go through to playoffs.
Pool A Standings
Wellington
Northland
Otago
Coastline
Pool B Standings
Canterbury
Bay of Plenty
Taranaki
Boys 16s semi-finals Sunday 31st March
Wellington v Canterbury – 9:30am Field 2
Northland v Auckland – 9:30am Field 5
Girls 16s
In the girl’s grade the wāhine from Waikato, Wellington, Manawatu, and Auckland were all successful in winning their Round 1 matches. The Southland team in Pool A are the sole team representing the district in the tournament.
The second round saw Bay of Plenty take their first win of the day in Pool B, while Auckland, Wellington, and Waikato continued their winning momentum.
In Pool A Wellington completed a clean sweep after narrowly defeating Waikato, with the two sides locked in for semi-finals tomorrow. Pool B came down to points difference, with Auckland just coming out on top over Manawatu by four points. The two sides will face Wellington and Waikato in playoffs tomorrow.
Waikato
Southland
Manawatu
Girls 16s semi-finals Sunday 31st March
Wellington v Manawatu – 9:00am Field 2
Auckland v Waikato – 9:00am Field 5
For all draw and results updates visit sporty.co.nz.
Field 1 will be broadcast on Sky Sport
Field 2 will be live-streamed on Veo
Field 3 will be live-streamed on YouTube
The New Zealand Rugby League National District 9s kicked off at Bruce Pulman Park this Easter Saturday, with Day 1 consisting of round-robin matches. By the end of the day, semi-finalist teams were confirmed consisting of the Wellington, Otago, Canterbury and Auckland boy’s sides, and Waikato, Northland, Auckland and Canterbury for the girl’s grade.
Boys 18s
Round 1 of the day saw the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and Canterbury sides claim their first wins of the weekend, the Cantabrians beating Auckland the 2023 champions. Pool A’s North Island v South Island match-up between Wellington and Otago was an even contest ending in a draw.
In Round 2 Wellington and Otago chalked up their first wins of the tournament, while Canterbury continued their winning momentum. In Pool B Manawatu and Auckland clashed but neither side could clinch a victory, with the final score at 20-all.
Pool A came down to points difference in the third and final round of the day, with the Wellingtonians narrowly coming out on top of the pool ahead of Otago, for the two sides to advance to semi-finals. In Pool B the Canterbury side completed a clean sweep to finish first, followed by the Aucklanders who beat the Bay of Plenty Lakers.
Standings
Pool A
Pool B
Boys 18s semi-finals Sunday 31st March
Wellington v Auckland – 10:30am Field 2
Otago v Canterbury – 10:30am Field 5
Girls 18s
The 18’s girl’s grade kicked off the tournament with Northland, Waikato, Canterbury, and Auckland all winning their initial games. The Coastline team in Pool B are making their National District 9s Tournament debut.
Round 2 of pool matches saw Taranaki and Wellington victorious for the first time in the day, while Auckland and Waikato continued to go undefeated in their respective pools.
In the final round of the day, in Pool A Waikato cemented their place in the semi-finals by beating Taranaki to go undefeated. Waikato will be joined in the semi-finals by Northland who defeated Otago. Pool B was taken out by the unbeaten Auckland wāhine, and Canterbury who produced a large win over Coastline.
Girls 18s semi-finals Sunday 31st March
Waikato v Canterbury – 10:00am Field 2
Auckland v Northland – 1o:00am Field 5
Off the back of Ahi Kā Aotearoa’s recent campaign in the Harvey Norman Women’s National Championships, Sharnyze Pihema was named the joint Player of the Tournament and recipient of the Tahnee Norris Medal.
Teammate Monica Samita was named alongside her in the Tournament Team. Their selection was hard-earned with the Championships being an elite pathway tournament, where players from across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea showcase their skills in the representative arena.
The Ahi Kā Aotearoa squad was selected from the successful ‘RISE’ Talent Development Programme. In partnership with the NRL, the RISE programme was delivered earlier this year across multiple sessions around the country. RISE aims to better prepare young players for the rigours of high-performance environments such as the NRLW, targeting female players aged 17-21.
Pihema shared, “Coming through the RISE programme, I feel it was beneficial not only for me but the other ladies as well… it showed us how much the game is growing and how important it is to keep the programme up for generations to come.
“Hopefully over the next few years, the programmes in New Zealand will continue to develop further than where they are now.”
Pihema co-captained the young Ahi Kā side in their successful 2024 campaign, which saw them win two matches despite being an under-21 squad playing against open women’s representative teams.
The 19-year-old hails from Manurewa in South Auckland with roots tying her to Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Kahungunu, and Samoa.
Reflecting on the moment she was awarded the MVP title Pihema said, “It was a massive shock to me, I didn’t expect my name to be called for MVP as there were many players that I thought were more worthy of the award. I was honoured and privileged to be that player”.
In humble fashion, the lock did not mention her formidable ball-running, reliable defence, and overall outstanding physicality and athleticism which earned her the MVP title.
Pihema got her first taste of rugby league in intermediate before becoming a Manurewa Marlins junior. Throughout her younger years, she participated in the New Zealand Māori Rugby League Rangatahi Kōtiro tournaments, represented the Auckland Vulcans in the National Youth Tournament, and featured in the New Zealand Secondary Schools team.
“It was tough to move up grades as the competition was getting harder each time, but I now understand that if I didn’t continue to move up, I wouldn’t be where I am now.
“My mother has supported me and my footy dreams since the day I picked up a rugby ball. No matter how difficult life was, she always managed to make time for my games and trainings.”
The young athlete’s years of dedication and training saw her earn selection for the NSWRL Manly Sea Eagles under-18s Tarsha Gale Cup team, in 2023.
“Playing in the Tarsha Gale competition was a good opportunity for me to see what the level of footy is like going forward.
“My advice to young girls wanting to pursue league would be to always take every opportunity you get. If you’re asked to go to a training with the top side, go. If you’ve been invited to a program to develop your skills, go. If your mate asks you to go run some extras before or after training, go.”
Her teammate 20-year-old Monica Samita also impressed on the Championship stage to rightfully earn her place in the Tournament Team. The skilful hooker is no stranger to elite-level football, as a returnee to the team from their inaugural campaign in 2023.
Samita shared, “I had a lot of expectations to help my teammates by helping with preparation for this competition and sharing my experience, but I also learnt a lot from my teammates.
“This year I enjoyed the team culture we had, getting to meet new people and run alongside them doing what we love.”
Not only was Otahuhu Leopards junior one of the most experienced in the squad, but also one of the most accomplished. In 2022 Samita was part of the winning Akarana Falcons team at the National Youth Tournament, then the New Zealand Resident Clubs team. She made her international debut for the Tonga National Women’s team later that year as one of the youngest in the squad.
Most recently, in 2023 Samita was selected for the first-ever Ahi Kā team before joining the runner-up Akarana Falcons Sky Sport Women’s Premiership side. In November, she earned her second international Test cap with the Tonga Women’s team in the Pacific Championships Eden Park triple-header.
“Over the years I’ve learnt a lot of lessons and taken a lot of losses, to become a better player and improve my performance as an athlete. I’m very grateful for the opportunities that I’ve been given, but there is still a lot of improvement to do for me to become the player that I aspire to be.”
Samita credited her remarkable football success to hard work, and the support of her family and coaches, sharing, “‘Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.’ This is something I always fall back on and have always been reminded of when I’ve felt like giving up and quitting.
“My parents have always supported me, especially my dad who has shown dedication and made countless sacrifices throughout the years. My previous coaches have all supported me…without their experience and knowledge I wouldn’t be half the player I am today.”
The achievements of the Ahi Kā Aotearoa team, Pihema, and Samita, are testament to the high calibre of local talent that has been fostered through the growing grassroots and domestic representative pathways.
Samita shared, “Look at the likes of Mele Hufanga, Krystal Rota, Mya Hill-Moana and so many more New Zealand women who have gone through the same pathways as us to get to where they are [in the NRLW].
“My ultimate football goal is to one day become an NRLW player for the Warriors, and to be able to put on the Black and White jersey one day.”
Her captain Pihema said, “My biggest footy goal is to make the NRLW but with that comes my mother. I want my mother to be able to be there the day I debut in my first game.”
There is no shortage of young New Zealand girls who, like Samita and Pihema, have dreams of playing in the NRLW and donning the Black and White jersey. Dreams of playing in the NRLW are much closer to home now, with the Warriors confirming an NRLW team for the 2025 season.
Sharnyze Pihema and Monica Samita are just a small reflection of the highly talented upcoming generation of female rugby league footballers in New Zealand, who we will undoubtedly see playing in the NRLW and Kiwi Ferns one day.
28 March 2024
New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) is proud to announce the return of the National District 9s Tournament for 2024, following the event’s success in 2022 and 2023.
This year the National District 9s Tournament will be held at Auckland’s Bruce Pulman Park over two days of the Easter weekend, Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st of March. Pool games will take place on the 30th, with all semi-finals and finals set for the 31st.
The top eight qualifying district teams in each of the grades will compete in the tournament, which will collectively see 32 teams participating. All four grades (16s Boys, 16s Girls, 18s Boys, and 18s Girls) will be hotly contested throughout the weekend for champions to be crowned.
In 2023 Auckland prevailed in both the Boys and Girls 18s grades, whilst Wellington claimed the 16s Girls grade and Manawatu the 16s Boys grade.
Ten districts spanning the country will be represented at this year’s Nationals, namely; Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Coastline, Taranaki, Manawatu, Wellington, Canterbury, Otago, and Southland.
This will be Coastline’s inaugural campaign in the tournament, entering teams in the 16s Boys and 18s Girls grades. Taranaki, Bay of Plenty, and Southland all return to the Nationals having last participated in 2022. Southland will field a 16s Girls team for the first time.
The National District 9s is one of the most significant events in the grassroots rugby league calendar, as David McMeeken National Football Operations Manager at NZRL says, “The National 9s Tournament is an effective entry point for rugby league, as it encourages participation and growth of the game at a district level throughout the country.”
The 9s format also fosters interest and development in the girl’s game across the country with Luisa Avaiki, Head of Women’s Rugby League at NZRL saying, “I’m excited that we can continue the momentum of this tournament. It’s a significant event in our calendar as it encourages girls from every district across New Zealand to have a go and get involved in rugby league.”
Visit Sporty for the Tournament draw, results and the Day 2 Draw will be updated regularly.
All Field 1 games will be broadcast on Sky Sport.
All Field 2 games will be live-streamed on the NZRL YouTube Channel.
The 2023 semi-finalist Brisbane Broncos have extended the contracts of a number of Kiwi Wāhine until 2025, including breakout powerhouse Mele Hufanga, Gayle Broughton, Annetta-Claudia Nu’uausala and Tafito Lafaele.
Lafaele is a dual-code athlete currently playing for the Auckland Blues women in the 2024 Super Rugby Aupiki competition, before she returns to Brisbane for the NRLW season later this year.
Māori All Star and former Black Fern 7s veteran Broughton has been recovering from a back surgery and is confident she’ll be available for the start of the 2024 NRL Telstra Women’s Premiership.
Recently-debuted Kiwi Fern Jasmine Fogavini will also feature in the Broncos squad for the 2024 season, as well as recent Black Ferns 7s convert Stacey Waaka.
Well-travelled hooker Danny Levi’s early-season renaissance has been a microcosm of Canberra’s gritty, expectations-defying start to 2024.
Unfancied by many pundits heading into the season despite back-to-back finals appearances, the Raiders followed up a Round 1 upset in Newcastle and a convincing home win over Wests Tigers with arguably their best performance so far in a gutsy 18-10 loss to the Warriors.
While their unorthodox attacking threats propelled victories by 16 and 20-point margins, it’s a renewed defensive steel – particularly apparent against the Warriors – that the Raiders are building their campaign around.
So far it’s a notable contrast for a team that failed to win a game by more than 12 points and finished with a minus-137 points differential in 2023, despite winning more than half of their games.
“It’s something you can’t fault the boys on, the effort areas – they are always putting in on that side of things,” Levi said after the Round 3 defeat in front of a packed house in Christchurch.
“There’s obviously a lot of things we need to fix up – a few too many errors [against the Warriors] – but it’s still early rounds and plenty of time to fix it up.
“What it comes down to is just working hard for each other – and we’ve got such a good group of boys here, they want to work hard for each other.”
Along with the injection of 19-year-old five-eighth Ethan Strange, rugged British forward Morgan Smithies and ex-Penrith back-rower Zac Hosking, Levi’s form has been one of the more eye-catching features of the Raiders’ buoyant beginning to the year.
The 27-year-old made just four top-grade appearances in a wretched first season in Canberra, twice suffering a broken jaw, but has beaten a hot field of contenders to regain the lime green No.9 jersey.
“I was fortunate enough that ‘Sticky’ (coach Ricky Stuart) put trust in me to have the nine at the moment, so it’s my job to hold it – but there’s plenty of competition and all the nines at the club are doing really well.”
In Round 4 Levi is eyeing off four consecutive NRL run-on outings for the first time since his sole season with Manly in 2020.
He’s held off the challenge of Zac Woolford – who started in 36 of his 38 games for the Raiders in 2022-23 – with livewire Tom Starling retaining the interchange dummy-half duties.
Levi scored memorable tries against both the Knights and Tigers in the opening fortnight, while he contributed 29 tackles against the Warriors.
“I’m on the field, so that’s a good thing,” Levi said.
After playing his first five years at Newcastle, one-season stays at Manly and Brisbane followed. Levi ventured to Huddersfield to reinvigorate his career in 2022, before Canberra came calling.
Now in his 10th season in the professional ranks, the stint in England is belatedly proving a springboard to what Levi – who is signed until the end of 2025 – hopes will be a lengthy partnership with Stuart and a tight-knit Raiders squad.
“That was my goal when I went over to Super League, I always made it clear that I wanted to be back in the NRL,” he said.
“Going over there I knew I had to perform and be a standout. I think I managed to achieve that and I was lucky enough to be given a shot here.
“It’s awesome here, the camaraderie and Sticky’s got a massive culture of bringing the boys together. It’s an unreal bunch of boys and I’d like to stay as long as possible.”
Launched by the Rugby League Players Association in March, the Mana Group is a player advisory body aimed to represent the over 45 per cent of Māori and Pasifika players and leaders within the game.
Led by current and former players including NRLW stars Simaima Taufa and Zahara Temara and international props Junior Paulo and James Fisher-Harris, the Mana Group hopes to be a voice for players from those cultural groups.
Raiders playmaker and Māori women’s All Stars co-captain, Temara, said the advisory body wants to ensure the large cohort are represented in some of the decision-making processes around the game.
“The last couple of years we’ve had a group where we met here and there, but this year there was a bit more investment being made to the group by the RLPA and it had a big push by some of our Māori and Pacific RLPA representatives,” Temara told NRL.com.
“So it’s been revamped and come to light a little bit more this year and we decided on the name Mana, which mainly means power and spirit, all the good stuff.
“There is such a high percentage of Pasifika and Māori players in the NRL and NRLW we thought it was important for us to be that voice, for our people and to push where they feel comfortable.
“The game is already in a great position as it is. But we know we can make it better, by embracing some of the stuff that we do and vice versa.”
On the back of her sixth Māori All Stars campaign, Temara believes the competition and players can do a better job of carrying the learnings and practices from the camp into the regular NRL and NRLW seasons.
“I love every jersey that I play in but that camp, the Māori Jersey is where I’m the most comfortable,” Temara said.
“In any team, if you could make every person feel like they can be comfortable, be themselves and embrace that, their game will be better, the team’s performance will be better and the game overall will be better.
“Going into Māori All Stars camp, I learned a lot about myself and about the girls around me and even the Indigenous girls as well.
“I think if we could embrace that a bit more in every team, the game will be in a better position in my eyes.”
Temara said she has also enjoyed the opportunity to work with fellow foundation members Paulo and Fisher-Harris, who have recently led their countries on the World Stage.
A proud Samoan, Paulo stamped himself as one of the game’s best leaders when he took Samoa to a historic World Cup Final in 2022, while last year Fisher-Harris led New Zealand to their first win over Australia since 2018.
“I enjoyed seeing Junior captain Samoa and Fisher-Harris captain the Kiwis because you don’t usually see the Pacific or Māori boys or girls taking those leadership roles, but when they get the chance, they really lead by example,” Temara said.
“They’re natural leaders and it’s not only great for the game but helps them grow too.
“We get really passionate about who we are and sometimes we just need those opportunities to push for bigger and better things for our people and for ourselves as well.
“I’ve definitely grown as a person and a player and I’m not saying that any other nation or race is not respectful, but in our culture and how we’re raised, you respect things and even if it’s wrong you keep your mouth shut.
“But I think we’re all growing and especially the leaders in this group and in the RLPA, I think it’s our job to speak up about certain things.
“But I do see growth within the boys and within myself and to overcome that and still be respectful, but also to fight for what’s right.”
Passionate about providing more opportunities for smaller nations within the NRL, former Kumuls Test captain and NRL winger and David Mead has jumped on board the initiative as an Independent Advisor.
“What they’re trying to do has a really good purpose so I thought I would jump on board and see how I could help,” Mead told NRL.com.
“I think when it comes to having discussions around the game over things that are happening, I think it’s important to have representatives from the Māori and Pasifika group because they’re a big part of our game.
“When I was first coming through as a player, it was mainly only the Warriors that you saw Māori and Pasifika players in leadership positions.
“But now that group has grown it’s good to see more players from these backgrounds stepping up and being leaders across different clubs.
“I think Pacific Islanders are usually quite timid, especially in an environment where there’s a mixed group of cultures.
“Giving Māori and Pasifika players more of a platform and a voice definitely breaks barriers for more players to speak up and have an opinion on how the game can move forward.”
Merely hearing Rocco Berry’s name draws out an involuntary smile and chuckle from the Warriors’ coaching staff and his teammates, reflecting the centre tyro’s popularity in the squad for indefinable off-field qualities as much as his more clear-cut attributes.
In a promising yet patchy start to 2024 for a team whose premiership window is wide open, Berry has been among the club’s most consistent players across the opening three rounds.
“I think he’s been excellent, Rocco,” said coach Andrew Webster after the Warriors’ tough 18-10 win over Canberra, before briefly interrupting his footy-focused answer as skipper Tohu Harris grinned like there was an inside joke we’re not in on.
“We love him, yeah, the mention of his name puts a smile on everyone’s face, for different reasons.
“There’s some flashy plays there, but there’s more hard work than anything.”
Likewise, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak’s face beams with happiness when asked about his right-edge partner’s rapid improvement and rousing start to the season.
“I’m loving playing outside Rocco, I’ve got the best seat in the house to see what he really does,” the winger said while clutching a fan-made poster of Berry snaffled from the Christchurch crowd to take home to his kids.
“We see what he’s doing and he’s getting better and better each week.
“He’s a good kid, eh, he’s young and he was the baby for quite a while … straight out of school and straight from rugby (union).
“He’s keen on learning, he’s a humble kid and he’s really liked by the group.”
One of the more unheralded members of the Warriors’ line-up, Berry’s high-level contribution to their first win of the season was hard to miss.
In a tense encounter with the Raiders – only his 34th in the NRL – the 22-year-old hit his mark in a series of big moments on both sides of the ball, including an early try-saver on Hudson Young to force an error, a superb in-goal take of a dangerous bomb and a slick touch in the lead-up to Luke Metcalf’s pivotal second-half try.
He was similarly impressive in tight losses to Cronulla and Melbourne – and absorbing individual battles with Siosifa Talakai and Reimis Smith, respectively – cementing his position in a well-stocked backline.
“I feel like our edge is building well, we’re starting to put together full performances and I’m just trying to get on the back of players like ‘Shauny’ (Johnson), do my job and be consistent with that each week,” Berry said.
Amid a cavalcade of career-best campaigns from established representative players, Berry was the breakout apprentice of the Warriors’ incredible 2023 resurgence.
But as the club was enjoying runaway-train momentum, he was initially left at the station, recovering from a foot complaint before an injury to Ed Kosi provided his first opportunity of season in Round 11.
By the end of the year, he had more than doubled his first-grade appearances tally and featured prominently in the Warriors’ drive to their first preliminary final in over a decade.
“I hadn’t played a consistent amount of games in my first few years at the Warriors and obviously being able to do that [last season], I got a lot of confidence heading into this season and getting a good, full pre-season in,” Berry added.
“I was playing with great players and I knew I had to be on my game each week to keep up with them. I just believed in everything ‘Webby’ was putting in front of us, the advice he was giving me and the belief he had in me.”
Playing his part in a compelling Warriors title bid is Berry’s sole focus for now, but maintaining his current form will surely see him come into calculations for Stacey Jones’ inaugural Kiwis team later in the year, particularly if Roosters ace Joey Manu opts to leave the game at the end of 2024.
Congratulations to Kiwi #755 Rotorua native Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, who celebrated the huge milestone of his 300th NRL game over the weekend. The 33-Test match Kiwi debuted in 2009 and is now his fifteenth season as the Roosters forward pack’s leader and enforcer.
Sydney Roosters team-mates were describing how they planned to honour Jared Waerea-Hargreaves just before running out for his 300th match when the dressing room doors opened, and he saw daughters Zahli and Harper waiting for him.
“I sort of knew what was happening, but just to see them physically, right there, that sort of made me feel a little bit emotional,” Waerea-Hargreaves told NRL.com after Friday night’s 48-6 triumph against arch-rivals South Sydney.
“All week we’ve been talking about it at home with my kids, but to see it unfold and to see how much joy it brought to them to walk out and wave at the at the cameras, it’s special.”
Waerea-Hargreaves, who revealed the influence a conversation with fellow front-row great Steve Roach in the tunnel at Allianz Stadium 14 years earlier had on his colourful career, couldn’t have scripted his 300th match better.
From a seven-match suspension that ruled him out of the season opener in Las Vegas but ensured his 300th appearance would be against the Rabbitohs to the Roosters biggest win over Souths in the NRL era.
Yet it was the lead up to the match that will be the most memorable for the no-nonsense 35-year-old Kiwi international, who played six NRL matches for Manly before moving to the Roosters in 2010.
After a week of tributes from across the game, Waerea-Hargreaves led the Roosters onto Allianz Stadium with son Hudson in his arms and Zahli and Harper by his side before receiving a kiss from wife Chelsea.
“It was an emotional week for sure, it was pretty overwhelming.” Waerea-Hargreaves said. “I don’t like to make it about me a lot of the time, but my wife kept me in check. She was like, ‘it’s not about you, it’s about the kids’.
“My daughter [Zhali], she’s nine, and she was telling all her friends at school that she was going to run out on TV and be famous, so to hear those little stories, just makes you really proud and puts everything into perspective.”
Former team-mates, coaches and members of the current playing squad came together the day before the match to pay tribute to Waerea-Hargreaves during an emotional gathering to celebrate his milestone.
“It was huge, just the amount of words that the boys said, I actually had to say, ‘enough’s enough’ because it was getting too emotional,” Waerea-Hargreaves said.
“To have all your best mates there that you’ve known since day one, since the first the first days back in 2010, and just to sit in a room and have a bit of a yarn and talk about the many memories …
“I got presented my jersey by Mitchell Pearce, who I met 18 years ago, so it was just really special, and it was a special week, with the amount of support so I’m just super grateful.
“The amount of texts from coaches, ex-players, teachers, friends, family friends … it was so overwhelming.
“I’m a guy that likes to text back as well, and get back to everyone, but at one stage, there was just way too many. I just wanted to send a big group chat and just say, ‘love youse all’.”
Those who have known Waerea-Hargreaves throughout his 15-year NRL career will attest that he is a different man away from the limelight than the enforcer who takes the field each week and fans got a glimpse of that on Friday night.
However, he also knows his role for the Roosters and plans to depart at the end of the season for a stint in Super League with a fourth premiership ring.
“I think early on you try and find out who you are and then you try and navigate your way through your career,” he said.
“I remember ‘Blocker’ Roach saying to me that it’s not until about 27 that you find out who you really are – your identity as a player, as a front rower, as a man.
“Even now, at 35, I still remember that chat really clearly. He might not remember it, but I remember it exactly, because I was like, that’s ‘Blocker’ Roach.
“We were standing in the tunnels, and he was doing a cross or something [for TV]. I knew his son Dan, really well and he stopped, and he said, ‘I love your style, keep doing what you’re doing, but you won’t realise until you’re about 27 who you are.
“At the time I was 21, and I was like, ‘I know who I am’, but I didn’t until I got to that age. And then you have kids, and a purpose and a why.
“To see how much joy it brings them, and to be able to give them an opportunity at life, and to come and see these boys at a great club and stadium, that’s my why. That’s the fire, and the love and passion that I have for this club.
“I’m super grateful for everyone that’s been involved in my career. From Nick [Politis] and the board and coaching staff to the people within this building … the medical staff and, obviously, your best mates that you go and have some success with over the years.
“You just love what you do and you’re passionate about who you represent, the role you play as a leader, as a dad, as a mate. I just love turning up to work and representing this proud club.”
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo presented Waerea-Hargreaves with the traditional 300-game match ball following the match.
“Jared is everything you want an NRL player to be, tough and athletic on the field, and a leader and role model off it,” Mr Abdo said.
“Jared’s on-field career speaks for itself – 300 games in the middle of the field is truly remarkable. He has won three Premierships over 15 NRL seasons in his career.
“What sets him apart is the respect he commands across the game.
“When you speak to his teammates, or those who have gotten to know him, there is universal agreement about Jared’s outstanding character, the contribution he has made to his Club and the work he has done in the community.
“On behalf of the Rugby League community, I congratulate Jared on achieving this special milestone.”
24 March 2024
NB: Jersey number does not correlate to position for all players, players will have the same jersey number throughout the entire tournament.
Tries: #1 Amarnee Shepherd, #11 Sade Schaumkel
Conversions: #6 Tamara Ruaporo (2)
Ahi Kā Aotearoa faced the New South Wales Country open women’s side, in their final match of the Harvey Norman Women’s National Championship. This nail-biting game came down to the very last minutes leading up to the final whistle.
The New South Wales side opened scoring seven minutes in, with a barging run from one of their formidable props 5 metres from the try line to score.
The Aotearoa wāhine quickly struck back just minutes later, with a pinpoint kick from #9 Kyla Lynch-Brown, collected well by #1 Amarnee Shepherd.
The fullback beat two defenders with her speed and footwork to cross and get their first points on the board. Halfback #6 Tamara Ruaporo then successfully converted to equalise.
Just before the half, New South Wales capitalised off a well-placed kick to score through their right edge and take the lead again. The halftime score was set at 12-6 to the Australian side.
The first ten minutes of the last half was scoreless, seeing a physical battle for possession and another opportunity to cross the white line.
It was the New South Wales women who put points on the board first, again off the back of a well-executed kick and chase.
Ahi Kā were not to be outdone, creating momentous go-forward down the pitch finished with an excellent grubber from #12 Tiana Thomson, causing errors from the Australian defenders in the in-goal. The loose ball was swiftly snatched and grounded by #11 Sade Schaumkel for her first try of the tournament.
Another successful two-pointer from #6 Ruaporo would be the last of the game, the Ahi Kā Aotearoa team narrowly going down 18-12 to New South Wales Country.
23 March 2024
Tries: #15 Manea Waaka, #4 Shaniah Lui, #13 Sharnyze Pihema, #2 Monica Samita
Ahi Kā Aotearoa came out of the gates strong, scoring in their opening kickoff set. A Western Australia error allowed for an opportunity 20 metres out from the try line. Hooker #2 Monica Samita darted from dummy half, before spreading the ball left for winger #15 Manea Waaka to score her second try of the tournament.
The remainder of the half seesawed as both teams battled for an opportunity to score, Western Australia struggling with penalties and errors. The Aotearoa wāhine struck again just before the half, with a long cut-out pass from #9 Kyla Lynch-Brown to the left edge, which centre #4 Shaniah Lui expertly chipped then regathered to score.
With the score set at 8-0 to Ahi Kā at the break, the women did not lose momentum scoring only four minutes into the second half. Co-Captain and loose forward #13 Sharnyze Pihema made a barging run 15m down the right edge, ploughing through five Western Australia players to cross for a try.
Just over five minutes later a brilliant individual try was scored by fullback #1 Amarnee Shepherd when she gathered a lost ball just over halfway, before showing her excellent pace to beat all defenders as she sprinted over 40 metres to score.
The final try was scored in the dying seconds of the match by nifty hooker #2 Monica Samita. Five metres out from the try line she shot from dummy half, before dummying and beating three defenders to score her first try of the tournament.
Ahi Kā Aotearoa will play their final game in the Harvey Norman Women’s National Championship tomorrow 24 March at 1:30pm NZT. Watch the free livestream here.
22 March 2024
Tries: #9 Kyla Lynch-Brown, #15 Manea Waaka
The Ahi Kā women came out firing straight from the kickoff with strong, physical defence and promising attacking drives.
They were quickly rewarded for their efforts at the five-minute mark when a Northern Territory error led to a full 6-tackle set from halfway up the field.
The set was successfully completed by spreading the ball through the right edge for winger #9 Kyla Lynch-Brown to score.
10 minutes later the strong and sizeable Northern Territory forward pack barged down the field finding the white line to equalise, followed by a successful conversion.
Another close attempt from Ahi Kā near the try line came just before halftime, but the Northern Territory defence did well to force an error setting the score at 4-6 in their favour at the half
Another strong start to the second half saw Ahi Kā build up excellent go-forward and momentum before the ball was shifted to the left edge and given through the hands for centre #15 Manea Waaka to score in the 25th minute.
The remainder of the half saw an intense back and forth as Northern Territory attempted to get points on the board, but Ahi Kā continuously fought hard with outstanding defence to keep them out and claim victory at full time.
Ahi Kā Aotearoa will face Western Australia tomorrow 23 March at 1:30pm NZT, watch the free livestream here.
21 March 2024
In this opening match of the tournament, a light drizzle fell on an overcast Pizzey Park. Upon kickoff both sides struggled with the wet conditions, coming up with errors resulting in scrums.
The opening try was scored at the 5-minute mark after the NSW side contested a scrum 20 metres out from their try line, stealing the ball and spreading it to their left winger who scored.
The remainder of the first half saw an arm-wrestle as both sides made outstanding physical defensive efforts, keeping scoring at bay setting the halftime score at 4-0 to NSW City.
The second half saw more set-completions and excellent go-forward from the Ahi Kā women, particularly from the outside backs and the Onesemo-Tuilaepa twins who bolstered the front row.
Their efforts were rewarded with a few close opportunities at the try line, but ultimately the strong NSW defence shut them out.
The second and final try came in 35th minute from a nifty offload for NSW to score again on their left edge. The final whistle blew minutes later with the score at 8-0 to New South Wales City.
Ahi Kā Aotearoa will face Northern Territory tomorrow 22 March at 1:30pm NZT, watch the free livestream here.
20 March 2024
New Zealand Rugby League is excited to announce that Kiwi Fern #103 Charlotte Scanlan, has been selected for the High Performance Sport New Zealand Te Hāpaitanga initiative.
Te Hāpaitanga is a holistic coach development initiative enabling more women to pursue and maintain careers in high-performance coaching in New Zealand.
The 18-month initiative provides a range of opportunities for a number of future female high-performance coaches to test and develop their coaching capability, and to develop new skills to navigate a complex and challenging career in high-performance sport.
Scanlan was one of only ten coaches from multiple codes selected to take part in the fourth cohort of this acclaimed HPSNZ programme.
Hailing from Manawatu, Scanlan’s successful playing career saw her most recently play for the Newcastle Knights in the 2022 NRLW competition. She then donned the Black and White jersey for the Kiwi Ferns in the RLWC later that year, for what would be her final campaign.
Following her retirement at the end of the World Cup, in 2023 Scanlan began making the transition from player to coach and began her new career path by taking every opportunity to deepen her coaching knowledge and experience.
Scanlan shared, “I love team environments and I knew I couldn’t just stop playing and not go into anything.
“I really want to see more females move into coaching roles… we tend to take the admin side because we are good organisers, but being a good organiser also makes you a really good coach.”
In 2023 Scanlan was part of the coaching staff for the Auckland Rugby League U16 Girls Gold Coast tour where the team went undefeated. She was then Assistant Coach for the champion Pt. Chevalier Pirates Fox Reserve Grade team, as well as the runner-up Akarana Falcons women’s premiership team.
Scanlan currently works for the One New Zealand Warriors as a Community Co-Ordinator delivering programmes such as the Tupu Māia girls health and wellbeing programme, and League for Libraries for primary and intermediate-aged children.
New Zealand Rugby League CEO Greg Peters says, “Congratulations Charlotte, what an amazing achievement in your coaching career to be selected for this esteemed initiative.
“Continue paving the way for women in rugby league, especially those aspiring to become involved in coaching such as you have. Well done Charlotte.”
Scanlan’s coaching calendar for 2024 is already jam-packed. She has been assisting with the Warriors SG Ball Cup team and is set to join the coaching staff for the Auckland Rugby League Georgia Hale Cup team to compete in Queensland this season.
Scanlan will then take the reins for the Akarana Falcons in the NZRL Sky Sport Women’s Premiership as Head Coach later this year.
Read more about the Te Hāpaitanga programme here.
By Will Evans
The New Zealand Rugby League is mourning the loss of champion goalkicking forward John Bond, a seven-Test Kiwi of the 1950s whose club career spanned an incredible 22 years.
Bond, 92, passed away on Sunday, March 10.
A highly respected prop or second-rower for Papanui, Marist, Kaiapoi, Canterbury, South Island and New Zealand, ‘Bondy’ became Kiwi #351 during a memorable era for the national team.
Bond’s rugby league journey began as a 15-year-old. Struggling to get a game of union at Belfast, Bond’s father – Roy, a speedy former Marist winger who represented Canterbury and South Island in 1930 – told him he was playing the wrong game and encouraged him to sign up with Papanui.
That was 1947, and he survived a baptism of fire in the rugged senior club competition – including copping a headbutt from the revered Pat Smith. Just four years later Bond earned his provincial spurs for Canterbury and in 1953 he received a maiden Kiwis call-up.
Bond, just 21, was drafted into the New Zealand line-up at prop for fellow Cantabrian Lory Blanchard, who broke a collarbone playing for Linwood, for the series-opening Test against Australia in Christchurch.
The hosts romped to a 25-5 win over an Australian side boasting such luminaries as Brian Carlson, Harry Wells, Keith Holman, Roy Bull, Ken Kearney, Brian Davies and captain-coach Clive Churchill – though future Immortal Churchill was the only player Bond had heard of. The tyro gave an excellent account of himself in the front-row and displayed his goalkicking talents with a goal from the sideline in the latter stages.
“During the match I remember (captain) Jimmy Haig saying to me, ‘I’ll boot your arse you lazy bugger’, and I thought I was slogging my guts out!” Bond recounted for The Kiwis: 100 Years of International Rugby League.
“Then after the game Jimmy came up and said, ‘You went a good one, young Jack’. He rewarded me by giving me that shot at goal, even if it was right from the sideline.”
Bond reveals he could easily have debuted for his country on the tour of Australia a year earlier after trialling strongly…but his penchant for a good time during his younger days delayed his progression.
In a classic ‘boys will be boys’ yarn, Bond and some Papanui teammates went to a dance in Stillwater while on an away trip to the West Coast with the Canterbury side. Bond arrived back at the team accommodation at 6am and met long-serving Canterbury coach Jim Amos on the stairs. Amos, who took over as coach of the Kiwis in 1952, was on his way to church.
“That was the reason I didn’t get chosen in ’52 – he didn’t tell me that until ’54 when we went to the World Cup,” Bond recalled in 2018 without a hint of hard feelings. “He said, ‘I’ve got to vouch for every guy’s character in this team’.”
But Bond won Amos over eventually, playing all but one of his Tests for New Zealand under his coaching.
Bond held his front-row spot for the remainder of New Zealand’s 2-1 series win over the Australian tourists in ’53, while he scored his only Test try in the following year’s series opener against Great Britain at Carlaw Park after starting in the second-row.
Later in 1954 he was part of the New Zealand squad for the inaugural World Cup in France, historic also for being the Kiwis’ first Northern Hemisphere air voyage. New Zealand played France in the tournament opener in Paris and, with legendary goalkicker Des White unavailable for the World Cup, Bond booted two goals in a 22-13 loss. He also played in the 26-6 defeat to Great Britain in Bordeaux, before slotting three goals in New Zealand’s non-Test exhibition clash with Australia in Los Angeles enroute home.
Bond was on the plane again for the Kiwis’ 1955-56 tour of Britain and France, tallying three tries from nine appearances and playing the last of his seven Tests in the 28-13 dead-rubber victory over Great Britain at Leeds.
Three 1954 Kiwis forwards on tour. Ginger McLennan (L), John Yates and John Bond.
After being out of favour with coach Harold Tetley throughout the tour, Bond said his standout performance in Great Britain’s first-ever loss at the famed Headingley ground was the highlight of his Kiwis tenure.
Bond toured Australia with the Kiwis in 1956, playing six games – including a two-try performance against Wide Bay – without being able to force his way into the Test line-up.
He represented South Island until 1956 and helped Papanui to its first championship in 1957, before playing hooker for Canterbury against Great Britain in 1958 and hanging up the boots at the end of that season. But Bond rescinded his retirement in 1962 to play for Marist then took on a player-coach role with fledgling Kaiapoi in 1965.
Bond, a wool presser at the freezing works during his playing days, permanently called time on his club career in 1969.
In 2017 he was invited to speak to the Kiwis squad in the lead-up to their clash with Scotland in Christchurch, imparting some basic-but-vital knowledge on the players following along the World Cup trail he helped blaze 63 years earlier in France.
“I said to them, ‘This game’s simple, all you’ve got do is use this – I pointed to my head – and these, and I showed them my hands’.”
JOHN BOND NEW ZEALAND (1953-55) 7 Tests – 1 try, 2 goals (7 points) 15 tour matches – 4 tries, 3 goals (18 points) -1954 World Cup tour -1955-56 Kiwis tour of Great Britain and France -1956 Kiwis tour of Australia
Māori-Tongan US Rugby 7s representative Liz Tafuna is set to fulfil an NRLW dream after club bosses witnessed first hand the talent in North America during their visit to Las Vegas for the historic season opener.
Tafuna told NRL.com that she wanted to play in the NRLW and Canberra CEO Don Furner spoke to her about joining the Raiders at the NRL Combine ahead of the Round 1 Las Vegas double-header.
Tafuna is likely to become the first American to play in the NRLW after Furner revealed he had already discussed signing her with Raiders coach Darrin Borthwick.
Liz Tafuna was only introduced to league as a fill in player but after winning a place in the team of the tournament the USA rugby union representative now has her sights set on playing in the NRLW.
Tafuna, who was among the North American athletes selected to compete at the NRL’s talent combine in Las Vegas ahead of the historic season opening double-header, had never played league or union before moving to Utah.
Initially having to tell her reluctant Māori mother and Tongan father that she was playing basketball, the then 14-year-old was unable to maintain the secret for long as Tafuna’s natural talents led to representative opportunities.
Since then, Tafuna has played for the USA in both Rugby Sevens and the 15-aside code.
She was also offered a place in the Black Ferns Sevens development squad, where she trained alongside dual code stars Niall Williams-Guthrie and Tyla Nathan-Wong in 2022 and discovered her passion for league.
With New Zealand’s best rugby league players representing the Kiwi Ferns at the World Cup in England, Tafuna was approached to represent her Māori heritage in the annual Tuakana tournament in Rotorua and was an instant hit.
“Someone reached out to me through social media and said ‘I heard you’re in New Zealand’. They needed players at the last minute because a lot of their players had gone to play at the World Cup,” Tafuna told NRL.com.
“I said I’ve watched league, but I don’t know how to play it so if you guys are keen on just teaching me the basics and being patient with me, I’m down to do it because I just want to run around and have a hit-out.
“I told them that I might not know much but I do know how to run hard and I do know how to hit hard, so if you just put me on the wing, I’m sure I can do fine.
“At the end of the tournament they named me for the all-tournament team, which was really cool because it was my first time playing rugby league.”
However, Tafuna is determined it wasn’t her last and is hoping to be one of two female athletes selected at the NFL-style combine to travel to Australia to train with an elite team and try to earn an NRLW contract.
After a day of physical and skills testing run by NRL GM of Elite Pathways, Brad Donald, and Head of Elite Female Performance, Simon Buxton, four successful male and female athletes will be announced at Allegiant Stadium during the double-header.
“A lot of people say to me ‘you should try league, you should go to the NRLW’,” Tafuna said.
“I was like, ‘no, I want to finish everything that I want to do in rugby sevens and 15s because I’ve just committed so much to it, but then, when I played league, I loved it.
“I’ve been watching a lot of the games. I watched the All Stars, I was rooting for the Māori girls. I have also met a lot of players through social media too, or at the Tuakana tournament.
“I met Kenzie Wiki, who plays for Canberra, and then after being with the New Zealand 7s development girls and seeing all the players moving over, like Niall and Tyla, it made me think about it even more.
“I am just loving what the NRL is doing with the women’s game over there and it’s hard to ignore the opportunities. I don’t see a lot of other sports that are growing as fast and that really appeals to me.”
Born in New Zealand, Tafuna has a large family in United and she would regularly move between the two countries with her parents and four brothers until they decided to settle in Utah.
“I didn’t start playing rugby until I had come to the United States, and I was already in high school at that point, just because my parents never wanted me to play,” she said.
“I would say I was going to practice basketball at the park, but by the park was actually this rugby team that was in my area, so I’d go there in my basketball shoes and with a basketball in hand but then I’d go run with the footy team.
“I love running those high lines and I’ve got a little bit of a right step whack, and a little bit of speed too. I like the contact of tackling.
“I enjoyed rugby union 15s because of the contact but I love sevens more just because I like the space and a little bit of a flair that you can have there, so what I loved about league so much was that it is like a combination of the two.”
With the possibility of the first North American players in this year’s NRLW and North Queensland Cowboys captain Tallisha Harden keen to help USA qualify for the next World Cup, Tafuna believes the game in the United States is set to grow.
“There are mean athletes here, there are so many great athletes who have a thirst for it, but they just need to be coached properly,” Tafuna said.
“In the States, everyone thinks it’s here or bust. They don’t realise there are other leagues.
“If girls go over there to be a part of the NRLW and can then bring those gifts and things that they’ve learned back here to the States, it would show the opportunities that exist.
“I think that could be the start of something great too.”
The Titans have now locked in skipper Georgia Hale on a new deal which will see the New Zealand captain remain at the Gold Coast until the end of the 2026 season.
Committed to bringing the first premiership to the Gold Coast after going down to the Knights in the dying stages of last year’s grand final, the 28-year-old forward is set to go one better in 2024.
“A common theme is there is a lot of unfinished business for us as a playing group,” Hale said.
“The bulk of us are staying together and we are building really nicely. We’ve put together a foundation and the future is exciting.
“Our squad is young and it’s nice that we still have a few of us older girls to mentor and steer the ship.”
Hale becomes the fourth Titan to commit to the Coast until at least 2026 after fellow forwards Māori All Star Shannon Mato, Jess Elliston and Rilee Jorgensen also extended their time at the end of last season.
15 March 2024
New Zealand Rugby League is pleased to announce that the following players have been selected for the Ahi Kā Aotearoa travelling squad, to compete in the Harvey Norman Women’s Championship in the Gold Coast from 21 – 24 March.
Following a successful inaugural campaign in 2023, the team returns to the Championship with a squad of under-21s wāhine selected to represent New Zealand Rugby League, off the back of the successful ‘RISE’ Talent Development Programme.
In partnership with the NRL, the yearly RISE programme saw an expansion from 2023. Previously only delivered in Auckland, earlier this year the programme was delivered across multiple sessions in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.
RISE aims to better prepare young players for the rigours of high-performance environments such as the NRLW, targeting female players aged 17-21.
The Harvey Norman Women’s National Championship is an elite pathways tournament, allowing players from across Australia and New Zealand to showcase their skills in the representative arena.
The tournament consists of teams split into three grades across a four-day draw held in Pizzey Park, Gold Coast from March 21. Ahi Kā Aotearoa will play four games, facing the New South Wales City, Northern Territory, and Western Australia representative teams in their grade.
NZRL Head of Women’s Rugby League Luisa Avaiki says, “It is exciting to have a New Zealand team in the Championships again, what an amazing opportunity for our young wāhine to showcase their talent at an elite tournament.
“This is important for the development of female rugby league in New Zealand, and will hopefully lead to opportunities for girls in the NRLW and Kiwi Ferns. I look forward to seeing our female rugby league continue growing.”
Entry to the event is free across all four days and games will be live-streamed on the NRLW YouTube channel.
NZRL congratulates the following players:
Ahi Kā Aotearoa Schedule:
Thursday 21 March: Ahi Kā Aotearoa v New South Wales City – 12:30pm NZT
Friday 22 March: Ahi Kā Aotearoa v Northern Territory – 1:30pm NZT
Saturday 23 March: Ahi Kā Aotearoa v Western Australia – 1:30pm NZT
Sunday 24 March: Ahi Kā Aotearoa v TBC – TBC
Follow NZRL’s social channels to keep up with their journey throughout the tournament.
To combat this, Tongan South Auckland local Pat Hufanga established BeastMode Fitness (BMF) in 2020. BMF is a community fitness group with the purpose of encouraging exercise and healthier living.
Founder Pat shared, “My inspiration behind starting BMF was my mother. She was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes so I started trying to look after her health
I looked at it from the bigger picture and started trying to help the community out, especially our Pacific Islanders. Lots of our community are diagnosed with diabetes, high blood pressure, and other health problems.”
Pat is backed by family, friends, and his support team including administrator Lucky Tu’uholoaki and his sister, Kiwi Ferns, and Brisbane Broncos star centre Mele Hufanga.
Originally a dual-code athlete, Mele fully committed to rugby league in 2022 when she was selected for the Kiwi Ferns Rugby League World Cup squad. She earned a signing with the Brisbane Broncos for 2023 where she shined on the NRLW stage, so much so that she was awarded Dally M Centre of the Year.
Following her second Kiwi Ferns campaign in the 2023 Pacific Championships, Mele has been spending the off-season supporting her brother by helping coach the current Season Five of the BMF programme.
BMF operates a ‘six-week challenge’ programme, where members aim to lose as much weight as possible by the end of six weeks. Coaches Pat and Mele run group exercise classes six days of the week and sometimes twice daily, while members are encouraged to make healthy diet improvements.
“BMF started in 2020, we started up at a park with a group of 10 people. Now it’s Season Five and we’ve got over 200 people.” shared Pat.
Although based in South Auckland, the mostly Pasifika and Māori BMF members come from all areas of the city and when visiting a training session, it was clear why the programme had grown so quickly in four years.
The Manukau hall quickly filled with music, smiling faces, and positive vibes. As the members of all different ages joined in the boot camp-style exercises, the room was loud with words and yells of of encouragement.
“Everyone comes from different walks of life and now shares their journeys with each other,” Pat said.
Mele shared, “Even though this is a programme with a lot of people from different backgrounds and different places, they’ve all come together. It’s not just a community it’s also a family.
“My rugby league background has helped me a lot…I just want to be that role model for them. If I can do what I do on the field, then I can always help however I can for BMF as well.
Find out more about BeastMode Fitness and their work in the South Auckland community here.
7 March 2024
An exciting opportunity awaits Bay of Plenty’s Paki Parkinson, one of New Zealand Rugby League’s most notable match officials. Parkinson’s longtime commitment to the game has seen him earn an NRL officiating debut as a touch judge, tomorrow in the Warriors v Sharks home game at Go Media Mt. Smart Stadium.
In 2016 when an ACL injury ruled him out of playing rugby league, Parkinson wanted to stay amongst the game so he set his sights on becoming an NZRL-qualified referee.
“Refereeing is about being part of the community and the game, without the contact”.
“It’s a great way to be involved and give back to rugby league, and make new friends as well”, says Parkinson.
Since 2016 Parkinson has become one of the most prominent match officials in New Zealand, being a constant presence at grassroots and national tournaments nationwide.
“I feel overwhelmed and excited that all the hard work has paid off, it’s hard to put into words
“On top of dedication, training, and commitment, the support of my wife and family has helped me get to this level” Parkinson shared.
Whilst he has been a mainstay in grassroots football, in recent years his expertise has also earned him elite-level opportunities.
Parkinson first took to the international stage in 2018 for the Kiwi Ferns v Jillaroos Test match, before gaining selection for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in the United Kingdom.
2023 was another big year for Parkinson in which he officiated for the New Zealand Universities and Tertiary Students Tests, the Indigenous v Māori All Stars women’s match, and the Pacific Championships.
Since 2018 Parkinson has been a touch judge in the NRL New South Wales Cup and other junior NRL competitions, then in mid-2023 he debuted as a primary on-field referee which was no doubt a stepping stone that has now led him to the NRL Premiership.
All these achievements in 2023 contributed to him being awarded NZRL Match Official of the Year award for the fourth consecutive year, says Alan Caddy.
“Paki has served the game for many years, his selection is well-deserved and shows a positive pathway for referees in New Zealand” Alan shared.
NZRL CEO Greg Peters says, “What a proud moment to have a Kiwi selected to officiate at the highest level in this game,”
Peters adds, “Congratulations Paki, I know you will make New Zealand Rugby League and your community proud.”
To learn how you can become involved in refereeing, contact your local NZRL District or Zone referee association and see here for more information.
As seen on broncos.com
New Zealand rugby legend, Stacey Waaka has made the promising switch in codes from Rugby Union to Rugby League where she will join the Brisbane Broncos NRLW squad.
Waaka already flaunts an impressive resume during her time representing the New Zealand international rugby team, achieving gold in two world cups, the 2020 Olympic Games, the 2018 Commonwealth Games and the 2018 Sevens World Cup.
Now the 28-year-old is looking to take her talents to Brisbane, with the eventual goal of taking out the top spot in yet another competition.
“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about joining the broncos family this season, because I know the success they’ve had in the past, but I’m also so thrilled about this new and exciting opportunity.” Waaka told the club.
“I know I’ll get the best support from this club during the year to help with the switch once I join the Broncos post Olympics.
“I’ve watched this team with a lot of interest from afar, especially with my good mate Gayle (Broughton) in the squad who has excelled so highly since switching codes.
“She (Broughton) alongside other former rugby teammates have all inspired me to take up this new sport but I’m really looking forward to new friendships/connections, more personal growth on and off the pitch…”
Head Coach of the Broncos NRLW squad, Scott Prince, is enthused to strengthen the depth of his squad with yet another esteemed signing.
“It’s very exciting for someone of her calibre to join the ranks of the NRLW program. Her record speaks for itself. I’m looking forward to seeing what she’ll produce on a league field,” said Prince.
“She’s the type of player that will prove that you can make the switch from Union to League.
“She’ll make an impact with high-flying strong runs. She’s an excitement machine along the edge.
“They don’t call her the smiling assassin for nothing.”
Read full story on broncos.com
Broncos playmaker Gayle Broughton is building up to a return to running after undergoing surgery just prior to Christmas to fix a painful back injury. Hailing from Hāwera Taranaki, Broughton is a Māori All Star and Olympic medallist having played for the Black Fern 7s from 2012-2021 before switching codes to rugby league.
The 27-year-old played the entire 2023 NRLW season with a L4–L5 disc bulge in her lower back that was pressing against nerves, which was only diagnosed at the conclusion of the campaign.
Sleepless nights, the feeling of a knife being run through her leg whenever she’d walk and a subsequently huge mental toll all contributed to what Gayle Broughton describes as a season from hell last year.
The Broncos NRLW star played through excruciating pain at times throughout 2023, with what she later discovered was a L4–L5 disc bulge in her lower back that was pressing against nerves.
Now on the slow road back to running, the 27-year-old told NRL.com about the life-changing injury, the long layoff following a lower lumber discectomy in late December and the period when she considered retiring from the game altogether.
“It’s been a real eye opener for me, having to learn how to move my body again and be OK with moving it again and learning to trust it,” Broughton said.
“It has been a long and lonely road at times. The biggest thing was how delusional I was to the [post-surgery] process itself. I’ve had ACL surgery and shoulder reconstructions and in my brain I thought it would be a recovery like that.
“But for the four weeks after surgery you basically can not move, you’re on your back and can’t do anything.
“I wouldn’t wish this injury on my worst enemy. It felt like a hot knife going down your leg every step you took. I couldn’t sleep more than two hours at most before I’d wake up in so much pain.
“Not only did it take a physical toll, but it took the most toll on me mentally because I wasn’t sleeping and wasn’t recovering properly.”
Having always struggled with minor back pain throughout her career, Broughton knew something was different when she started to feel the injury in Brisbane’s season-opener against the Roosters last year but attempted to push through it.
But with each passing week it got worse and by Round 3 the former New Zealand rugby sevens star couldn’t even manage a jog at training.
Remarkably she played on and was part of the Broncos’ eventual semi-final loss to the Knights, getting through the campaign with “mental grit and a desire not to let the team down”, but by the end of the season the full extent of the injury was starting to become clear.
What followed was three months spent mostly laid up at home before finally having surgery three days before Christmas.
“That semi-final against the Knights was a low point. I just couldn’t take it anymore and felt like I couldn’t give anything to the team,” Broughton said.
“October to December I couldn’t run, couldn’t walk, for want of a better term life was s**t’. I couldn’t do anything and it was hell.
“I thought about retirement so much, but I said ‘this can’t be the end’.
“But now I am so excited for what’s ahead. I’ve got a new back and I’m not going to take it for granted.”
Broughton is hopeful of returning to some boxing work soon ahead of getting back to running and is confident she’ll be available for the start of the 2024 NRL Telstra Women’s Premiership.
After stealing the show on the grand stage that was the NRL’s historic double-header in Las Vegas on Sunday, Joey Manu admitted there were times last week when playing rugby league on the other side of the world was the last thing he wanted to be doing.
The Kiwi Test star remained in Sydney after his teammates departed for the US late last month as he awaited the birth of his daughter, and when she eventually arrived on February 24 Manu decided he wouldn’t travel to take on the Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
But some arm twisting from coach Trent Robinson triggered a change of heart, with the 27-year-old arriving days before kick-off and going on to play a starring role in his side’s 20-10 win over last year’s beaten grand finalists.
“Once she came, I wanted to stay home. I tried to stay home. But ‘Robbo’ told me to get on the plane and come over here,” Manu said after the game.
“Only the second day after she came, I had to pretty much go [to the US].
“It was full on, no sleep. It was tough leaving my wife, I just felt like I was helpless really and I felt so bad.
“But she ended up getting her head around it. She was supportive as and said, ‘go do your thing and come home to us next week’.”
And do his thing he did.
A try off an intercept to open the game was followed by a masterful assist in the second half – which saw Manu create space between two defenders before flinging a no-look flick pass out to winger Junior Pauga – played a huge role in the Roosters winning their first season-opener since 2021.
Manu also contributed 165 run metres, eight tackle busts and two line break assists, with the experience of being part of a history-making event worth it in the end.
“To come over here in Vegas, I always wanted to be a part of it,” Manu said.
“I just didn’t want to miss out on the game. It was a good experience out there.
“We’re the first to do it too, so I didn’t want to miss it and it would have been pretty tough watching it from home.
“I’m glad I came over now.”
Meanwhile the two-time premiership winner said he was hopeful of having his immediate playing future sorted soon, as he continues to decide between remaining in the NRL or potentially switching codes to rugby union, which he grew up playing in New Zealand.
“Still in the middle of sorting things out. But Robbo has been awesome. He’s been openminded and he just wants the best for myself,” Manu said.
“I just want the best for myself, my family and the Roosters too.
“Hopefully I can get some things in place. But still up in the air. I just want to knock it on the head and then just get into the season.
“I hope I get to finish my career here or get a few more years here. I came here when I was 16, so to give back to the club, the fans, the members and all that, would be special.
“They kickstarted my career and hopefully I get a few more years… it would be tough to play for a different club.”
A number of Kiwi wāhine are set to take the field in the upcoming 2024 NRL Telstra Women’s Premiership. New signings, re-signings and club movements have taken place over the off-season, see who your favourite team has locked in for the season so far.
Brisbane Broncos
The 2023 semi-finalist Broncos welcome back a number of Kiwi Wāhine for the 2024 season including breakout powerhouse Mele Hufanga, alongside Gayle Broughton, Annetta-Claudia Nu’uausala, Jasmine Fogavini, and Tafito Lafaele.
Lafaele is a dual-code athlete joining the Auckland Blues women for the 2024 Super Rugby Aupiki competition, before she returns to Brisbane for the NRLW season later this year.
Cronulla Sharks
Dally M Rookie of the Year Annessa Biddle and fellow Kiwi Fern Brooke Anderson have re-signed with the Cronulla Sharks for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
The Sharks have also landed Black Ferns forward Pia Tapsell for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
The 25-year-old joins the Cronulla club as the latest cross-code convert after six Test appearances for the Black Ferns in 2019.
Returning to action this year after suffering an ACL injury, Tapsell will play for the Perth-based Western Force in the Super W during the first part of this year before switching codes ahead of the NRLW season kick off in July.
“Pia is the utmost professional, having been a full-time athlete for five years,” Sharks coach Tony Herman said.
“We think she’s a great addition to our squad and we’re excited to see what she’ll bring.”
Newcastle Knights
The two-time premiers will look to make it a three-peat in 2024 with a number of Kiwis bolstering their squad. Shanice Parker, Abigail Roache, Laishon Albert-Jones, and Nita Maynard are all set to lace up for the Knights again this season.
Gold Coast Titans
Kiwi Ferns captain and 2023 IRL Golden Boot winner Georgia Hale returns to the Titans for 2024. She will be joined by Hailee-Jay Ormond-Maunsell and dual-coder Niall Williams. Williams will feature for the Auckland Blues women in the 2024 Super Rugby Aupiki competition, before she returns to the Gold Coast for the NRLW season later this year.
Sydney Roosters
A number of Kiwi forwards return to the Roosters squad for 2024, with the formidable Amber Hall looking to make a comeback after an early injury ruled her out of the 2023 season.
She will be joined by fellow props Mya Hill-Moana and rugby union convert Tiana Davison, with Otesa Pule in the second row.
St George Illawarra Dragons
Dragons and Kiwi Ferns captain Raecene McGregor re-joins the club for 2024 & 2025, alongside recent Kiwi Fern debutante Angelina Teakaaranga-Katoa.
Young up-and-comer Alexis Tauaneai has signed on until 2026, with her younger sister Trinity Tauaneai also signed with the club as a development player.
Wests Tigers
Kiwi Ferns duo Leianne Tufuga and Najvada George return to the Western Sydney side for 2024, following impressive campaigns in the 2023 Pacific Championships.
Canberra Raiders
Following their impressive maiden season in 2023, the Canberra side has yet to fill majority of their squad for the 2024 season.
So far Canberra has re-signed veteran Kiwi Ferns Apii Nicholls and Madison Bartlett, alongside centre Mackenzie Wiki daughter of Hall of Famer Ruben Wiki.
North Queensland Cowboys
Former Fern and Māori All Stars forward Harata Butler has signed with the Cowboys for the 2024 and 2025 NRL Telstra Women’s Premiership seasons.
Butler appeared eight times for the Sharks in her maiden NRLW campaign last year averaging 63 metres in the front row.
Butler is joined by Māori All Stars teammate Tiana Raftstrand-Smith.
Stay tuned for more signings news ahead of the commencement of the NRLW 2024 season.
Rugby league great Stacey Jones has today been appointed as New Zealand Kiwis head coach to the end of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
The much-decorated 47-year-old Jones moves into the role after serving as an assistant coach with the Kiwis since 2018 while he is now in his eighth season as an assistant coach with One New Zealand Warriors in NRL.
“We’re delighted to be appointing an absolute legend of the game to coach the Kiwis,” said NZRL CEO Greg Peters.
“Stacey has served a lengthy apprenticeship with the Warriors and has also been with us as a long-term assistant coach with the Kiwis.
“It’s personally pleasing to see him rewarded with this appointment.
“Not only is he an outstanding individual with a deep knowledge and understanding of ‘The Kiwi Way’, he is a technically astute coach who understands what it takes to operate at the top international level.
“We are grateful to the Warriors for supporting his appointment and allowing him the time to do it.
“We are also excited about the opportunity this appointment provides to bring the game closer together in New Zealand by strengthening the connection with the Warriors.”
Following his glittering playing career, Jones transitioned quickly into coaching with a number of roles with the Warriors.
“This is a huge honour for me,” said Jones.
“It was a special privilege to play for my country and to now have the chance to coach the Kiwis is both exciting and humbling.
“I’ve enjoyed working with the Kiwis over the last few years and seeing the team develop under Madge (Michael Maguire). I’ve learnt so much being involved with such a special group of players.
“I’m hugely grateful to the Warriors for the coaching opportunities they’ve given me to put me in this position and for the way they supported me in my bid for this role wth the Kiwis while continuing to work at the club.”
During his playing career Jones played more than 350 games at the highest level.
He captained the Kiwis and played a total of 46 Tests while he amassed 261 NRL appearances for the Warriors and a further 45 games for Les Catalans Dragons in the Super League.
Awarded the ONZM for services to rugby league, he won the Golden Boot in 2002, was inducted into the NZRL Legends of League, included in the NZRL Team of the Century and has also been inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame and the NRL Hall of Fame.
STACEY JONES
Born: May 7, 1976
Birthplace: Auckland, New Zealand
Coaching Career:
New Zealand Kiwis assistant coach 2018-2023
One New Zealand Warriors NRL assistant coach 2017-2024
Māori All Stars head coach 2019
One New Zealand Warriors New South Wales Cup head coach 2015-2016
One New Zealand Warriors NYC head coach 2014
One New Zealand Warriors junior recruitment and pathways coach 2013
Auckland Rugby League football development officer 2012
Point Chevalier Pirates coach 2010-2011
One New Zealand Warriors NRL skills coach 2008
Playing Career:
International: 46 Tests for Kiwis 1995-2006
NRL: 261 appearances for One New Zealand Warriors 1995-2005 & 2009
Super League: 45 appearances for Les Catalans 2006-2007
New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) is thrilled to announce an exciting partnership with Dynasty Sport, marking the renowned sportswear brand as the official apparel provider for the next five years.
This partnership marks a significant milestone for both entities as they unite to elevate the presence and performance of New Zealand Rugby League on a global scale.
As the official apparel provider, Dynasty Sport brings its expertise in crafting high-performance, cutting-edge sportswear to outfit NZRL teams and supporters alike.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dynasty Sport to the NZRL whanau,” said Greg Peters, CEO of NZRL. “This partnership reflects a shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and the enduring legacy of New Zealand Rugby League.
“It’s evident that New Zealand Rugby League and Dynasty Sport share a number of core values. Dynasty Sport has a deep passion for sport spanning across both grassroots and professional teams; we felt very aligned on our relentless commitment to excellence on and off the field.”
“We’re excited to have all New Zealand’s Rugby League brands under Dynasty Sport, and together, we look forward to creating unforgettable moments both on and off the field.”
Tyler Rakich, co-founder and Director of Dynasty Sport, is equally excited about the new partnership.
“We are extremely passionate about rugby league, and as a Kiwi-owned and operated business, we feel privileged to have our logo on our national team’s jerseys, he said.
“Fans can look forward to a full range of beautifully designed supporters’ apparel in 2024. There will be something for everyone and we can’t wait to see fans wearing it with pride!”
Peters also acknowledged the contribution of the incumbent partner BLK.
“We’re grateful to BLK, who have supported the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns over the last four years.
As we embark on this new chapter with Dynasty Sport, we thank BLK for their partnership and wish them continued success in their future endeavours.”
About Dynasty Sport
We’re sportspeople too. Some of us play, some of us used to, some of us coach and all of us love to watch our favourite teams and athletes compete every week.
Headquartered in Auckland, with locations across NZ & Australia, Dynasty Sport operates across a global footprint. We are proud to supply high quality on and off-field sports apparel to professional and grassroots sporting organisations, schools, and businesses around the world.
We have a focus on sustainability too. Ecotek, our fabric made from ethically sourced recycled plastic bottles, is used in our ranges, helping fans and organisations make the sustainable choice whenever they can.
Dynasty Sport are leaders in rugby league, with a great reputation amongst fans and organisations for their impressive ranging and designs, high-performance technology and sustainability focus. Most recently, the One NZ Warriors range has been enormously popular. The Cowboys, Titans, Sea Eagles, Tonga Rugby League, Toa Samoa and dozens of grassroots clubs across NZ and Australia also proudly wear Dynasty Sport.
For more information on Dynasty Sport visit www.dynastysport.co.nz
We are pleased to announced that New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) is now taking Expression of Interest for entries for the 2024 National Secondary Schools Tournament. To register your interest please use the following link: New Zealand Rugby League-New Zealand Rugby League (sporty.co.nz)
The 2024 National Secondary Schools tournament will be held at Bruce Pulman Park, Auckland. The tournament will be spread over three days, from Friday 6th – Sunday 8th September. Schools are to qualify through Zonal and regional events to reach the qualify. Each team entering the National Secondary Schools Tournament must have a referral from their respective Zone contact. The entry fee for all teams and grades will be $150 + gst.
National Secondary Schools Tournament. Grades to include:
Junior / U15 Boys Carnival (Yrs. 9 & 10)
– Composite schools permitted.
Senior Boys Premiership
Senior Boys Championship
Girls Championship
If you have multiple teams across the grades; Junior and Senior Boys Premiership for example, please complete this form individually for each team entry.
If you do not know of the Regional or Zone qualifying dates, please contact David McMeekan to connect you with local Zone staff.
David McMeekan
National Football Operations Manager
david.m@nzrl.co.nz
15 Feb 2024
The New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) proudly announces that the ‘RISE’ Talent Development Programme, in partnership with the NRL, is back for 2024.
After its inaugural year in NZ in 2023, the ‘RISE’ Talent Development Programme aims to better prepare young players for the rigours of high-performance environments such as the NRLW, targeting female players aged 17-19 years of age.
This weekend, the ‘RISE’ programme expands to various cities in New Zealand. Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch will host Rise sessions for young aspiring female players to improve their skills, learn the basics of strength and conditioning, and understand the significance of player well-being.
2023, which also saw the establishment of the NZRL Ahi Kā Aotearoa squad that competed in the Harvey Norman Women’s National Championship in 2023. Players who were selected for the squad were part of the inaugural Rise programme, which serves as a pathway for young females to
With the NRLW growing from six to 10 teams in 2023, female players have more opportunities to be recognised and establish themselves as elite athletes. The RISE programme is the next step for aspiring Kiwi players to become NRLW players and future Kiwi Ferns.
Another huge accolade for the One New Zealand Warriors tonight with the public voting the club the winner of 2023’s New Zealand Favourite Sporting Moment at the Halberg Awards tonight.
In an award decided exclusively by fans, the Warriors headed off nine other finalists with their astounding comeback win over Cronulla Sutherland on April 2.
Shaun Johnson nailed a clutch penalty in the final seconds to secure a remarkable 32-30 win after the One New Zealand Warriors had recovered from a 0-20 deficit midway through the first half.
Once voting opened for the award the public gathered behind the One New Zealand Warriors just as they did throughout the club’s exceptional 2023 NRL campaign.
“The victory over the Sharks is up there as one of the biggest wins and biggest moments in our club’s history,” said One New Zealand Warriors CEO Cameron George.
“To come back like that, the determination the side showed, summed up our season overall I thought.
“We had the fans showing amazing support for us all season and they’ve shown it again by voting for the club to win this award. We thank them so much for their commitment to us.”
The win over the Sharks came early in a season which saw the One New Zealand Warriors secure a top four spot for the first time since 2007 before they went on to finish one win short of making the grand final.
The New Zealand Rugby League grieves the loss of Paul Schultz, who passed away on February 9, 2024.
Starting his career with Marist in the Auckland Rugby League competition, Schultz quickly became known for his exceptional talent. He played a crucial role in Marist’s consecutive championship wins in 1965 and 1966 before moving on to Point Chevalier.
Representing Auckland with pride, Schultz contributed to historic victories over South Africa in 1963 and Australia in 1969. His dedication earned him a place in the national team, where he played eight test matches and represented New Zealand in the 1968 World Cup.
Schultz’s humility, sportsmanship, and commitment to the game left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
Kiwi Ferns legend Honey Hireme-Smiler will be part of the Sky Sport commentary team that breaks new ground with unique bilingual commentary on this week’s All Stars games in Townsville.
One of the greatest players to ever pull on a Kiwi Ferns jumper, Hireme-Smiler played 32 Tests and went to four World Cups, and now she finds herself on the other side of the microphone.
“I’m thrilled to see Sky creating innovative ways to foster use and acceptance of reo Māori. This will be a new and unique opportunity for the commentary team, and we are so ready to deliver an awesome immersive experience for New Zealanders,” said Hireme-Smiler.
Sky Sport’s collaboration with the NRL for 2024 kicks off with the two showpiece All Stars games in Townsville this weekend.
Sky Sport has been steadily increasing the use of te reo Māori, but bilingual commentary is another first for the company, highlighting Sky’s dedication to foster cultural diversity and support the normalisation of te reo Māori on air.
Coverage on Sky Sport 1 will be available through Sky, streaming on Sky Sport Now and free to view on Sky Open with an alternative Australian Fox Sport commentary available on Sky Sport 4 or by using the alternative commentary via the yellow button.
The Harvey Norman All Stars will be presented by veteran Māori broadcaster, Te Arahi Maipi (Tainui) with bilingual commentary provided by Dale Husband (Ngāti Maru), Te Aorere Pēwhairangi (Ngāti Porou) and Honey Hireme-Smiler (Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Haua, Tainui)
Pre and post-match panel discussions will be led Maipi who will be joined by Warriors captain, Tohu Harris (Ngāti Kahungunu) and Hireme-Smiler.
The success of incorporating te reo Māori into sport coverage was proven during last year’s Harvey Norman All Stars game, reaching more than 100,000 viewers were covered by Te Aorere Pēwhairangi on social media.
