10 November 2021
Today, Tāmaki Makaurau has moved to Alert Level 3.2, where contact training and rugby league activity remains suspended.
All contact sports involving the sharing of equipment cannot be played at this level.
At Alert Level 3.2, outdoor gatherings have increased to 25, only if outdoor activity can be done safely. Face coverings need to be worn while keeping a 2-metre distance from those in your gathering.
Outdoor training and exercise classes are permitted if you can maintain a safe distance without coming into contact with those around you.
Clubrooms and other indoor recreational facilities remain closed.
NZRL encourage all those in our rugby league communities to get vaccinated against Covid-19; for more information, please visit https://karawhiua.nz/where-to-get-vaccinated/
Continue to use the NZ Covid Tracer app with Bluetooth tracing turned on, and stay home if you are unwell. Call your doctor or Healthline on 0800 358 5453 for advice about getting tested.
NZRL will continue to update you with the latest information, subject to government updates.
8th November 2021
as seen on stuff.co.nz
Former Kiwis international Te Maire Martin will return to rugby league just two years after retiring because of bleeding in his brain.
The Daily Telegraph reports Martin has signed a development contract with Brisbane Broncos, subject to final medical clearance.
The report says Brisbane coach Kevin Walters sees Martin as a replacement for Anthony Milford to play outside star recruit Adam Reynolds.
Playing for North Queensland Cowboys, the 26-year-old Kiwi took suffered a bad concussion against Melbourne Storm in 2019, with brain scans revealing a bleed after Martin had complained about severe headaches.
Martin’s agent Andrew Purcell is confident the final medical clearance will be granted.
“When he retired there was a headline ‘if I play again I could die’ and that wasn’t factually correct,” Purcell told The Telegraph.
“No brain expert ever said that. Te Maire was coming off contract and was advised to have a spell.
“Then he retired for two years and started playing a bit of footy with his brothers in New Zealand.
“He felt OK and started playing country footy then rang me up and said he was keen again. He’s had multiple tests and all the scans came back with the green light.
“He feels like he can start fresh and he’s grateful the Broncos have opened the door.”
Martin will train with Brisbane’s NRL squad, but will begin the season playing for Wynnum Manly in the Queensland Cup.
Martin is still in New Zealand, waiting for clearance to travel to Australia.
Starting his career with the Panthers, Martin graduated to the first-grade side after starring in their development sides.
The Waikato native played 14 games in two seasons at Penrith, before a big-money move to North Queensland Cowboys as a long-term replacement for Johnathan Thurston.
Martin made 42 appearances for the club in two and a half seasons before retiring.
Pirtek’s prestigious Volunteer of the Month is given to a volunteer who displays the core values of NZRL’s Kiwi Way, which are being family first, innovative, inclusive, respectful and humble.
We are honoured to announce the winner for October 2021 is Glenora’s Val Liuaga.
Val is a champion for her local West Auckland club, the Glenora Bears. She works tirelessly every weekend from 6 am going between Te Atatu Park, Duck Park and Henderson Park, where she prepares the fields and all aspects needed for Juniors to play their games.
Liuaga also volunteers in the tuckshop, team fundraisers, and maintenance of the ground and change rooms when needed.
Val is vital to the health and growth of the Glenora Bears from the junior teams up to its Premier side, lending a hand whenever she can.
Pirtek CEO Chris Bourke commented on this months winner, “Val Liuaga is the epitome of volunteering. She does not complain but gets to work and does it the best she can. That is the definition of volunteering, getting stuck in and doing the job!”
“The Mighty Glenora Bears are a privileged rugby league club to have someone like Val on board with them; with her care and commitment to the club, Val ensures each team and weekend runs smoothly. Val sacrificing her weekends for the club is a testament to her character and drive to see the club function and be successful.”“Val is a very worthy winner of the Pirtek Volunteer of the Month, and we congratulate her and thank her for her dedication to the great game of rugby league.”
Volunteers will be chosen based off how well they demonstrate our Kiwi Way values:
We are family first – stronger together.
Innovative and Courageous – punch above our weight.
We are responsible.
We are inclusive, respectful and humble.
Each winner receives $200 worth of vouchers.
#TheKiwiWay #MoreThanAGame
31 October 2021
It was a North v South battle in the National Competition Bronze final between the Wellington Orcas and Otago Whalers.
The Wellington Orcas opened the scoring through Sam Filippo, who scored a double within the first ten minutes.
Despite the slow start, once the Southerners got their hands on the ball, they never looked back, scoring 28 unanswered points. The Whalers had all the momentum leading 28 – 10 at the break.
An unfortunate Wellington error under the high ball saw Otago jump on a loose carry to open the scoring for the final forty, extending their lead by 24 points.
It was the Whalers with all the confidence as a series of offloads put Jake Fowler over for his second and Otago’s seventh only five minutes into the second stint.
The Orcas found momentum scoring their first four-pointer since the opening ten minutes, decreasing the margin to 26. A confidence boost saw Bronson Marino cheekily plant their fourth shortly after.
Two conversion misses from the Orcas kept the score 40 – 18 with 20 to go.
The Southerners put any chance of a comeback to bed as they went on to score two unanswered four-pointers. Wellington had the final say on the full-time hooter, but the Whalers got the win with a convincing 50 – 22 victory.
Mid Central Vipers 16s v South Island Scorpions 16s Final
The action kicked off early on Sunday morning at the Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub in Christchurch. The South Island were hosts for both 16s and 18s National Youth Tournament Finals. The Mid Central Vipers 16s were first up taking on the South Island Scorpions 16s.
The Vipers number seven Chance Sherrard-Chase sold the Scorpions a dummy to open the scoring in this final. The Vipers continued their attack on the right side, Tayne Harvey taking it over the line through a gap in the defense. A frustrated Scorpions team was penalised after Revelation Mumuta was caught offside with a shoulder charge which saw the Scorpions down a man near the end of the first half. Errors plagued the Scorpions throughout the first half, the Scorpions conceded another try to Vipers Ramses Ah Chong. The Vipers went into the sheds with the lead 18 – 0.
A far more composed Scorpions team emerged to open the scoring in the second half. Te Kaio Cranwell powered through five defenders to get points on the board for his team. Some individual brilliance from Viper’s Ah Chong saw him bust through four tacklers to go over to score his second try of the match. Scorpions continued to fight back with a try of their own by Aston Wilson, to close the gap by 12 points. Viper’s pressure and speed ultimately proved too much for the Scorpions, Vipers becoming the National Youth Competition 16s champions for 2021 winning the match 22 – 10.
South Island Scorpions 18s v Upper Central Stallions 18s Final
The highly anticipated second match of the day saw the Upper Central Stallions 18s face off against the top of table Southern Zone 18s.
The Stallions and Warriors Youth player Tamiro Armstrong opens the scoring in the second match, after a tight first 15 minutes. The Stallions doubled down with another strong try to number 12 Jericho Yorke. A momentum shift near the end of the first half saw the Scorpions put their first points on the board. Scorpions and Canterbury Bulls rep Uriah Tuli scored first points for his team followed by a tries by teammate Jayton Lawrie and an excellent run away from Martino Bio. The Scorpions head into the second half with a lead over the Stallions 18 – 8.
The Scorpions came back into the second half firing with a try in the first few minutes to Leo Nasio. The Stallions still in it, put on a massive came back and hit the line hard with a try to Brooklyn Rowley to break a quiet period for the team. Armstrong follows up with a second try for the Stallions, to close the gap. This was followed by a crucial try by the Stallion’s Jason Kameta, to give his team the lead by two points with 14 minutes to go. Out of desperation, the Scorpions created their own opportunity scoring an impressive team try, Bio took the ball across the line to take the lead back for the south. With five minutes to go, the Stallions refused to bow out with a try to Tome Poona sealing the win for the Stallions 28 – 30.
30th October 2021
The sun was shining over Nga Puna Wai as favourites Canterbury and Upper Central Zone clashed with the NZRL National Competition trophy on the line.
Upper Central burst out of the blocks as late replacement Karly Karauna scored in just under two minutes to capitalise off a Canterbury mistake taking an early 4-0 lead.
Canterbury then began to warm into the game, getting on the front foot and converting through U20’s Canterbury representative Uriah Tuli as the Bulls went in front six points to four.
An untimely Canterbury error let the Stallions back into the affair, and fullback Denzil Manu converted that pressure into points which Canterbury would go on to regret. A few minutes later, backrower Kaisa Matautia bulldozed his way over the Canterbury line as Upper Central scored back-to-back and took hold of the game. Connor Hohepa converted to make it 14-6 in the 18th minute, a lead that the Stallions would take into the break.
Upper Central started the second stanza as they started the first as Matautia helped himself to a second, four minutes into the half.
The Stallion outfit continued to pile on the pressure asserting their will in the early stretches of the second half, and points followed. Stallion’s hooker Russell planted a deft grubber kick which he regathered and slickly offloaded to Johnson Peri, who barged his way over to extend the margin. Connor Hohepa made the score 26-6 with thirty minutes left, converting from the left side of the uprights.
Johnson Peri’s 40/20 marched Upper Central up the field and again resulted in points, this time, Matautia completed his hat trick on the left edge. Denzil Manu continued the onslaught as he pounced onto a superb attacking kick from Connor Hohepa and made his way over to extend the lead to 36-6 with just under 20 minutes remaining.
With only ten to go, Canterbury stand-out Penitito Ilalio forced his way over, with substitute Delane Luke scoring two minutes later to tighten the gap to 36-18.
A late try on the buzzer by Zion Kamana was not enough to seal a Canterbury comeback as the underdog Upper Central Zone went on to claim the NZRL Men’s National Competition title, winning 36-22.
Canterbury and Wellington put on an entertaining finals match at Christchurch’s Nga Puna Wai. The Bulls, showing their class to defeat a valiant Orcas side 20-8.
Both teams came out firing on the defensive end, not willing to give an inch, and it was the South Island outfit who found themselves in an attacking position first. A slew of Wellington errors proved costly as Canterbury ran out to an early 14-0 lead, scoring three tries and one conversion in the first quarter of the game.
With two mins left in the first half, Wellington pushed to put points on the board. A pinpoint cross-field kick from Maryanne Collins saw Sarahcen Oliver make a skilful grab and score an amazing try for Wellington, as the Orcas tightened the margin to 14-4 going into the break.
Charntay Poko’s powerful drive up the middle was unlucky not to be rewarded with points as the pass to Angela Petero was deemed forward.
Another beautiful cross-field kick unfortunately wasn’t capitalised on and resulted in a missed opportunity for the home side.
Wellington forced their way back into the game through captain Aggy Faraimo, but Cantebury’s defence was too strong, saving a sure four-pointer.
Canterbury looked to seal the game with a full set of six in Orca territory. Wellington tried valiantly to hold off Cantebury, but despite their efforts, Sailiai Pau went over, grabbing a hat trick in the process. Poko converted to make it 20-8 with only six minutes remaining.
Despite a last-ditch effort from Wellington, it was Cantebury who went on to claim the Women’s National Premiership for 2021 with a 20 – 8 victory over the Orcas on home soil.
28th October, 2021
as seen on Stuff.co.nz
When Mike Lemalie removes his 30 kilogram weighted vest and dives into the ocean at Stirling Point in Bluff on October 30, it will be more than just sore legs and blisters he is hoping to heal.
A member of the Southland Rugby League community, Lemalie will be walking 60 kilometres in gumboots from Bluff to Invercargill return, with the last 4km through the Bluff township in a weighted vest, to raise money for youth mental health services through Gumboot Friday.
Lemalie spent several years as a player/coach for Bluff Rugby League Club, which included winning three competitions in a row finishing the 2009 season undefeated.
It’s a cause that is deeply personal for Lemalie. His son died by suicide in December 2016.
“The motivation behind the weighted vest is just walking through Bluff with all the heavy weight and burden of all the kids we’ve got down here, and just walking to the point, and washing it away with the water,” he said.
Since his son’s death, he had been actively assisting youth in Bluff to open up and get help through counselling services, which he believed should be free and available to all youth in New Zealand.
“Kids need to be able to open up and talk, we can’t help them if they don’t open up. At my son’s funeral I said that to all his friends, and they took me up on it…. It’s just being an ear, I don’t have all the answers, and if I don’t have the answers I try and get them. And that’s how Caroline Loo [From the Invercargill Loss and Grief centre] helped at the start,” he said.
“I first started going to the counselling sessions with some of the kids, and I still use her as a point of contact for some of them. It’s good, one kid has got his life back on track, and he’s doing really good with his sports, that’s one of the main goals we’ve talked about, to get back to sports.”
He decided to complete the walk when Gumboot Friday founder Mike King announced earlier this year that the Ministry of Health had rejected his request for funding to provide free counselling for young people.
“Originally it was just supposed to be to Invercargill, but I thought ‘I live in Bluff, so why not walk home’.”
The tight-knit community of Bluff had whole-heartedly supported the effort, and many people had been in contact to volunteer their time.
His work colleagues at Sanford had already ordered 40 hi-vis vests in anticipation of the amount of people that would be walking the route alongside Lemalie.
So far, he has received more than $4000 in donations.
Data released by the Office of the Chief Coroner on Monday, revealed there were 44 cases of suspected suicide in Southland and Otago in 2020, down from 47 cases in 2019.
The rate of death by suspected suicide per 100,000 people in Southland and Otago was 11.7, slightly higher than the national rate of 11.3.
Able Minds chief executive Sarah Dowie said the fact the number of suspected suicides had fallen by just 21 was a confronting reminder that more work needed to be done to address mental health issues.
Lemalie began his rugby league journey in 1992, joining his local club the Wainuiomata Lions from u12’s to u18’s. Mike developed his love for the game in these adolescent years
He spent years in Gisborne and returned to Lower Hutt to play for St Bernard’s College. Lemalie left the game for a few years but his passion did not disappear, rearing to strap on the boots again Mike returned six years later in 2003 playing for Southland club, Bluff.
In 2006, Lemalie represented Cooks Rugby League and then returned to Bluff as a player coach till 2009.
Mike has been a representative for the Southland Senior Men’s as both a player and a coach, whilst also coaching both the u15 and u17 Southland teams at the NZRL Youth Tournament.
Currently Lemalie works in the Southland district controlling senior games and also delving into its junior competition.
WHERE TO GET HELP
1737, Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor
Lifeline – 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
Samaritans – 0800 726 666
Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
What’s Up – 0800 942 8787 (for 5–18 year olds). Phone counselling is available Monday to Friday, midday–11pm and weekends, 3pm–11pm. Online chat is available 7pm–10pm daily.
Kidsline – 0800 54 37 54 (0800 kidsline) for young people up to 18 years of age. Open 24/7.
thelowdown.co.nz – or email team@thelowdown.co.nz or free text 5626
Anxiety New Zealand – 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389)
Rural Support Trust – 0800 787 254 (0800 RURAL HELP)
Supporting Families in Mental Illness – 0800 732 825
26th October 2021
A collective of Pacific sporting legends has united to play their part in the effort to increase the vaccination rate for Pacific peoples (12 – 34 years of age) by encouraging them to get their Covid-19 vaccination.
Stay in the game! Get your Shot! is the key message from the newly formed Pasifika Sports Collective, a group of sporting legends including former Manu Samoa captain Lemalu Semo Sititi, former All Black and Manu Samoa international Namulauulu Alama Ieremia, former Kiwi Fern and Manusina representative Cynthia Ta’ala-Timaloa, former Kiwis and New Zealand Warrior Motu Tony, and ex-Silver Fern Linda Vagana, who all represented Samoa and/or New Zealand.
“Stay in the game! Get your Shot! is our way of encouraging Pasifika young people to get a Covid-19 vaccination to keep them and their families safe. Also, it ensures they can continue to pursue their sporting aspirations,” says Lemalu Semo Sititi, convenor of the Pasifika Sports Collective.
“We encourage young people to stay in the game and get their shots so they can continue to enjoy playing sport. If they get their vaccination shot, then they can safely play games and a full season of Rugby, Rugby League, Netball, Boxing or whatever sport they love.”
“Getting your vaccination shots is the best way for young people to safely participate in sport with their family members, teammates and coaches,” says Sititi, who played in 59 matches for Manu Samoa and appeared at three World Cups.
The Pasifika Sports Collective is also calling to action all athletes, administrators and coaches from all sporting codes to stand together to increase the vaccination rates for Pasifika in Auckland by joining this vaccination campaign.
The current vaccination rate for eligible Pacific people in Auckland (approximately 201,000) is at 82% first dose with 63% fully vaccinated. This trails the total Auckland population (approximately 1,433,000) which is at 90% first dose and 76% full vaccination. *
Current Auckland Rugby coach Namulauulu Alama Ieremia says the collective are focused on helping Pacific young people to stay in the game as sport is viewed as a legitimate career path for many Pacific families.
“I know firsthand the reality of choosing sport as a career. There are strong financial incentives that can help lift an athlete and his aiga (family) out of their current situation and set them up financially for the next part of life. For many pacific families, a lot of time, money and effort are poured into sports from a young age,” he says.
“As coach of Auckland Rugby, I’ve seen how the sporting landscape has completely changed in the past three months. People will need to make the choice to get vaccinated if they want to train with teammates, travel overseas to play games or competitions, and earn a living as a professional athlete, administrator or coach.”
The Pasifika Sports Collective have leapt into the vaccination game and will be hosting a vaccination event in Māngere on Friday 5 and Saturday 6 November. The vaccination drive-through event is aimed at Pacific young people who are involved in school sports or are members of sports clubs.
Current Manusina Assistant Coach, Cynthia Ta’ala-Timaloa is a key lead in the operations team for the vaccination drive through event which will be held at Mangere East Hawks Rugby League Club, 10 Hain Ave.
“We’re proud to represent our countries on the sports field, and now ready to play our part to get our people vaccinated in our communities. Our pacific heart and spirit have drawn us together, which means getting off the sidelines and helping others to get vaccinated,” she says.
“I’ve been supporting a few vaccination events in the past month across Auckland. Pacific people are coming out in their thousands to get vaccinated because they see their family and friends helping to run these events. If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, take this opportunity to get your shot and stay in the game for you, your loved ones and community.”
The Pasifika Sports Collective is made up of athletes, administrators and coaches who are currently or formerly involved in sport. They first came together as Samoans in sport responding to the rally call by Samoa Tutū Fa’atasi, a movement that started in September to help increase the vaccination rate for Samoans in Auckland.
About Samoa Tutū Fa’atasi
Samoa Tutū Fa’atasi is a movement under Prepare Pacific to help our Samoan community in Auckland find information primarily in Gagana Samoa (Samoa Language) on Covid-19 and the Covid-19 Vaccination that is most relevant to them.
Following the most recent outbreak of the Delta variant in South Auckland, a Facebook page, Samoa Tutū Fa’atasi, was launched on Monday 6 September and an Instagram recently. The page is primarily in Gagana Samoa (Samoa language) and is gaining a growing following with Samoans in Auckland, Samoa, and communities in Australia and USA.
Community stories and testimonies have been shared from Samoans in Auckland including Rugby League legend Ruben Wiki and formerManu Samoa international Tino Junior Poluleuligaga and features a popular ‘Sa’o pe Sese’ (True or False) segment with South Auckland based GP, Doctor Emma Ropati (Chang-Wai) and Doctor Vaaiga Autagavaia.
22 October 2021
In light of yesterday’s Covid announcement, the following National Competition games have been cancelled due to a Level 3 extension in the Waikato: Waikato Mana v Upper Central Zone Men and remaining Upper Central Women’s games against Mid Central and Canterbury. The competition points for each game will be shared.
The National Competition finals are taking place next Saturday, 30 October at Nga Puna Wai stadium in Christchurch.
Canterbury Women and Wellington Orcas Women will face off in the Sky Sport National Women’s competition final at 12 pm. Then the Canterbury Bulls will take on the Upper Central Stallions in the National Men’s Final at 2 pm. Both games will be televised live on Sky Sport.
*Please note there are no Waikato based players in the Upper Central Stallions Men’s team.
The 2nd place Final between the Otago Whalers and Wellington Orcas is also scheduled for Saturday 30 October; kick-off time and broadcasting are to be confirmed pending travel arrangements.
NZRL would like to thank all zones, districts and players for their understanding and co-operation during this time.
In the meantime, NZRL encourages all those in Level 3 regions, Tāmaki Makaurau and Waikato, to stick to their bubbles, wear a face mask, and continue to abide by Covid protocol.
Any person feeling unwell or presenting cold, flu, or COVID-19 symptoms should immediately contact their doctor or Healthline on 0800 358 5453.
21 October 2021
Auckland Rugby League and the New Zealand Warriors with the support of NZRL are excited to announce the launch of our newest venture for the U16|U18 boys grades with the hope of introducing girls in the future.
In 2022 there will be a newly developed preseason programme/competition U16 Shaun Johnson Shield and U18 Dean Bell Cup.
Players will be invited to register to participate in 3 development camps as well as a trial to represent 1 of 4 teams in the Auckland region. Tamaki ki te Raki – Auckland North, Tamaki ki te Rawhiti – Auckland East, Tamaki ki te Tonga – Auckland South, Tamaki ki te Uru – Auckland West. Players can register here;
for U16s – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8X2QGP2
for U18s – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8NTL2QT
These development camps will be based at the New Zealand Warriors facility at Mt Smart Stadium.
U16s Johnson Shield: 27th November | 11th December | 15th January U18s Dean Bell Cup: 28th November | 12th December | 16th January
If you are interested in being considered for a coach | manager | trainer position please apply here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/L25BNKW
The competitions will be a mini pre-season competition to be run over four weeks:
12th March | 19th March | 26th March | 2nd April.
Post competition, a Warriors U18 Development Team will be selected as well as an Auckland U16 Team to tour Australia during the April School Holidays.
If you have any questions please feel free to send them to Rugby League Development Officer TJ Ashford – thaine.a@aucklandleague.co.nz
20 October 2021
The Auckland 16s and 18s Youth Competitions have unfortunately been cancelled due to Auckland remaining at Alert Level 3 for the next two weeks, with no ease in restrictions.
No contact training is permitted at Alert Level 3; therefore, Auckland teams have insufficient time to prepare for a safe return to play.
NZRL explored alternative playing opportunities later in the year; however, these impeded school exam time and scheduled summer sports seasons.
NZRL will provide an update following Friday’s press conference regarding Waikato’s ability to re-enter the National Competition. Northland will re-enter the Youth Competition this weekend due to their change in Alert Level.
GM of High Performance and Football, Motu Tony, said, “It’s disappointing, and we really feel for the Auckland players during this time.”
“Rest assured, the 2022 calendar will see our current age group representative opportunities return, plus more; it will be our busiest year yet. So I encourage everyone to keep their heads held high and continue to play their part in stamping out the virus.”
17 October 2021
Puketawhero Park in Rotorua played host to the Upper Central Stallions and Wellington Orcas, in their National Men’s Competition matchup. Upper Central showed no signs of rust despite this being their first outing in the tournament and sailed to a 30-12 win over Wellington. This win moved the Stallions into second in the Central pool, with Waikato leading due to points differential.
Canterbury and Wellington women put on a thrilling 20-20 draw at Christchurch’s Nga Puna Wai. Canterbury possessed a slight advantage into the half and pushed it further by striking early in the second. With the game in the balance at 20-16, Wellington produced the spectacular, scoring with only seconds on the clock to level the scores but were unable to convert leaving both teams to share the honours. This result places both teams tied at the top of the leaderboard with three points each, only separated by points difference and with Canterbury possessing a game in hand.
The Upper Central Stallions convincingly got the win over the Mid Central Vipers with a 58-10 victory, keeping them at second place in the Central Men’s pool. Nga Puna Wai then played host to the upset of the season as first placed Bulls took on second place Otago Whalers for the first time in 50 years.
It was the Whalers that came out firing scoring the first points for the game but the Bulls didn’t take long to answer back. The Whalers kept their upper hand throughout the first half and despite conversion misses, they lead the home side favourites 18 points to 12 at the break.
The Whalers determination didn’t waver at halftime as they came out of the sheds hungry for a win. The Bulls managed to keep themselves in the contest, as the final five minutes was a nail biter for both coaches with only eight points between the two. However, the gutsy Otago outfit came away with a historic 36 – 28 victory over the Canterbury Bulls closing off an outstanding day of footy at Christchurch’s Nga Puna Wai stadium.
Wellington Orcas 16s v Mid Central Vipers 16s
Day two of round three kicked off with a tense contest between the Upper Central Stallions and the Wellington Orcas 16s. The Orcas scored a flurry of tries at the beginning of the second half to edge out the Stallions.
Wellington Orcas 18s v Mid Central Vipers 18s
Upper Central Zone 16s v South Island Scorpions 16s
The first day of round three of the National Youth Competition kicked off with a battle between the Upper Central Stallions and the Mid Central Vipers 16s.
Upper Central Zone 18s v South Island Scorpions 18s
You can watch replays of both Upper Central Zone v South Island Scorpions below.
14 October 2021
Our oldest living Kiwi #341, 98-year-old Raymond James Cranch, 1951-52 Kiwis tourist, former Auckland prop/second-rower and one of rugby league’s most beloved figures has sadly passed away.
Cranch, 98, was New Zealand’s oldest surviving Kiwi. And by virtually every account of anyone who knows the genial stalwart, he’d be a guaranteed starter in a hypothetical grand final of the game’s friendliest people.
Cutting his teeth in rugby league with the Parnell-based Akarana club as a 13-year-old in 1936, Cranch joined Mt Albert the following season and became one of that club’s greatest servants.
Cranch went on to serve in WWII, training in Maadi in Egypt and fighting in Montecassino in Italy. He received a Year of the Veteran Certificate of Appreciation for his Service given to New Zealand during World War II by the Rt Honourable Prime Minister Helen Clark.
On his return, Ray helped Mt Albert to Fox Memorial success in 1947 and scored a try against NSWRL grand final winners Balmain in an ‘Australasian’ showdown of club champions.
Cranch became an Auckland representative regular (and captain in 1950), starring in the province’s 1948 win over the Kiwis, who had just returned from a gruelling tour of Britain and France. Three years later, he received the opportunity to make a Northern Hemisphere trip of his own, selected in the 1951-52 Kiwis squad.
The presence of indomitable front-row pairing Cliff Johnson and Bill McLennan, crack second-row duo Frank Mulcare and Charlie McBride, and outstanding Canterbury lock Alistair Atkinson kept Cranch out of the Test side – with the quintet playing all five internationals against Great Britain and France – but it was an unforgettable experience nonetheless.
“They were just coming off wartime food rationing, and there was not much good meat around,” Cranch told revered New Zealand journalist, author and historian John Coffey.
“Only the team that was playing the next game got the good stuff. The midweek players, the ‘ham and eggers’, got the rest. We played the continuous tackle rule, and the English teams would keep the ball for 10, even 20, minutes.”
Mediocre nourishment and dour football notwithstanding, the tour produced the customary off-field shenanigans for Cranch and his teammates.
“I remember Cyril Eastlake and Andy Berryman, with napkins on their heads, doing their doctor and nurse act performing surgery on a banana. It was hilarious,” Cranch recalled.
“Over in France, we were travelling down a long narrow road with poplar trees on both sides when (co-manager) Dave Wilkie popped up and asked, ‘Where’s Henry’ (Des White)? He was missing. We had to go another five miles before we could turn the old bus around.
“Going back the other way, we met up with a taxi and Whitey hopped out. He had slept in. When he went down to the hotel reception the girl said, ‘Kiwis are gone’. Des didn’t know any French but he managed to get a taxi and set off after us.”
An elbow injury suffered during the French leg cut Cranch’s tour short and provided him with ongoing problems, but he played on until 1954 before hanging up the boots.
Cranch could then begin the next and most enduring chapter of his rugby league story, moving into administration. He was made chairman of the Auckland Schoolboys Rugby League board of control in 1960 and managed the first New Zealand Schoolboys team on their tour of Australia four years later. Roles with the ARL senior board of control and as manager of the 1973 New Zealand Colts, again touring Australia, followed for the ever-popular Cranch.
“Mt Albert said they would like to nominate me for the Auckland schoolboy board of control. I felt I should put something back into the game, and that’s where it all started,” he said modestly.
An Aucklander and Kiwi through and through, Cranch’s genial nature meant that he wasn’t averse to helping out the ‘enemy’ on the odd occasion.
When the great Australian forward Dick Thornett appeared for Auckland as a guest player in a match against New Zealand in 1969 to mark the NZRL’s diamond jubilee, his boots were ruined after leaving them in the Carlaw Park boiler room to dry.
Requiring size 13 boots, Thornett was in a jam until Cranch, who worked in the footwear industry, came to the rescue with a new pair.
Cranch’s selflessness and enthusiasm to take on roles with rugby league is legendary.
Secretary-manager for the Auckland Leagues Club for more than 20 years, Cranch later served as president and was made a life member. He was a long-serving selector and manager of Auckland teams, filled gaps on judicial committees and worked with referees.
Away from his first sporting love, Cranch also played softball and was involved with the Piha Surf Life Saving Club.
An Auckland Rugby League life member, Cranch received his NZRL life membership in 2003 and was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to sport in the 2006 Queen’s Birthday honours list.
Ray Cranch will forever live on as one of rugby league’s most admirable servants, a proud Kiwi and a selfless hero, who, if you ever had the privilege of meeting, would have made an everlasting and memorable impact.
May you rest in peace Ray, thank you for your years of love and service to our great game.
“One of the greatest things in my life, to be chosen for the Kiwis, it’s the best game in the world.” Ray Cranch, 2021
“One of the greatest things in my life, to be chosen for the Kiwis, it’s the best game in the world.”
12 October 2021
In light of Auckland remaining at Alert Level 3, Counties Manukau, Akarana and the Auckland Vulcans unfortunately cannot compete in the NZRL Men’s and Women’s National Competition for 2021.
NZ16s, NZ18s Girls and Schools v Clubs 18s matches scheduled for 13th – 14th November in Auckland have also been cancelled, with Auckland based players unable to participate in the representative weekend.
NZRL have considered pushing the representative weekend out to later in November; however, this impedes student exam time and scheduled summer sports events.
We will provide an update following Monday’s press conference regarding potential alternative playing opportunities for Auckland Youth teams (Alert Level dependent).
In the meantime, we encourage all those in Level 3 regions, Tāmaki Makaurau, Waikato and Northland, to stick to their bubbles, wear a face mask, and continue to abide by Covid protocol. Any person feeling unwell or presenting cold, flu, or COVID-19 symptoms should immediately contact their doctor or Healthline on 0800 358 5453.
NZRL will provide further detail on Waikato and Northland participation in this weekend’s National and Youth competitions following Wednesday’s press conference.
11 October 2021
Congratulations to Otara Scorpions Rugby League club who rallied together 564 people to receive their Covid vaccination as part of the Rally your Village campaign.
In response to a lower-than-average vaccination rate across Auckland’s South, Pacific Healthcare providers agreed on delivering a collective community outreach to provide vaccination opportunities around the area.
South Seas Healthcare Bubblegum collaborated with community leaders and healthcare providers to organise a drive-through vaccination event called “Rally your Village.” The event was held from the 1st of October till Wednesday the 6th and was aimed at reaching full Covid-19 immunity across priority areas of South Auckland.
The event rewarded communities that banded together and produced the highest number of people to get vaccinated. The highest number was awarded to the Otara Scorpions Rugby League club, as 564 people participated in the event due to their efforts. The club received $15 000 in prize money, which they said will go towards new training equipment and resources in 2022.
Chairman of the Scorpions Willie Maea, “Southseas approached us as a club to enter, and the decision went back and forth between our board. Ultimately, we decided to enter and appointed six of our staff to co-ordinate the event for us. This was Sariah Matautia, Elsie Ulaula, Ria Maea, Ella Stowers, Tregan Sione and Dawn Sione.”
Teams were required to have a duo of coordinators present at the Vodafone events centre, and another four volunteers would make calls and attempt to inform people about being vaccinated.
Maea continued, “The primary goal for us was to get as many people as we could vaccinated, with motivation for new resources pushing us along. All six of our staff set about calling as many club members, friends and family members as possible to get them down to the drive-through event.”
“At the conclusion of the rally, we were ahead with the most votes and out of the 27 organisations participating and managed to get 564 people vaccinated, which was a fitting reward for an outstanding effort by our six staff.”
Congratulations to all who were involved.
Visit https://covid19.govt.nz/covid-19-vaccines/how-to-get-a-covid-19-vaccination/walk-in-and-drive-through-vaccination-centres/ to find a list of walk in vaccination centres near you!
10 October 2021
The Otago Whalers grabbed their first victory in 2021, connivingly beating the West Coast Chargers 56-4. Peter Johnstone Park played host as the home team got out to an early 16-4 lead and did not look back. The Whalers piled on the pressure and showed a professional display avenging their defeat to Southland in Round 1.
A tight, back and forth affair between the Orca Women and Mid-Central Viper Women ended in a 22-12 win for the Orcas side. The Vipers struck four minutes into the game to put them up 4-0 until the home side hit back with a try of their own. Wellington scored crucial tries on both sides of the break to firmly put them in the driver’s seat before a late score saw Mid-Central enter the fray once again. The Orcas then put the game to bed just before the full-time siren and earned their first win of the campaign, as the Vipers dropped to 0-2.
Wainuiomata hosted Men’s National clash between the Wellington Orcas and the Mid-Central Vipers, as both teams got into the wrestle early. The sides both traded scores going blow for blow until a penalty for Wellington gave them an opportunity to score and open the floodgates. Wellington went on to score 30 unanswered points as they asserted themselves into the game and began to show their class. The Mid-Central side hit back with a beautiful chip and chase to bring them to within 14, but an error from the Vipers let the Orca’s back in and scored three straight to finish off the game.
Nga Puna Wai played host to the one Sunday National Competition game due to Covid postponements, where favourite Canterbury Bulls faced the hearty Southern Rams.
The first half was an impressive arm wrestle between the two South Island teams. Pio Ioane opened the scoring for the home-side Bulls but a determined Korey Pennicott answered straight back for the Rams. Ethan Plasskett put the Bulls back in front before Penitito Ilalio scored an intercept try defusing what would have been a guaranteed Southern four-pointer. The Ram’s answered back as Jiuta Navakuka jumped on a beautiful in goal grubber from half-back Anisoni Kaufononga, bringing it back to a four-point game. The Ram’s attitude never wavered forcing a plague of Bull’s errors as the home team were unable to capitalise on field position. The halftime hooter sounded as Canterbury held on to a 16-12 lead.
Sincere got the scoring underway for the home team in the second forty but the Ram’s answered straight back through star halfback Anisoni Kaufononga, bringing it back to a four-point game. A series of tough calls went against the Rams and the Bulls capitalised. Momentum was with the home side for the remainder of the half as the Bulls came away with a 38 – 18 win.
08 October 2021
There are no crowds permitted at any NZRL National or Youth Competiton games for the remainder of the four week season.
A blanket no crowd policy across the country is the safest option due to the continuously changing nature of Alert Levels for different regions participating in our competitions.
Our priority is to keep our players and communities safe while ensuring our competitions can continue.
We understand this is frustrating for those residing in regions currently at Alert Level 2, and we apologise for the inconvenience this causes.
However, some venues and local authorities within these regions still operate at a higher Alert Level despite eased gathering restrictions.
The current unpredictability of Alert Levels across the country means a blanket no crowd policy remains our best option in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all involved in our competitions.
This coming Monday, we will provide further detail on Waikato and Northland teams due to Northland’s move to Alert Level 3 at 11:59 pm tonight.
The second day of round 2 kicked off with a thriller between the South Island Scorpions 16s and the Northern Swords 16s. After a first half blowout by the Scorpions, the Swords came into the second half firing. It wasn’t enough for the Swords though, Scorpions beating them in the end 20 – 28.
The South Island Scorpions dominance in this tournament continued into day two with a gutsy win over a spirited Nothland Swords 18s team.
You can watch replays of both matches below.
Northern Swords 16s v South Island Scorpions 16s
Northern Swords 18s v South Island Scorpions 18s
07 October 2021
New Zealand Rugby League is pleased to announce the Kiwis’ Rugby League World Cup Wider Squad.
Despite the absence of international football over the last two years, 2022 will be the busiest international calendar in recent time, as NZRL work towards a June Pacific Test and Trans-Tasman clash, all before the October 2022 World Cup campaign.
After his impressive club season, Premiership-winning Panther and Dally M Prop of the Year, James Fisher-Harris unsurprisingly made the list, as did Dally M Backrower of the Year and Eels’ golden buy, Isaiah Papali’i. Papali’i is joined by fellow Parramatta playmakers Dylan Brown and Marata Niukore.
Star Rooster’s centre Joey Manu had one of his best seasons with 12 line breaks, ten tries and 141 metres per game. He joins veteran Kiwi prop and Roosters teammate Jared Waerea-Hargreaves who made 1280 post-contact metres in 23 appearances for 2021.
Melbourne’s Reimis Smith locked in his selection with 14 tries this year, as he joins a plethora of Kiwi Storm talent, including standout half Jahrome Hughes, who was instrumental in a well-oiled Melbourne side that ran rampant throughout 2021.
Corey Harawira-Naera returns after a dominant performance in his first full season at Canberra, and departing Shark Shaun Johnson is joined by Cronulla teammates Ronaldo Mulitalo, Braden Hamlin-Uele and Briton Nikora.
Fresh names to join the frame include Bronco’s back-rower and former Junior Kiwis captain Jordan Riki, who enters the squad after a solid debut season. Titan’s Hooker and former Manurewa Marlin Erin Clark gets the call up alongside dynamic youngster Josh Schuster and Waikato born Morgan Harper after a breakthrough seasons with Manly.
“We have listed this wider squad, so players are aware that the upcoming preseason and following season creates an enormous opportunity for them and this Kiwis team”, says Head Coach Michael Maguire.
“International football has been a challenge,” Maguire adds. “But the player’s enthusiasm to represent their country is as strong as ever; there’s no question as to how much this jersey means to them, and their eagerness to play has never wavered. The senior players set a strong foundation and have their eyes focused on the 2022 World Cup.”
The 2021 season saw many Kiwi eligible players stamp their mark on the NRL, encouraging selectors to name a ‘Notable Players’ list that Head Coach Maguire has deemed “the future of the Kiwis team.”
“With the football that our younger players have played, we have created a list of players that, with a little more experience, could be the future of this team,” says Maguire.
“I am sure we will unearth some new Kiwi talent in the next 12 months, and we may even uncover more current names not listed. Nevertheless, this depth is encouraging.
“This year, we have watched many New Zealand players have their best seasons yet. Now with that experience, coupled with the new generation of talent coming through – it is an exciting time to be a Kiwi.”
The first day of round 2 started off with a thriller of a contest between the South Island Scorpions 16s and the Mid Central Vipers 16s. This tight contest saw the Vipers add another win to their resume, beating the Scorpions 24 – 20.
The second match of the day saw the Scorpions take a late lead in the game, after a tight first half. The Vipers lose their second consecutive match 16 – 30.
South Island Scorpions 16s v Mid Central Vipers 16s
South Island Scorpions 18s v Mid Central Vipers 18s
Northern Swords 16s v Wellington Orcas 16s
Northern Swords 18s v Wellington Orcas 18s
06 October 2021
Fighting through tears, an emotional Benji Marshall has called time on one of the most memorable careers of the modern era.
After 346 NRL games (the most of any Kiwi), 19 seasons, 31 Tests for New Zealand, four clubs, five shoulder reconstructions, a couple of last hurrahs, one title and a famous flick pass that spoke to hundreds of equally audacious plays, Marshall is officially done – morphing him from a teen pin-up to elder statesman.
The 36-year-old confirmed his retirement on Wednesday afternoon on the Gold Coast, 10 minutes from the Keebra Park High School stomping ground where those twinkling toes first came to rugby league’s attention.
“I feel privileged and honoured with what the game has given me and the life it has given me. I want to thank the NRL for letting me be part of this great game,” he said.
“I would’ve been retired seven years ago if it wasn’t for Wayne giving me the opportunity at Brisbane.
“I started as just a young kid from Whakatane who was chasing his dreams and will leave as a better man who reached those dreams. I cannot thank rugby league enough for everything it has given me.
“I am extremely proud of my career. I’m proud of the longevity of playing 19 seasons, proud of winning a premiership, proud to represent my country and to win a World Cup, and I’m proud of winning a Golden Boot too.
“But the thing of which I’m most proud is the countless times I have had to pick myself up and fight back from the many setbacks that were thrown at me throughout my career.”
A unique attacking talent whose arrival electrified the NRL and international scenes, Benji Marshall spearheaded some of New Zealand’s greatest Test triumphs from five-eighth and enjoyed a four-season stint as skipper.
Marshall later broke the Kiwis record for most Tests as captain (21) and equalled the mark for the longest Test career span (15 seasons) after memorably ending a seven-year hiatus from the national side in 2019.
The Whakatane-born touch rugby prodigy took up a rugby league scholarship with Keebra Park State High at the age 16 after starring in an impromptu trial appearance while on a school excursion to the Gold Coast.
The sliding doors opportunity would have an enormous impact on the code on both sides of the Tasman. An 18-year-old Marshall represented Australian Schoolboys and made his NRL debut for Wests Tigers – who were linked to Keebra Park – in 2003.
Marshall’s mesmerising footwork, speed and instinctive ball-playing caught the public’s imagination from the outset, but a shoulder injury cut his 2004 season short after just seven first-grade appearances.
But everything came together in 2005. After a sizzling start to the year with the Tigers – and still with only 15 NRL games under his belt – Marshall was called up to New Zealand’s Anzac Test squad. The 20-year-old’s eye-catching display was hailed as the biggest positive of the Kiwis’ 32-16 loss in Brisbane.
Marshall then set about compiling an astonishing highlights package in steering the unheralded Tigers to their first finals series and an unlikely premiership triumph. The hot-stepping No.6 scored 15 tries in 27 games, while he produced one of the most iconic moments in grand final history in the 32-16 defeat of North Queensland with a long break and an audacious flick pass to set up Pat Richards’ try.
Shoulder surgery ruled Marshall out of the Kiwis’ victorious Tri-Nations tour at the end of ’05, but he was selected on the bench for the 2006 Anzac Test despite a fractured cheekbone and dislocated shoulder disrupting the start of his NRL season. Genuine concerns emerged about Marshall’s future, though, after ongoing shoulder problems ended his 2006 campaign in June and caused him to miss half of 2007. He was unavailable for New Zealand’s end-of-year international series in both years.
The Kiwis boasted two of rugby league’s most dynamic young superstars in Marshall and Sonny Bill Williams but ultimately the pair lined up together just twice – in the 2006-07 Anzac Tests, with Marshall featuring at five-eighth in the latter. He was again absent for the 2008 Centenary Test against Australia at the SCG through injury but recovered to play in the Tigers’ last 16 games of the season.
Marshall scored two tries in a World Cup warm-up Test against Tonga and started all five of the Kiwis’ matches at the Australia-hosted tournament. He scored a match-sealing try in the 32-22 semi-final victory over England, before playing a leading hand in the 34-20 boilover against the Kangaroos in the Brisbane final. Marshall’s burst and offload set up a fortuitous first-half try for Jerome Ropati, he was on hand to scoop up Australian fullback Billy Slater’s errant pass and score a pivotal four-pointer after the break, his bomb led to Adam Blair’s late clincher and he booted two goals.
The Kiwis installed Marshall as their new captain in 2009. The early-season loss to Australia in Brisbane was to be the first of 18 straight appearances as Test skipper, leading New Zealand on its Four Nations tour of England and France at the end of the year.
Fourth in the 2010 Dally M Medal count as the Tigers returned to the playoffs for the first time since their grand final success, Marshall subsequently enjoyed arguably his finest hour on the international stage. He scored a try and kicked four goals in the Four Nations-opening win over England in Wellington, booted another eight goals in a heavy defeat of Papua New Guinea in Rotorua and brilliantly set up two tries in a late comeback as well as slotting four goals in a loss to Australia at Eden Park.
But Marshall almost singlehandedly lifted his side to a 16-12 triumph over the Kangaroos in the final as the Kiwis again reigned at Suncorp Stadium. He put Shaun Kenny-Dowall over for New Zealand’s only try of the first half, cut the deficit to two points via a breath-taking grubber for Jason Nightingale to score, and produced two magnificent touches in the extraordinary 65-metre match-winner finished off by Nathan Fien in the 79th minute. Marshall capped a banner year by becoming just the third New Zealander to win the Golden Boot award.
Marshall was named Dally M Five-eighth of the Year in 2011, took out his second RLIF Five-eighth of the Year honour (a gong he also collected in 2009) and was named the Kiwis’ Player of the Year, but five Tests garnered just one win – against Wales during the Four Nations. He led the Kiwis in both matches of a minimised 2012 schedule: Tests losses to Australia in April and October by eight-point margins.
Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney announced in February 2013 that Marshall would no longer be captain, while an injury ruled him out of contention for the Canberra clash with the Kangaroos two months later – ending a run of 24 straight Tests. Meanwhile, his relationship with Wests Tigers unravelled and he sought a release to join the Blues Super Rugby franchise. It was a sad conclusion to a decade-long tenure with the Tigers that saw him become the first player to bring up 1,000 points and the third to make 200 appearances for the joint venture. The code switch also quashed any prospect of Marshall being picked in New Zealand’s RLWC squad.
The 29-year-old was back in the NRL with St George Illawarra by May 2014. He finished equal-second in the Dally M Medal count as the Dragons reached the finals in 2015.
After an impressive season as a back-up half/utility under Wayne Bennett at the Broncos in 2017, Marshall accepted a deal to return to the Tigers. He had lost a yard or two of pace and the mind-blowing attacking wizardry was less frequent, but the veteran’s calm leadership and direction was invaluable for a rebuilding club.
Unlucky not to get a call-up in 2018, the 34-year-old was named by Tigers and Kiwis coach Michael Maguire for the 2019 mid-season Test against Tonga at Mt Smart Stadium. Marshall’s outpouring of emotion during the New Zealand national anthem was the indelible memory of the match, but he was also a strong performer at halfback in the 34-14 win.
Marshall – who also became just the fourth New Zealander to play over 300 NRL games during 2019 – rounded off a remarkable renaissance by being named Kiwis captain at the end of the season for the Tests against Australia and Great Britain. The third-oldest Kiwis player in history, he broke Gary Freeman’s record for most Tests as New Zealand skipper and equalled Kurt Sorensen (1975-89) for the longest Test career span.
Date of Birth: 25 February 1985Place of Birth: Whakatane, NZPosition: Five-eighth/HalfbackHeight: 183cmWeight: 92kgJunior Club: Keebra ParkClubs: Rabbitohs (2021); Tigers (2003-13, 2018-20); Broncos (2017); Dragons (2014-16); Auckland Blues RU (2014)NRL Games: 346 (22 for the Rabbitohs, 257 for the Tigers, 54 for the Dragons and 13 for the Broncos. Also played six Super Rugby matches for Auckland Blues RU)NRL Points: 1232 (from 12 points for the Rabbitohs [three tries], 1181 points for Tigers [84 tries, 416 goals, 13 field goals], 35 points for Dragons [eight tries and three field goals] and four points for Broncos [from one try]. Also scored ten points for Auckland Blues RU from one try, one conversion and one penalty goal)NRL Debut: Tigers vs Knights, Campbelltown Stadium, 27 July 2003 (Rd 20)
NRL Premierships: One (2005 – Tigers)Rep Honours: 31 Tests for New Zealand (2005-19); World Cup (2008-champions); Four Nations (2009-11); four games for NRL All Stars (2010-13); one game for Maori All Stars (2021)Awards and Honours: 21 Tests as New Zealand captain (2009-19); NRL most capped New Zealand-born player of all-time (346 games); Golden Boot (2010); Dally M Five-eighth of the Year (2011); RLIF Five-eighth of the Year (2009, 2011); Inducted as a Life Member of Wests Tigers (2013); Wests Tigers player #70; Brisbane Broncos player #226; St George Illawarra Dragons player #181; South Sydney Rabbitohs player #1167; New Zealand Kiwis player #717
We are excited to announce that September’s Pirtek Volunteer of the Month is Cindy Petero.
Cindy Petero has served the Tokoroa Pacific Sharks for numerous years. She is currently the Junior coordinator of the club, investing in creating an environment for rangatahi to enjoy the game of rugby league.
Petero, along with her four children, are always the first to the field on a Saturday morning. They set up goal posts, sidelines, and events for the day and stay behind to ensure all the equipment is packed up and the grounds are clean from rubbish when the games are over.
The solo mother has two sons that she regularly takes to trainings and games while also finding the time to make sure the Mini-mode grades at the club do not go without.
On top of her responsibilities, Petero also works as the Bay of Plenty mini-mod convener. She organises competitions for clubs all over the district and manages the Bay of Plenty U15s. She shows every day she will do anything she can to ensure rugby league thrives in her region.
Chris Bourke, CEO of Pirtek, stated, “The Tokoroa Pacific Sharks have an exceptional volunteer with Cindy Petero. She is amazing in tackling all sorts of tasks at this great club.”“Cindy, as the clubs Junior Co-ordinator, goes over and above to ensure the young players have a great rugby league experience. Along with Cindy’s personal commitments and family matters, she selflessly gives up her time to enable others in her region to enjoy the great game.”
“Volunteers are essential for this great sport, and Cindy is certainly a very deserving winner of the Pirtek Volunteer of the month for September.”
Congratulations Cindy!
Sosaia Alatini scored the opening try of the Youth Competition for the South Island Scorpions. The Scorpions domination of the match continued with tries from Cairo Rangihuna-Ruri, Aston Wilson, Dakota Kakoi, And Meihana Pauling in the first half alone. The second half saw the Scorpions with a lead of 30 points to nill. Rangihuna-Ruri opened the half with his second try, followed by the Wellington Orcas first try of the match by Caleb Carroll. Scorpions came back again with tries from Zeke Faga-Leti and a hattrick for Rangihuna-Ruri. The final score was 42 – 6 to the South Island Scorpions.
It was the 18s turn to take the field in a much closer match-up compared to their 16s counterparts. The first few minutes of the match saw George Teo take first points for the Wellington Orcas 18s followed by a return from the South Island Scorpions 18s number two Jayton Lawrie. Jordan Chapman scored two tries, Teo scored his second to pull out into an early lead. Scorpions answered back with tries of their own from Caleb Murphy, Martino Boi, and Arlan Perez going into an even 20 – 20 half-time. Scorpions open the scoring in the second half with tries to Oliver Lawry and a second for Perez. Wellington’s Simeona Saumolia scored his first and George Teo scored his hat trick close to the end of the match. The Scorpions though too strong for the Orcas closing out the match with a try fromNgaheke Nepata. The final score 38 – 28.
On day 2, the hosts Mid Central Vipers 16s take the win over the Upper Central Stallions 16s 28 -12.
Upper Central Stallions 18s avenge the 16s team loss with a 48 – 12 win over the Mid Central Vipers 18s.
03 October 2021
With Hamilton and Raglan at Alert Level 3, the following changes have been made to Round 2 of the NZRL National and Youth Competitions this week.
YOUTH COMPETITION CHANGES
Friday 8 October – Upper Central Stallions 16s v Wellington 16s Rotorua International Stadium POSTPONED
Friday 8 October – Upper Central Stallions 18s v Wellington 18s Rotorua International Stadium POSTPONED
National Youth Competition games for Northland, South Island, Wellington and Mid Central 16s and 18s can still go ahead in Rotorua, Bay of Plenty – as travel has been arranged directly to Rotorua Airport, nothing goes via Auckland or Hamilton.
You can view this weekend’s National Youth Comp games here – https://www.youtube.com/skysportnext
SKY SPORT NATIONAL MEN’S COMPETITION CHANGE
Saturday 9 October – Waikato Mana v Upper Central Stallions, Davies Park Huntly, 12pm POSTPONED
SKY SPORT NATIONAL WOMEN’S COMPETITION CHANGE
Sunday 10 October – Canterbury v Upper Central Stallions, Nga Puna Wai Christchurch, 12pm POSTPONED
NZRL will release further information regarding rescheduled games in due course.
3rd October 2021
The NZRL National Competition entered its second week of round one as Waikato met Wellington and Otago faced off against Southland. The Women’s competition also saw Upper-Central take on their Wellington counterparts.
Davies Park in Huntly played host as Waikato ran away 54-16 winners against Wellington in round one of the NZRL National Competition.
Waikato started strong and dominated throughout as they piled on the points early. Tries to Filipo and Ulaula brought the Orcas back within striking distance, but they couldn’t overcome a clinical display by Jayden Flood, who scored four of his own in the first stanza. Former Kiwi Te Maire Martin made his return to representative rugby league and had his footprint all over the game, scoring two and assisting three.
A solid first outing from last year’s NZRL Championship winners Upper-Central run out 32-4 winners over Wellington. The Stallions came out of the blocks strong and never relinquished the lead after Manirewa Howell’s opening score in the third minute. Harata Butler and Ngamoko Totorewa both scored doubles as Upper-Central started their competition off with a win.
Southland Men edged Otago Whalers 28-18 at Elles Road Park, Invercargill, to earn their first win of the 2021 campaign. Southland moves to second in the Southern pool.
Nga Puna Wai played host to day two of the National Competition as the Mid Central Vipers women took on Canterbury Women in the first clash of the day.
The Vipers had all the momentum to begin the game as Odelle Junior Edwards opened the scoring for Mid Central. Hooker Paris Paul kept Canterbury guessing as she went over for the Vipers second shortly after.
After 20 minutes, Canterbury fullback Dayna Napa opened the scoring for the home team, and it was all Canterbury from there.
Gloria Su’a scored off a Poko cross-field kick shortly after, while Poko dotted one down for herself right before the halftime hooter, giving her side a 16 – 8 lead.
Canterbury maintained their dominance right throughout the second half with four unanswered tries to the home team, securing themselves a convincing 38-8 victory over the Mid Central Vipers Women.
The Men’s National Comp clash between the home side favourites Bulls and West Coast Chargers followed as Toi Sepuloni opened the scoring for the Bulls in the first two minutes.
It was all the Bulls, as they claimed six more unanswered tries before the halftime break as the Chargers struggled to get their hands on the ball.
Despite the one-sided display, the West Coast chargers earned themselves their first points of the game to begin the second forty through five-eighth Jordan Duggan. However, momentum was short-lived as the Bulls answered back quickly off a West Coast mistake shortly after.
From there, the Bulls ran away with the game, too good for the Chargers scoring seven more unanswered tries, taking the total Bulls’ try tally to 15, earning themselves a convincing 82 – 6 victory.
West Coast Chargers (30) v Southland (20) – Wingham Park, Greymouth
Waikato Mana (54) v Wellington Orcas (16) – Davies Park, Huntly
Southland (28) v Otago (18) – Elles Road Park, Invercargill
Canterbury Bulls (82) v West Coast Chargers (6) – Nga Puna Wai, Christchurch
Upper Central Stallions (32) v Wellington Orcas (4) – Davies Park, Huntly
Canterbury Women (38) v Mid Central Vipers (8) – Nga Puna Wai, Christchurch
1 September 2021
Another fantastic NRL Premiership concludes with the Penrith Panthers and South Sydney Rabbitohs going head-to-head in the Grand Final. Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium will serve as host of not only the two teams but a plethora of Kiwi players plying their trade on the big stage.
Sixteen years separate his visits to the big dance and rugby league icon Benji Marshall will be looking to repeat his grand final success. Initially approaching Wayne Bennett for a coaching role at Souths, Bennett, in turn, offered Kiwi #717 a spot in the squad as he displayed his ability to still play on a high level. This season, Marshall has been a key figure off the bench for the Rabbitohs, bringing experience to the second unit. The man from Whakatane has been hailed as one of the greatest to compete in the competition, with opposing five-eight and Junior Kiwi Jarome Luai claiming Benji to be his idol and modelling his game after him. Marshall will be crucial for Souths to win their first NRL Premiership since 2014.
Hailing from Northland, James Fisher-Harris (#801) has turned himself into one of the best props in the game. His tireless work on both attack and defence, to go with his uncanny ability to break tackles, has earned him two consecutive Dally M Prop of the Year awards.
The Whangarei Marist junior averaged 154 metres per game and about 100 post-contact metres on his way to his second Grand Final in two years. A leader for this young Penrith squad, Fisher-Harris, has been instrumental in the success of the western Sydney outfit and will be looking for redemption on Sunday.
Starting on the Rabbitohs wing this Sunday is Jaxson Paulo, who strangely has a similar path to this stage as teammate Benji Marshall. Born in Takapuna on Auckland’s North Shore, Paulo moved to the Gold Coast at a young age and attended Keebra Park State High School, including alumni Benji Marshall. Paulo moved from the Titans to Souths and made his debut in 2020 in round ten. The winger has scored 13 tries in 24 appearances, including two against Manly in the 2021 Preliminary as they advanced to the grand finale.
2021 was a renaissance for Taane Milne. The Fijian international struggled for games at the Warriors, which paid dividends to South Sydney. Milne came into the squad mid-season and went on a run of eight tries in 12 games, including a hat-trick against North Queensland in round 17. Auckland born Milne has also played for the Junior Kiwis, where he lined up with James Fisher-Harris and the New Zealand Māori residents. Milne will serve as Souths 18th man on Sunday.
New Zealand eligible players: Spencer Leniu, Steven Marsters, Patrick Mago.
Previous Junior Kiwis: James Fisher-Harris, Taane Milne, Steven Marsters, Jarome Luai.
Kiwi Internationals: Benji Marshall #717, James Fisher-Harris #801
1 October 2021
As seen on raiders.com.au
Sia Soliola has announced his retirement from professional rugby league today after 17 seasons playing the game at the highest level. Soliola made his International debut on October 14th, 2006 and went on to play 12 times for New Zealand.
“I’m at ease with everything now,” Soliola said. “There’s a few mixed emotions, I’m excited and a bit nervous but relieved to make the decision to leave the game which has given me a lot and I’m looking forward to what’s ahead.
Soliola has played a combined total of 336 matches across the NRL and Super League, with 137 of those matches for the Canberra Raiders over 7 seasons.
His announcement headlines several players departing the club playing roster at the end of the 2021 season, with Dunamis Lui, Siliva Havili, Ryan James, Darby Medlyn and Caleb Aekins also finishing their time at the club.
Soliola made his NRL debut for the Roosters in 2005 under Coach Ricky Stuart, and his career will finish under the same Coach who first gave him his opportunity to pursue his dream of playing rugby league at the highest level.
He arrived in Canberra in 2015 as part of a club rebuild under Coach Ricky Stuart after five years playing for St Helens in the Super League in England. His influence was immediate, and his contributions have helped the club achieve some wonderful successes in his time in green.
“When I first came here to this club and Ricky spoke about the vision and what he had regarding the playing group and the club as a whole, that’s what really excited me,” Soliola said “Especially being over at St Helens where I really enjoyed my time over there and everyone notices how the English Super League operates and how the crowds and communities come together and he wanted me to bring that energy and experience that I had over there and bring it to Canberra.
“Because I went so young when I went to Super League, I felt like I still had a fair bit of time to come back to the NRL. There was always that feeling in the back of your mind whether you could still do it or not, but I was excited with the challenge that was in front of me and I really wanted to do what I could to help influence the team when I came back to Australia.”
The first thing Soliola learned when he arrived was just how much connection the club had had with the game, the community and even his own family and this was something he wanted to be a part of.
“When I signed, I didn’t realise how much influence this club had outside the game itself. My family and friends and the generation I grew up with in the 90’s, my immediate family and parents really understood who guys like Loz (Daley) and Rick and Mal (Meninga) were and they were a big influence on that generation, and it was pretty cool,” he said. “Even knowing guys like Gerry (De La Cruz) before I came here and then learning on how big of a part he played here as Raider #3 was nice to uncover all of those stories and learn as much as I could.”
Soliola’s willingness to buy into the club and the community has seen him become one of the most loved and respected players in the club’s history, with his work off the field as equally as impressive as what he’s been able to achieve on the field for the club.
This culminated in 2019 when he was awarded the prestigious Ken Stephen Medal after the Raiders Grand Final appearance against the Roosters.
Soliola said his love for helping others and engaging with his community stems from his own life experiences and said his late mother Fialelei has been and always will be his inspiration for being someone who looks out for others.
“I have to pay tribute to my late mother who passed away this year, and with her being gone and as a family as a whole reflecting on her time here it made me really think about why I do the things I do,” Soliola said. “It’s really been a tribute to her and how she operated within our family. It’s no surprise that I followed in her footsteps and I contribute a lot of how I do things in my life to her.
“She’s always been the type to bring everybody in together and connecting people and getting an understanding of what we’re all about. She always wanted to see the bigger picture and so do I thanks to her.
On the field Soliola was a fierce competitor who always led from the front with his actions. He made an immediate impact when he arrived in 2015, winning the Meninga Medal in his first season and was part of the Raiders squad which made their first preliminary final in over two decades in 2016.
He said his first two years at the club was an opportunity to establish what the team was trying to do by connecting with the community and improving on-field performance, with the team taking some huge steps forward in that period.
“It meant we were moving in the right direction and we were doing the right things both on and off the field. When I first came here Rick was about getting the right people and connecting with the community first and that was a big push for the playing group,” he said. “Getting that respect back from the community and earning their trust again and then marrying it up with the performances on the field.”
Despite two disappointing seasons in 2017-18, Soliola said the belief within the squad was still strong and it was the foundation the club had set was the catalyst for what they were able to achieve by making the Grand Final in 2019.
“There was a lot of lessons to be learned through those years (2017-18), but we were always confident we were heading in the right direction and in 19 we were just the one game away from making all the difference,” Soliola said. “Even though we didn’t achieve the ultimate goal I have no regrets with my time here and I’m really excited with my next phase to try and help the club wherever I can.”
That opportunity now comes with the commencement of his new role in the club’s welfare and education team, a role which he has already commenced this year in a learning capacity.
Soliola will swap his footy boots for a laptop and will be tasked with the responsibility of passing on what he has learnt to help educate, inspire and guide the next generation of Raiders.
“I’m looking forward to the next phase of my life and working in this space,” Soliola said. “I’ve had the chance to do a little bit, but obviously Covid and the team relocating to Queensland prevented me doing too much, but I now get the opportunity to really harness it, and focus on it, and I’m excited to work with Andrew Bishop and David Thom in that space, and with guys like Dean Souter who have been in this area as well. I’m very fortunate to be surrounded by all of that experience.”
Soliola said he’d always remember his time in green and wanted to make sure he thanked all of the clubs members, supporters and community members for their support over his time wearing the green jersey.
“To the members, supporters and the community I just want to really thank everyone for their support and just really embracing me. I really feel like a son here,” he said. “Whether I’m dropping off the kids to school or playing in the park those little memories and relationships I’ve built I hold very dear, and everyone has really being comfortable to approach me and treat me not so much as a player but as a friend and have a chat to them and that’s what I love about Canberra, it’s one big family.”
Sia Soliola Career First Grade Matches: 336NRL Career Matches: 229 (Raiders 137, Roosters 92)Super League Matches: 117 (St Helens)Representative Matches: 16 (New Zealand 12, Samoa 4)
By Patrick Skene.
30th September 2021
The story of the proud Māori men that saved rugby league! As one of the greatest ever NRL finals series draws to a close, its worth pausing to remember a group of Māori pioneers who were responsible for saving Australian rugby league from financial ruin.When Australians talk of rugby league’s history, the contribution of their Māori brothers in the early and fragile part of the game’s development is rarely mentioned. The Māori are often classed as recent interlopers to the NRL who should be grateful for the opportunity. The historical record tells another story.In fact, Māori were a crucial stakeholder at the genesis of Australian rugby league in 1908.“We Māori were partners at the very founding of the game in Australia,” explains Howie Tamati, former Kiwis hooker and ex President of the New Zealand Rugby League.
“We are a concrete part of the foundation. Not many people know it, but the proceeds from the “All Māori” tours of Australia were crucial in saving rugby league in its moment of crisis.”And a crisis it was. The 1908 inaugural Kangaroos tour of England had been a financial disaster with the English authorities having to pay for their trip home. The game’s backer JJ Giltinan, was declared bankrupt and many feared the 1909 season would not go ahead, leaving the game stillborn and the players returning to rugby union. The game was on its knees and needed a saviour and up stepped a group of heroes who set off across the Tasman in a steamer.
Those rebel Māori rugby union players, who sailed into Sydney Harbour in 1908 under a cloak of secrecy, had told authorities in New Zealand they were embarking on a rugby union tour.Instead, they joined the brand-new game, and led by brilliant All Blacks defector Albert Asher, they learnt the rules and played 12 games in Sydney, Newcastle and Brisbane,Their entertaining style & hakas attracted big crowds and the proceeds fended off the looming bankruptcy. According to the National Museum Australia: “Almost overnight, the league’s financial problems disappeared and the club season was saved.”The All Māori returned in 1909 for a second tour to play another 10 games and they left behind their centre, Peter Moko, who joined Glebe and became the first Māori import to play in the Sydney competition.The financial windfall from both tours helped the NSWRL dominate rugby union and create the iconic national institutions that NRL clubs are today.Sadly, many of the touring team did not fare well on return. They were considered ‘unclean’ and treated terribly by the rugby union backed authorities and community with some unable to get jobs, dying penniless as pariahs. “They saved the game and it’s sad because they returned home as outcasts,” says rugby league historian Terry Williams. “It’s a historical blind spot.”Howie Tamati adds. “The All Māori teams sacrificed themselves for the cause of rugby league.”A salute to the historical All Māori heroes!
As seen on rnz.co.nz
29th September 2021
Former New Zealand Warriors rugby league star Motu Tony was 14-years-old when he knew he wanted to play the sport professionally.
The Auckland Warriors were formed in 1995, and for the first time, there was a team he thought looked just like him.
“When the Warriors came into the [Australian Rugby League competition], the Winfield Cup in 1995, I would have been year nine then, but that’s when it sort of hit me like, hey, these guys, you know, some of those guys look like me in terms of being Polynesian or Samoan,” he said.
“They were playing the game every week and getting paid for it, so that’s when it dawned on me that this could be a career.”
The 40-year-old said teachers laughed at the idea of him dreaming of a life as a professional footballer, but for the Samoan Niuean from south Auckland, the goal was already set in stone.
“I understand it now when teachers ask you the question about what do you want to do when you leave school, and you tell them you want to play league, they laugh, they tell you to maybe go to university and do this and do that, but I wasn’t worried because I knew what I wanted to do.”
Five years later, Tony made his debut for the New Zealand Warriors, one of his most treasured memories over a professional playing career that spanned 12 years.
Motu Tony made his debut for the New Zealand Warriors in 2001. Photo: Supplied
“I started playing when I was like six, so that’s 13 years I’d been grinding and working towards this dream and it finally happened,” he said.
“I was terrified at first but then I got excited because I wanted to challenge myself against these guys that I’d seen on TV. Players like Stacey Jones, Jerry Seuseu, Ali Lauiti’iti, these guys were awesome players and I wanted to prove myself to them.”
“And you know, my family, my mum, she probably would have told everyone in Māngere that her son was playing for the Warriors too,” he quipped.
The General Manager of Football and High-Performance at New Zealand Rugby League played 55 games for the Warriors before a short stint at the Brisbane-based Broncos in 2004.
He moved to England where he played for the Castleford Tigers, before playing 100 games for Hull F.C, finishing his career with Wakefield Trinity Wildcats in 2012.
He also played 13 games for the New Zealand Kiwi’s.
Looking back, the former international believes it’s a career that wouldn’t have kicked-off without the rugby league programme at his Auckland-based college, De La Salle.
The 1996 De La Salle First XIII brimmed with NRL talent. Photo: Instagram / Motu Tony
“Playing with those older guys had a massive effect on me,” he said.
“I was playing with older guys who were Junior Kiwis and in the Warriors system, and I got to see first-hand what you had to do to get to that level, but also just how you should be as a person.”
Former Warriors player and team-mate Tai Savea, who drowned while on a fishing trip at Port Waikato in 1998, was especially significant, he added.
“He was the captain of our De La Salle team and he had a massive impact on me and my rugby league career.”
“He was like a big brother and one of those guys who was always critiquing my game, always saying you should be doing this, or you should be training like that… those sort of things were invaluable to my career.”
Despite the absence of a rugby league team since 1999, the school has been a melting-pot for talent, which boasts the likes Jason Taumalolo, Jeff Lima, and Leeson Ah Mau to name a few.
After some help from another De La Salle old-boy and former NRL player, George Carmont, 2021 saw rugby league back on the paddock for the first time in 22 years.
But it came with some challenges.
De La Salle are back on the rugby league seen after 22 years. Photo: Supplied
“It was really difficult and there was a lot of opposition to it, but now that it’s come back I think people can see why we pushed for it and what it’s done for our community here in Māngere,” said Motu Tony.
“A lot of people weren’t aware that De La Salle hadn’t had a team for so long… and it was hard work because we were pretty much starting from scratch again, but it’s been real rewarding to see some progress both on and off the field.”
In their first year back, Carmont helped coach the team to win Auckland’s Senior A Grade Championship.
The victory means they advance to the Premiership grade in 2022, in a pool of prominent rugby league schools including St Paul’s College and Kelston Boys’ High School.
De La Salle’s First XIII were also scheduled to compete in New Zealand Rugby League’s secondary schools competition in late August, but it was cancelled because of Covid-19.
Motu Tony said it was just the beginning and he felt lucky to give back to a programme that heavily impacted his life.
De La Salle College were crowned Auckland’s 2021 Senior A Grade Champions in their return to the scene after 22 years. Photo: Supplied
“How lucky are we to get a chance to give back to the game, but to also hopefully help people in other parts of their lives too.”
“When you can see some of the changes that you’ve observed with some of the boys in your team to where they are now, that’s what makes it all rewarding for us.”
28 September, 2021
James Fisher-Harris (#801), Brandon Smith (#816) and Isaiah Papali’i (#817) all earned themselves 2021 Dally M Medal Awards last night, cementing themselves as the best NRL players in their respective positions for this season.
Fisher-Harris picked up his second consecutive Dally M Prop of the year, while Smith, Hooker of the Year, and Papali’i, Back Rower of the Year, earned their first-ever Dally M awards.
James Fisher-Harris continued his influential performances in the NRL, backing up last season with another strong year that included 154 metres per game and just under 100 post-contact metres. The Whangarei Marist junior has become one of the most consistent forwards in the game, and his tireless efforts on both attack and defence saw him rewarded with his second grand final berth in two years.
Waiheke Rams, Brandon Smith has transformed himself into a household name with his performances in the Melbourne Jersey this season. Taking the baton off of Cameron Smith, Brandon was exceptional for the Storm scoring 11 tries and setting up ten from dummy-half. His attacking instincts and controlled aggression gave Melbourne an excellent foundation in games and helped them to their 19-game win streak and Preliminary finals berth.
Kiwi #817 Isaiah Papali’i began to fill the potential and put the pieces of his game together. Dominant whether starting or coming off the Parramatta bench, Papali’i had a career year at his new club. Papali’I was among the top tacklers and post-contact metre earners in a strong season for Parramatta. He was also awarded the VB Hardest Working Player of the Year award, combining his talent and work ethic in what was a break-out season for the Te Atatu junior.
Congratulations also to Kiwis Joseph Manu (#815), Jahrome Hughes (#819), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (#755) and Sitili Tupounuia, who were nominated for awards.
FULL LIST OF WINNERS.
Dally M – Tom Trbejovic
Fullback – Tom Trbejovic
Wing – Brian To’o
Centre – Justin Olam
Centre – Matt Burton
Wing – Reuben Garrick
Five Eight – Cody Walker
Halfback – Nathan Cleary
Prop – James Fisher-Harris
Hooker – Brandon Smith
Prop – Payne Haas
Second Row – Isaiah Papali’i
Second Row – Viliame Kikau
Lock – Isaah Yeo
Coach – Craig Bellamy
Rookie of the year – Sam Walker
Captain of the year – James Tedesco
Top Points Scorer – Reuben Garrick
Top Try Scorer – Alex Johnston
Peter Frillingos Headline Moment – Melbourne Storm 19-match winning streak
Provan Summons – Josh Morris
Try of the Year – Tom Trbejovic
Tackle of the Year – Xavier Coates
Hardest Working Player of the Year – Isaiah Papali’I
27 September 2021
New Zealand Rugby League is pleased to announce the National Youth Tournament returns for 2021, albeit in a revised weekly competition format to cater to Covid gathering restrictions.
The 2021 National Youth Competition will take place over three weekends instead of its usual one-week tournament format, kicking off this Saturday, 2nd October.
Despite pandemic setbacks, the best of New Zealand’s rangatahi talent will be on display as Zones battle it out for the highly contested 16s and 18s age group titles.
Both 16s and 18s competitions for this year will comprise of two pools:
Pool A – South Island Scorpions, Wellington Orcas, Mid Central Vipers, Upper Central Stallions and Northern Swords.
Pool B – Counties Manukau, Akarana Falcons and Auckland Vulcans.
Pool A will kick off this Saturday 2nd October, while Pool B can only begin once Auckland is in Level 2, subject to the October 4 announcement.
The 2021 Youth Competition Final will see the top of Pool A take on top of Pool B, in both 16 and 18 age groups, on Saturday, October 30.
Motu Tony, GM of Football and High Performance at NZRL says, “We were close to having to go two years without the Youth Competition due to Covid disruptions, but to see it ready to kick off in 2021, albeit a new format, is a great accomplishment.
“It’s a really exciting opportunity for these age group players, as it can be a steppingstone to NZ representative teams, our 20s competition and potential professional pathways. The high number of Kiwi NRL debutants this NRL season who have played in our national tournaments and representative teams has been pleasing. This shows how important it is to hold our national tournaments as it provides our rangatahi with opportunities that can positively impact their lives on and off the field.”
Tony adds, “Thank you to the Zones, Districts and all NZRL staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the Youth Competition was possible. I’m looking forward to seeing the calibre of our young talent on display come October.”
Over the past ten years, the NZRL Youth Tournament has been home to some of the biggest NRL and Kiwi names such as Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, James Fisher-Harris, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Dylan Brown and many more.
NZRL will release the full National Youth Competition draws early this week.
No crowds are permitted at National Youth Competition games while at Alert Level 2.
24 September 2021
New Zealand Rugby League is pleased to announce the 2021 National Competition will kick off this weekend, albeit in a revised format.
This year’s National Competition amalgamates both Premiership and Championship divisions into a singular competition consisting of regional pools.
The regional pool format means teams outside of Auckland can begin playing this weekend, while Auckland teams can join when Covid levels allow, without disrupting the flow of the competition.
The 2021 Men’s National Competition consists of three regional pools:
Monday, October 4, the government is set to make a decision on Auckland’s Alert Level. If Level 3 is extended, the Northland / Auckland pool will not compete in this year’s National Competition.
Saturday 30 October will see 1st Men’s Central take on 1st Men’s South Island and 2nd Men’s Central take on 2nd Men’s South Island. If the Northern pool cannot compete, this will be the Men’s National Competition final and runner up match.
If the Northern pool can compete due to a successful Alert Level change on October 4, the winner of the 1st Central v 1st South Island final will go on to play 1st place in the Northern pool on Sunday, November 7, to which the winner will be crowned National Men’s Champions.
The 2021 Sky Sport Women’s National Competition follows a similar format where both Premiership and Championship divisions have been amalgamated to form a singular competition consisting of two regional pools.
The Central pool will kick off next Saturday, October 2, while the Northland pool will kick off Sunday, October 17, subject to Auckland successfully moving down Alert Levels, post-October 4 announcement.
The Sky Sport Women’s National Competition Final will take place before the National Men’s Final on Sunday, November 7.
If the Northern pool cannot compete due to an extended Level 3, the Women’s National Competition Final will see 1st play 2nd of the Central pool. If Northern can partake, the final will see top of the Central pool take on top of the Northern pool, to which the winner will be crowned Women’s National Champions.
NZRL is also exploring the possibility of running the Sky Sport Women’s Premiership in Q1 of 2022 if the Northern pool cannot compete this year.
Motu Tony, GM of Football and High Performance at NZRL, says, “Despite the disruptions the pandemic has brought, for the second year in a row, it’s exciting we can present a 2021 National Competition.”
“Thank you to Sky Sport for their continuous support of our game, as well as all our Zones and Districts who have been understanding of the task at hand. Restructuring the National Competition is no easy feat, and we wouldn’t have been able to do this without everyone’s input and co-operation.”
“We look forward to seeing players take the field for their regions after disrupted seasons across the country, and fingers crossed Auckland can join down the line”, he adds.
“We encourage everyone to continue to follow health and safety protocol and thank all of our communities for their ongoing patience and understanding during these times.”
The South Island Men’s pool kicks off this weekend when the West Coast Chargers take on the Southland Rams, Saturday 25th September, 2:30 pm at Wingham Park, Greymouth.
The Central Men’s and Women’s pools kick off next Saturday, October 2, with a doubleheader at Davies Park, Huntly. Waikato Men will take on the Wellington Orcas, following the Upper Central Zone Women v Wellington Women.
Please note:
Not all National Competition games will be televised live on Sky Sport; NZRL will provide further information on where and how to watch each game when the complete draws are released early next week.
Northland has decided not to compete in this year’s 2021 National Competition, however, we look forward to seeing them return in 2022.
No crowds are permitted at any Men’s or Women’s National Competition games under Alert Level 2.
20 September 2021
In light of today’s Covid-19 announcement, Auckland will move to Alert Level 3 Tuesday, September 21 at 11.59 pm for at least two weeks. All rugby league activity remains suspended at Alert Level 3.
Aucklanders are instructed to stay home in their bubble other than for essential personal movement, and despite the level change, keep bubbles tight.
A bespoke Level 4 lockdown has been announced for those in the Mangatangi region. Anyone who has visited or lived there since September 8 has been asked to isolate and monitor symptoms. All rugby league activity in the region is suspended until further notice.
For those in Alert Level 2, gathering limits have changed to allow a maximum of 100 people.
For those OUTSIDE AUCKLAND, Alert Level 2 means rugby league activity can re-commence ONLY if clubs and facilities can abide by all of the below health requirements.
Remember to use the NZ Covid Tracer app with Bluetooth tracing turned on.
Thank you for your ongoing resilience and cooperation.
21 September 2021
Kiwi #749, Issac Luke is saying goodbye to rugby league after 43 tests, 5 tries and 22 goals for his country, including one historic 08 World Cup and two Four Nations triumphs, forever cementing him a New Zealand Rugby League great.
“My dream was to always be a Kiwis player. The All Blacks are the pinnacle in New Zealand as it was always rugby throughout school, but I was told I couldn’t play 1st XV because I played too much like a league player, so I bled Black and White well before I put it on.”Issac Luke
“My dream was to always be a Kiwis player. The All Blacks are the pinnacle in New Zealand as it was always rugby throughout school, but I was told I couldn’t play 1st XV because I played too much like a league player, so I bled Black and White well before I put it on.”
Luke decided to hang up his boots, after a career where he achieved almost everything possible.
League has been his entire life since he was a teenager when he left Taranaki to chase his NRL dreams in Sydney.
“My goal was to give kids from where I came from pathways,” Luke tells the Herald. “I wasn’t big, or tall, but I had a bit of mongrel and skill.
“For someone from Hawera, even getting one [NRL] game was special. So getting to 286 and 43 tests, I am pretty content with what I have done.”
“Rugby league is all about playing for pride. I took Taranaki everywhere with me, the maunga often gave me energy. For me it was all about playing for your people, if I make it, Taranaki makes it, when I made the Kiwis, they made the Kiwis.”“With the Kiwis it’s all about leaving the jersey in a better place and I believe I did that.”Issac Luke
“Rugby league is all about playing for pride. I took Taranaki everywhere with me, the maunga often gave me energy. For me it was all about playing for your people, if I make it, Taranaki makes it, when I made the Kiwis, they made the Kiwis.”
“With the Kiwis it’s all about leaving the jersey in a better place and I believe I did that.”
Luke was a unique talent.
He had rough edges but was a wonderful player. Luke is arguably the best Kiwis hooker in history (Brandon Smith may take that mantle, but not yet) and was a dominant No 9 in the NRL.
He was a fearless competitor, who helped to change the sport with his dummy half running game, and at times even managed to overshadow Cameron Smith at his peak.
“I was fortunate to coach Issac at both club and at international level. He was a player that loved playing for the Kiwis as he was a very proud New Zealander. He always represented his family and country with great passion and will retire as one of the greats to wear the Black & White. Issac was also a great club man that helped South Sydney to their 21st GF win after 43yrs. “I will always remember Issac for his speed and deception around the ruck terrorising an opposition.”Kiwis Head Coach, Michael Maguire
“I was fortunate to coach Issac at both club and at international level. He was a player that loved playing for the Kiwis as he was a very proud New Zealander. He always represented his family and country with great passion and will retire as one of the greats to wear the Black & White. Issac was also a great club man that helped South Sydney to their 21st GF win after 43yrs.
“I will always remember Issac for his speed and deception around the ruck terrorising an opposition.”
He was part of a golden period for the Kiwis, with the 2008 World Cup victory and the 2010 and 2014 Four Nations triumphs. Luke was also a key figure in the Rabbitohs revival, which culminated in the 2014 grand final win, and he scored 50 tries and kicked 205 goals across his NRL career.
“If I was being picky, there are two things I wanted to achieve; get that milestone of 300 and go to the Dally M’s and bring something home,” says the 34-year-old.
“But I won an NRL premiership, a World Club Challenge, the NRL Nines, the Four Nations and a World Cup. I think I achieved enough.”
Luke rates Cameron Smith as his toughest foe and was proud to be recognised as the international hooker of the year (ahead of Smith) in 2013.
Jonathan Thurston was the toughest competitor – “by a country mile” – and Sam Burgess his best teammate.
“It was uncanny, from the first game I looked at him and he just knew what I was going to do,” says Luke. “From then on, every time I moved, he moved.”
Luke made his debut in 2007 against the Melbourne Storm.
“They got a tip during the week, ‘a young fella named Issac Luke was going to be debuting – he can’t tackle so run at him’. They sent all their forwards at me; I put Jeff Lima on his arse twice and Ben Cross once.”
Luke was Souths’ first choice rake before his 20th birthday and had some stunning seasons, including the nine-try 2010 campaign. The Rabbitohs reached consecutive preliminary finals in 2012 and 2013, before the 2014 breakthrough, though Luke was infamously suspended from the decider.
“When I heard ‘guilty’ my focus went on helping Api [Koroisau] get ready,” says Luke. “But I rang my dad and once I heard his voice I broke down. That was what we always dreamed about, one of his kids, or even someone from Taranaki….so to make it that far and not get to play was hard.
“It was tough, definitely tough. People even say today, I can’t believe you missed out on the grand final. But we won, so I’m all good with that.”
Luke will never forget the 2008 World Cup final, when the Kiwis shocked Australia, who had Billy Slater, Greg Inglis, Israel Folau, Darren Lockyer, Johnathan Thurston and Smith, 34-20 at Suncorp Stadium.
He says it’s one of his favourite memories in the Black and White jersey.
“In 2005 I was playing Junior Kiwis with Sam Rapira, Greg Eastwood and Sika Manu and that night we were all the [interchange] bench,” says Luke. “I was 21 and we beat possibly the best Kangaroos team they have ever assembled.”
The 2014 Four Nations campaign was also special, as was captaining the Kiwis in 2015 and 2018.
That 2018 season – especially the early streak – and the haka for Roger Tuivasa-Sheck at the Dally M awards are his favourite Warriors memories.
Luke will stay close to the game in retirement, especially mentoring his kids.
His eldest son Adaquix (14) is a fullback at the Broncos academy, while Cruz (13) is with the Panthers and daughter Ava (11) has gained a league scholarship to Marsden State High, south of Brisbane. Frankie (5) and Remi (3) might be future prospects.
“I’ll be in that space where I can help, coach my kids or be a part of a team that needs my knowledge,” says Luke, who is happily settled in Brisbane, where his wife’s family are based.
Luke will always be a special story, from an unlikely background to the top of his sport.
“When I was growing up I had a lot of mates who were so talented but they were ‘them’, smoking in the in-goal, then get on the field and be man of the match,” says Luke. “What brought me to where I am is that I didn’t want to be like them…I pushed myself in different areas.
“My Dad always told me when I was little it’s either you or them…that still rings in my ears. Sometimes I would get run over but I would get back up and go looking for you.”
Rabbitohs (2007-2015) – 188 NRL gamesWarriors (2016-2019) – 83 NRL gamesDragons (2020) – 3 NRL gamesBroncos (2020) – 12 NRL games
NRL record: 286 games, 50 tries, 205 goals.
Kiwis debut: v Australia, 2008.Kiwis record: 43 tests, 5 tries, 22 goals
“I’m happy to be a part of this Kiwis family forever”Issac Luke
“I’m happy to be a part of this Kiwis family forever”
Adapted from Michael Burgess’ NZ Herald feature piece
We are excited to announce that August’s Pirtek Volunteer of the Month is Nicole Baker-Havea.
Nicole Baker-Havea has committed herself to the Otahuhu Leopards Rugby League club for over a decade and currently sits as the junior Chairlady at the club. Nicole oversees 21 teams for the South Auckland outfit, contributing to the management of said teams and the club as a whole. The mother of seven is also actively involved with Tonga Tag20 and Hakula Tonga Rugby League.
A full-time social worker away from the game, Nicole also serves as a youth mentor in her community and is enrolled in a post-graduate degree in Mental Health and Addictions. Baker-Havea’s passion for rugby league knows no bounds; not allowing her work in the game to be limited by her busy lifestyle, the Otahuhu Chairlady finds countless hours to invest into her club and area.
Nicole is well respected in her rugby league teams, creating a plethora of avenues for tamariki to flourish in the game.
Pirtek CEO Chris Bourke commented, “Long-standing rugby league volunteers such as Nicole Baker-Havea are critical to the foundation of this wonderful sport. Nicole has committed her time and energy into volunteering for rugby league for over ten years and deserves recognition.” “Nicole is completely dedicated to her family while also investing herself to supporting the people that want to play and enjoy rugby league.” “Not only does Nicole volunteer for the game, she does this while also being a community social worker and youth mentor. Baker-Havea is just simply a great person to have in our rugby league whanau.”“Nicole is more than deserving to be Pirtek’s Volunteer of the month, and as her daughter, Meliame says, ‘she is my superhero without a cape.'” Congratulations Nicole!
NZRL Resident Secondary School Girls & 18’s Resident Girls School Coaching positions are open!
We’re on the hunt for a Head and Asst Coach, Trainer and Manager.
For how to apply and more info on each position, please visit the below links –
14 September 2021
New Zealand Rugby League is saddened to hear of the passing of Kiwi #424 Ken George who toured with the Kiwis to Australia in 1963.
Ken was a servant of the game and a Kiwis and Auckland representative. He also played with passion for Otahuhu and Manukau throughout his rugby league career.
Our deepest condolences are with the George family during this time.
1963 Kiwis Tour Results
Kiwis Tour – 1st Test: New Zealand 3 LOST v Australia 7 at Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney, June 8. Details
Kiwis Tour – 2nd Test: New Zealand 16 WON v Australia 13 at Lang Park, Brisbane, June 22. Details
Kiwis Tour – 3rd Test: New Zealand 0 LOST v Australia 14 at Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney, June 29. Details
September 13, 2021
In light of today’s Covid-19 announcement, Auckland remains at Alert Level 4 until 11:59 pm Tuesday, September 21; all activity remains suspended.
Aucklanders are instructed to stay home in their bubble other than for essential personal movement.
Those outside Auckland will remain at Alert Level 2 until 11:59 pm Tuesday September 21. Alert Level 2 means rugby league activity can re-commence ONLY if clubs and facilities can abide by the strict health requirements below.
06 September 2021
In light of today’s Covid-19 announcement, those outside Auckland will move to Alert Level 2 tomorrow, Tuesday 7th September at 11:59 pm.
Auckland remains at Alert Level 4 for another week until Monday, September 13, all rugby league activity in the region remains suspended.
No regional travel is allowed across boundaries, except for essential workers.
From an age when sporting tours were more akin to odysseys, the Kiwis’ 1971 trek to Britain and France was and always will be among the most remarkable in New Zealand sporting history.
Across 86 days the New Zealanders crammed in 26 matches – six of them Tests – and achieved the singular feat of winning the series against Great Britain 2-0 and backed it up with a 2-0 result in France.
In doing so the Lory Blanchard-coached, Roy Christian-led Kiwis completed an unprecedented sweep which had started with a stunning four-tries-to-one 24-3 upset of the world champion Kangaroos at Carlaw Park in late June.
While the All Golds had beaten the Northern Union 2-1 on their trailblazing 1906-08 tour, the 1971 Kiwis were the first official New Zealand team to win a series in the United Kingdom.
It all comes back into focus now in recalling this tour of all tours kicking off 50 years to the day – September 4, 1971 – in the Lancashire town of Rochdale at the foothills of the South Pennines.
The very mention of the tour is at once evocative, memories flooding back of all manner of deeds and details.
Among them is the vivid recollection as a 16-year-old schoolboy waking up in the early hours to listen to the excitable Murray King’s commentary on a trusty transistor under the pillow (no live television then, of course). And quite some time later there were BBC television replays aided – and perhaps abetted – by unique commentator Eddie Waring’s Yorkshire brogue.
However, marking the 50th anniversary of this story of such spectacular triumph against all odds is also clouded in so much sadness, for now but 13 of the 26 players who toured are still alive; only recently two more of this special crew passed away, standoff-halfback Gary Woollard last month and fellow halfback Shane Dowsett in June.
The first to pass away was goal-kicking front rower Henry Tatana (1998) followed by hooker Bill Burgoyne (1999), prop Doug Gailey (2007), winger Bob McGuinn (2012), loose forward Tony Kriletich (2016), winger Phil Orchard (2018), centre John O’Sullivan (2018), second rower Bill Deacon (2019), fullback Mike McClennan (2019), prop Robert Orchard (2020) and fullback John Whittaker (2020). Blanchard passed away in 2013.
If the win over Australia offered hope heading into the tour it was seemingly eroded by the Kiwis’ form in the opening matches.
In an era when the four-tackle rule was in force – and hometown referees were the norm – the Kiwis beat the Rochdale Hornets 23-8 to open their account but faced a frantic schedule with six matches in the space of 14 days leading into the first Test at The Willows in Salford; their only other win was over Widnes while losses to St Helens, Hull Kingston Rovers, Castleford and Warrington suggested the first Test would be beyond them.
And when coach Blanchard revealed his side for the opening Test there was more than a degree of incredulity with his choice of John Whittaker at fullback. He hadn’t played there in the lead-up matches but Blanchard had three exceptional wingers in Phil Orchard, Mocky Brereton and Whittaker and felt they all needed to play. What a masterstroke it would prove to be turning Whittaker into a fullback.
Another standout feature of the first Test side was the inclusion of the gifted Dennis Williams at standoff. Turning 18 just the day before his international debut, he was outstanding leaving his mark with a sizzling stepping run on his way to a brilliant first half try.
Despite that, the Kiwis were 12-13 down at halftime but had a 15-13 lead through the powerful Phil Orchard early in the second half. Nervously they clung to the advantage until another Orchard try – this time the equally potent Robert – powered over close to the posts. Tatana failed to convert from the handy angle but the Kiwis negotiated the final hectic minutes to secure a stunning 18-13 win.
WATCH FIRST TEST v GREAT BRITAIN
In their next four matches they beat Barrow, Whitehaven and Wigan while dropping a midweek clash against Swinton.
Great Britain made numerous changes for the second Test at Wheldon Road in Castleford – including recalling feisty halfback Alex Murphy – in a desperate effort to level the series. Also selected was former Welsh rugby union star David Watkins making his Great Britain Test debut.
The changes were working well when the home side led 8-0 and then ominously extended to 11-0 after Roger Millward ducked under high tackles and scooted to score wide out.
The Kiwis struck back with a sensational near length-of-the-field try sparked by a wonderful Dennis Williams break; he linked with speedster Phil Orchard on halfway, the winger burning off the cover for his first try of the contest. A Tatana penalty soon after left the Kiwis 5-11 behind at halftime.
Soon after the break they were in again, Phil Orchard stretching the defence with an electric carry. On the next tackle halfback Ken Stirling was at dummy half for a rehearsed play working a slick scissors move which had all the forwards in motion. Second rower John Greengrass crossed to the right, prop Doug Gailey headed wide to the left and the others moved up the middle, Stirling picking up a steaming Tatana who charged over to score.
At 10-11 the Kiwis were right back in it and soon after came one of two heroic defensive plays which would prove critical to the result.
WATCH SECOND TEST v GREAT BRITAIN
This one unfolded as winger Joe Walsh cut through and was in the process of putting the ball down only for a desperate Stirling to jolt the ball loose in a last-ditch try-saving tackle.
Not long after a shocking late and high shot from Murphy flattened the courageous Stirling, an act which was ignored by match officials but ended the Kiwi halfback’s involvement in the match.
A Tatana penalty edged the Kiwis ahead 12-11, Watkins missed a long-range penalty but then winger Clive Sullivan had Great Britain ahead 14-12.
There it stayed until the Kiwis attacked from depth again, shifting the ball across field to the right where centre Roy Christian released the destructive Orchard some 60 metres from the line. Orchard’s combination of speed, strength and balance was breathtaking as he diced with the touchline, stumbled after bumping off fullback Derek Edwards but then scrambled over for a try of exceptional quality and one of major moment.
Tatana converted splendidly from wide out to put the Kiwis 17-14 ahead facing a frenetic final stanza if they were to take out the match and clinch the series.
And now came the most astonishing and vital defensive act of the game. Great Britain attacked relentlessly, the Kiwis repelled them but then Mike Stephenson created space on the left edge for replacement winger Billy Benyon. He was airborne and set to score when out of nowhere loose forward Tony Kriletich launched to knock the ball out of Benyon’s grasp. Not just a match winner but a series clincher. History.
After such a climax the Kiwis lapsed with three straight losses, won three and then lost again in a scarcely believable schedule of seven matches in 14 days ahead of the third Test.
The New Zealanders couldn’t complete a clean sweep going down 3-12 to the Brits in Leeds before blitzing France 27-11 and 24-2 in the first two Tests (Orchard with five tries in total) and winding up the tour with a 3-3 draw in the third Test.
Among a long list of outstanding performers Phil Orchard was an absolute standout. He missed just seven matches on tour, scoring 27 tries in his 19 appearances including eight in five Tests.
Holding it all together was a wonderful leader in Roy Christian, a man held in such high esteem. History sadly shows no New Zealand rugby league player has ever been knighted; Christian would be highly deserving and, had he played another code, he surely would have been recognised years ago.
Barring continued Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, Christian and a group of the surviving members of the famed 1971 Kiwis will be saluted at the ex-Kiwis’ annual reunion traditionally held in October.
Theirs will always be a story and time in New Zealand sporting history to cherish.
Richard Becht
1971 KIWIS TO BRITAIN AND FRANCE | SQUAD
Fullbacks | John Whittaker (Wellington), Mike McClennan (Auckland)
Wingers | Phil Orchard (Bay of Plenty), Mocky Brereton (Canterbury), Bob McGuinn (Auckland)
Centres | Roy Christian (Auckland) captain, Bernie Lowther (Auckland), John O’Sullivan (Auckland), Dave Sorensen (Auckland)
Halves | Dennis Williams (Auckland), Gary Woollard (Auckland), Ken Stirling (Auckland), Graeme Cooksley (Canterbury), Shane Dowsett (Auckland)
Hookers | Jim Fisher (Canterbury), Bill Burgoyne (Auckland)
Props | Henry Tatana (Auckland), Doug Gailey (Auckland), Robert Orchard (Auckland), Don Mann (Auckland)
Second rowers | John Greengrass (Canterbury), Gary Smith (Wellington), Bill Deacon (Waikato), Ray Williams (Auckland)
Loose forwards | Tony Kriletich (Auckland), Murray Eade (Auckland)
1971 KIWIS TO BRITAIN AND FRANCE | RESULTS
September 4 v Rochdale Hornets, Athletic Grounds, Rochdale WON 23-8
September 6 v St Helens, Knowsley Road, St Helens LOST 8-18
September 8 v Hull Kingston Rovers, Craven Park, Hull LOST 10-12
September 12 v Widnes, Naughton Park, Widnes WON 18-15
September 15 v Castleford, Wheldon Road, Castleford LOST 8-25
September 18 v Warrington, Wilderspool, Warrington LOST 2-13
September 25 v Great Britain, The Willows, Salford WON 18-13
September 30 v Barrow, Craven Park, Barrow-in-Furness WON 25-15
October 2 v Whitehaven, Recreation Ground, Whitehaven WON 21-8
October 8 v Swinton, Station Road, Manchester LOST 15-26
October 10 v Wigan, Central Park, Wigan WON 24-10
October 16 v Great Britain, Wheldon Road, Castleford WON 17-14
October 17 v Huddersfield, Fartown, Huddersfield LOST 10-11
October 20 v Leigh, Hilton Park, Leigh LOST 5-10
October 22 v Salford, The Willows, Salford LOST 30-31
October 24 v Wakefield Trinity, Belle Vue, Wakefield WON 23-12
October 27 v Oldham, The Watersheddings, Oldham WON 24-13
October 30 v Bradford Northern, Odsal, Bradford WON 30-23
October 31 v York, Clarence Street, York LOST 5-11
November 6 v Great Britain, Headingley, Leeds LOST 3-12
November 11 v France, Stade Gilbert Brutus, Perpignan WON 27-11
November 14 v Littoral Province, Stade St Ruf, Avignon WON 14-9
November 18 v Combined XIII, Stade Municipal d’Albi, Albi WON 20-9
November 21 v France, Stade Albert Domec, Carcassonne WON 24-2
November 24 v Combined XIII, Stade Chaban-Delmas, Bordeaux WON 20-9
November 28 v France, Stade Municipal, Toulouse DREW 3-3
1971 KIWIS TO BRITAIN AND FRANCE | RIP
Henry Tatana (#455) aged 53 in 1998
Bill Burgoyne (#487) aged 52 in 1999
Doug Gailey (#476) aged 59 in 2007
Bob McGuinn (#481) aged 64 in 2012
Tony Kriletich (#459) aged 72 in 2016
Phil Orchard (#475) aged 70 in 2018
John O’Sullivan (#493) aged 68 in 2018
Bill Deacon (#445) aged 75 in 2019
Mike McClennan (#488) aged 75 in 2019
Robert Orchard (#443) aged 74 IN 2020
John Whittaker (#485) aged 70 in 2020
Shane Dowsett (#495) aged 74 in 2021
Gary Woollard (#420) aged 79 in 2021
03 September 2021
The Government’s extension of Alert Level 4 in the Auckland region for another 2 weeks until at least 14 September has now forced the cancellation of the remainder of the season for all Auckland Rugby League grades.
The decision which has been endorsed by the ARL Board of Directors – means all competition grades
from U13 up to the SAS Fox Memorial premiership are now cancelled, with mini/mod (U6-U12) grades having already been cancelled last week.
No winners will be declared for any competition grade.
Auckland Rugby League CEO Greg Whaiapu said as well as running out of time to safely complete the season before the impending New Zealand Rugby League National Competitions and the start of the summer sports season, the ARL has an obligation to prioritise the health and safety of all participants.
“It’s unfortunate news to be delivering and an outcome none of us wanted,” Whaiapu said.
“In making this decision we considered, among other things, the fact that teams have not been able to complete contact training for what is currently several weeks due to the restrictions in place, and therefore would be put at a higher risk of suffering injury if asked to return straight into games”.
“While we pushed the proposed return to play dates out as far as we could, the reality is there is no longer enough weeks left to safely complete our season either.
“At this point I’d like to acknowledge the work of our clubs and the people involved with them, through what has been another challenging year for everyone.”
This cancellation applies to club grades only and at this stage does not impact planned Auckland Rugby League National representative games or Kiwi Tag modules scheduled for later in the year.
JOB TITLE: NZRL Resident Secondary School Girls & 18’s Resident Girls School Manager
HOURS OF WORK: This is a voluntary role that requires a commitment of some weekend work and a camp for the campaign.
APPOINTMENT TERM: One (1) year plus an additional one (1) year pending campaign review.
REPORT TO: Kiws & National Teams Manager and the Head Coach
New Zealand Rugby League:
Rugby league has played a significant part in New Zealand sport for over 100 years. Formed in 1910, New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) is the governing body for the sport of rugby league in New Zealand. With a commitment to growing the female game, providing positive experiences and opportunities for female youth players to participate in rugby league. The New Zealand Secondary Schools and New Zealand Resident 18’s Girls representative teams contribute to the female pathway, which leads to and includes the NRLW and NZRL Kiwi Ferns.
The successful candidate will be appointed in the dual role of NZRL Secondary School Girls and NZ Resident 18s Girls team Head Coach.
New Zealand Rugby League goals:
• Rugby league enjoyed by more people
• A financially sustainable NZ Game
• Women’s game thriving and enhanced opportunities for women in the game
• Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns inspirational & aspirational
• NZRL to be a model modern sports organisation
Through our “More Than A Game” philosophy, NZRL aspires to transform lives and community wellbeing through Rugby League.
Underpinning this philosophy is The Kiwi Way.
We are diverse, we call New Zealand home and therefore, we are all Kiwis.
We are inclusive, respectful and humble
We are responsible
We are innovative and courageous
We are family first
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The Team Manager will be the key person responsible for liaising between the team and the NZRL. As part of the management team, you will be a role model for the players and other management staff members. There is an expectation that all management staff will adhere to the NZRL Kiwi Way philosophy.
KEY INFORMATION & DATES:
Team Selection dates
2nd – 3rd October 2021 – Auckland
Campaign dates:
Date & Venue TBC (NZ Secondary School Girls Vs Auckland Region of Origin Girls)
Wednesday 20th – Sunday 24th October 2021 (NZ Resident 18s Girls Vs NZMRL Kotiro 18s)
Key Responsibilities:
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:
Skills and Qualifications:
Planning and Reporting:
Personal Attributes:
Application Process:
To register interest for the above position, please email your team management C.V and a Cover Letter to the Kiwis & National Teams Manager (Nadene Conlon) Nadene@nzrl.co.nz no later than EOB Thursday 16th Septemebr 2021. (The successful coaching staff will be required to undergo the NZRL Police Vetting protocols).
POSITION DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: NZRL Resident Secondary School Girls & 18’s Resident Girls School Trainer
REPORT TO: General Manager of Football & High Performance, National Coaching & Development Manager and Head Coach
We are diverse, we call New Zealand home, and therefore we are all Kiwis.
We live and play The Kiwi Way every day
The trainer is required to facilitate sessions in a manner that minimises the risk of injury and promotes athlete wellbeing. They will also work closely with the coaching staff to ensure that training sessions are co-designed to meet the desired outcomes. The trainer must also mentor the players in nutrition, training, prehab, rehab, and general lifestyle decisions that meet the NZRL gold standard.
2nd – 3rd October – Auckland
Application process: To register your interest in the above position, please email your Coaching C.V and Cover Letter to the National Coaching and Development Manager (Dan Keepa) dan.keepa@nzrl.co.nz no later than EOB Thursday 16th September 2021. (All successful coaching staff will be required to undergo the NZRL Police Vetting protocols)
JOB TITLE: NZRL Resident Secondary School Girls & 18’s Resident Girls School Head Coach
HOURS OF WORK: This is a voluntary role that requires a commitment of some weekend work and a camp for each campaign.
REPORT TO: General Manager of Football & High Performance, National Coaching & Development Manager.
An NZRL coach will play an integral part in helping players forge a pathway to discover their true greatness. It is essential to understand that all NZRL coaches have the opportunity to enhance the way a player thinks, acts and feels about the game by providing a positive NZRL experience both on and off the field.
The Coach will prepare individuals and the team for their best possible performance for the duration of their campaign. To be successful in this role, the head coach must perform all requirements in this job description to a high standard. The coach has a significant impact on player development, welfare, motivation and the overall playing performance of the team. Ensuring that the pride and integrity of the jersey are upheld through the team’s day to day activities will also be part of the coaches ongoing responsibilities. The Coach will demonstrate the ability to lead and manage individuals and staff effectively while meeting the desired outcomes in this job description. It is important to remember that this age group are making the transition from adolescents to adulthood. Hence, a variety of coaching methods are essential to meet the needs of each player.
Date and Venue TBC (NZ Secondary School Girls Vs Auckland Region of Origin Girls)
Application process: To register your interest in the above position, please email your Coaching C.V and Cover Letter to the National Coaching and Development Manager (Dan Keepa) dan.keepa@nzrl.co.nz no later than EOB Thursday 16th September 2021 ( The successful coaching staff will be required to undergo the NZRL Police Vetting protocols)
JOB TITLE: NZRL Resident Secondary School Girls & 18’s Resident Girls School Asst Coach
An NZRL Assistant Coach will perform their role with professionalism and integrity while supporting the agreed direction for the campaign. They will support the Head Coach by analysing the team’s strengths and work-on’s to contribute to their game strategies. The assistant coach will have sound rugby league knowledge and will work collaboratively with the Head Coach to achieve successful outcomes, both on and off the field. It is important to remember that this age group is making the transition from adolescents to adulthood. A variety of coaching methods are essential to meet the needs of each player. They will also demonstrate the ability to effectively lead and manage individuals and meet the desired targets set with the Head Coach and NZRL. The assistant coach will also assist in reviewing and evaluating the team and individuals performance against key performance indicators. This assistant coach position will cover the New Zealand Secondary School Girls and New Zealand Resident 18’s Girls campaigns.
2nd & 3rd October – Auckland
30th August 2021
In light of today’s Covid-19 announcement, Auckland remains at Alert Level 4 for another two weeks until at least Monday, September 13.
Northland is set to move to Alert Level 3 at 11:59 pm this Thursday, subject to negative test results.
Those south of the Auckland boundary will move to Alert Level 3 tomorrow at 11:59 pm, for at least one week, with cabinet set to review progress, Monday September 6.
Under both Alert Level 4 and Alert Level 3, all rugby league activity (playing, contact and non-contact training) is suspended.
New Zealanders are instructed to stay home in their bubble other than for essential personal movement.
Those in Level 3 ONLY can expand household bubbles to reconnect with close family/whanau.
Face masks are mandatory for anyone using public transport for essential travel, visiting supermarkets and essential services.
NZRL is monitoring the situation closely and will continue to update you with the latest information, subject to ongoing Government updates.
We thank our rugby league communities for their ongoing resilience and understanding.
27th August 2021
In light of today’s Covid-19 announcement, New Zealand remains at Alert Level 4 until Tuesday 11:59 pm, August 31.
Those south of the Auckland boundary are set to move to Alert Level 3 at 11:59 pm Tuesday, subject to government updates.
On Monday, August 30, Cabinet will decide how long Auckland and potentially Northland will remain at Alert Level 4. Aucklanders have been advised to expect an extended period at Alert Level 4.
NZRL will continue to update you with the latest information, subject to ongoing Government updates.
In the meantime, New Zealanders are instructed to stay home in their bubble other than for essential personal movement.
No regional travel is allowed across boundaries, except for essential workers, when applicable.
As seen on ABS.CBN News (https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/08/20/21/pinoy-rugby-players-mula-ph-at-nz-nagsanib-puwersa)
26th August, 2021
Counties-Manukau Rugby League has been delivering the game to its Asian community since 2013, creating opportunities and pathways for participants not usually renowned for playing rugby league.
The Ethnic competition and encouraging diversity in the game have always been priorities for Counties-Manukau; therefore the affiliation between Pambansang Ragbi Liga Ng Pilipinasand Auckland based rugby league team, United Eagles, was a natural fit.
The Eagles are the first all-Asian based rugby league team endorsed by Counties Manukau Rugby League (CMRL) and the New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) to compete in Auckland’s Ethnic Cup competition. The team comprises 70% Filipino players with a mix of other players from Japan, Thailand, and Hong Kong.
The Ethnic Rugby League Competition was established in 2013 by NZRL’s Counties Manukau Rugby League General Manager Kasey King. The competition currently accommodates the following teams, the Counties Manukau Piranhas, Auckland Wasps, Onehunga Guardianz, the Eagles, and the Dragons. It comprises groups of ethnicities, mainly from New Zealand’s increasing Asian community not renowned for playing rugby league. The players gain valuable rugby league experience through the competition each year, leading to players being selected to represent their country of origin through international matches.
The PNRL have longed to establish a partnership with the Eagles for some time now, with talks over the past week confirming the interest on both sides. With this affiliation, the PNRL will assist in expanding the reach of rugby league to the New Zealand based Filipino players and increase Filipino participation in the six-week Ethnic Cup competition held yearly. The affiliation will also provide pathway opportunities for players to represent the Philippines at a developmental or national level and provide access to national development programs.
Ex-Tamaraw player Odyssey Laderas and current player Carmilo Manuyag (Head Coach of Eagles) have been actively working with Asian based NZ players of all levels to provide a safe pathway for player representation into the Ethnic Cup competition. Carmilo has also been the team’s driving force from the start, with a clear vision of where this group could go. He also ensured the transition from Eagles to Dragons to keep the reputational name of Eagles for future use as we had family sabbaticals during this time. The PNRL will work closely with the pair to help increase their overall participation numbers with the goal of entering more development teams into the Ethnic Cup competition each year.
“The affiliation with the Philippines governing body for the sport of Rugby League (PNRL) will provide pathways for rugby league development and participation of NZ based Filipinos. This will also ensure a healthy, active club and international membership. Built on family and brotherhood as its foundation, we encourage each other to excel in our talents and abilities with a focus on support at all aspects of the game, whether on or off the field,” says Eagles Manager.
“We look forward to working with Carmilo and Odyssey to promote and develop Philippine Rugby League and share our values to our fellow New Zealand based Filipinos. We want to be part of the Eagles future successes and share these achievements with the rugby league community. We hope other rugby league associations will follow suit and provide the same opportunities for heritage players across the globe. Rugby League is a game for everyone, regardless of size, skill, gender, or ethnicity,” PNRL President Reynaldo Nery states.
25th August, 2021
In 2020, Matt Burns created a programme designed to support students at Whangarei’s Kamo Intermediate. Through this programme, students are now rallying together to rejuvenate a once thriving Northland rugby league facility, Jubilee Park.
Matt Burn’s programme better develops the students’ learning in a more personalised fashion to keep them focused and in school. Burns centred his attention on students who found it challenging to engage in the classroom, so he created activities that would entice them to attend rather than skip class. In 2021, Burns was joined by two extra staff members and now intends to impact not just their school but also the community around them.
Once a week, Burns meets with the students to engage in group activities designed for fun and learning outcomes. They have created platter boards, learnt how to use power tools and even had an overnight stay at school where the boys prepared and cooked a traditional Māori Hangi.
Burns stated, “Our students need guidance, they are not particularly enthusiastic about schooling, and so it was a priority for me to find a way that allows them to still be interested in school. We identified the troubled students and wanted to redirect their energy into activities and now into the community.
Besides the leisure-type activities, Burns wanted to focus on activities that gave back to the community around them, deciding to focus on once-thriving Northland rugby league home ground, Jubilee Park, now a run-down reserve in the local area.
Jubilee Park was once a prestigious rugby league venue, being the home to top-flight rugby league in Aotearoa’s north but has been abandoned since 2011. The reserve has been drowned in graffiti, waste and even multiple fires in the last few years. Once a bubbling host for Northland rugby league, Jubilee has become a forgotten icon with huge historical ties.
“Our intention now is to allow our activities to benefit others around us, as well as ourselves. We intend to make rugby league park, Jubilee Park an operational field for the schools all around Whangarei and Northland to use. Rugby league has always been a part of the culture in the north and restoring the park can be one step in the right direction.”
The group of teachers believe the rejuvenation of Jubilee park can inspire an expansion of the game for inter-school, club rugby league and sport in general in the Northland region.
The project will involve the students busting down the fences around the park, mowing the grass and equipping the reserve with equipment such as slides, swings and goalposts, fit for rugby league. The students will also learn to connect professionally with businesses and companies to gain sponsorship and learn valuable life skills.
Burns continued, “Eventually, we would love the local board to support our cause and become the driving force behind the restoration of Jubilee Park. We have even been in contact with local primary schools as they are also interested in the usage of the reserve.”
Rugby league was once religious in the north, and the students of Kamo Intermediate are in position to make that a reality once again. With the help of staff and local business’, the game can be reborn and thriving in what is a rugby league sleeping giant.
Matt Burns created a programme to keep struggling students in school, which now seconds as an integral community initiative working to keep an important part of Northland Rugby League history alive.
25 August 2021
NZRL is saddened to hear of the passing of Daniel William Campbell, Kiwi #561, otherwise known as Danny Campbell.
Danny played a total of 55 matches for Wigan Warriors between 1979-1986 and was part of the New Zealand squad during their 1980 tour of Great Britain and France.
Danny passed away on Sunday 22 August 2021, at his home in Mitimiti, during the New Zealand Level 4 lockdown.
He leaves behind his loving wife Tunisia, his children Jodie, Jojo, Kamira and Raniera and his mokopuna.
24th August 2021
In light of yesterday’s Covid-19 announcement, this is a reminder that all rugby league activity remains suspended under current Level 4 restrictions.
Auckland will remain at Level 4 until at least Wednesday, September 1st. The remainder of New Zealand remains at Level 4 until at least Saturday 28th August, subject to ongoing government updates.
All rugby league activity under Alert Level 4 (playing, contact and non-contact training) is suspended.
Face masks are mandatory for anyone using public transport, visiting supermarkets and engaging in essential services.
23 August 2021
NZRL is sad to announce the 2021 New Zealand Rugby League Secondary Schools Tournament scheduled to begin Monday, August 30th in Auckland has been called off due to the current Delta Covid-19 outbreak.
This is following the announcement from School Sport NZ cancelling all sanctioned events through until September 6th. NZRL is working with stakeholders to explore all options; however, under these current conditions, the tournament cannot go ahead.
We understand this is hugely disappointing for everyone involved and apologise for the inconvenience caused; however, safety and wellbeing remain paramount.
We encourage everyone to continue to follow Covid-19 protocol so collectively we can return to the rugby league fields when it is safe to do so again.
We thank all our rugby league communities for their ongoing patience and understanding.
23 August 2021 – as seen on Stuff.co.nz
Rugby league buffs regard former Kiwis standoff Gary Woollard – who died last Sunday aged 79 – as a great example of how perseverance can pay off.
Woollard first toured Australia with the Kiwis as a 20-year-old Wellington scrumhalf in 1963, without playing a test.
A radio technician with the Civil Aviation service, young Woollard had trialled as a standoff, but was switched to scrumhalf for the second half, according to Evening Post archives.
He made enough of an impression to be named as the back-up to test scrumhalf Bill Snowden for the trip across the Tasman.
Woollard had started his career as a scrumhalf but moved out to standoff. He was in his third senior representative season and was Wellington’s vice-captain when named for his first tour.
After backing up Snowden in 1963, Woollard was also restricted to non-test matches on his next tour, across the Tasman in 1967, with Bob Irvine, Doug Ellwood, Paul Schultz and Roger Tait variously employed in the halves across the three tests.
But, in 1969 – six years after first fitted for a Kiwis blazer – Woollard made his test bow against the Kangaroos at Carlaw Park.
By then specialising at standoff, he played outside scrumhalf Graeme Cooksley in the Kiwi’s 18-14 win over a side containing Australian greats John Sattler, Ron Coote and Graeme Langlands.
New Zealand rugby league historian John Coffey noted that Woollard – by then playing his club football in Auckland – “persevered and broke through for one test against Australia in 1969 and the 1970 World Cup, the tournament coach Lory Blanchard used as his model for the big year of 1971”.
Woollard partnered Cooksley in the halves in the Kiwis’ 1970 World Cup matches in Europe against Australia, France and Great Britain and a subsequent test defeat to France in Carcassonne.
Blanchard retained Woollard for the Kiwis’ convincing 24-3 win over Australia in Auckland in 1971, pairing him with Ken Stirling.
That duo were also aboard for the Kiwis’ successful 1971 tour of Europe where they won test series against Great Britain (2-1) and France (2-0).
Woollard was not in the lineup for the 18-13 first test win over Great Britain at Salford, with a teenage Dennis Williams partnering Stirling in the halves, but he came on in the second half of the series-clinching 17-14 second test triumph at Castleford after English star Alex Murphy’s controversial high tackle on Stirling.
Woollard was back in the starting lineup at standoff for the 12-3 final test defeat at Leeds, with William shifted to the centres.
Woollard, who captained Auckland from 1969 to 1971, came into his own in the France series, starting all three tests against the Chanticleers.
He scored his first test try in the second international, won by the Kiwis 24-2 in Carcassonne to clinch the series, and signed off with another for the Kiwis’ only points in a 3-3 draw in the dead rubber fixture in Toulouse.
By then in his 30th year, Woollard hung up his boots after the tour following 10 tests (two tries) and another 32 non-international appearances (for three tries).
After playing in Auckland for Otahuhu and Mt Albert, Woollard returned to the capital, signing for St George in 1974. He coached the club to the 1977 Wellington title.
Woollard was the 13th member of the 26-man 1971 Kiwis team to pass away since 1998.
17 August 2021
In light of this evening’s Covid-19 announcement, New Zealand is moving to Alert Level 4 at 11:59pm for three days; with Auckland and the Coromandel remaining in Alert Level 4 for an extra five days. All rugby league activity under Alert Level 4 (playing, contact and non-contact training) is postponed, subject to ongoing Government updates.
Face masks are mandatory for anyone using public transport for essential travel. Face masks are also encouraged when visiting supermarkets and essential services.
Position: Director, Upper Central Zone of New Zealand Rugby LeagueLocation: Waikato|Hauraki|Bay of Plenty|Coastline|Gisborne Te Tairawhiti DistrictsKoo wai maatou |About usEstablished in 2009, Upper Central Zone (UCZ) of New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) is a non-profit organisation made up of five District Leagues, three Referee Associations and has 58 clubs, 284 teams, 4033 registered players with exceptional volunteers.As a Director – He Pou Manawa o Riiki, the UCZ Board is responsible to lead, develop, foster and promote Rugby League in partnership with the Waikato, Hauraki, Bay of Plenty, Coastline and Gisborne Tairawhiti Districts. Our goal is to work collaboratively with a range of partners to create the best platform for Rugby League to grow and thrive in our diverse communities.UCZ wants to appoint four (4) new directors – He Pou Manawa o Riiki, which will see the board at the maximum seven (7) directors.He korero moou | About youUCZ is seeking applications for directors – He Pou Manawa o Riiki from individuals who believe that they have what it takes to be an inspirational leader and instrumental in fulfilling UCZs new strategic plan 2022-2025.We want to exemplify diligent governance practices and promote board diversity as a key contributor to effective leadership in our zone. To ensure we have a balanced and diverse board we especially encourage the following applicants:1.Independent Director-preferred lawyer|legal status2.Independent Director-preferred accountant|financial status3.He Pou Manawa o Riiki-preferred Waikato|Hauraki rohe4.He Pou Manawa o Riiki-preferred BOP|Coastline rohe
You will demonstrate:●Maaori and Pasefika culturally led practices●Governance experience●Strong framework examples of community development outcomes●A desire to build rugby league for our communities●Financial focus with funding|sponsorship prowess●Strategic and innovative thinker●Gender diversity and inclusion
Commitment: Board meetings will be held monthly with two virtual and one face to face quarterly and face to face for AGM and District Conference in the Zone.It is important that you have 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 rugby league for the Upper Central Zone and New Zealand Rugby League.Location: to ensure zonal connection it is best for the Directors to reside in the rohe or have a meaningful connection.UCZ would be shortlisting for interviews on 30th August 2021.
To apply please send your CV to:Shanice Wiki at New Zealand Rugby League – Shanice.wiki@nzrl.co.nz
Applications close 27th August 2021.
09 August 2021
New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) has committed to growing the game of Kiwi Tag across the country, building on what Auckland Rugby League has achieved to establish the Kiwi Tag sport in the Auckland district.
Kiwi Tag is a fast-paced territorial game based around the common laws and rules of rugby league, minus the contact. With eight aside, Kiwi Tag is exciting, friendly and free-flowing, suitable and safe for all ages, genders sizes and skill levels.
Two inaugural Kiwi Tag Tournaments will be held in Hawkes Bay and Christchurch from the 22nd – 26th November this year.
The first-ever North Island Kiwi Tag Tournament will take place at Mitre 10 Park in Hawkes Bay on Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd November, while the inaugural South Island Tournament will be held at Nga Puna Wai, Christchurch on Thursday 25th November and Friday 26th November.
These tournaments are aimed at Year 9 and Year 10 students and are open to both males and females.
NZRL CEO Greg Peters says, “It’s exciting we can offer these inaugural Kiwi Tag Tournaments to provide a platform for rangatahi throughout the North and South Island to showcase and develop their skills.”
“We are committed to growing Kiwi Tag opportunities throughout the country, as it’s an inclusive game that encourages people of all ages and skill levels to stay active, have fun and on some occasions participate in a team sport for the first time.
“The growth of Kiwi Tag is also reflective of our commitment to Sport NZ’s Balance is Better philosophy.”
ABOUT NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE:
Rugby League has played a significant part in New Zealand sport for over 100 years.Formed in 1910, New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) is the governing body for the sport of rugby league in New Zealand.
NZRL is divided into seven zones that service the grassroots needs of the game.These zones compete in the National Premiership/Championship,as well as women’s, youth and schools’ competitions. NZRL manages the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns who play regular international fixtures and compete in the Rugby League World Cup every four years.
Through its “More Than A Game” philosophy, NZRL aspires to transform lives and community wellbeing through Rugby League.
Underpinning this philosophy is The Kiwi Way. We are diverse, we call New Zealand home and therefore we are all Kiwis. We live and play The Kiwi Way –all day/every day:
OUR GOALS
KEY RELATIONSHIPS
Internal
External
The NZRL reserves the right to vary this Position Description in response to the changing needs of the organisation.
POSITION PURPOSE
The Digital Communications Executive is tasked with producing digital content for the NZRL website and other NZRL communications channels, as well as assisting the communications team where needed.
The NZRL Communications department is connected to, and works with, all areas of the organisation, and the wider rugby league community, hence the requirement for a motivated team performer who is passionate about rugby league and has the ability to develop and deliver interesting, informative, entertaining and attractive content to the NZRL community and Kiwis / Kiwi Ferns fanbase.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Duties and Responsibilities
Occupational Health and Safety
NZRL is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all its employees, visitors and contractors.
Every employee is responsible for ensuring that NZRL health and safety policy requirements are applied in their area of responsibility and that all employees abide by the requirements of the NZRL health and safety programme.
PLANNING AND REPORTING
The following planning and reporting is required:
OBJECTIVES – KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
DESIRED SKILL AND EXPERIENCE
Apply here. Applications close Thursday 20 August at 5pm
2021 sees the return of Pirtek’s prestigious Volunteer of the Month, where our rugby league community have the chance to see their hard mahi showcased and recognised. This award is given to a volunteer who displays the core values of NZRL’s Kiwi Way, which are being family first, innovative, inclusive, respectful and humble. We are excited to announce that July’s Pirtek Volunteer of the Month is Raymond Greaves.
Greaves started volunteering for Physical Disability Rugby League four years ago, of which now he is the Head Coach. He brings passion and exuberance at every opportunity, investing hours into creating, planning and executing disability-specific training for PDRL players.
Raymond encourages his players and pushes them to ensure their situation does not limit them, and possesses a firm belief in each of the individuals he coaches. The PDRL head coach believes in the impact rugby league can have on the physically disabled community, but more importantly, the impact the physically disabled community can have on the game of rugby league.
Greaves is well respected by management, the board and numerous other volunteers and is highly influential to the PDRL game in Tamaki Makaurau.
Pirtek CEO Chris Bourke had this to say, “Raymond Greaves is a well-deserving winner of the Pirtek Volunteer of the Month for July 2021. How great is it that Ray donates his time and energy to help fulfil other people’s wishes within the Rugby League community.” Bourke continued, “Ray carries a great deal of respect from many people associated with Rugby League and, importantly, Physical Disability Rugby League. I am sure that he does everything that is needed to be done, with a smile on his face.”
“Without people like Ray, our Rugby League community and family would not be the same.”
27 July 2021
Kiwi #779 and Warriors skipper Roger Tuivasa-Sheck was yesterday granted an immediate release from his club contract, sparking the end of a highly decorated rugby league career.
Tuivasa-Sheck’s last game for the Warriors was against the Penrith Panthers, where he had to depart with a concussion. He was set to return to play against the Wests Tigers this weekend before the decision was made to head home.
Tuivasa-Sheck was the only Warriors player to spend all of last season without his family. His commitment to the club went above and beyond. He played a significant role in holding the Warriors squad together throughout the pandemic. Sharing the announcement with his teammates on Monday, Tuivasa-Sheck said, “It was tough holding it all back”.
“I’m pretty sure they were quite disappointed and although they’re supportive that I get to chase a new challenge and dream of mine, it was tough to hold back the tears.
“It’s a sad way to end my time at the club, especially when my last game was with a concussion and not being able to play in front of all our fans back at Mt Smart.
“It is a sad way to [end] but I’m just grateful to have the club supporting me along the way.”
Apia-born, Auckland-raised, Tuivasa-Sheck has had an amazing career in the Black and White jersey. Debuting at Kiwi #779, playing 20 test matches with 56 test points.
He became a schoolboy star in rugby league and union for Otahuhu College. Sydney Roosters recognised his talent and lured him across the Tasman at the end of 2011. Named in the 2012 NYC Team of the Year, the 19-year-old featured in the last six games of the Roosters’ NRL campaign. He represented the Junior Kiwis and was named NZRL’s Junior Player of the Year.
In the 2013 Rugby League World Cup, Tuivasa-Sheck became one of the main stars at the tournament. On debut, Tuivasa-Sheck scored a try on the flank against Samoa – the first of eight tries he scored at the tournament, a tally that included a dazzling double in the epic semi-final win over England.
Tuivasa-Sheck took over from retired club legend Anthony Minichiello as the Roosters’ fullback in 2015 and immediately assumed the No. 1 jersey in the Kiwis’ line-up, starring in their rousing 26-12 ANZAC Test triumph in Brisbane and all three Tests on the post-season tour of England. Setting new standards for metre-eating productivity, he also collected the Dally M fullback of the year award.
At just 23 years of age, he was incoming Warriors coach (and former Kiwis mentor) Stephen Kearney’s surprise choice to captain the club in 2017. But Tuivasa-Sheck responded by winning the first of three straight Warriors Player of the Year awards. He was a try-scorer in the last mid-season Anzac Test in Canberra before playing in all four of New Zealand’s RLWC matches and scoring three times to set a new mark for World Cup tries by a Kiwi (11), while also collecting NZRL’s Kiwis Player of the Year honour.
Tuivasa-Sheck led the Warriors to the finals after a seven-year absence in a phenomenal 2018 campaign, becoming the club’s first Dally M Medal winner – and just the third New Zealander (after Gary Freeman and Jason Taumalolo) to collect the prestigious honour as the premiership’s best and fairest.
While the Warriors slid down the NRL ladder, Tuivasa-Sheck’s performances in 2019 remained top-shelf. An absolute workhorse for his side, the skipper topped the competition for running metres and set a new NRL record for metres gained in a game (367), while still managing to produce his trademark game-breaking brilliance on a regular basis. He finished equal-fifth in the Dally M Medal count – first among players from teams that missed the finals.
‘RTS’ scored a try in the Kiwis’ mid-season win over Tonga at Mt Smart Stadium to take his Test tally to 14 in just 17 matches. Tuivasa-Sheck featured in New Zealand’s loss to Australia and both victories over Great Britain at the end of the year; he was particularly influential in the tough 12-8 win against the Lions at Eden Park, setting up the opening try for Jamayne Isaako with a breath-taking flick pass and coming up with several vital defensive plays in the tense dying stages.
A nominee in 2015, Tuivasa-Sheck’s excellence in the international arena was recognised via the 2019 RLIF Golden Boot award. The 28-year-old joined Hugh McGahan (1987), Stacey Jones (2002), Benji Marshall (2010), and Shaun Johnson (2014) as the only New Zealanders to collect the gong in its 28-year history, solidifying his status as an all-time Kiwis great.
Tuivasa-Sheck’s exceptional, inspirational and selfless role as the skipper of the Warriors’ Australia-based campaign in 2020 attracted universal admiration and a richly-deserved Dally M Captain of the Year award.
Tuivasa-Sheck will switch to rugby union with the Auckland Blues for the next Super Rugby season and set his sights on playing for the All Blacks at the 2023 World Cup.
New Zealand Rugby League congratulates and extends their appreciation to Kiwi #779 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck for an astonishing career with the New Zealand Kiwis. Wishing him all the best on his next journey and future achievements to come.
22 July 2021
The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) and New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) today informed the International Rugby League (IRL) and Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) organisers that Australia and New Zealand will not compete in a 2021 World Cup because of player welfare and safety concerns.
The ARLC and NZRL have again requested the RLWC2021 be postponed until 2022 to minimise risk of players contracting COVID-19 and ensure the best outcome for player wellbeing.
The decision to withdraw from the RLWC2021 comes after considering the risk of COVID-19 infection in the United Kingdom, the worsening environment in Australia and the time a majority of NRL Telstra Premiership players will spend away from home under strict biosecurity conditions prior to the World Cup. The ARLC and NZRL have resolved, that in the present environment the risks to athletes and officials travelling to the UK to participate in the tournament this year are too great, and it is unable to endorse Australia and New Zealand participating in the RLWC in 2021.
ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys AM said player wellbeing and safety must come first.
“Not participating in this year’s World Cup is not a decision the Commission has taken lightly, but we must put the best interests of our players and officials first. Protecting them is our absolute priority,’’ he said.
“In the current environment, the risks to the safety, health and wellbeing of the players and officials travelling from Australia to participate in the tournament this year are insurmountable. The majority of NRL players are currently living away from home under difficult biosecurity protocols. They would then be required to remain under protocols and away from home for the duration of the tournament before again quarantining on return to Australia. This is too much to ask our players and officials to do.
“We have again requested the IRL and Rugby League World Cup consider postponing the event until 2022 to enable all players to participate.”
NZRL CEO Greg Peters said the decision to withdraw was in the best interests of players and officials.
“The safety and wellbeing of our people is the main priority, and unfortunately, that cannot be guaranteed to our satisfaction,” he said.
“There are stark differences between how the pandemic is being managed in the UK compared to Australasia and recent developments have highlighted how quickly things can change.
“The tournament organisers have moved heaven and earth to make this work, so it is not an easy decision, but the Covid-19 situation in the UK shows no sign of improving, and it’s simply too unsafe to send teams and staff over.
“We understand how disappointing this is for fans and those involved; however player and staff safety remains paramount.”
15 July 2021
The Auckland Rugby League will work alongside the Vodafone Warriors and New Zealand Rugby League to deliver a two-day coaching programme, utilising the collective knowledge and resources of all three organisations.
The WNA Coach Development Programme will be hosted at the home of the Vodafone Warriors at Mount Smart Stadium on Sunday, July 25 and Sunday, August 1.
The programme is open to anyone currently coaching an international grade (U13-U20) side, with spots limited and restricted to those who express their interest and confirm they are available to attend both days.
Click here to express interest in attending
ARL coaching and development manager Viggo Rasmussen said it’s a unique opportunity for attendees.
“Between the three organisations there is a wealth of coaching experience and knowledge that will be hugely beneficial to local coaches,” Rasmussen said.
“In addition to the other courses and workshops the ARL have in place, this is another initiative which strengthens our coaching pathway in Auckland.
“We are excited to be working alongside the NZRL and Vodafone Warriors on this programme.”
Vodafone Warriors pathways and development coach Tony Iro said the club was looking forward to working with the New Zealand Rugby League and the Auckland Rugby League on the joint initiative.
“Stacey (Jones) and I will present the football fundamental side of it while Dan and Viggo will do the coach planning, philosophy, coaching styles and so on,” he said.
“The idea is to expand this next year to include more footy knowledge sessions for coaches who are keen and can potentially deliver back to junior coaches at their home clubs.
“We will also be producing a video coaching package for the coaches to use as a resource.”
Dan Keepa, the NZRL national coaching and development manager, added: “The content we have designed for this programme will extend on the coaches growth mindset and rugby league knowledge to complement the up-and-coming talent in the Auckland region,” he said.
“All three organisations share a very similar coach development philosophy that will help nurture our community coaches to ensure the players have positive experiences in rugby league. The next step will be to take this programme nationally.
“It is an exciting time to be a rugby league coach.”
12th July 2021 as seen on stuff.co.nz
Manawatū’s senior club rugby league competition has been resurrected after a four-year hiatus.
The senior competition fell over in 2018 due to a lack of teams, but work behind the scenes and a decision to shift the schedule until after the rugby season has meant a six-team contest will start this weekend.
There are two new teams: the Takaro Taniwha and Feilding Stags, which has a link to players from the Feilding Old Boys-Ōroua rugby club.
Regular contenders the Kia Ora Warriors, Linton Cobras and Whanganui Boxon all return, while rugby club the Levin Wanderers, has entered a side.
Manawatū Rugby League’s Lawrence Erihe has been working since the competition stopped to get it back up and running. He said he threw it back to the clubs to start again.
“I put it back to the clubs to say if you want it you need to do it with actions. Instead of talking about it, actually do it.”
Rugby league has good junior numbers in the region and Erihe wanted to ensure there was something for players to go on to as they got older.
Previously rugby and rugby league competitions were held at the same time, but shifting rugby league to later in the year, so it didn’t clash with rugby, should allow players to play both codes.
A lack of player numbers was a problem when the senior grade was last played in 2017.
The health of rosters for this season would indicate whether rugby league in Manawatū needed to be played earlier or later.
There was no women’s competition because there had been no-one to push it, Erihe said.
He hoped to start an under-20 grade next year.
All games will this weekend be played at Coronation Park, which is the home ground for Takaro, Linton, and Kia Ora. The other sides will host games.
Erihe said the Dannevirke Tigers had intended to join the Manawatū competition, but because they won the Hawke’s Bay grade last year, they decided to defend that title. They could rejoin Manawatū in the future.
Manawatū Rugby League’s base is now at Coronation Park and no games will be played at Fitzherbert Park.
After the club season there is likely to be a rep tri-series in August between Manawatū, Taranaki and Hawke’s Bay. From there a Midcentral team will be selected to qualify for the national tournament.
Manawatū Rugby League chairman Barrie Law received a distinguished service awards at New Zealand Rugby League’s recent annual meeting, having been involved with the sport since 1985
10 July 2021
Sean Spooner joins rarefied air in the club rugby league sphere this weekend, making his 300th premier grade appearance in the Canterbury Rugby League competition.
The 37-year-old will complete this remarkable achievement less than a year after Shane Tamatea joined the 300 Club – and Spooner shares many qualities with his legendary Riccarton Knights teammate.
Commitment, selflessness, leadership, competitive desire.
Talking to Spooner this week ahead of his milestone match at Crosbie Park, humility is another common trait between the pair that shines through.
“I haven’t really thought about (the milestone) too much until after the game last Saturday,” Spooner says.
“It’s come around pretty quick from when I started to now – I guess it’s pretty rare.”
Fittingly, he will play his 300th game against Papanui Tigers, the club Spooner came through the junior ranks at and made his premiers debut for as a teenager way back in 2002.
To put the veteran playmaker’s longevity in perspective, the NRL’s current longest-serving player, Benji Marshall, came into first grade in late-2003.
“The quality of players, the competition back then was very fierce and competitive,” Spooner recalls of his early days in the top flight.
“Any team could beat anyone else on the day and every team had good players – the Tigers had the likes of Eddie Hei Hei, Chris Newton, John Kelly. Quality players at the end of their careers but stars in their own right.
“Lusi Sione (Halswell) and Aaron Whittaker (Riccarton) were also just at the end of their careers when I was starting, they were where I am at the moment.”
After three seasons in the black-and-gold jersey, Spooner joined Hornby Panthers – the start of a fruitful 14-season tenure out west that garnered eight CRL Grand Final appearances and premierships in 2006, 2009-10 and 2012-13.
“It all started with ‘Jiggsy’, (Panthers coach) Brent Ringdahl, he brought me to the club,” he explains.
“I had a conversation with his son, Chris, and it went from there, we built a relationship up and it’s been like that ever since – we’ve always been pretty tight.”
Spooner rates his first and last Grand Final victories as his standout memories at Hornby: “Winning your first Grand Final has got to be up with the best. I can remember listening to the anthem before the game, it was an awesome experience.”
The 2013 Grand Final – the second straight between archrivals Hornby and Halswell to go into extra-time – was a classic, with James Baxendale’s 98th-minute penalty goal securing another title. It was especially sweet for the Spooner family, however, with Sean featuring alongside brother Gene.
“Our parents are pretty proud of that, Jack and Karen.
“It was definitely a standout one from a viewer’s perspective, ebb and flow, it could have gone either way. Both quality teams – Halswell were an exceptionally good team back then.”
While Spooner rates Ringdahl as the biggest influence on his career, he also formed a strong bond with the Panthers’ 2012-13 premiership-winning coach, Brent Stuart, and credits a clutch of experienced teammates for showing him the ropes at Hornby.
“‘Stuey’ was a person I really looked up to, very knowledgeable and I still keep in contact with him now. He’s definitely someone you wanted to be taught by – he’s a bloody good coach.
“Craig Smith and Aaron Harris are two guys who I really respect, they taught me a lot. About the jersey, the culture, everything it means to play for Hornby. Sam Wallace was also someone I enjoyed playing in the same team as.”
Spooner linked with Riccarton last year, leaving a club chock-full of experience that had played in eight of the previous 11 Grand Finals, for a rebuilding, youthful outfit.
The sea change has given Spooner a new lease of life, arguably helping prolong his admirable career.
“It was a fresh approach, I wanted to be a leader and try my hand at something different,” he says.
“A new challenge, some new goals. Really test myself towards the back-end of my career. I really felt I could bring some of that to Riccarton.
“Last season was the first the Knights were in the semi-finals for four years. As a club, I’m really appreciative of all their work. Shane (Tamatea) is an inspiration, the main person at Riccarton – our clubman. Our relationship has got really strong and he’s a good mate.
“Being a leader is something I always wanted to be in any team I played in. I wanted to set an example for people to show that hard work, dedication can pay off in the end. I wanted to be that player that everyone could follow.”
And it’s old-fashioned hard work that has underpinned Spooner’s ability to play at this level for 20 seasons – at least in more recent times.
“Earlier on I wasn’t a massive gym-goer, I was a bit lazy,” he confesses.
“But these past few years I’ve really looked after myself. Kids these days are getting stronger and bigger, so you’ve got to try and match them as best you can.
“The last five years I’ve worked really hard on fitness to be competitive. It’s not easy – you can get left behind pretty quick. I was just trying to take that work ethic to our team at Riccarton and hopefully in coming years it’s going to pay off.”
Spooner remains coy about the prospect of hanging up the boots – and if he follows the example set by Tamatea, who has turned short-lived retirements into an art form, we can expect to the wily ball-player running around again in 2022 and beyond.
“You’re a long time retired, that’s the call Shane uses too. I’ll play it by ear, see how the rest of the season goes – we’ve still got a few games to go. Look after the body and go from there.”
Will Evans
2021 sees the return of Pirtek’s prestigious Volunteer of the Month, where our rugby league community have the chance to see their hard mahi showcased and recognised. This award is given to a volunteer who displays the core values of NZRL’s Kiwi Way, which are being family first, innovative, inclusive, respectful and humble. We are excited to announce June’s Pirtek Volunteer of the Month is William McGlade.
McGlade is a member of the Pirate Panthers Rugby League Club in Napier, serving as a referee, coach, volunteer and player. William has recently coached the Ngati Kahungunu mixed 11s team that travelled away to the NZMRL Tamariki Tournament in Rotorua in April. William has a strong passion for grassroots rugby league, aiming to develop rangatahi not just as players of the game but into strong young men of the region.
McGlade has been instrumental in the development of rugby league in the Hawkes Bay area, and the region recognises his hard work in the community.
Pirtek CEO Chris Bourke commented, “Coach Willy as he is better known, is a perfect example of the volunteers we have and need in our great game of Rugby League. “At the sacrifice of his own family time, Willy donates his time to the Napier Pirate Panthers Rugby League Club to ensure he is nurturing the game for the future. “He further stated, “Once the passion for Rugby League is in the blood, it is tough to remove, and that’s why William McGlade is a well-deserving Pirtek Volunteer of the Month.”
Position: Director, Akarana Rugby LeagueLocation: Auckland | Tamaki MakaurauKō wai mātou |About usAkarana Rugby League (ARL) is an Incorporated Society responsible for the sport in one of two zones in the Auckland region. It is responsible for pathways, representative teams and ensuring coaches, managers, trainers, refs and volunteers are supported.Akarana has local and representative competition, masters, premier and junior teams and 22 clubs. Akarana are seeking to appoint two directors, which will see the board at 6 members. One director retiring and one vacant position.Akarana has in place a general manager based in AucklandHei whakahere | What we offerAppointment term: the term is four years with the possibility of reappointment, subject to effective performance and rotation, up to a maximum of two terms.Location: to ensure regional connection it is desirable for the director to live in the Auckland area.Commitment: Board meetings are held monthly except January, start around 3.30 and end by 5pm. Virtual meetings, AGM and events supporting the development of the sport Akarana are expected.The role is voluntary but could be a stepping-stone to the national board or a host of other governance opportunities.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 ARL.He korero mōu | About youWe are looking for:
30 June 2021
Rugby league has this week lost a precious taonga.
Cathy Friend QSM, the first woman to receive an NZRL Life Membership passed away on Tuesday, June 29
A loved and respected kuia and a stalwart of the game, Cathy’s time in rugby league stretched over seven decades and saw her awarded Life Membership to the Auckland Rugby League, Auckland Māori Rugby League, New Zealand Māori Rugby League and New Zealand Rugby League, becoming the first female inductee of the latter organisation.
A veteran of the Manukau and Otahuhu clubs, Friend started her rugby league career as a teenager working in administration.
She was a driving force behind NZ Maori participation in the 2000 Rugby League World Cup earning the Maori Sports Administrator of the Year.
She has also been awarded a Queen’s Service Medal for her contribution to the game, and in 2017 she became the first-ever kaumātua kuia of the ARL. As of 2019, the award for Auckland’s best female player each year carries her name.
In more recent years, despite struggles with her health, Cathy remained a valued mentor and sounding board for people across the rugby league landscape and regularly still attended ARL events and club functions.
Much loved wife of the late Ivan Lionel Friend and dearly loved Mother and Mother-in-law of Andrew (Deceased), Carmen and Whetu, Clayton and Joanne, Tony and Gus, Jackie & Neil plus Nana ‘Bubbles’ to many moko.
Bub will be laying in state at Kokako Lodge, 235 Falls Rd, Hunua.
A service for Cathy will be held at the Otahuhu Rugby League Club on Friday 2nd July 2021 at 11am. Then burial at Mangere Lawn Cemetery to follow.”
29 June 2021
Congratulations to the following who received Distinguished Service Awards at the recent 2021 NZRL AGM
George Tuata Tahapehi has been involved in the game since 1978, coaching the Putaruru Dragons, Ngongotaha, Pacific Sharks and the Tokoroa Devils. Tahapehi also coached Tokoroa High School and won the final of the Telecom Cup. George, a founding Life Member of Midland Masters Rugby League Tokoroa, is still playing at 73 and received Gold Shorts Kiwi Player in Australia in 2016.
Tahapehi enjoyed a spell as Midland Rugby League President from 1980-90 and has been a vital figure in the club. He served as a Junior Schoolboy Co-ordinator, youth representative coach and administrator for most of the Senior Grades. He coached the u15s, became a premier referee and an Honorary Member of Midlands Rugby League Club. George Tahapehi has had an enormous influence on the district and fabric of the club.
On a national level, the Midlands man has been involved in the NZRL Schoolboys Council, the New Zealand Schools u15 council, Kiwis Schoolboys coach in 1991 and North Island Rugby League coach in 1980.
George has served the game he loves for 43 years and did the mileage that has allowed the rugby league community in Tokoroa to survive. Tahapehi continues to serve the community holding barbecues for the annual Children’s Day in Tokoroa and also collecting boots that he can provide tamariki and rangatahi to which they often wouldn’t have been able to afford.
Alana Lockhorst has been a significant member of the Southland rugby league community. She has been a key person for Cooks Rugby League Club in Invercargill for the past ten years and has divided her time into making sure the club is well resourced, active in recruiting and retaining players and undertakes a majority of key roles in organising the club.
Alana has been the heart of Southland Rugby League for the past ten years. She has held various roles in the district, including secretary, treasurer, and at times has led the organisation and managed the Premier representative team, the Southland Rams.
She has almost single-handedly promoted and created opportunities for rangatahi in the game. She runs competitions and organises funding and resourcing for 14s, 15s, 17s, and girls representative teams.
She currently organises and manages the senior competition and is always involved in any events and activities hosted by Southland Rugby League.
She works closely with the managers of club and representative teams to upskill them whilst also managing age-grade teams where required.
Without her contribution operationally, Southland Rugby League would not have provided the level of rugby league that they do to their community.
Alana managed the NZ Secondary Schools Team in 2017 and the NZ Residents Team in 2017 and 2019.
An NZRL historian and long-serving member of the Wellington Rugby League Referees Association, William “Bill” Mann has been serving the rugby league community since 1943. Mann began coaching in 1957 before moving to Porirua and co-founding the Western Suburbs RLC, which later changed their name to Porirua City.
He joined the WRL Referees Association in 1963, working his way up to a senior referee and then treasurer of the association between 1969 and 1972, rules critic from 1975-80 and referee’s delegate on the WRL Board of Control and Chairman in 1980-81. Mann retired from his position in 1981 and was made a Life Member of the WRLRA in 1985.
Bill Mann was a pioneer in the rugby league and referee’s space in Wellington and created a better game in the region. His efforts will not go unnoticed and are still felt to this day.
Desmond O’Sullivan is also a member of the Wellington Rugby League Referees Association, beginning his relationship with the game more than 50 years ago as a coach of junior side Marist-St Joseph’s school in Auckland – picking up the whistle in 1967 at age 17.
Between 1967 and 1993, O’Sullivan officiated 95 representative games, had 16 international appointments and refereed two Wellington club grand finals in 1986 and 1988. He officiated the Tusk Cup, Rugby League Cup, National Tournament and other representative honours also.
In 1972, Des moved to Wellington and was voted into the association in September of that year; after fixtures as a touch judge, O’Sullivan had his first provincial refereeing appointment on September 11th, 1976. In 1978, Des was made an Assistant Rules Critic of the WRLRA before becoming Deputy Chairman in 1981. The following year O’Sullivan was elected Chairman, of which he served until 1990.
During this period, Desmond was a part of the NZRL Test Panel for two years and ran numerous lines and the reserve referee. A year before he stood down from refereeing in 1993, Des was made a Life Member of the Wellington Referees Association. He later got involved in writing and running the first level three referee’s course at Hopuhopu in 1997 and even received a Queen’s Service Medal for his contribution to rugby league, rotary and to the New Zealand Police.
His last honour came in 2011 when he was made a life member of the Wellington Rugby League and has been a patron of the WRLRA since 2010.
Barrie first got involved in Rugby League in 1985. He became a member of the Korodale Rugby League Club, becoming the assistant manager in 1986, for the Trentham Camp Rugby League Club, which at the time was affiliated to the Korodale Rugby League as the Trentham Army Team or Korodale Army. Barrie held the position of manager in 1987.
Upon posting to Burnham, Barrie relinquished his roles and simply supported the Burnham camp team in the Canterbury competition.
When Barrie returned to Trentham, on Army posting, he again took over as the Trentham Team manager and club chairman (1993 – 1996). The club was known as the Upper Hutt Army or occasionally as Trentham Tigers and was affiliated to the Upper Hutt Rugby League Club, fielding the club’s senior second’s team. The club went from strength to strength over this period where the Trentham Camp team under the Upper Hutt Tigers colours won 2 grand finals, 1994 and 1996 and were semi-finalists in 1995.
For a short period, Barrie was also Vice Chairman of Upper Hutt (six months) just before posting to Waiouru in November 1996.
On posting to Waiouru, Barrie took up the reigns of the Waiouru “Bobcats” Rugby League Club, where he again was the manager and club chairman. During his tenure, and with assistance from rugby league enthusiasts in the Waimarino district established a small junior rugby league group where games were played on a turn-up and play basis. Many weekends were spent travelling with the premiers on Saturday and with the juniors on a Sunday. During this period, the Waiouru Bobcats went through many structures and eventually settled on a Premier Reserve Team where they won 2 grand finals in the Manawatu competition.
Barrie relinquished these roles when he posted to Linton in 2002. Barrie supported the Linton Army Rugby league club, Linton “Cobra’s”, from 2002 and remains an avid supporter. During his time with the club, he held the role of Chairman over the period 2013 To 2019.
Under Barrie’s guidance and with assistance from other military rugby league enthusiasts incorporated the women’s game into the fold at Linton with a strong contingent of army and community members joining the team to participate in the Wellington Women’s Rugby league Competition. The club also grew to include junior playing teams during his time as Chairperson.
Law held the position of Chairman NZ Defence Forces Rugby League and, when not hosting, has been an executive committee member. Barrie has been referred to within Army and NZ Defence Force as Mr Rugby League.
Barrie was instrumental in producing the first strategic plan for NZ Defence Forces Rugby League, which approved two matches a year, something no other sports code in Defence had at the time. He was also instrumental in having the NZ Defence Forces Rugby League approved by NZRL as an official NZ representative side.
Barrie was awarded the NZ Army Colour for Sport in November 2004.
Congratulations to all of the above who received Distinguished Service Awards at the recent 2021 NZRL AGM. We thank you for your years of service and dedication to the great game of rugby league.
28 June 2021
New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) held its annual general meeting on Saturday, 26th June.
The AGM reflected on an encouraging financial performance and a strong rebuild post the initial impact of Covid, as NZRL (parent) announced a $750,000 profit and $1m when consolidated with the seven Zones.
CEO Greg Peters said, “We are finally in a stabilised financial position following significant losses in 2017/18 and 2018/19 and after an improved performance in 2019/20.
“The recent announcement regarding our renewed and improved partnership with Sky combined with other new revenue lines will see significantly increased investment into the grassroots game via our Zones. This is the first substantial increase for many years.”
However, Peters was quick to note the Covid risk is still very present.
“Although positive we aren’t out of the woods yet. There are ongoing risks, and we know how quickly things can change; nevertheless, we are now in a position where we can better grow the game and its opportunities throughout the country.”
The 2021 AGM also saw Reon Edwards retire from his role as NZRL Chairman while long-serving Director Hugh Martyn was appointed as the new chair of NZRL.
Newly elected Chairman, Hugh Martyn, had served on the NZRL board for three years as deputy chair and as Acting CEO for six months in 2018; he brings significant governance experience coupled with a dedication to rugby league and an admiration for its impact.
“Firstly, I’d like to congratulate Reon on the huge contribution and leadership he’s provided during his time as Chair and Director,” says Martyn.
“His outstanding service and dedication over the last six years have seen him guide and lead the organisation successfully through some trying times. It’s an honour to be given this opportunity; however, Reon will be sorely missed, I wish him all the best with his future endeavours.”
Martyn adds, “In my three years, I have learnt so much about what a difference rugby league can make. The rugby league community has inspired me with the passion and heart that they bring to the game and the good the game does.
“I’m grateful to be able to play an ongoing part in the direction and growth of rugby league in New Zealand, as collectively, we look to achieve great things for our game, communities and people. It is a privilege to be appointed as NZRL’s Chairman.”
Natasha Tere was elected as Deputy Chair of NZRL. She boasts over 15 years of strategic and operational management experience and is passionate about sports administration.
Tere was on the Board of Canterbury Netball for eight years and Chairperson of the Canterbury Tactix. She brings rugby league knowledge at a grassroots level, sitting on the Southern Zone board since 2017 and is driven to improve stakeholder engagement and cultural and social diversity.
The AGM also welcomed two new director appointments in Jeni Pearce MNZM (Independent) and Justin Leydesdorff (Knowledgeable).
Jeni Pearce is an internationally recognised New Zealand sports scientist who has worked in the high-performance environment in both New Zealand and England for the past 13 years.
Pearce is also a well-respected published author, authoring 12 books and selling over 170,000 copies. She doubled as a university and public lecturer and was awarded a Member of the New Zealand of Merit in the 2015 Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to Sports Nutrition.
Justin Leydesdorff brings with him over 20 years of experience in governance and senior leadership positions surrounding the delivery of sport and recreation in New Zealand.
Leydesdorff worked as an independent Board member and Chairperson for Counties Manukau Rugby League from April 2015 to July 2020 and joined the Zone’s Risk and Audit Committee from July 2020 until April 2021.
NZRL Chairman Hugh Martyn says, “Jeni brings with her an abundance of governance experience, and her accolades and honours are a testament to the value she provides.
“Justin is well respected in the rugby league community, and his experience, passion and connection to our game make him a valuable addition. We are very fortunate to have two candidates of this calibre join our team.”
To conclude the AGM, NZRL awarded the following with Distinguished Service Awards: Des Michael O’Sullivan, William ‘Bill’ Mann, George Tuata Tahapehi, Alana Lockhorst and Barrie Robert James Law.
The NZRL Board is Hugh Martyn (Chair), Natasha Tere (Deputy Chair), Tawera Nikau, Grant Stapleton, Paula Kearns, Jeni Pearce, and Justin Leydesdorff.
In the spirit of National Volunteer Week in Aotearoa, New Zealand Rugby League will showcase the hard mahi that goes unnoticed around the motu. From coaches to administration, volunteers are naturally a huge part of the foundation of rugby league and thus deserve to be highlighted.
Through NZRL’s More Than A Game philosophy, we are committed to transforming lives and community wellbeing through rugby league, this is achieved by the hard-working volunteers that make up our many communities.
In 2021, a plethora of the game’s servants have already given back to their communities, and this article will highlight the efforts of Jade Wylde, Jess Bijl-Kakoi and Ally Tamihere.
Ally Tamihere has been committed to the game in Tairawhiti for over 15 years. She has helped host the National Women’s Tournament in 2012, bringing the Warriors and the Sharks to Tairawhiti, co-ordinating the local senior competition while also supporting rangatahi and the premier men at the National Maori Tournaments.
Tamihere has also had influence in implementing hauora kaupapa, such as suicide awareness and prevention in the Tairawhiti region. In 2021, Ally has been focused on developing the grassroots game providing mini-mod competitions and also the annual Trish Hina Tournament.
Graham Edmonds of Te Tairawhiti spoke on Tamihere, “The passion and drive she has for the game is second to none. Her energy and mahi can be felt all of the Gisborne area, and we appreciate all her hard work and dedication towards the game.”
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Taranaki’s Jade Wylde has been instrumental in introducing a new rugby league club named Stratford Toa, as well as coaching its under 6’s team.
Acquaintance Jamie Lee Davis had this to say about Wylde, “He is the first to arrive and last to leave, he goes above and beyond for the youth, and it is never a chore for him. Stratford Toa appreciates him and his efforts in creating and developing our new rugby league club.”
Jess Bijl-Kakoi has helped keep the Canterbury under 14s competition alive, entering a team (EE Sports Tuna) and ensuring there are sufficient pathways for players in that age bracket.
“Jess, alongside husband Sam, work tirelessly to ensure players are registered, playing and healthy. She is a fantastic support person for the young people while also getting dirty with pick-ups and drop-offs.” Clubmate, Te Iwingaro Wairau states.
Bijl-Kakoi invests tremendously into the rangatahi of the area and will continue to find avenues to develop them both on and off the field.
An article can do no justice to all the mahi these individuals do for rugby league around the country. Still, it is essential to highlight and showcase some of the volunteers that drive the game in Aotearoa.
Kiwi #726 David Faalogo has been working in tandem with Springboard to help school students transition from secondary school into employment or tertiary education. The former Souths, Huddersfield Giants and Newcastle forward has been working exclusively with Long Bay College and Kristin School, being a vital support person.
Springboard is an organisation created in 2002 that aims to work with youth (8-24yrs) and their families to provide support programmes and create opportunities for young people to achieve positive outcomes. They focus on personal wellbeing by creating a place of belonging and celebrating intimate connections.
Faalogo invited NZRL’s Wellbeing manager Jerry Seuseu, Ali Lauiti’iti and the Warriors Wellbeing manager Ben Henry to present alongside himself at Long Bay College. They presented to the year 13 cohorts about transitioning from school into tertiary education or the workforce and the challenges it may present.
“I want to give back, there are young adults that need some guidance and experienced advice, and it is a priority of mine to be this person for young people,” said Fa’alogo.
“Growing up, I had advice and guidance from mentors in sport teams, and so I know the importance it can have. I made mistakes at a younger age, but we live and learn, and we make sure we do our best not to make those same mistakes.”
The presentation infused both advice from the former NRL starlets as well as personal stories that could help relate these tips to the lives of the students.
NZRL Wellbeing Manager Jerry Seuseu commented, “David told us about this presentation and we jumped right on board to see a former Kiwi such as himself focused on making a difference in the wellbeing of youth in Auckland is an inspiration.
“We are proud to be a part of something like this and are excited to see the growth of rangatahi in Tamaki Makaurau.”
23 June 2021
New Zealand Rugby League and NRL action will be live on Sky for many years to come. Today Sky confirmed an exciting partnership with NZRL and it’s so much more than a broadcast deal.
Sky will continue to bring sports fans every fantastic match of the NRL and State of Origin, and all the NZRL-run matches involving the Kiwis and the Kiwi Ferns. But it’s more than this.
Through this partnership, Sky have committed to working even more closely with the NRL and NZRL to grow the game of Rugby League in New Zealand.
Sky will promote and support wāhine toa, and do everything to engage with and develop the next generation of League fans and players from grassroots to high performance. Together there is a keen focus on the future of the game.
This digital partnership means together all entities can deliver great fan moments and experiences to all New Zealanders in ways that work for them.
Sky have also committed to making some important matches available free-to-access, to ensure as many Kiwis as possible can enjoy the wonderful game of Rugby League.
Andrew Abdo, NRL Chief Executive says: “This is an exciting deal for rugby league fans in New Zealand and highlights Sky’s ongoing commitment to growing our game. It ensures every Premiership and NRLW game will continue to be broadcast live, along with the Finals Series and State of Origin.
“Sky’s increased commitment for the duration of this deal will assist in expanding our reach in New Zealand including coverage of our emerging development competitions. There’s around 1 million Kiwis who follow rugby league and partnerships like this play a vital role in growing our fan base and ensuring even more coverage of the one of the world’s most entertaining and exciting competitions. We have some of the best athletes in the world and a growing number of those players are from New Zealand.
“This deal also highlights the importance of the New Zealand Warriors. Despite the Warriors not having played in Auckland for over a year, Sky were committed to not only extending their deal, but significantly broadening it.”
Greg Peters, NZRL CEO says: “Sky has been a long-term supporter of Rugby League for over 25 years now, and the nature of this renewed partnership enhances and deepens this to a new level.
“Against the backdrop of our current sponsorship agreement, coupled with added value over the next seven years, this enables us to support the game in ways we haven’t seen before, from grassroots to high performance.
“This kind of partnership signifies a new era and is a real milestone for Rugby League. Thank you to Sky Sport for sharing our vision and supporting us in such a significant capacity.”
More than 1.1 million[1] New Zealand fans have tuned into the NRL this year alone. In 2020, League lovers and occasional sport fans alike enjoyed 276 matches, across NRL, the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns, State of Origin, the NSW and QLD Cups and the National Premiership Men’s and Women’s.
Sky, NZRL and the NRL will continue to support the game in New Zealand – together we can do great things.
[1] Source Nielsen TAM, 2021 Year To Date 22/06/21, AP5+ including Prime
Kō wai mātou |About usRugby League Northland Zone (RLN) is an Incorporated Society responsible for the sport in the Northland area. It is responsible for club competitions, representative teams and ensuring coaches, managers, trainers, refs and volunteers are supported. RLN supports local and representative competitions, premier and junior teams, and clubs within the Northland area.
RLN also works with schools in the region delivering ‘Leadership through League’, ‘Adam Blair’, ‘Kiwi Tag’, ‘Lightning League (Girls only)’, ‘League 9’s’ and ‘League Festivals’ in primary, intermediate and secondary schools.
RLN are seeking to appoint three directors, which will see the board at seven members. Two directors retire by rotation and are standing again. A succession plan for the Chair is also in play.
RLN has in place a Community Manager and supporting roles including a Development Manager, a Development Officer and a Competition, Communication and Administration Manager. The supporting roles report to the Community Manager.
Hei whakahere | What we offerAppointment term: the term is four years with the possibility of reappointment, subject to effective performance and rotation, up to a maximum of two further terms.
Location: to ensure regional connection it is desirable for the director to live in the north or the Auckland area or have a meaningful connection.
Commitment: Board meetings are held monthly except January, starting at 5.30pm. Virtual meetings, AGM and events supporting the development of the sport in the region are expected. The role is voluntary but could be a stepping-stone to the national board or a host of other governance opportunities.
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 RLN.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
He korero mōu | About youWe are looking for:1. Strong community development links and network2. Can provide an example or examples of community development outcomes they have led3. Desire to build the sport in the region4. Governance experience (in a sports or voluntary organisation desirable but not preferable)5. Management experience6. Financial focus within a modest budget7. Strategic and innovative thinker8. Gender diversity and inclusion is a focus
16 June 2021
The much loved Sky Sport NZRL Rugby League Roadshow is back and will be visiting Canterbury Agriculture Park in Christchurch next Saturday, June 26th.
The Roadshow will run alongside scheduled Mini Mod games and will kick off around 9 am.
The Roadshow is then scheduled to visit Timaru on July 30th and Hawkes Bay on August 28th; NZRL will release further information on the upcoming destinations in due course.
In association with the Vodafone Warriors and Sky Sport, the Roadshow aims to promote rugby league in the regions to showcase our great game and encourage new registrations.
There will be plenty of fun games, giveaways and spot prizes on the day for participants.
The Roadshows can also provide local league clubs with the opportunity to have a presence at each activation to connect more directly with community members to find their future players.
In addition to this, Kiwi League Kids (12 and under) who register with a club will later receive a Sky Sport starter pack which includes a brand new OPRO mouthguard, Kiwis/Ferns poster, rugby league ball, and ball bag.
NZRL General Manager of Community Ani Cherrington says: “We are excited to see the Roadshow return as it’s an important way for us to showcase and grow our game. It’s great we can do this in partnership with Sky Sport and the Warriors, and we to hope see our communities turn out in force.”
The Roadshows are a free event and open to all members of the community.
Upcoming Roadshows
Christchurch Canterbury Agricultural Park | Saturday June 26th | 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Timaru | Ashbury Park |July 30th | 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Hawkes Bay | TBC | August 28th | TBC
10 June 2021
New Zealand Rugby League is saddened to hear of the passing of Shane Dowsett Kiwi #495.
The Auckland Rugby League and Otahuhu Leopards legend, Shane Dowsett, spent over 25 years in the game, playing in five Fox Memorial finals and three as captain. He then reached the pinnacle of league success by touring with the Kiwis in 1971, earning his Test debut.
He was renowned for his fierce defence, toughness and lack of fear.
Condolences are with the Dowsett family during this time.
7 June 2021
The 35-year-old Blair, from Whangarei, has been made an MNZM for his services to rugby league.
Blair is only the second person in the history of rugby league to play 50 Tests for New Zealand behind Ruben Wiki (55) and is the New Zealander with the second most NRL appearances in the Australian Premiership (331) cementing himself as one of New Zealand Rugby League’s greats.
Adam Blair took the field at Eden Park against the Great Britain Lions in 2019 in what was his 50th Test cap for New Zealand, marking an exceptional international rugby league career spanning 14 seasons. He is just the ninth player in history, and second New Zealander to achieve such a milestone.
Blair has a long and decorated career in the Black and White jersey beginning in 2006 when he made his debut after only 16 NRL appearances. Injury struck him out of the Kiwis’ 2007 campaign but he went on to feature in all seven of the Kiwis’ 2008 Tests; including the most iconic Test match of all, the 2008 World Cup final where Blair’s pick-up of a loose ball to score sealed New Zealand’s first ever World Cup victory with a 34-20 triumph over Australia.
He went on to play all five of the Kiwis’ Tests in 2009 – winning the NZRL International Player of the Year and was a regular at prop, lock or second-row for his country until the end of 2012, including another Suncorp Stadium upset of the Kangaroos in the 2010 Four Nations Final.
2014 Blair received a well-deserved recall for the Kiwis and was a front-row starter in all four Four Nations matches including dual wins over the Kangaroos.
2015 saw Blair named co-captain of the Kiwis squad that toured England and was ever present in all six of New Zealand’s 2016 Tests and the 2017 Anzac Test. Blair then received an honourable accolade as he was announced Captain of the Kiwis’ 2017 World Cup squad.
2018 saw him capped in New Zealand’s record-equalling fifth victory over Australia and two matches against England.
After skippering the Māori All-Stars in a historic pre-season encounter with the Indigenous All Stars, Blair made his 300th NRL appearance in 2019 – only the third Kiwi to do so following greats, Ruben Wiki and Simon Mannering.
2019 saw the 33 year old receive a late call up for the Kiwis campaign where he started at lock against Australia before being honoured with his 50th Test cap in front of friends and family at home at Eden Park. He went on to play his last Test for the Kiwis the following week in Christchurch as the Kiwis achieved a series win against the touring Great Britain squad.
Against the backdrop of his international accolades, 2020 saw Blair co-captain the Māori All-Stars in their 30-16 win over the Indigenous All Stars to then go on and play every single game for the Warriors 2020 season before calling time on his long-standing but legendary career.
For all that, when he was told about his appointment, he admits he initially thought he’d done something wrong. “I got a phone call from someone from the Governor-General’s office and I thought I was in a bit of trouble!” Blair told Stuff.
“I was wondering what I’d done wrong, so I needed to apologise to the lady on the phone who spoke to me, because I was a bit funny on the phone and I had to say sorry for the way I acted.
“But I’m very grateful and humbled to be nominated firstly and then to be on the list.”
NZRL CEO Greg Peters says, “Adam Blair has cemented himself as a rugby league great, a Kiwi legend and a Māori leader.
“We are extremely grateful to have had someone of his calibre rep the Black and White jersey, and we thank Adam for not only leading on the field but also in the community and being a great advocate for the game,” he adds.
“This accolade is well deserved, he’s a Kiwi great who has been an integral part of key New Zealand Rugby League history. His impact both on and off the field will be felt for decades to come. Congratulations Adam.”
Warriors CEO Cameron George says that even during his playing days, Blair’s dedication to give back to local communities went unmatched.
“When we needed something in the community, regardless of his pay-packet or standing in the game, Adam was always the first one to put up his hand,” he said.
“He just loves giving back to people, and he’s been able to do that through rugby league, because he has a wonderful story behind him.”
“His passion and commitment are outstanding, and we’re really privileged to have him as part of our club and the game should be privileged to have people like Adam in it.”
Blair has moved on to the next chapter in his life which he’s pursuing with the same enthusiasm he’s always had.
“I’m doing the TV stuff and I fell into that,” Blair said.
“I’m lucky after everything I’ve done to be able to talk about rugby league, which is everything I know.
“I help with the development pathways at the Warriors, with Stacey Jones and Tony Iro.
“At the moment there aren’t any pathways set up, because of Covid and there not being any games.“ But I can teach them the basics of our game and give them my knowledge and experience to help, so they’re prepared to take the next step.
“I’m also trying to sneak off on my own and set up the ultimate goal for me, which is to have an academy. Where people come to me and I show them the way, with my knowledge and train them.
“But then if those pathways aren’t open for them, then there are other opportunities out there.
“So have businessmen and trades all connected into the one academy where I can show them pathways, rather than them getting to the point where they realise they’re not going to make it in rugby league, then not knowing what they should do next, and we are losing a lot of kids.
“So that’s my ultimate goal, to give back to the community, help our next generation be better equipped for not just rugby league, but for life in general.”
Peter Butler, Kaihautū (Captain of the Waka) of Palmerston North’s Highbury Whānau Centre, has been working with rangatahi for more than two decades, in both the community and on the rugby league field.
Peter, alongside his team, have developed the W.A.R Programme (Work readiness, attitude, and reliability) to tackle the transition from school to work for young people, In a bid to capture those falling through the cracks.
The W.A.R Programme is designed for rangatahi aged 17 – 20 to transition into the workplace with confidence and the skills to begin and maintain employment.
Butler also coaches in several different spaces, including the NZRL U16s Residents, Viper’s Men’s Championship team, and the victorious U20’s Central Districts squad.
Peter has found success in both areas he operates, helping young people become employed and rugby league youth grow into fantastic young men.
Butler commented, “It is more than a game for us; it’s about connecting and building relationships with young people.”
Besides the outstanding mahi Butler does in the Palmerston North community, he transfers his skills from the community space to grow rangtahi participation in rugby league.
“Whether it is teaching them skills for the workplace or coaching our U20’s boys the fundamentals of the game, we aim to work alongside youth and unlock their potential.”
“Majority of our boys are Maori/Pasifika in the rugby league space. Our people have so much untapped potential due to the lack of support some of them get, our mission is to be that support. To be that backbone they can find solace in.”
02 June 2021
NZRL is pleased to announce an inaugural National District 9s Tournament will take place in early 2022 involving four age group divisions: 16s Boys, 16s Girls, 18s Boys and 18s Girls.
The National District 9s will entail three stages:
District Tournaments – Early 2022, the districts across New Zealand are invited to run 9s Tournaments for their clubs to enter, to which districts will then select teams for each applicable age group to enter the ‘Regional Tournaments.’
Regional Tournaments – Selected district teams will then battle it out at the Regional Qualifier Tournaments held throughout the country, managed by the zones and Auckland Rugby League (in Auckland), for a place in the National District 9s Tournament.
National District 9s Tournament – The top qualifying eight district teams (per age group) will compete in the National 9s Tournament in April 2022. The National District 9s Tournament will collectively see 32 teams compete with a 16s Boys Champion, 16s Girls Champion, 18s Boys Champion and 18s Girls Champion, all crowned at the conclusion of the tournament.
David McMeeken, National Football Operations Manager at NZRL, says: “The 9s format is a proven successful entry point for rugby league as it nurtures and grows the game at a district level.”
“Auckland Rugby League (ARL) is the only district in the country that offers a weekly competition in the girls’ space, to which they also accommodate two Waikato clubs in their competition. The ARL started with the 9s format to introduce the game and have seen evergrowing success since with seven U18s, 13 U16s and 12 U14s girls teams.
“The goal is to see other districts emulate this and build momentum and participation numbers in both boys’ and girls’ age groups. The new District 9s Tournament brings that competition back at a regional level while fostering and developing rangatahi talent throughout the country. It’s great for the game and an exciting addition to the football calendar.”
Luisa Avaiki, Head of Women’s Rugby League at NZRL, says: “There is significant and growing interest in the girls’ game across the country and it’s formats like the 9s that enable this.”
“We have 16 girls teams who have expressed interest to attend the inaugural NZRL National Secondary Schools Girl’s Tournament in August. A lot of this comes down to the mahi done by ARL and even New Zealand Māori Rugby League (NZMRL), who offer a platform for Kotiro to represent their people at the Rangatahi tournaments.
“I’m beyond delighted that we can now offer a National District 9s Tournament to continue this momentum. It’s a significant milestone and one that hopefully encourages girls from every district across New Zealand to get involved and fall in love with rugby league.”
NZRL will release further details on confirmed National District 9 Tournament dates and locations in due course.
01 June 2021
New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) is pleased to confirm a busy NZ16s and NZ18s representative schedule for the year in liaison with New Zealand Māori Rugby League (NZMRL) and Auckland Rugby League (ARL).
NZRL recently announced the selection of an NZ18s Girls Schools team off the back of the inaugural NZRL Secondary Schools Girl’s Competition in August. The NZ18s Girls will take on the Auckland 18s Girls on Sunday, 3 October.
The Auckland 18s side will be selected off the back of the Auckland Rugby League (ARL) Region of Origin. The ARL Region of Origin provides a pathway for players unavailable to participate in the NZRL Secondary Schools or NZMRL Rangatahi Tournaments to represent Auckland in a trial game against New Zealand Secondary School Girls.
ARL CEO Greg Whaiapu says: “It’s really exciting to be able to offer up these opportunities for our local Auckland players and we’re looking forward to being part of the NZRL’s annual competitions.”
“The girls-specific grades are the fastest growing area of our game right now and it’s an important next step that we continue to offer more opportunities for our players and coaches in those grades to earn honours at a higher level.
“We also want to encourage and help the other districts around New Zealand to keep growing the female game.”
New Zealand Māori Rugby League (NZMRL) will select a squad to participate in the Pasifika Aotearoa Collective Tournament (15th – 17th October) off the back of their NZMRL Rangatahi Tournament over Queen’s Birthday weekend in June.
John Devonshire, NZMRL Chairman, says, “This is an outstanding opportunity for our seven foundation member nations to come together in an inaugural Pasifika Aotearoa Collective (PAC) rangatahi side.”
“For so long we have competed against each other at many levels, the opportunity for our Cook Island, Fijian, Niuean, NZ Māori, Samoan, Tongan and Tokelauns to play together side by side is incredible. We are grateful to Motu Tony and the NZRL for this opportunity to create our own PAC history.”
From there, NZMRL will then finalise their 18s Kotiro team to take on the NZ18s Girls at the NZMRL Tuakana Tournament in Rotorua on October 23rd.
John Devonshire, adds, “For our Māori Kotiro 18’s side to participate in this historical match is right. NZ Māori, along with the ARL have been the key drivers in the kotiro space. The match is a reflection of the momentum that kotiro rugby league is having in NZ. Well done Lui and the NZRL; this has been a long time in the making, it is here now – bring it on!”
The NZMRL Tuakana Tournament will also play host to a clash between the NZ Resident 16s and the Pasifika Aotearoa Collective 17s (Boys).
The NZ Resident 16s team will comprise of the best players from the NZRL National Youth Tournament held in early October, while the Pasifika Aotearoa Collective 17s will be the merit team selected from the Pasifika Aotearoa Collective Tournament.
Luisa Avaiki, Head of Women’s Rugby League at NZRL, says the new representative clashes are huge milestones for the game.
“It’s so exciting to provide these playing opportunities which reflect the hard mahi going into growing and developing our women’s space across the country.”
“Thank you to ARL and NZMRL, who have pioneered the girls game for many years now. It’s exciting to come together and provide opportunities for girls to play rugby league at a representative level. It adds a layer of incentive and fosters further pathways that encourage participation growth and player development.
“I can’t wait to see what the girls produce come the end of the year.”
NZ18s Schools v Clubs also returns for its second year, which will see the best 18s players from the NZRL Secondary School Competition and NZRL Youth Tournament face off in October. NZRL will release further detail on the clash in due course.
Be part of a team at the New Zealand Universities and Tertiary Students Rugby League 9s Tournament!
Monday 24th May, 2021.
Rugby League has seen a decline in participation for the Wellington region, but Game Developer Anya Hape has put plans in place to see a revival in the area.
Hape is a former player in the grassroots space as well as a Wellington Orca’s representative and has a burning desire to grow rugby league in her hometown.
“I am passionate and about rangatahi having the opportunity to play rugby league, as well as developing our men’s and women’s pathways.” Hape commented.
The former Orca attended NZRL’s Aspiring Her conference seeking the skills needed to further push the game and acquire valuable advice from women in rugby league across the nation.
From this conference, she has taken action in regards to reintroducing the women’s competition and rangatahi pathways for the region.
“I have been in the rugby league space for numerous years, as a player, coach and referee.”
Hape continues, “The confidence and resources I received from the conference allowed for us to implement plans for an inaugural youth tournament. This to be played in tandem with the first women’s grade competition in Wellington since 2016. We are also nurturing a team to enter NZRL’s Secondary Schools competition. Another first for the region.”
“Wellington Rugby League will also be looking to grow the 13-17 year old competitions. The Aspiring Her conference was beneficial for me and is something that needs to continue if we are to grow our rugby league Wāhine.”
The Aspiring Her programme aims to strengthen and widen female development in rugby league, both on and off the field. NZRL and Head of Women’s Rugby League, Luisa Avaiki, held the conference from the 9th to the 11th of April to help women implement a support plan for their respective rugby league regions.
For more on Aspiring Her, visit our Facebook page.
Over 25 years Nadene Conlon has achieved numerous milestones in rugby league. But the Kiwi Fern tells Ashley Stanley it’s the impact off the field that truly matters.
Nadene Conlon has broken through many glass ceilings in her sport.
The Kiwi Fern original was the first women’s captain to win the inaugural rugby league World Cup in 2000, and also the first woman to get the full-time role of managing the Kiwi men’s team in 2016.
But the 36-test veteran believes it’s the impact the sport provides off the field that truly matters.
“You can never really underestimate or undervalue the impact that you can make through sport on some people’s lives,” says Conlon. “There’s nothing better than being able to do that. And sometimes we have to remind ourselves of it.”
In a career spanning over 25 years, as a player and administrator, Conlon is a clear example of just how powerful it can be when people influence others through sport – sometimes without even realising.
A gesture from a former New Zealand Warriors U20’s player who Conlon used to manage during her time at the NRL franchise, has shown how much of an impact she had on him and rugby league in general.
Since retiring from the sport through injuries, Alamoti Finau has taken up a coaching role with the Marist women’s rugby league team – the club Conlon used to play for, after starting in the game in 1993.
To have former players give back through the women’s space is invaluable. But Finau went one step further. He created the first Auckland Rugby League inter-club trophy honouring a female in recognition of Conlon and her services to the game.
The Nadene Conlon trophy will be up for grabs each year when the Marist Saints and Glenora Bears take the field in the Farrelly Photos Women’s Championship competition. Their first encounter is scheduled for Sunday June 20 at Glenora – Conlon’s family club in West Auckland where she spent most of her weekends helping out as a youngster.
Conlon admits her initial thoughts were mixed when she found out a trophy was named after her.
“It didn’t really sink in at first, I was sort of like ‘Oh yeah, that’s great’. And then I went through a bit of mixed emotions,” she says.
“Even now, it’s still just sinking in. But I think for me, one of the greatest things is that someone even thought of it for a start. And then when they told me why they actually made the trophy, I thought ‘Oh, ok, thank you, that’s amazing.
“It was really touching for me, that he was the one that came up with the idea.”
In a career littered with many ‘firsts’, the back-rower says a stand out moment was captaining the Kiwi Ferns to a World Cup title in 2000.
“That was a real highlight but every moment that I wore the black and white jersey was really special and meant so much,” she says. In her 10 years representing New Zealand from 1995 to 2005, she only experienced one defeat. Conlon was also the first full-time woman in a coaching and development role at ARL in the same year.
Travelling for rugby league and meeting different people, “superstars” not only in the 13-man code but other sports as well, has been another highlight.
But breaking a few barriers being a woman in league and sport is up there, too, for Conlon when reflecting on her career.
“Being given opportunities but also working hard to get those opportunities to hopefully pave the way for others in the game,” she says. “Whereas perhaps in past times, women probably wouldn’t have been given those opportunities like our male counterparts.”
Conlon was also the first female to manage the Warriors teams during Ivan Cleary’s era, and the first full-time team manager for New Zealand’s international teams including the Kiwis in 2016.
Being a part of the New Zealand Warriors when they had all three top sides make the finals in 2011 is another career moment she cherishes.
Things have definitely progressed in her time, says Conlon.
“I think to be fair rugby league has always been pretty good at acknowledging women in the game,” she says. “But probably more on the peripheral rather than in football or high performance areas. So I think that’s come a long way.”
She credits New Zealand Rugby League for giving her the Kiwis manager’s role when it went from a contract basis into a full-time position.
“It was quite the process I have to say, but they obviously had the confidence in me. And I have to back myself a little bit, I was and am qualified for the role,” Conlon says.
“I just think at the time those perceptions of women in roles, and particularly in football roles, were probably very few and far between. But I do think things are changing.”
On the field, things are evolving too. “Even though we did extremely well in the period that I played, I think it was still very much thought of as a hobby,” says the mother-of-one.
“Even though we had to work full-time, train ourselves, and be mothers, and all that sort of stuff, and still go and win World Cups around that.
“Whereas now, I think people understand and can see that it can be a viable option to play rugby league as a career, which is really cool.” Conlon was still in the Kiwi Ferns when they won the 2003 rugby league World Cup.
She says success for her as a manager comes down to having a good understanding of the game and being able to carry out the administrative side of things well.
“I think they both compliment each other. And it’s not always easy to find those people who can tick off all those boxes, I guess. I think that’s definitely what’s helped me,” she says.
Conlon’s league nous comes from being raised in a rugby league family. The Conlons have four generations of involvement at Glenora.
Her grandad was heavily involved on the committee, and was the treasurer. Her father, Pat, played and coached. And her brother, Aron, followed suit and served as chairman for a while.
Aron also played for and captained the Junior Kiwis. In an uncanny occurrence, when Aron toured Australia and Papua New Guinea with the Junior Kiwis, they played and won seven matches. In the very first year of the Kiwi Ferns, Nadene toured Australia and played and won seven games too. “So that’s pretty cool as a whanau,” she says.
But Conlon didn’t actually play the sport as a youngster. “It wasn’t very common for girls to play in those days, although I very much wanted to,” she says.
So she took to a number of other sports. Gymnastics, netball and trampolining, which she managed to get to a reasonable competitive level.
Conlon carried on to play representative touch and got the opportunity to lace up in league boots during her late teens. “And the rest is history.”
“I just loved it. I loved the contact of it and everything about it,” Conlon says. “So, that was me, I was sold after one game. Although I did come away with a few battle wounds. But it didn’t scare me off.”
Throughout her career the biggest lesson Conlon has taken away is to enjoy the moments.
“I know it’s a little bit of a cliché, but I think New Zealanders are really humble and modest as a culture,” she says. “And I think it’s not until you get older, that you realise how amazing, and how awesome some of the things we’ve had the opportunity to do are.
“So it’s important that you really enjoy those moments and obviously take every opportunity that comes your way.”
Conlon says she’s also learnt a lot about what not to do and what to keep doing more of in each role.
“As long as you’re always learning and looking at more effective ways at doing things to create success, that’s the aim.”
Having achieved most accolades as a player, Conlon still has goals she wants to achieve in the sport.
“I want to see both our men and women win a World Cup in the same year. That would be really cool,” she says. “And I also want to win a World Cup as the Kiwis manager.”
14th May, 2021.
as seen on healthy families.
Wellbeing and putting the person first is high up on the agenda for Wellington Rugby League. The philosophy runs deep and was evident last weekend during the delivery of the Kiwi League Senior Coaching course, part of New Zealand Rugby League’s ‘The Kiwi Way’ Coach Education pathway.
Coaches are encouraged to put the player first and the course focuses on building current knowledge as well as strengthening the framework under which coaching is provided through the game of rugby league.
The concept is coaching for character. It shines a light on the important role a coach can play in having conversations and supporting individual players during difficult and challenging times. Sporting coaches are in an invaluable position to be able to provide strong leadership to our children and young people, shaping them and equipping them with important skills to be able to navigate their way through life.
Alongside Healthy Families Hutt Valley the Kiwi League Senior Coaching programme brought together 17 coaches from across the Wellington region, the largest number of senior coaches to have undertaken this programme at any one time.
The emergence of women in sport at this level is inspiring. Three of the newly accredited coaches are Pasifika women, a milestone for Wellington Rugby League and recognition of the rise in leadership by women involved in the sport.
New Zealand Rugby League Director of Coaching, Dan Keepa highlighted over the weekend that as a result of the coaching programme and the national and local commitment to the ongoing development of coaches, that within the next two or three years we will see a significant shift in how the game of rugby league is played.
Going beyond the game to put wellbeing at the forefront by developing rugby league coaches, we can reach players and whānau where they spend their time and collectively support our people to be well.
13 May 2021
New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) will be selecting a New Zealand Girls Schools (18s) team off the back of the inaugural NZRL Girls Secondary Schools Tournament in August this year.
NZRL recently announced the return of its National Secondary Schools Tournament for 2021 after a two-year hiatus coupled with the inclusion of the inaugural Girls Secondary School division.
The NZ Girls Schools team will play a fixture against either a domestic or international opponent, subject to COVID restrictions. More detail on the NZ Girls School fixture will be announced in the coming months.
NZRL GM of Football and High Performance, Motu Tony, says: “This is an exciting milestone for our women’s game that’s only continuing to grow in strength.”
“We saw the success of the NZ Schools v Clubs 18s fixture for the boys last year, and we always had the intention of emulating this for the girls.
The NZ Girls School team will involve the top performers in the inaugural Girls Tournament, just as the NZ Schools 18s team makes up the best of the NZRL Boys Secondary Schools Tournament.
“Being able to host this fixture adds an extra layer of incentive for our players and we hope to see the Secondary School Girls Tournament grow in strength each year.”
Auckland’s Pulman Park will play host to the 2021 NZRL Secondary School Tournament(s) from Monday, August 30, with all finals expected to take place Friday, September 3.
NZRL is still taking registrations for both Girls and Boys Tournaments. To register your interest in the NZRL Secondary School Competition, please click here.
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.• We are diverse, we call New Zealand home, and we are all Kiwis.• We are inclusive, respectful and humble• We are responsible• We are innovative and courageous• We are family first• We live and play The Kiwi Way every day.
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• Rugby league enjoyed by more people• A financially sustainable NZ Game• Women’s game thriving and enhanced opportunities for women in the game• Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns inspirational & aspirational• NZRL to be a model modern sports organisationThe Board comprises seven directors; four appointed and three elected. Of the seven, there must be three Rugby League Knowledgeable and three Independent Directors. A Board Appointment Panel, comprising of two independent Sport NZ representatives, an individual nominated from the Zones and a nominee of the NZRL board, is convening this appointment process.For more information on the organisation, please visit www.nzrl.co.nz
PositionsThe Panel is seeking applicants for two Appointed (Independent) Director vacancies and one Elected Director vacancy. One of the incumbent Appointed Directors is 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 and be able to work collaboratively within a high trust environment.
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, Taangata 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.The desirable skill set and experience the Panel is looking for the Appointed Directors are as follows:
Appointed Director (Vacancy 1)• Experienced Director, ideally with commercial board exposure• Previous experience as Chair – necessary• Strong legal background – necessary
Appointed Director (Vacancy 2)• Experienced Director, ideally with commercial board exposure• Connections to philanthropic networks• Experience in digital media and broadcasting• Previous experience on an Audit & Risk sub-committeeThe desirable skill set and experience the Panel is looking for in the Elected Director include:• A connection with disability sports• Zone, District, Affiliate or other board governance experience is preferred• A strong connection to the game of rugby league either through playing at an elite level, administration, management, coaching or other roles within the sport.• Able to distinguish between the separate but complementary roles of governance and management, and the need to act in the best interests of the NZRL at all times
Applications for the Elected Director need to be supported by a nomination letter from an 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 around 2 days each month per Director. Full day board meetings are held monthly in Auckland or via audio visual.We anticipate the roles starting immediately after the AGM on 26 June 2021. Terms are four years and directors are eligible for re-appointment or re-election for one further term.Remuneration Directors fees are set at $12,000 per annum.Interviews
All applicants should be available for interview by Zoom on the morning of 31 May 2021.To Apply To apply for this role please do so online at www.appointbetterboards.co.nzThe closing date for applications is 5.00pm Friday 21st May 2021.
3rd May, 2021.
As seen on loverugbyleague.com
Former New Zealand international Lance Hohaia has joined the North American Rugby League competition as a coach.
Hohaia, 38, made more than 270 career appearances across spells with New Zealand Warriors and St Helens, while also representing Exiles during his time in Super League.
A statement said: “The NARL West has introduced a top level coach to the league that any team would be lucky to have on the sideline.
“Lance has shown to be a proven champion winning the Super League championship & bringing home the World Cup in 2008 as he represented his country New Zealand.
“His former club the Taniwharau Rugby League club has went as far as naming him their great player of all time!”
30 April 2021 – As seen on RNZ by Talei Anderson
With the support of New Zealand Rugby League, six nations have joined forces to promote Māori and Pasifika rugby league in New Zealand, with the launch of the Pasifika Aotearoa Rugby League Collective.
Organisations representing Tokelau, Fiji, Tonga, the Cook Islands, Niue and the New Zealand Māori Rugby League signed a memorandum of understanding in Auckland last night, with support from NZRL, acknowledging a partnership of working together moving forward.
Auckland Niue Rugby League secretary Phillip Tasmania said they aim to bring Māori and Pasifika communities together through rugby league with culture at the forefront.
“We want to bring our communities together while keeping our values and culture,” he said.
“It’s also about working with the regions and going out to our Pasifika and Māori communities that are out in those regions and supporting them, showing them the system and templates we use to run tournaments and recreating those events in those areas which we’ve already started in places like Whangārei and Wellington.”
The group first met in 2016 after some New Zealand based Pacific Island nations struggled to field teams for tournaments.
After a lot of hard work, Auckland Niue Rugby League now have 400 players registered.
“We were a mess, we were a team made up of every other nation,” Tasmania admitted.
“There are no more meetings under the trees. You’ve got to use the mainstream system to progress this and our families and people respect that.”
All six members of the Pasifika Aotearoa Rugby League Collective are equal, he added.
“No ones flag is bigger than the others. Our [Niue] flag is the same size as New Zealand, the same size as Tonga … we get equal say which is good, we all bring different things to the table. It’s about respect and it’s a core value as a collective moving ahead.”
Hengi Fusitua from Hakula Tonga Aoteroa New Zealand said the Collective want to ensure playing rugby league is affordable for both Māori and Pasifika families.
“Our drive is to make sports affordable for our kids, because we have seen it at grass roots where mums turn up with five kids and have to hand pick which one can play because she can’t afford to pay the fees,” he said.
“Now we’re able to eliminate that [which will mean] more participation for our people so for us, cost is really high on the agenda, but also collectively, we want to see all the cultures together.”
For Tokelau, the Collective is as an opportunity to empower, unite and help grow the game of rugby league within the Tokelauan communities in Aotearoa.
“I’m excited for the generations, for the young players both males and females, but more so that we now know there are stepping stones for them in terms of playing field but more importantly of support people,” explained Luther Toloa.
Meanwhile an under 17s Pasifika Aotearoa Collective merit team will be selected from the New Zealand Māori Rugby League Tuakana tournament and Pacific Youth Cup to play the New Zealand under 16s at the end of October in Rotorua.
New Zealand Māori Rugby League chairman John Devonshire said it was just the beginning, with tournaments progressing and growing over the years.
“For me the biggest thing was representing our culture, cultural awareness and cultural identity not being lost,” he said.
“Every nation acknowledged New Zealand Māori as the haukāinga or tangata whenua of the motu, of the land, of Aotearoa, and that made it pretty special for us that we wanted to be part of this.”
