April 29 2021
The Warriors have secured two of New Zealand’s hottest young prospects Zyon Maiuu and Jacob Laban on three-year contracts to add more quality to the club’s playing depth for the future.
The 17-year-old Kelston Boys’ High School students are regarded by Warriors recruitment manager Peter O’Sullivan as New Zealand’s best young second rowers.
“We are very excited to lock up Zyon and Jacob for the next three years,” O’Sullivan said.
“Both boys complement each other beautifully, Zyon with his competitiveness, skill and toughness and ability to play edge and middle equally as well as the other while Jacob is a gifted, athletic edge back rower with a huge motor.”
Laban, a Randwick Kingfishers junior, moved to Auckland from Wellington this year to complete his year 13 studies and prepare for the next step of his rugby league career with the Warriors.
Maiuu was named the MVP after the recent NZRL National 20s competition.
“Both boys live together as we wanted a good family home for Jacob and can’t thank Paula and Tooma (Zyon’s mum and dad) enough for taking Jacob in and giving him a great environment to live in,” said O’Sullivan.
“They are thriving and pushing each other in their training, playing and general life skills. It’s also a great story for Kelston Boys’ High School and our working relationship with the school.
“Both boys made a huge impression on the staff when they joined the New Zealand-based top squad in the preseason last year.
“They both looked very much at home and despite their age mixed it with the big boys.
“I can’t wait for them to join the top squad in November and get their NRL dreams into action as I have no doubt the boys will go on and become Warriors in the next few years.”
Maiuu, a Te Atatu Roosters product, played for the Warriors in last year’s Covid-shortened SG Ball Cup competition while he has also played for Kelston’s First XV rugby union side. He was named in the New Zealand Under-18 Schools team last year.
Laban, who attended St Bernard’s College before moving to Auckland, was named College Sport Wellington’s rugby league player of the year in 2019. He was selected in the New Zealand Resident 16s squad last year.
29 April 2021
New Zealand Rugby League would like to congratulate the following New Zealanders; Anthony Eliott, Chris McMillan, Paki Parkinson and Rochelle Tamarua for being appointed to the newly formed International Match Officials Squad (IMOS).
The International Rugby League (IRL) has announced the International Match Officials Squad (IMOS) will operate underneath the Elite Match Officials Squad (EMOS) and will generally officiate games that do not involve the top four ranked countries.
IMOS has officials from eight different countries which reflects the development of match officials around the world and is the only way to be considered for EMOS in the future is to have officiated as a member of IMOS, there is every incentive for the match officials in this group to perform.
Rugby League is leading the way by identifying a pathway for match officials which is fully inclusive, with the first three women being selected for IMOS. As a sign of strategic intent to accelerate the opportunities for and development of women officials in international rugby league, IMOS can be expanded to 24 referees, no more than 16 of whom will be men.
On announcing the make-up of the squad, IRL Match Officials Manager Stuart Cummings said:
“This has been a very difficult selection process with a number of candidates just missing out. The squad reflects the level of competitions around the world and the continued improvement in the performance and training of match officials. It is also important that we recognise the great strides made in the development and performance of our female officials by starting to develop their pathway and create more opportunities for them. The squad size will grow as we receive more nominations.”
The IRL International Match Officials Squad is:
28th April, 2021.
De La Salle in Auckland’s south has seen their fair share of professional Rugby League talent over the years, despite the absence of a senior First XIII.
Alumni and former NRL players, Motu Tony and George Carmont looked to rectify this by re-establishing the league programme after last being active in 1999 with Tony and Carmont in Rugby League Director and Head Coach roles respectively.
De La Salle is an all-boys Catholic School in Mangere’s East, a melting pot for South Auckland talent that boasts the likes of Jason Taumalolo, Jeff Lima, and Leeson Ah Mau to go alongside the aforementioned Carmont and Tony.
“The talent is there; what we aim to do is re-create the pathway that was laid for us so that current and future players have every opportunity to succeed, not only on the field but in the classroom also.” Tony says.
New Zealand Rugby League General Manager of Football and High-Performance Motu Tony wants to give back to a programme that heavily impacted his life.
“It changed my life,” Tony stated, “I believe it can change the lives of the students right now. It is more than just a game for us, De La Salle and its rugby league initiative taught us values, resilience, and perseverance which can heavily impact the direction you take in life.”
When asked why, Tony commented, “we want to give back to a programme and institution that guided us. Giving back to the youth that are in similar positions we were in is a priority for me and George.”
Tony added, “we haven’t had a rugby league program in over 20 years but thankfully, the Principal, Myles Hogarty and the Board of Trustees, have given us an opportunity to help our young men using rugby league.”
Coach Carmont has selected a 25-man squad to compete in the Senior A grade in the Auckland Secondary Schools (Rugby League) competition. De La Salle’s First XIII will also be entering New Zealand Rugby league’s Secondary Schools Competition in late August.
27 April 2021 – As seen on stuff.co.nz
A heart condition has prompted Auckland-born NRL referee Henry Perenara to retire at the age of 40.
Perenara, who played one test for the Kiwis in 2001, has been an NRL referee since 2011, after playing 72 first grade matches in the NRL for five clubs.
He is a cousin of All Blacks TJ Perenara and Sonny Bill Williams.
Perenara has been diagnosed with supraventricular tachycardia, an abnormally fast heartbeat that causes shortness of breath, dizziness sweating or fainting, The Daily Telegraph reported.
He almost collapsed at training a week ago, Perenara told the newspaper. At times his heart raced to about 230 beats per minute.
A normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute, but a fit athlete might be closer to 40 beats per minute.
“I nearly blacked out,” he said. “I don’t remember much of it, but that’s when I had to make the decision to give it away. You certainly don’t want to risk it happening in a game.”
He said he had battled the disease for almost 15 years. At times it struck during games.
“I just kept pushing through it. It’s not life-threatening, but it’s not good either. It feels like your heart is beating out of your chest. It’s happened in games, but I’ve just tried to mask it.”
A cardiologist diagnosed him in February and put him on medication, which made him lethargic. He quit after two months.
He made his international refereeing debut in 2011 when New Zealand played the Cook Islands in a one-off test match in Rarotonga.
He had made his NRL first grade debut as a referee in the Roosters-Raiders match earlier that year.
He will still work in the bunker and help coach junior refs.
Upper Central Zone has implemented a system to eradicate unnecessary pressure from their school rugby league events, and feedback from the community suggests that it is working.
Every August, Upper Central Zone (UC) and Sport Bay of Plenty run nine-a-side, one-day, rugby league tournaments for schools to participate in. The tournaments feature 20 teams in the Western Bay of Plenty (WBOP) and 16 teams in the Central Bay of Plenty (CBOP) ranging from years five to eight.
This year’s competition saw a twist in priority, with participation and behavioural standards being the prominent focus. Feedback from coaches, teachers and staff proposed that in past years, youth have felt under extreme pressure to perform for multiple reasons and this has discouraged them from taking part.
This sentiment is supported by Sport NZ’s Balance is Better philosophy where it is encouraged to place fun over competitiveness. Balance is Better is an evidence-based approach and research has suggested that the competitive structure can dishearten youth from playing sport.
Tony Lajpold, from Upper Central reiterates that the way to release this pressure is to emphasise participation over competition.
“The kids look forward to the tournament every year, but underlying pressures from coaches or parents have had a big impact on them wanting to compete. This time around, you could see the players genuinely enjoying themselves knowing they were not expected to win every match.”
Teams were awarded points not only on results but also their behaviour both on and off the field. After seeing the positive impact it’s had on the students, it’s encouraged staff to continue in with the “family” orientated environment achieved during the competition.
“As a Zone, we work closely with Sport NZ to provide an equal and enjoyable sporting experience for our schools, in line with their Balance is Better strategy,” Tony added.
“The wellbeing of our rangatahi, both physical and mental will always be a priority. It is great to see smiles back on the faces of the students and our next steps will be to ensure these smiles remain permanent.”
22 April 2021 – Ashley Stanley, Newsroom
Kiwi Fern Christyl Stowers has faced some tough times – from depression to crippling arthritis. Now she’s part of a bold initiative with her league club giving women tools for on and off the field.
Sport saved Christyl Stowers’ life.
When she needed to escape periods of her childhood, the now 28-year-old found peace on the footy field.
Stowers says she witnessed domestic violence growing up. “That was hard for me. But I found a safe place in sport,” she says. “The only reason why I played footy was because it was the only time I felt clear-minded. It gave me something really positive to focus on.
“I had some stuff happen to me which was really challenging and I always found that when I had sport in my life, I was just happy.”
Stowers, now a Kiwi Fern, is at a stage where she wants to help others in similar situations. Admittedly, she wasn’t one for paying attention at school, but she’s committed to studying online for a certificate in life coaching.
“I’m doing it because I want to be able to help others who may have had a difficult time in their childhood,” says Stowers, more commonly known as Sharky. “I just want to help people because I know you can get into some dark places.”
She’s overcome a fair few barriers in her lifetime. Last year her father died from bowel cancer – he had been living with the illness for four years. And at the same time, Stowers was battling with depression.
“It was just from a lot of things that I hadn’t dealt with when I was younger,” says Stowers.
And then just after her dad’s death, she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.
“It’s an autoimmune disease where your immune system attacks the healthy joints in your body causing chronic inflammation. So I’m dealing with that at the moment and still trying to play footy,” she says.
Stowers is wanting to fulfil her “big dreams” of playing for New Zealand at the Rugby League World Cup at the end of this year in England.
She’s in the wider training squad after making her Kiwi Ferns debut late last year against the Fetu Samoa Invitational side, and has also represented the Māori All Stars over the last two years.
Her parents and siblings are the motivation to push through the pain and keep playing. “I guess I learned it from my dad. Seeing his struggles with cancer was really bad and he was in so much pain,” Stowers says.
“But he always smiled, he just never gave up really. I just keep showing up every day, just to make them proud and I guess I just want to keep doing better.”
It’s painful, says Stowers. Some days she can’t get out of bed without assistance. But other days she can get through a training session. “It’s just all about training my mind to block the pain out really,” she says. “But I found the less I do, the more sore I am. It’s strange, a catch-22 really.”
Stowers has an injection in her stomach every week to help manage the arthritis, but the side effects include nausea, fatigue, acne breakouts, weight gain, breathing issues and longer recovery times.
She’s been back on the footy field since February as part of her club’s new Māreikura girls and women’s rugby league development programme.
As a senior player at the Manurewa Marlins, Stowers plays an important role in mentoring and training alongside the young players coming through.
“We just train with the girls and try to encourage them. We never really had that when I was younger; I definitely wish I had it, I may have been better when I started,” she laughs.
She used to play rugby but gave league a go about five years ago and has been a member of the Marlins’ grand final champions in 2017 and 2018. She also won the inaugural Sky Sports New Zealand Rugby League national women’s premiership title with Counties Manukau last year.
“It’s really beneficial because if you grab the talent when they’re young, they learn all the right things to do early and will probably have longer careers,” Stowers says. Off-field she will start working in a learning support role, teaching different sporting skills to children at Māngere Central School in May.
Former provincial rugby representative and local sporting legend Karla Matua created the programme from scratch after seeing a need to do things differently.
“I just got frustrated knocking on doors and thought ‘Oh well, we just have to make it happen ourselves’. If we come up with something that’s good then we can share it with other clubs too,” says Matua, who wears a number of hats in the community. In her day job she works for Aktive – Auckland Sport & Recreation, in a role focused on Māori communities staying active.
She then volunteers at the Marlins, coaching and sitting on their committee, overseeing the women’s and girls’ grades. She also serves on Auckland Rugby League’s advisory committee, encouraging women and girls to stay in the sport.
Matua grew up in a “leaguie” household in west Auckland but went onto rack up over 100 senior games in rugby for Manurewa. Her brothers played the 13-man code, parents were involved in the local league club, and her husband, Rusty, is a player and coach, who used to coach the Kiwi Ferns and Māori sides. And their children also play. It’s a real family affair.
The Māreikura programme was built over time and was informed by what Matua has seen, what the coaches know, and input from families and players. “It’s really reflective of the girls in front of us,” she says. “It’s purpose-built, not just to them, but to the needs of their family and the needs of our community.
“There’s an amazing pathway now with NRLW, so it’s about strengthening what we’ve got at club level.”
There’s a nationwide push to to strengthen and widen the female talent pool in rugby league both on and off the field, with the NZRL recently launching the ‘Aspiring Her’ programme.
A key difference with the Māreikura development programme is the foundations are not based around on-field performances. “I think most programmes are about winning games, winning grades, becoming this, becoming that, and that’s not even on our landscape,” Matua says.
“Not at any stage have we talked about winning our grade or winning games. That’s not what drives this. I think that’s really important because that’s not the end game.”
Matua says it’s about the development of young women as individuals. “Just giving them tools that they can take into life. Whether it’s in sport, whether it’s a leader within their whānau or their school, whether it’s in confidence or body awareness,” she says.
“It’s this overall holistic wellbeing. Because when you have strong confident girls, there’s just a natural alignment that carries over into their sport and into other aspects of their life.”
The eight-weekprogramme started in February and has focused on conditioning. “The biggest thing that came from our girls was they wanted to be fitter. They wanted to be better prepared because that was probably one of the work-on areas after playing a season.”
A small amount of funding allowed Matua to approach a local Māori woman to help run the fitness component of the programme. The three sessions each week did not deter players. Up to 50 women were attending each pre-season training.
The funding also meant equipment could be purchased specifically for the women’s teams. Up until then, tackle bags and training resources were being used from the men’s teams which are usually bigger.
The programme also includes education around hydration, nutrition and how to look after themselves. “It’s real simple nutrition because the reality is we have to work with what kai [food] is inside their cupboards. So we’ve stripped that right back to make it real practical,” says Matua.
“We’re sharing information around how to stretch because they’re not getting this education anywhere else. They don’t know about lactic acid, they don’t know how to keep their bodies in tip top shape, so we’re trying to load them with information and tools.”
The programme wraps up with a two-day camp focusing on team building, leadership activities, goal-setting and mentor-matching. Training for the mentors is also being explored.
Camp activities will be based in Manurewa so the team can learn the history of their community. “We’re going to learn about the maunga, the moana; we’re going to try and lock in that sense of connectivity to our area,” says Matua, who’s lived in Manurewa for 20 years and spent most of her working career with youth in south Auckland. “Then we’ll finish with a big kai with all our families to launch our season.”
To extend the players’ development and stay connected with the community, Matua has also organised senior members to go into local schools and hold training sessions for young girls.
Even if players switch codes or clubs, Matua will be happy knowing they have tools to assist whatever pathway they choose. They’re building layers of education and knowledge.
“And then maybe at the end of the season we might get some results. But if we don’t, we don’t,” she says. “I just still believe whatever we do is of value, it’s going to benefit them and it’s going to make an impact.”
New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) is the governing body for the sport of rugby league in New Zealand. Through its “More Than A Game” philosophy, NZRL aspires to transform lives and community wellbeing through Rugby League.
Ngā Ringa Āwhina is an initiative designed to increase capability across the rugby league network at all levels in New Zealand. A team of trained and supported specialists will be deployed into regions across New Zealand. Alongside and supporting personnel in the regions they will upskill and develop existing personnel, make immediate improvements where possible, and better support the Zones, Districts and Clubs for the future.
This initiative is aligned to Sport NZ’s objectives for Strengthen and Adapt (i.e. fit for purpose, supporting the needs of participants, driving increased participation and addressing inclusion and diversity gaps) and priority focus areas, in particular integrity, disability, women and girls, governance.
The kaupapa of the project comes from the translation of Ngā Ringa Āwhina meaning ‘helping or supportive hands’ and encapsulates the concept of working alongside Zones, Districts, Clubs and communities, as a partner, enabling them to retain and enhance their mana and independence.
You will work in conjunction with Zones and Districts to develop, implement and promote the delivery of programmes that maximise the participation of players and coaches throughout Zones, Districts and Clubs across New Zealand with a particular emphasis on rangatahi and to help ensure delivery of a quality experience for all participants.
You will deliver participation goals through collaborating with Zones, Districts, Clubs and Schools, promoting benefits to participation and driving registration campaigns. This will be carried out in a culturally safe manner and with the participant’s wellbeing to the fore.
This is an awesome opportunity to help develop & promote the delivery of Rugby League programmes that grows the participation of players & coaches throughout New Zealand!
APPLICATIONS CLOSE – Friday 7th May, 2021
Download National Game Development Officers (x4) – Ngā Ringa Āwhina – Job Description
To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to: richard@globalelitesports.com. Global Elite Sports (www.globalelitesports.com) have been contracted on behalf of New Zealand Rugby League to manage the recruitment for this position.
The National Capability Officers will work to build the capability of New Zealand Rugby League’s (NZRL) Zones, Districts and Clubs through providing resources, best practice processes, thought leadership, guidance and support. You will be the key point of contact for Zones, Districts and Clubs to ensure they have the right tools and resources to help develop capability, build sustainability and optimise facility/club usage.
You will ensure they have sound financial management and governance practices, assist them to understand the process required to apply for trust / grant funding, ensure their player database and club registration information is up to date as well as promoting professional development opportunities through courses or forums.
This is a rare opportunity to help develop capability, build sustainability and optimize facility/club usage for Rugby League Zones, Districts and Clubs throughout New Zealand!
Download National Capability Officer (x2) – Ngā Ringa Āwhina – Job Description
Using ambassadors/champions, in conjunction with specialist local providers, the Community Wellbeing Officer will look to support the local community, through Zones, Districts and Clubs, in areas such as physical & mental health, wellbeing, nutrition, injury prevention & safety, safeguarding of vulnerable people as well as providing vocational and education guidance initiatives.
You will play a key role in ensuring rugby league Zones, Districts and Clubs throughout the country feel supported and cared for by New Zealand Rugby League.
This is a fantastic opportunity to embed wellbeing in the hearts & minds of grassroot rugby league throughout New Zealand by providing better education & support to communities.
Download Community Wellbeing Officer – Ngā Ringa Āwhina – Job Description
21 April 2021
Concussion numbers in grassroots rugby and league are growing year on year in New Zealand but unlike professional teams, local clubs don’t have the same resources for around-the-clock testing and medical care.
However, one Kiwi company is changing the way clubs can help monitor the long-term effects of concussion with a new tool that takes just three minutes to deliver results.
Between 2010 and 2019, the number of ACC claims for concussion in rugby increased by 60 per cent, which former NRL player David Bhana said can be partly attributed to the approach to them at grassroots level.
“There’s a massive difference in attitude towards concussions in local football,” Bhana said.
“It’s more like, I’ll be right.”
Another issue though is monitoring concussions when they happen.
At club level, when a player suffers a head knock, they undergo a Scat-5 test which includes a series of questions like the date and where the concussed person is.
Some say the test is too repetitive and many already know what is going to be asked so other solutions are needed.
“There is an unmitted need for accurate and timely diagnosis of concussion head injury,” Dr Brian Jong told 1 NEWS.
The ones leading the way in that department are Northcote Rugby League Club, who are investing in a first-of-its-kind eye box by Kiwi company TBI Diagnostics.
The box is designed to help prevent long-term concussions and only takes three minutes with those under a concussion cloud asked to simply follow a moving picture for the duration to determine a baseline of their injury.
“The best solution we have is an educated guess so I guess we are trying to take away any guess work,” Vasco Kovacevic from TBI Diagnostics said.
After the test, the machine stores the data so the next time an athlete suffers a knock, they can monitor how serious it is.
“We previously would put a blanket on someone, saying 30 day suspension or six day suspension, but now we can now actually shorten some of them or sadly, in most cases, prolong them.”
Sad news for some but a great result for grassroots sport.
Rugby League has joined nine other national sporting bodies alongside NZ Cricket, NZ Football, Hockey NZ, Netball NZ and NZ Rugby in backing the Sport NZ Balance is Better Statement of Intent first announced in September 2019.
NZRL joins the collective and individual action underway to keep young people in sport by putting a stronger focus on fun and development, reviewing existing competition structures and encouraging youth to play multiple sports rather than specialising too early.
The nine new sports to onboard the collective alongside rugby league are Athletics NZ, Badminton NZ, Basketball NZ, Golf NZ, Gymnastics NZ, Softball NZ, Touch NZ, Volleyball NZ and Waka Ama NZ.
Sport NZ Chief Executive Raelene Castle says it is great to see these sports formally commit to these important changes.
“We need to change what is offered and how we engage with young people. There needs to be quality opportunities for all participants, not just the best players.”
“Sport is a huge part of our society and important for the wellbeing of so many New Zealanders, however the way sport is delivered has not kept up with what young people are looking for. We know that because they’re telling us and many are also walking away.”
“The original five sports have done some excellent work and we now have ten more making this important commitment. This is another encouraging day for youth sport in New Zealand,” says Raelene Castle.
NZRL CEO Greg Peters says NZRL has long supported this initiative.
“It is hugely important Rugby league is an enjoyable and safe place for our communities to flourish, so there’s no questioning our support for the Balance is Better initiative. It’s great we can formally commit to this kaupapa and continue to work alongside other codes in providing positive sporting opportunities for youth across Aotearoa.”
The commitments outlined in the Statement of Intent are:
To join the collective stand, national sports organisations must commit at executive and board level, and put resources behind making changes to how they deliver youth sport.
“This is an important step, but it is not their first. They’ve all been on a journey to get to this point, as are many other national sporting bodies,” says Raelene Castle.
“There is real momentum behind these changes – a widespread recognition that we need to work hard and work differently to create quality and fun experiences that will keep kids in sport. This is great for participants, future talent and for our sector.”
20 April 2021 – As published on stuff.co.nz by Kate Green
Black bin bags flap in the wind, and a small group of foragers makes its way along Petone beach, as the youth of Te Whanganui-a-Tara Māori Rugby League use their time off the field for good.
Among the adults is club chairperson Rebekah Toman (Ngāti Maniapoto), one of four generations of her family to be involved with the club.
She was handed the reins by her father, the former chairperson, and her mother had been secretary. Toman’s son, and now two mokopuna played for the club too.
But the sport was just a vehicle. The young people who joined them were given more than a uniform in club colours.
Some new members wouldn’t know any te reo Māori, Toman said. “But by the time we’ve finished with them, they know their pepeha, and three karakia.”
Established in 1993, the not-for-profit aimed to develop pathways and opportunities for young people in a way that celebrated being Māori, through the game of rugby league.
The season culminated in a game in Rotorua, with teams divided by age, and whānau encouraged to come along for support.
Aside from teaching skills on the sports field, the ethos of the group was to educate young Māori about tikanga and gives them a support network to succeed in all aspects of their lives.
Sadly, Toman said, the majority of male prisoners in New Zealand were Māori. “They’re disconnected,” she said. This programme aimed to connect youth to their roots, and build responsibility and resilience. “Rugby league is just a vehicle.”
Cleaning up their whenua was the latest in that education. “It’s teaching them about the environment that we live in, planting those seeds early.”
Their day at Petone beach, their second cleanup, was a success. There were 27 members; five adults and 22 kids. “We managed to rack up eight bags of rubbish,” Toman said.
It was a way of caring for Papatūānuku, which provided an opportunity to teach boys how to treat women – their sisters, mothers, aunties, and friends. “And instilling their history in them, their whakapapa.”
Previously, players were sponsored by a luck-of-the-draw type process, where the sponsor picked a number which was assigned to a player. “It was too easy,” Toman said, so now they were working for their funds.
At their first cleanup, they’d collected 20 bags of rubbish from Wainuiomata Hill, and would be heading back there with another group of older kids to finish the job. Plenty of rubbish had been too big to move; there was even a car bumper.
And it wasn’t just about the kids. For some older Māori, hearing their children talk about their newfound knowledge reignited a spark of curiosity. “Their tamariki have planted that seed again.”
There were more than 180 whanau on their social media page, and their books were still open.
Players paid a $50 commitment fee to join the league, and from that point on the players’ uniforms and travel was subsidised, to lighten the load on families.
The league was keen to get sponsorship from local businesses for future cleanup events, and if anyone had a location in mind they should get in touch.
Demand for rugby league in the Taranaki region saw the introduction of two fresh competitions in 2021 after seeing no competitive football for two years.
The season lasted seven weeks from the 13th of February to the 27th of March this year. Five Premier teams and three u16s teams registered for the competition while two women’s teams played an exhibition match on the 27th March.
This rugby league season was a huge success, the local community rallied around and participated in competitive spirit. Feedback from players, coaches and volunteers implied a desire to compete again in the upcoming year.
One of the noted successes of the 2021 season was Taranaki Rugby League’s inclusion of “Festival Days” into the competition draw. Each weekend, Clubs were given the chance to act as the host ground for the scheduled games. This encouraged spectators to support a range of local clubs throughout the duration of the competition.
Mid-Central Development Officer, Alan Jackson, said it is promising signs of a region on the rise.
“It is great to see the competition back in Taranaki. To see a competitive local scene once again is promising as we are working to continue that momentum and further meet ongoing demand for quality rugby league in our region.
“It brought together our communities and was an exciting display of our regions talent and passion for the game – the standard of footy was fantastic. Next steps are to review our season with the volunteers and clubs and see what we can achieve next.”
Former Taranaki district players such as Isaac Luke, Royce Hunt, and Kenny Edwards showed their support for the clubs ahead of Grand Final day.
Bell Block Dragons claimed the Premiership, while Western suburbs Tigers took out the u16s competition.
19 April 2021
New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) has been given a once in a generation opportunity to improve and transform the code as part of the Government’s COVID-19 Sport Recovery Package.
Of this recovery package, Sport NZ’s ‘Strengthen and Adapt’ phase aims to help sector organisations make changes necessary to ensure they are future-proofed in order to operate successfully in the post-pandemic environment.
NZRL completed an in-depth research process involving key rugby league stakeholder groups to determine the code’s current positioning, gaps and pressure points.
Using the feedback and insights gained, NZRL created its ‘Strengthen and Adapt’ response plan, ‘Ngā Ringa Āwhina’ – an initiative designed to support increased capability across the rugby league network at all levels in New Zealand.
Sport NZ will contribute $750,000 towards NZRL’s Ngā Ringa Āwhina project over 18 months (April 2021 – June 2022). NZRL will be supplementing this amount to ensure the programme is sustainable and also can continue to exist past the initial Sport NZ funding period.
The kaupapa of Ngā Ringa Āwhina is ‘the helping or supportive hands’ and encapsulates the concept of working alongside Zones, Districts, Clubs and communities, as a partner, in a mana enhancing way.
In short, Ngā Ringa Āwhina aims to establish initiatives of trained (and externally supported) specialists deployed into regions as agreed with Zones, Districts and Clubs following an analysis of needs, to support their existing personnel in making improvements, and leave resources in place for long term sustainability.
The four main components of Ngā Ringa Āwhina are as follows:
NZRL CEO Greg Peters says this is a massive opportunity for rugby league.
“The desired outcome of Ngā Ringa Āwhina is a rugby league network that is consistent, confident, credible, and professional. A safe, supportive environment reflective of and integral to our communities. This has the potential to have a significant long-term impact on the game in New Zealand.”
Sport New Zealand CEO, Raelene Castle says, “We have worked alongside Greg and the NZRL team in the development of Ngā Ringa Āwhina and we are excited about the opportunity this represents for the Rugby League community.
“Sport New Zealand’s strengthen and adapt programme aims to support our National Partners to rebuild post-Covid-19 and make changes to operate successfully post-pandemic, strengthening their capability and capacity and creating a better future for the communities they serve. We look forward to seeing the programme hit the ground.”
10 April 2021
Despite the pouring rain at Opaheke Park, the 2021 National 20s Grand Final was one to remember. Central Districts were crowned 2021 NZRL National 20s Champions after upsetting Auckland Blue 18-14 in a dramatic final showdown.
Auckland Blue were dominant throughout the first half as Viliami Finau opened the scoring after just five minutes with a try in the corner. Central Districts hit back but Auckland’s Jeremiah Schuster’s scored before the break giving the home side a 10-4 lead at half-time.
Minutes into the second half Central Districts scored through Lennix Tovo and for the following half hour dominated most of the match, aided by Auckland wing Albert Fifita being sent to the sin bin with 25 to go for a professional foul.
Further tries to Wyatt So’otaga and Herman Seumanufagai, both of which were converted by Brooklyn Herewini, stretched the Central Districts lead to 18-10.
The late try to Taufa gave Auckland a chance at a dramatic comeback with less than one minute remaining, but Central Districts held on handing Auckland Blue their first loss of the competition.
Congratulations to Central Districts the 2021 NZRL National 20s Champions.
09 April 2021
Aspiring Her Game Developer 2021 is the first female-only game developers programme created and implemented by Head of Women’s Rugby League at NZRL, Luisa Avaiki.
Aspiring Her has been created to strengthen and widen the female talent pool in rugby league both on and off the field.
The development programme looks to call on current wahine in the game carrying out various roles and connect them with a wider community of aspiring women.
NZRL in liaison with Zone General Managers and Development Officers, have identified a pool of influential females and volunteers throughout the regions to work as Aspiring Her Game Developers.
These Aspiring Her Game Developers consist of female coaches, administrators, managers, leaders, match officials, trainers, and board member. Their task is to mentor and empower females in their respective regions, both on and off the field, to reach their full potential.
In its pilot year, the programme will run for 12 months and will provide support at all levels, all-female lead and facilitated. This includes regular zoom workshops, mentoring sessions as well as an annual conference, coupled with ongoing Zone and Regional support, NZRL Game Developer support and the facilitation of individualised personal development plans.
The inaugural Aspiring Her Game Development Conference is taking place in Auckland this weekend (9-11 April) which is designed for the newly identified Aspiring Her Game Developers and trainers to implement a support plan for the year.
Ultimately the programme’s objective is to see a well-established National Female Developer Network that strengthens the female game through increased opportunities that empower female participants in rugby league associated roles.
Going forward, Aspiring Her Game Developers will also look to identify other females capable of stepping into mentorship roles, further widening the influence pool and support network.
Programme Founder and Head of Women’s Rugby League at NZRL, Luisa Avaiki, says this is one of the first female led game development programmes of its kind.
“This kind of development network for our women has never been seen in rugby league. We are making exciting progress in our female space regarding growing playing numbers and new women’s competitions, so it is essential to capitalise on this by enhancing the capability and opportunities for women across the board, both in a football and administration capacity.
“The Aspiring Her Programme will look to implement a system that enables regions to strengthen and develop their people, so the momentum is felt across all levels and in all districts throughout New Zealand.
“The power of our programme comes from women inspiring women. It’s a privilege to have such influential wahine in our game who are willing to share their skills and expertise and ultimately pave the way for generations of successful women in rugby league.”
April 8, 2021.
The final of NZRL’s inaugural National 20’s competition will kick off on this coming Saturday 10th of April at Opaheke reserve. Unbeaten Auckland Blue and competition dark horse Central Districts will battle it out for the top spot at 2pm following the Fox Memorial opener between Mt Albert and Pt Chevalier at 12pm.
This highly anticipated round one rematch has all the signs of a classic, as the underdogs come into this clash off the back of a stellar cinderella run.
After going down in their first game against the Auckland side, Central Districts have won five straight en route to the final including a late comeback against third-place South Island and a gritty two-point victory against heavily favoured Auckland White.
Wingers Herman Seumanufagai and Pose Tuilaepa will look to continue their blinding run of form and with 12 amount of tries between them, they’ll certainly be a focal point of the final game.
Auckland Blue have shown their dominance throughout, having yet to suffer a loss and will look to remain undefeated in the final showdown. The Auckland side have been involved in plenty of one-sided games this season but that was not the case in their first battle only pulling away late to win 34-18 against the Central Districts team.
Zyon Maiu’u will look to lead his side as he has done all competition, the barnstorming second-rower will be a must-watch as he’s picked to come out on top in the highly-contested National 20s MVP ladder.
This year’s Auckland Rugby League SAS Fox Memorial Premiership Qualifiers will kick off as the curtain raiser on Saturday with a classic rivalry match between Mt Albert Lions and Pt Chevalier Pirates with the Stormont Shield on the line.
With no competition winner declared last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the first division season-opener sees the top two sides at the time of the season’s forced cancellation battle it out.
Mt Albert vs Pt Chevalier and the Auckland Blue vs Central Districts Final will be televised live on Sky Sport 4, as well as Fox League, Kayo and Watch NRL for our Australian viewers.
Mt Albert vs. Pt Chevalier.
Opaheke Reserve.
Saturday 10th April, 12pm.
Auckland Blue vs. Central Districts.
Saturday 10th April, 2pm.
8th April, 2021 – as seen in rnz.
His brother was a New Zealand and Wellington rugby league legend but Andre Whittaker hopes to transform the sport from outside the white lines of the field.
John Whittaker played 73 games for the capital and represented the Kiwis 26 times throughout the 70s and 80s, including at four world cups and played for the Cook Islands.
Now younger brother Andre was making waves of his own, but in the back-offices and boardrooms of the sport.
Both were children of a Tahitian father and Rarotongan mother and it was this background which drove Andre, who was this year named CEO of Wellington Rugby League, the first Pasifika person to hold the position.
“[It is] a very humbling feeling to know that is actually the case but also go into it knowing that part of our background, our heritage helps us take up those challenges so always mindful of that, of where I’ve come from, whose behind me and who I’m representing.”
Whittaker said his background meant he had empathy for many of the those who took part in the game.
“If we look at the statistics of make-up of people who take part on the game, there is a high percentage of Māori and Pasifika, so firstly, coming from my Pacific background, that helps me understand I guess some of the things and values that are important to Pasifika and Māori.”
Whittaker said those values included family, a sense of spirituality and connection to community.
“So you need to understand that when you’re working with Pasifika stakeholders, that you’re not engaging that person that’s in front of you, but their family and their community.”
Whittaker was an accomplished senior player and former Chairman of the Randwick club, while outside of rugby league he worked in the area of youth development and sport for the United Nations’ children’s agency, UNICEF.
But he said it was at his Lower Hutt-based club where his passion for the sport and his culture overlapped.
Over the years there was a strong base of Cook Islanders at the club and presently there are many Tokelauans who play there.
“So if you look at rugby league in New Zealand compared to say other sports, we’ve been one of the first sports where Pacific people were national representatives, so if I think back to people like Roy Christian who was in the 60s in the Kiwis and then players like Dennis Williams, my brother John Whittaker as of late, we saw players like Fred Ah Kuoi, James Leuluai, Olsen Filipaina, and the right through to now we’ve had players like Ben Matulino from here in Lower Hutt. I guess the person that’s out there right at the moment is Nelson Asofa-Solomona.”
Whittaker said this showed the strong thread of history of Pasifika people in the game.
“Pacific people are attracted to the game of rugby league because of the communities that we come from…we’re always strong on history and looking at whose gone before us and when we see people like Roy Christian like Dennis Williams, like Fred Ah Kuoi, representing us, it inspires us to want follow in their footsteps.”
Whittaker was on the record as saying the future of rugby league lay with Māori and Pasifika. He said this wasn’t to exclude others, as all were welcomed to the sport.
“The fact is the numbers of participants and the game of Pacific people is around 86 percent. If there is a strong stakeholder group, then the future of the game needs to understand, engaging those communities around values, and around systems that resonate with them so that they continue to grow and flourish on the game.”
So what exactly were these values Whittaker kept referring to?
“We talk about things using the Māori term, whakapapa, history and links to people. So working with a Pacific community and stakeholders in rugby league, we need to continually reference who are the people that have gone before us because that’s important. We need to continually reference our families and ensure that our families have a place and a voice within the game.”
He said this was where Māori and Pasifika where important to the future of the game.
Whittaker said in the past former All Black captain and one time Wainui rugby league star Tana Umaga had highlighted the need to get Pasifika more involved in sports administration.
“I remember him saying, ‘well we’re always in the game, but it’s about how do we take part from the sideline and be more meaningfully engaged, not only as coaches and managers, but in governance?'”
He said one of the things that needed to happen was to give validity and credibility to the values that Māori and Pasifika brought to the game and putting them on par with other pillars of the game.
“If we’re talking about things like governance, for example, things around, finance and audit and risk committees or things around bylaws, well, equally, you need to hold in the same frame values that resonate with specific people.
“If you have values, and I’m using Māori terms here like manaakitanga, like whanaungatanga, then they need to hold the same same weight and same value in how you run the organisation.”
So as much as the late John Whittaker turned opposition defences inside out in his heyday, Andre was flipping boardroom values, models and mindsets on their head.
A true champion of the Pacific.
April 2, 2021
Opaheke reserve hosted a second-half scoring blitz that saw Auckland Blue secure a big win over Wai-Coa-Bay on Friday afternoon in the final regular season match of the NZRL National 20s.
Knowing Blue had qualified for the Grand Final, Wai-Coa came to play and the Auckland side met their energy.
The home side trailed the impressive Wai-Coa-Bay at one point in the first half and led just 18-10 at the break, before piling on 28 points in the second stanza to ensure they remain unbeaten in the competition ahead of facing Central Districts in the decider next Saturday.
The game was just minutes old when Ali Leiataua got on the end of a kick to open the scoring, but the joy proved short lived for Auckland with Wai-Coa-Bay skipper Dayna Bidois quickly hitting back with a try of his own.
Wing Caleb Tane then gave the visitors the lead, before powerhouse Auckland back Albert Fifita busted through the line for a 60-metre try.
A converted try to Mt Albert forward Wiremu Kaire on the siren, at the end of an exciting passage of hot-potato footy, gave the hosts an 18-10 advantage at the half.
Despite Wai-Coa Bays best efforts, the Auckland side proved too strong in the games second act.
A Johnson Murray try directly off a close-range scrum, another strike from Albert Fifita and a barging effort from the other Fifita on the park – Otahuhu prop Tupou Fifita – stretched Auckland’s lead out to 34-14.
Middle forwards Sione Pule and Feao Tongia powered over late for tries which made it 46-14 at full time.
Auckland 46 (Ali Leiataua, Albert Fifita x2, Wiremu Kaire, Johnson Murray, Tupou Fifita, Sione Pule, Feao Tongia tries; Caleb Laiman x3, Johnson Murray x2, Stanley Iongi x2 goals) def. Wai-Coa-Bay 14 (Dayna Bidois, Caleb Tane x2 tries; Bidois x1 goal) at Opaheke Reserve, Auckland.
A valiant Good Friday effort from Northland was not enough as they went down to Auckland White 40-32 to finish their NZRL National 20s campaign at Opaheke Reserve.
A strong start from Northland had them in the lead for parts of the first half, but they were unable to hold on in the second stanza despite Eroni Biukoto’s clinical hat trick.
The two sides went score for score through the opening half hour, with the superior kicking of Northland’s Kiles Kaiarake proving the only difference.
Biukoto’s second try late in the half looked to have given his side the lead at the break, before Patelo scored and Doux Kauhiva converted to lock the game at 22-all.
Manurewa half Teariki Ford took the game by the scruff of the neck, grubbering for himself to score, putting the Auckland side ahead – Julius Patelo then added another four-pointer soon after to increase the advantage.
Biukoto scored his third on 52 minutes bringing Northland back into the game, but this was countered by Oscar Amosa’s try out wide a few moments later.
Northland’s Dilano Henry Turner crossed under the posts with less than a minute to play to make the final score 40-32.
Auckland White 40 (Maddison Tekeu, Leon Marsters, Teariki Ford x2, Julius Patelo x2, Oscar Amosa tries; Doux Kauhiva x4, Teariki Ford x2 goals) def. Northland 32 (Jacob Hollobon, Kiles Kaiarake, Eroni Biukoto x3, Dilano Henry Turner tries; Kiles Kaiarake x4 goals) at Opaheke Reserve.
1st April, 2021.
Both Auckland Blue and Central Districts secured their places in the competition final with round 5 victories over Northland and WaiCoa Bay respectively. This week the Auckland-based teams play their catch-up games that were postponed due to the Covid-19 Alert level 3 lockdown. Northland and Auckland White will look to finish their seasons off strongly in their final outings while a win for Auckland Blue against a gritty WaiCoa Bay side could see them go into the final with plenty of momentum. Both games will be played at Opaheke, with Auckland White vs. Northland kicking off at 12 pm, followed by Auckland Blue vs. WaiCoa Bay at 2 pm.
All games are televised live on Sky Sport 4, as well as Fox League, Kayo and Watch NRL for our Australian viewers.
Northland vs. Auckland White.
Opaheke Reserve, Auckland
Friday 2nd April 2021 – 12:00pm
WaiCoa Bay vs. Auckland Blue
Opaheke Reserve, Auckland.
Friday 2nd April, 2021 – 02:00pm.
New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) has launched a new Swim School initiative in association with Swimsation through its NZRL Playgroup programme. NZRL is now offering complimentary swimming lessons to pēpi and tamariki in an effort to continue prioritising our communities in need.
Swimming and especially water safety are essential life skills for Kiwi kids. Aquatic facilities exist in almost all major towns; coupled with the endless access to coastal beaches, lakes and rivers; New Zealand kids are exposed to water dangers from a young age.
Despite swimming competency being crucial for our tamariki, many existing swim school programmes are too expensive for those in our communities. With the cost of living continuously on the rise, many families can not financially prioritise swimming safety.
Water Safety New Zealand reported in 2020 alone, New Zealand had a total of 74 drownings; out of these 74 fatalities, 28 were Maori/Pasifika.
Because of this, we have recognised the need to support our tamariki better when it comes to water safety, ensuring these skills are more easily attained and water safety education is more accessible to our communities.
These new Playgroup Swim Schools offer pēpi and tamariki free swimming lessons during the day and weekends at select Swimsation pools. At this level, parents or guardians are required to be in the pool with their children.
A Playgroup mother said she enjoys being able to learn beside her child and grow together. “I am more confident with taking him to the pools now, and the fact my son is learning to swim makes me feel better knowing he will be safer around water.”
An NZRL Playgroup father of five said due to financial restrictions, he has never had the opportunity to take his older children for a swimming lesson. Now thanks to Playgroup, his younger two tamariki have the chance to learn these essential life skills.
To find out more information on where you can enrol your child into an NZRL Playgroup, please contact;
Toyah Brooking | Playgroups@nzrl.co.nz
Confident using hip hold
Confident using up-right hold
Confident using front prone hold
Confident using side prone hold
Confident using cradle hold
Confident using supported back hold
Knows the Swimsation submersion cue
Show signs of readiness for submersion
Confident being submerged (Assisted by parent) – Level goal to move up
Safe entry
Safe exit
Standing jump with submersion assisted
Assisted submersion and pick up a toy
Assisted submersion with a release
Confident using extended back hold
Back float with supported back hold
Back float with supported extended back hold
Submersion with release and grip – Level goal to move up
Submerge and pick up toy
Assisted back kick
Unassisted back kick
Assisted front kick
Unassisted front kick
Assisted front to back rotation
Unassisted front to back rotation
Assisted front to back rotation – Kicking
Unassisted front to back rotation – Kicking
Jump into pool and roll onto back assisted
Jump into pool and roll onto back unassisted
Seated jump and u-turn to wall
Submerge, float and u-turn to table – Level Goal to move into our preschool level class
30 March 2021
Wellington Rugby League have partnered with Healthy Families Hutt Valley to change lives through the game of rugby league, with their new smokefree sport initiative kicking off this April.
The initiative powered by Wellington Rugby League aims to drive home the message that by creating supportive physical and social environments which are smokefree and vapefree, we can affect change and be positive role models for our tamariki and rangatahi.
Creating spaces which are smokefree, support people who are smoking to quit and help them to remain smokefree. By targeting environments where people gather and play sport, there is an opportunity to enable people to begin their journey to quit, support them to lead smokefree lives and improve the health and wellbeing of not only players, but the whole whānau and wider community.
Wellington Rugby League CEO, Andre Whittaker says “Everyone, including our sporting community has a role to play in laying the foundations for a healthier future. This region wide smokefree rugby league initiative highlights the powerful leadership that can be driven through sport to promote healthy change.”
“We are whole-heartedly committed to this kaupapa to ensure local communities involved in rugby league are supported to be as healthy as they can be.”
The smokefree sport initiative is part of a wider approach to wellbeing within the sport. At a national level, the initiative supports New Zealand Rugby League’s organisational ethos – The Kiwi Way which encapsulates the sport’s strategic direction while representing holistic elements that are essential to the growth of the people, communities and the code.
“We will be helping people who are ready to begin their journey to quit smoking, with the support of Takiri Mai Te Ata Regional Stop Smoking Service. This support to quit, alongside positive messaging within our clubs will reinforce that rugby league is more than just a game, it is about being well now and in the future” says Andre.
Local clubs will be provided with supportive messaging which can then be passed on to players and whānau encouraging them to put their health, and the health of their whānau first. Through the regional smoking cessation service Takiri Mai Te Ata, club managers, coaches and volunteers will be provided with information on the quit smoking pathway.
The rugby league season is set to kick off across Wellington on Saturday 10 April with the junior and senior grade competition, as well as a celebration of wahine in sport.
Also coming up on the Wellington Rugby League calendar is a celebration of emergency services and a round recognising World Smokefree Day on 31 May.
For all the information on up-coming games follow the Wellington Rugby League Facebook page.
28 March 2021
A high shot gifted Central Districts with first points of the match as they opted for the two-pointer to get on the front foot early at Cooks Garden. However, Waicoa answered back with a try to centre Caleb Lepaio Gamlen giving the away team a four-point lead.
Waicoa were on the front foot until a quick right foot step from Central Districts centre Lennix Tovo gave Central Districts their first try of the game edging them in front by two.
Central Districts lost fullback Jayden Andrade-Kingi to the bin which saw Waicoa capitalise on the penalty to even the scores 8 – 8.
Despite being a man down, Wyatt Sootaga barged over for a try as Central Districts had the last say, heading into the break with 14 – 8 lead.
Errors from Waicoa saw them unable to capitalise on their attacking momentum early in the second half gifting Central Districts with good field position.
Jayden Andrade-Kingi returned from 10 in the bin to score Central Districts third try of the match. An impressive run from Karaitiana Hamilton saw him extend Central Districts lead to 24-8 shortly after.
Central Districts continued their momentum as Junior Te Foto barged over for another four-pointer. Andrade-Kingi then dived in the corner off the back of an impressive run to claim his second of the game extending the home sides lead to 36-8.
Herman Seumanufagai took advantage of a tired Waicoa defensive line adding another four points, as did winger Pose Teuilaepa before the full-time hooter sounded.
Central Districts with a clinical second-half performance earn themselves a spot in the NZRL National 20s final with a 46 – 8 win over Waicoa Bay.
Auckland Blue have qualified through to the NZRL National 20s Grand Final with a game to spare, after beating Northland 48-8 on Saturday to remain unbeaten in the competition so far.
Four tries, three of which were converted by debutant Johnson Murray, saw Auckland take a 22-8 lead into the break and come the second stanza they found another gear.
The Auckland left edge was outstanding, with centre Ben Kosi scoring twice and back-rower Wiremu Kaire enjoying a strong outing despite a stint in the sin bin late in the game.
Mt Albert playmaker Murray marked his first outing in the competition with a try and five conversions, while Howick’s Lonnie Papani made the most of his chance to start at dummy-half by scoring a try and causing countless issues for the Northland defence.
Auckland Blue have a catch up game next Saturday against Waicoa Bay – to make up for the game they missed during the region’s COVID-19 lockdown last month – before they face Central Districts, South Island or Waicoa Bay in the decider on April 10 at Opaheke Park.
Auckland 48 (Viliami Finau, Ben Kosi x2, Izaac Anitelea, Anthony Naitoko, Lonnie Papani, Albert Fifita, Johnson Murray, Jeremiah Schuster tries; Johnson Murray x5, Izaac Anitelea x1 conversions) def. Northland 8 (Tytan Semenoff, Nigel Iro tries) at Whangarei Stadium. HT: 22-8.
South Island keep their hopes of a finals appearance alive with an impressive win over Auckland White
Auckland White led on two separate occasions but couldn’t hold the South Island team out defensively.
A late Mapu Uasi try, along with his accurate boot throughout the game, proved the difference in the end and means the South Island remain in the race for a spot in the decider, pending the result of Sunday’s match between Central Districts and Waicoa Bay.
Earlier at Opaheke Park Auckland White raced out of the gate and had scored a point a minute by the time the game was 10 minutes old, thanks to efforts from Tolomanila Saumamao-Watts and Navajo Doyle, along with a Doux Kauhiva conversion.
But the next 40 minutes proved fruitless for the Francis Meli-coached outfit and they quickly surrendered momentum to the South Island, leaking tries in quick succession to Eli Ellison, Kiarn Wilson and Sincere Harraway.
Uasi converted all three efforts to give the South Island team an 18-10 lead at the break.
Auckland gave up another four-pointer immediately in the second half, before Howick wing Peter Uelese brought them back into the contest with two tries in the space of five minutes, one of which was converted by Kauhiva to reduce the deficit to two points.
A brilliant passage of play minutes later saw Auckland travel the full length of the field and cross again through Saumamao-Watts to lead 24-22.
But Uasi’s strike with minutes to go confirmed the result for the southerners, leaving Auckland White to play for pride next week against Northland at Opaheke Park.
South Island 26 (Eli Ellison, Kiarn Wilson, Sincere Harraway, Kyle Amer, Mapu Uasi tries; Mapu Uasi x3 goals) def. Auckland 24 (Tolomanila Saumamao-Watts x2, Navajo Doyle, Peter Uelese x2 tries; Doux Kauhiva x2 goals) at Opaheke Park. HT: 18-10
26th March 2021
Round 4 saw big wins for Central Districts and South Island while Auckland Blue won the local derby over Auckland White 30-14. This weekend’s clashes start on Saturday the 27th, as Opaheke plays host to Auckland White vs South Island, who are still in the race for the final. Northland welcomes Auckland Blue to Whangarei’s Trigg Arena and lastly, Central Districts will be looking to secure second place against WaiCoa Bay in Whanganui on Sunday, kicking off at 12pm.
Opaheke, Auckland.
Saturday 27th March, 12:30pm
Trigg Arena, Kensington Sports Park, Whangarei.
Saturday 27th March, 2:30pm
Cooks Garden, Whanganui.
Sunday 28th March, 12:30pm
Central Districts have emerged 54-6 winners over Northland in round four of the NZRL National 20s competition at Jerry Collins Stadium in Porirua.
Central districts on the left edge open the scoring with a double from number five Herman Seumanufagai off the back of two strong runs. Northland came close to scoring early but lack of completion meant they couldn’t get the ball over the line. Seumanufagai followed up to score a his hat trick, again exposing Northland on the left edge. Northland finally put points on the board with ten minutes left in the first half through number nine, Dilano Henry-Turner. A late penalty kick for Northland by number fourteen Tangaroa Pireoa, secured them two more points before the whistle, Central Districts lead Northland 14 – 6 at half time.
An aggressive start to the second half saw a focussed Central District’s put the foot down, scoring back to back tries. Jayden Andrade-Kingi barge over the Northland defence followed up with a try from fellow team mate Junior Tefoto. Central District’s Andrade-Kingi scored his second right in the corner. At the line, Kayin Katene ran through the defence to score his second followed by a fourth and fifth try from Seumanufagai with less than ten minutes to go in the match. To close out the match, a very enthusiastic Central Districts team lead Andrade-Kingi to score his hat trick diving for the corner.
Central districts will face Wai-Coa-Bay next Saturday in Whanganui, while Northland meet the top of table Auckland Blue in Whangarei.
23/03/21
The much loved Sky Sport NZRL Rugby League Roadshows are back for 2021!
In association with the Vodafone Warriors and Sky Sport, New Zealand Rugby League is bringing rugby league to the regions to showcase our great game and encourage new registrations.
The Roadshows provide local league clubs with the opportunity to have a presence at each activation to connect more directly with members of the community and find their future players.
There will be plenty of giveaways and spot prizes on the day for participants.
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 Roadshows return for 2021 as they were really well received by our communities last year.
“Although further Covid-19 lockdowns cut our initial planned schedule short, we are grateful that we can still visit both Taupo and Whanganui, especially alongside the scheduled National 20’s game at Cooks Garden.
“These Roadshows are an important way for us to showcase and grow our game. It’s great we are able to do this in partnership with Sky Sport and the Warriors, and we to hope see our communities turn out in force this weekend.”
The Roadshows are a free event and open to all members of the community.
Upcoming Roadshows
Taupo | Hickling Park | Friday 26th March | 5pm – 7pm.
Whanganui | Cooks Garden | Sunday 28th March | 9am – 11am.
22/03/21
New Zealand Rugby League is saddened to hear about the passing of Kiwi #397 Reginald Cooke.
Cooke played seven Tests for the Kiwis initially being selected in the 1960 Rugby League World Cup team. He kicked 10 goals between 1960-64, playing in both the centre and fullback positions.
During this time Cooke toured Great Britain and France, he also played against touring Australian teams.
Cooke began his career in 1958 playing for Huntly South, he then went on to represent Waikato, Auckland Eastern Districts, Brisbane South, and Queanbeyan Kangaroos. In 1967 Cooke toured New Zealand as a Queensland representative.
New Zealand Rugby League would like to share their condolences with the Cooke whānau at this time.
22 March 2021
Earlier this month 18-year-old Christian Pese suffered a stroke while playing for the South Island against Auckland Blue in the NZRL National 20s, and right now continues to fight for his life in hospital in Christchurch.
Most of Christian’s immediate family are from Auckland, while his older brother Caleb is currently working to get home from Australia to be by his side.
A Givealittle fundraising page has been set up to help support the Pese family through this time.
CLICK HERE TO DONATE
20 March, 2021 | ARL
Auckland Blue remain unbeaten at the top of the NZRL National 20s ladder after beating Auckland White 30-14 on Saturday afternoon.
The Blue side trailed 10-8 at the break before producing a dominant second half showing which saw them cross for four tries and concede just one, to ensure the local derby went their way.
Fullback Ali Leiataua was among the stars for Blue, scoring the first and last try of the match and shutting down countless opposition raids with his defensive play at the back, while in the pack skipper Zyon Maiu’u was immense once again.
After Leiataua opened the scoring around the 20-minute mark, Auckland White hit back via Maddison Tekeu before both sides traded tries, first through Maiu’u and then White centre Julius Patelo.
The boot of Doux Kauhiva was the difference at the break, with his conversion of Patelo’s try giving White a two-point lead going into the sheds.
But it didn’t last long into the second stanza, with Howick’s Lonnie Papani scoring minutes after the game resumed and Soakai Taufa converting for a 14-8 lead.
Peter Uelese then scored to tie the game at 14-all, but from that point on it was all Auckland Blue.
Albert Fifita broke free down the left edge before looping around to score under the posts, with Taufa again converting, before Marist hooker Stanley Iongi burrowed over and Leiataua got his second to push the scoreline out.
Auckland Blue 30 (Ali Leiataua x2, Zyon Maiu’u, Lonnie Papani, Albert Fifita, Stanley Iongi tries; Soakai Taufa x3 conversions) def. Auckland White 14 (Maddison Tekeu, Julius Patelo, Peter Uelese tries; Doux Kauhiva 1 conversion) at Opaheke Park.
19 March 2021
After a fiery Round 3 of the National 20s, Central Districts’ upset victory over Auckland White has moved them into second place on the ladder. This weekend they will be looking to continue their dominance with a victory over Northland come Sunday in Wellington. This Saturday, the South Island team will be looking to redeem their loss against Auckland with a victory over Waicoa, while the much anticipated City of Sails clash between Auckland Blue v Auckland White follows at 2pm at Opaheke Park.
Forsyth Stadium, Dunedin
Saturday 20th March, 12:00pm
Opaheke, Auckland
Saturday 20th March, 2:00pm
Jerry Collins, Wellington
Sunday 21st March, 12:00pm
March 14, 2021 / Will Evans
A dominant second-half display underpinned Auckland Blue’s commanding 34-4 victory over South Island in the NZRL National 20-year competition match in Christchurch on Sunday.
A vocal Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub crowd enjoyed an absorbing first-half tussle, with Auckland taking an 8-4 lead into the break. But the visitors stepped up a couple of gears in the second stanza, scoring four unanswered tries to run away convincing winners.
South Island tryscoring chances went begging either side of Auckland Blue’s sixth-minute opener, with centre Benjamin Kosi powering over from close range.
Kosi’s pace and footwork proved too hard to handle again five minutes later, leaving South Island defenders strewn in his wake on the way to an early double.
But the hosts struck back almost immediately, fullback Mapu Uasi continuing his magnificent National 20s campaign by brilliantly latching onto a grubber from halfback Jesse Wihongi and diving in for the try.
After a lengthy injury break as Auckland fullback Nehumi Teu was stretchered off, Uasi went agonisingly close to scoring in the corner and livewire hooker Sincere Harraway was held up under the posts in the same set. South Island was able to keep their line intact under heavy fire in the lead-up to halftime, heading to the sheds four points down.
But the home side sent the second-half kick-off out on the full, providing Auckland with a gilt-edged chance. Big interchange forward Tupou Fifita reached a long arm out to score their third try.
The visitors took an iron grip on the game with a stunning try 10 minutes into the second stanza. After right-edge second-rower Salesi Ataata put Kosi into the clear, Auckland swept back to the left for skipper and back-rower Zyon Maiu’u to storm over.
The imposing Maiu’u busted the South Island defence again five minutes later to make it a double.
Auckland Blue hooker Stanley Iongi capped a strong running game by darting over for his side’s sixth try with 12 minutes to go.
Caleb Laiman iced the 30-point win with a penalty – his fifth goal of the day – after the siren.
Auckland Blue 34 (Benjamin Kosi 2, Zyon Maiu’u 2, Tupou Fifita, Stanley Iongi tries; Caleb Laiman 5 goals) South Island 4 (Mapu Uasi try) at Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub, Christchurch, Sunday 14th March.
WHEN THEY SCORED
First half
7 min: Auckland Blue 4-0 (Kosi try)
13 min: Auckland Blue 8-0 (Kosi try)
16 min: Auckland Blue 8-4 (Uasi try)
Second half
38 min: Auckland Blue 14-4 (Fifita try, Laiman goal)
45 min: Auckland Blue 20-4 (Maiu’u try, Laiman goal)
50 min: Auckland Blue 26-4 (Maiu’u try, Laiman goal)
63 min: Auckland Blue 32-4 (Iongi try, Laiman goal)
70 min: Auckland Blue 34-4 (Laiman goal)
Wai-Coa-Bay emerged 56-12 winners over Northland in Rd 3 of the NZRL National 20s competition at Opaheke Sports Park.
Captain of Wai-Coa-Bay, Dayna Bidios drew first blood strolling over the try line within the first five minutes of the match. Northland quickly answered back with points of their own through Charme Henry Turner. Wai-Coa-bay number eight Aamon Dean scores minutes later, followed by two tries from Caleb Gamlin and one from Dylan Rogers Pourau.
Wai-Coa-Bay’s Taylor Leef scored a four-pointer to open the second half, followed by winger Caleb Tane scoring a try off a perfect grubber to give his team a 36-4 lead.
Gamlen went on to score his hat trick on the right edge after an excellent pass from his center, Wai-Coa-Bay’s Xavier Mitchell-Winsor made it look easy, running through the Northland defense scoring four more points for his team. Possesion proved to be a problem for Northland as another try was scored by Wai-Coa-Bay’s Leef,
Northland were determined not to give up and scored on the 63rd minute with Klies Kaiarake barging over the line, followed by team mate Toi Munroe scoring in the corner for a late try of his own.
Wai-Coa-Bay will face South Island next Saturday, March 20 at Forsyth Stadium, while Northland meet the formidable Central Districts in Porirua on Sunday, March 21.
Wai-Coa-Bay 56 (Gamlen x3, Leef x2, Bidios, Dean, Rogers Pourau, Tane, Mitchell-Winsor) def. Northland 12 (Henry Turner, Kaiarake, Munroe) at Opaheke Sports Park.
As seen at aucklandleague.co.nz
Auckland White suffered their first loss of the NZRL National 20s on Saturday, going down to Central Districts 26-24 at Opaheke Sports Park.
Auckland had led by two at the break, but a second half full of errors – coupled with two players being sent to the sin bin – saw the hosts unable to kick on and get the result.
An Oscar Amosa try with two minutes left in the game did hand Francis Meli’s side a chance to tie things up at 26-all, but Doux Kauhiva’s conversion was wide.
The loss leaves Auckland White now facing an uphill battle to qualify through to the April 10 grand final ahead of taking on Auckland Blue in Round 4.
In a losing effort Manurewa half Teariki Ford was a standout, scoring the first try and setting the second up to give Auckland an early 10-0 lead, while in the engine room captain Victor Afoa worked hard all day.
But despite the promising start a glut of penalties and dropped ball – which would become a habit over the next 50 minutes – assisted the visitors in getting back into the contest and they scored twice to trail just 14-12 at the break.
Central Districts then scored the next three tries in the second stanza, the last of which came while Auckland had only 11 on the park due to a scuffle which saw Navajo Doyle and Viliami Kuli binned along with a CD player.
Late tries to Marist big man Elam Payne and Amosa gave Auckland a chance, but they couldn’t complete the dramatic comeback.
Central Districts 26 (Herman Seumanufagai x2, Lennix Tovo, Hiraka Wanakore, Carlos Kemp tries; Brooklyn Herewini x3 goals). def. Auckland White 24 (Teariki Ford, Te Napi Waipouri, Kaufana Lasa, Elam Payne, Oscar Amosa tries; Doux Kauhiva x2 goals). HT: 12-14 at Opaheke Sports Park.
12 March 2021
A full round of rugby league actions returns this weekend where all teams will face off in Round 3 of the NZRL National 20s Competition.
Central Districts, coming off an impressive 32-20 comeback win last weekend, will be looking to continue that momentum when they face Auckland White on Saturday, 12pm at Opaheke. This will be followed by Northland v Waicoa Bay at 2pm, two teams both hungry for their first victory.
Sunday will see Auckland Blue come up against South Island at Nga Puna Wai, a team that will be hungry for redemption as they look to put last week’s defeat against Central Districts behind them and maintain the top of the table momentum.
Saturday 13th March
Nga Puna Wai, Christchurch
Sunday 14th March
With the Auckland region moving to Alert to Level 1 at midday today, crowds are now permitted at all NZRL National 20s games.
NZRL is encouraging clubs and all involved in the game to continue to maintain a high level of awareness and hygiene at all rugby league activities, including trainings and games.
While the mandatory Government requirements are significantly reduced under Level 1, clubs are still required to display NZ COVID Tracer QR posters and should have a manual tracing log available too.
All rugby league participants are encouraged to keep track of where they have been.
Good handwashing practices and coughing and sneezing into elbows, not hands, remain important.
Any person feeling unwell should stay home and avoid rugby league activities, and if they present with cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms should contact their doctor or Healthline on 0800 358 5453 to see if they need a test.
11 March 2021
The New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) is proud to announce that 2021 will see the much-awaited return of one of our most significant calendar events – the NZRL National Secondary Schools Tournament.
After a two year hiatus, the five-day tournament returns to Auckland’s Pulman Park bigger and better than ever before.
Sixteen schools from across the country will battle it out for the ultimate Secondary Schools Premiership title alongside the Senior Boys Championship and an inaugural Girls Championship involving eight women’s teams for the first time in the competition’s history.
The tournament will commence on Monday 30 August, with the Finals taking place Friday 3 September at Pulman Park.
The competition is a Senior Secondary School Tournament with competing teams entering through their respective Zones / Regional qualifiers. Teams entering the National Secondary Schools Tournament must have a referral from their respective Zone contact.
In conjunction with this tournament and in succession to the inaugural fixture in 2020, New Zealand Rugby League will be selecting a New Zealand Schools (Boys 18s) team to play against New Zealand Clubs (18s) on Sunday 17 October 2021.
Venue – Pulman Park, AucklandCompetition dates: Monday 30 August – Friday 3 September 2021
Senior Boys Premiership– 16 Premier teams – 2 places per Zone (14), plus an additional 2 for Auckland.
Senior Boys Championship– 8 Championship teams – 1 place per Zone (7), plus an additional Auckland School.– Composite schools can also qualify for the Championship tier.
Senior Girls Championship– 8 Women’s teams – 1 place per Zone (7), plus an additional Auckland School.– Composite schools can also qualify for the Championship tier.
If you would like to receive more information, please register your interest here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2021NZRLEOI
07 March 2021
The only game of the round was a 13 try spectacle where the home team came away with a hard-fought win.
Central Districts opened the scoring with a try to winger Herman Seumanufagai on the two-minute mark before the South Island hit back via fullback Mapu Uasi.
Central Districts were next to answer through centre Carlos Kemp as he dotted over for their second four-pointer, but the South Island hit back straight away through powerhouse front-rower George Faaiva.
The Southlanders found their momentum as they steamrolled down the field before Captain Sincere Harraway dotted through the defence to set up the South Island’s third through winger Jack Skipper.
An unlucky error from Central Districts then saw loose forward Kyle Amer barge over for the South Island’s fourth.
Central Districts hit back 30 seconds before half time through Moses Galuvao shortening the half time deficit to six as the South Island went to the sheds with a 20 -14 lead.
Central Districts entered the second forty with all the momentum as centre Carlos Kemp earned his second try of the day reducing the deficit to just two. Winger Pose Tuilaepa then capitalised on a highball, skilfully planting it down to put Central Districts in the lead 22 – 20.
The momentum continued as winger Herman Seumanufagai went over for his second after a clinical offload from fullback Tipene Reweti. However, an error on their line gifted South Island winger Levi Collins with a try under the posts reducing it back to a two-point game.
Central District’s Malachi Ti’a soon spotted a gap and a powerhouse run saw him barge over for his first of the game, extending Central Districts lead 32-26.
South Island fullback Mapu Uasi reduced the deficit to two but Central Districts held on as the final hooter sounded 32-30.
05 March 2021
Rugby league activity in Auckland may resume as of 6.00am on Sunday, March 7, provided the Level 2 requirements set in place by the New Zealand Government can be followed.
Although the remainder of the country will move to Alert Level 1 on Sunday, where gathering restrictions are eased, please note there are still NO CROWDS permitted at this weekend’s NZRL National 20s match between Central Districts vs. South Island at Jerry Collins Stadium in Wellington.
NZRL will provide a further update on the National 20s crowd restrictions for the remaining rounds next week.
Under Alert Level 2 restrictions, which Auckland will move to from 6am on Sunday, gatherings for sport are permitted if limited to groups of 100 or less and physical distancing of two metres for those not on the field is observed.
This applies to any form of rugby league activity, including trainings, games and other gatherings.
At all Alert Levels, electronic and manual contact tracing must be available and placed prominently at the entry point to any facility (indoor and outdoor). Click here to download and learn more about the NZ Covid Tracer app.
Anybody displaying symptoms of sickness, awaiting COVID-19 test results or linked to locations of interest for recent COVID-19 cases of sickness should not participate (or leave home).
High standards of hygiene must be adhered to at any rugby league activity or training, including regular and thorough washing and drying of hands, with hand sanitiser made readily available and used at regular intervals.
If any club, team or individual is not able to comply with the requirements listed below they must not resume rugby league activity.
Click here for full Ministry of Health guidelines and advice.
NZRL is monitoring the situation closely and will continue to update you with the latest information, subject to ongoing Government updates.
4 March 2021
This Sunday 7 March clash between Central Districts and the South Island is the only game for Round Two due to the Covid-19 reschedule.
Central Districts are coming off a second half comeback loss to Auckland in which they will be looking to prove themselves against the South Island team. The South Island team will be looking to follow on from their convincing 56 to 14 victory over Northland.
PLEASE NOTE – This game will have NO CROWDS due to Covid-19 restrictions while the remaining Round Two games (Northland vs. Auckland White and Waicoa Bay vs. Auckland Blue) have been rescheduled to take place on Friday, 2 April in Opaheke, Auckland.
All National 20s games are available live on Sky Sport 4 and Fox League, Kayo and Watch NRL for our Australian viewers.
Jerry Collins Stadium, Wellington
Sunday 7th March 2021
09 March 2021
Due to Auckland being in Alert Level 3, where all rugby league activity (playing, contact and non-contact training) remains postponed for the remainder of the week (pending Government update), the NZRL National 20s competition schedule has been rearranged.
This Sunday, 7 March, the 12 pm match between Central Districts vs. South Island at Jerry Collins Stadium in Wellington will go ahead as planned WITHOUT CROWDS.
The two other Round Two games (Northland vs. Auckland White and Waicoa Bay vs. Auckland Blue) have been rescheduled to take place on Friday, 2 April in Opaheke, Auckland.
As a result of the reschedule, the grand final has now been moved to Saturday 10April, 12:30 pm at Opaheke, Auckland.
Unfortunately, Takahiwai will no longer host any 20s games for the year; however, Northland will get a home game at Trigg Arena (Whangarei Stadium) on Saturday 27 March, 2:30 pm vs. Auckland Blue.
All of the NZRL National 20s games can be viewed live on Sky Sport 4, as well as Fox League, Kayo and Watch NRL for Australian viewers.
For those OUTSIDE AUCKLAND, rugby league activity is permitted ONLY if clubs and facilities can abide by all of the below health requirements:
NZRL will provide further guidance regarding return to rugby league activity for Auckland and any further update on the National 20s competition when possible (subject to Government updates).
The health and wellbeing of our communities remain the priority. Please wear a mandatory face mask if taking public transport and continue to abide by the above health and safety requirements.
Thank you for your ongoing co-operation and understanding during this time.
February 28, 2021 / Will Evans
South Island made a huge statement in Round 1 of the New Zealand Rugby League National 20s competition, defeating Northland 56-14 with a blistering attacking performance at Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub in Christchurch.
Level 2 restrictions coming into effect on Sunday morning prevented spectators from attending the match – a shame given the perfect conditions on the last day of summer and the 13-try exhibition the combatants delivered.
A dominant performance from the South Island forwards laid the platform for the big victory, with lock Kyle Amer and props Junior Tuliakono and George Faavai partcularly strong. The likes of hooker Sincere Harraway, halfback Mesiah Asi and fullback Mapu Uasi – who scored a hat-trick among a 28-point individual haul – provided the polish, and centres Sala Faifale and Jack Skipper were a constant handful out wide.
After withstanding an early Northland assault on their line, South Island grabbed the ascendancy via a break from Uasi and a clever kick from Harraway to force a line dropout.
From the resultant possession, captain Harraway darted from dummy-half and stepped through the Northland defence for the first try.
Both sides were guilty of a spate of errors in the ensuing period, but South Island capitalised when they were able to hang onto the ball. Harraway’s threat from acting half again troubled Northland, combining with towering prop Tuliakiono, who reached out to score.
Uasi’s second conversion made 12-0 to the hosts in even time.
Northland hit back after being piggybacked downfield by a penalty. Interchange forward Dilano Henry Turner muscled over out wide despite the attention of three South Island defenders.
But allowing the subsequent kick-off to bounce dead proved costly for the visitors. South Island halfback Mesiah Asi’s beautiful sleight of hand served up a try for powerhouse centre Sala Faifale, restoring a 12-point advantage.
Faifale did it all himself five minutes later, receiving the ball in space from a Northland error and spearing through gap to bag his second four-pointer.
Northland managed to stem the flow of points until halftime but the South Island assault continued immediately after the resumption. Kiarn Wilson scored in the first set of the second half after toeing the ball ahead twice, Uasi scored a 50-metre runaway try in South Island’s next possession, and bruising lock Kyle Amer powered over for a richly-deserved touchdown soon afterwards.
The scoreline ballooned to 46-6 as Uasi flashed over for his second in the right-hand corner – South Island’s fourth try in just 13 minutes of second-half action. The Linwood Keas CRL premiership winner completed a 10-minute hat-trick a couple of sets later – and brought up the half-century for the home side – scorching down the sideline and dotting down under the posts for another half-field try.
Left winger Vaione Saki was the beneficiary of quick hands from his inside men, diving over for a simple try and a 56-6 lead.
Some respite finally arrived for Northland during the last 10 minutes. Impressive fullback and captain Eroni Biukoto broke through South Island’s right-edge defence and outsprinted the cover defence to score out wide, before making another bust and combining with halfback Ioane Loto’atu to lay on a try for front-rower Nigel Iro.
South Island (Mapu Uasi 3, Sala Faifale 2, Sincere Harraway, Junior Tuilakiono, Kiarn Wilson, Kyle Amer, Vaione Saki tries; Uasi 8 goals) defeated Northland (D. Henry Turner, Biukoto, Iro tries; Biukoto goal) at Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub, Christchurch, Sunday 28th February.
Auckland White emerged 30-16 winners over Wai-Coa-Bay in Rd 1 of the NZRL National 20s competition at Rotorua International Stadium.
The Auckland side were strong through the first half, scoring three tries via Kyson Kingi, Viliami Kuli and Corey Cassidy-Natano, with two conversions from halfback Doux Kauhiva giving them a 16-4 lead at halftime.
Kingi opened the scoring on the right edge after eight minutes of play, followed by Kauhiva slicing through Wai-Coa-Bay’s defence to find Kuli.
On the 25th minute Wai-Coa-Bay’s second rower Rawiri Mathews put points on the board – following a 10 minute delay due to an injury – before Cassidy-Natano dotted down in the left corner.
Wai-Coa-Bay hit first in the second spell, before Kuli made a huge break to give Te Napi Waipouri a four-pointer under the posts, followed by prop Tony Tafa crashing over to give the visitors a 26-10 lead.
Off the back of two penalties, Wai-Coa-Bay prop Aamon Dean burrowed over to reduce the deficit to 26-16, but Auckland’s Elam Payne hit back quickly to end any chance of a comeback.
Auckland White will play Northland on Saturday, March 6 at Takahiwai Rugby League Club.
Auckland White 30 (Kyson Kingi, Viliami Kuli, Corey Cassidy-Natano, Te Napi Waipouri, Tony Tafa, Elam Payne tries; Doux Kauhiva x3 conversions) def. Wai-Coa-Bay 16 (Rawiri Mathews, Te Ohomauri Rapana, Aamon Dean tries; Xavier Mitchell x2 conversions) at Rotorua International Stadium.
28 February 2021
As of 6am this morning the Auckland region is back at Alert Level 3 for the next seven days meaning all rugby league activity (training and playing) in the region is suspended.
The remainder of New Zealand is at Alert Level 2 where gatherings are restricted to groups of 100 and physical distancing of two metres for those not on the field is observed.
As result, the NZRL National 20s game between Northland and the South Island scheduled for 2pm at Nga Puna Wai today will have no crowds.
NZRL will provide an update regarding the remainder of the National 20s schedule in the next 24 hours.
Any person feeling unwell should stay home and if they present with cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms should contact their doctor or Healthline on 0800 358 5453 to see if they need a test.
27 February 2021
A late surge saw Auckland Blue beat Central Districts 34-18 in the opening round of the NZRL National 20s at Opaheke Sports Park.
After trailing 18-12 at the break, Auckland Blue fought back with four second-half tries to record victory.
Earlier Central Districts prop Memphis Hennessy opened the scoring after just two minutes, before Auckland hit back via Stanley Iongi and Samuel Hansen.
But Central Districts didn’t go away and hooker Wyatt So-otaga sliced through defence to score on the 26th minute followed by another four-pointer to Kayin Katene to give them an 18-12 lead at half time.
In the second spell the momentum shifted when co-captain Zyon Maiu’u burrowed over on the 46th minute, before Iongi crossed for his second to extend the lead to 24-18.
Minutes later Maiu’u crashed over again, followed by a try to Mangere East’s Junior Moli to secure victory.
Halfback Caleb Laiman was excellent off the boot, converting all but one try.
Auckland Blue will play Wai-Coa-Bay at Rotorua International Stadium in Rd 2 next Saturday.
Auckland Blue 34 (Stanley Iongi x2, Samuel Hansen, Zyon Maiu’u x2, Junior Moli tries; Caleb Laiman x5 conversions) def. Central Districts 18 (Memphis Hennessy, Wyatt So-otaga, Kayin Katene tries; Brooklyn Herewini x3 conversions) at Opaheke Sports Park.
26 February 2021
New Zealand Rugby League and Auckland Rugby League have collaborated to design a new approach to junior rugby league, which will see significant changes come into effect from this year.
After working alongside the NZRL to set out the vision for junior league in the country, the ARL will rollout the new Junior Development Framework (JDF) in full for all mini/mod (U6-U12) grades in 2021.
Supported by the NZRL, the ARL has piloted aspects of the framework in various children’s grades in Auckland since 2017, seeking consultation from local coaches, players, managers and club chairs along the way.
While the ARL will implement the new JDF immediately, the NZRL will be adopting a staggered approach with their regions in the rollout of the new framework.
The biggest changes are in the U6 grade where children have their first experience of organised rugby league.
Under the JDF the first eight weeks of the U6 season will be played under League Tag (non-contact) rules, while come the second half of the season teams will have the choice of continuing to play League Tag or to switch to traditional contact rugby league.
For that grade it will be mandatory for coaches to deliver a six-week tackle confidence programme through the opening two months of the season, regardless of which form of the game they choose for the second part of the year.
In relation to skill development and encouraging decision making in the formative years, a crucial aspect is the introduction of first-receiver bibs for the U8-U12 grades, with dummy-half bibs also being used from the U9-U12 grades.
Both bibs allow the player wearing it to run, score and be tackled without two passes being required or a change of possession being triggered (normal mini-mod rules state that two passes must be achieved to retain possession).
ARL game development and participation manager Sam Cawdron said the framework was about evolving the game to suit the attitudes and needs of those involved at junior levels.
“The JDF is heavily geared towards teaching safer tackling and giving kids confidence in contact, along with encouraging skill development, decision making and a learning and play-orientated approach for our youngest players,” Cawdron said. “The move to introduce League Tag for the first half of the season for the U6 grade means teams can be put through a tackle confidence programme and then decide whether they are ready to move to contact or want to continue to play League Tag.
“This is to help build confidence and gives kids a chance to learn and be introduced to tackling.
“Providing kids with the option on when to switch over to contact allows them to be develop at their own pace, keeping in mind that current NRL stars such as Shaun Johnson, Benji Marshall and Ryan Papenhuyzen all come from non-contact backgrounds.
“League Tag is going to help open up rugby league to a larger group of the population who are interested in a non-contact activity.”
NZRL general manager of high performance and football, Motu Tony, said the changes are a positive for the game.
“Extensive research and collaboration have gone into this project to ensure that our participants at the Kiwi League Kids level (formerly mini/mod) have a rugby league programme that is enjoyable, safe and helps develop them on and off the field,” Tony said.
“I would particularly like to thank the ARL for their partnership and fantastic work during the three-year pilot programme, which has resulted in an offering that I am sure will be enjoyed by all our KLK participants.”
For further information and coaching resources click here.
Junior Development Framework features outlined:
February 26, 2021
Rugby League and other New Zealand sports are coming together to walk alongside the rainbow community in the Auckland Rainbow Parade next month, celebrating diversity and inclusion.
We’re delighted to announce that the Rainbow Parade in Auckland has been rescheduled for Saturday 13th March 2021.
The parade was originally planned for earlier this month but was cancelled due to the recent COVID-19 community cases – but thanks to some quick work from the organisers a new date has been confirmed.
All participants, supporters, and communities from across New Zealand sports are invited to pull on their club colours, matchday kit or sports outfits and come together in a show of unity and support for our rainbow communities.
The Auckland Rainbow Parade will be an uplifting event with a carnival-style atmosphere, dancing, performances, and plenty of music and noise!
The Auckland Rainbow Parade details: Saturday 13 March, Parade begins on Ponsonby Road. 6.00pm-7.00pm, followed by Ponsonby Street Festival which runs from 7pm – 10pm.
We invite our rugby league communities to join and walk with sport at the parade, if you’re interested in being involved, please register your details here and we’ll be in touch | https://bit.ly/3qGQYsn
Those best dressed (most rainbow and rugby league) will be up for great rugby league prizes including signed Kiwis and Ferns jerseys, rugby league balls, mouthguards and NZRL apparel.
New Zealand Rugby League, alongside other sports from across the country, is committed to supporting and celebrating our people in sport and pursuing diversity throughout our game. For more details of how you can be involved, please email us at admin@nzrl.co.nz
24 February 2021
New Zealand Rugby League will kick off its inaugural National 20s Competition this Saturday 27 February when Auckland Blue take on Central Districts at 2pm Opaheke Auckland, followed by Waicoa Bay v Auckland White at Rotorua International Stadium 4pm.
Sunday 28th will see the South Island take on Northland at 12pm down at Nga Puna Wai Stadium in Christchurch.
All games will be televised live on Sky Sport 4, and for Australian viewers games available on Fox League, Kayo and Watch NRL.
NZRL GM of High Performance and Football, Motu Tony says: “We have been working hard to improve the pathways we provide for our young rugby league players in New Zealand.”
“Our rangatahi are vital to the domestic and professional success of the code, the average age of an NRL debutant is now 21, so it’s crucial we are developing and strengthening this age group as much as we can at home. This competition also allows coaches, managers, trainers and match officials to gain further development and experience.
“The 20s Competition allows us to foster budding rugby league talent from up and down the country and the potential NZRL 2022 SG Ball team adds another layer of incentive for our young players.”
Saturday 27th FebAuckland Blue v Central Districts – 2pm Opaheke Auckland Waicoa Bay v Auckland White – 4pm Rotorua International Stadium Sunday 28th FebSouth Island v Northland – 12pm Nga Puna Wai Christchurch
As seen on aucklandleague.co.nz
There is nothing quite like a Ruben Wiki workout on a muggy Auckland evening to help you drop a few kilograms.
Just ask Auckland U20 squad member Jacob Leung-Wai Milo.
In his first month of training with Wiki – who is working with Leung-Wai Milo’s Otara Scorpions this year – the 19-year-old has already lost 8kgs and believes there’s plenty more to drop yet.
“It’s been a killer with Ruben, but he’s been helping me heaps,” Leung-Wai Milo said.
“I’ve got heaps more to go I think. My goal weight is 110kg and right now I’m 120kg.
“I buzz out sometimes when I look at Ruben when he’s talking to us.
“I was too young to have watched him play, but I watch clips of his runs off kick-offs, so I know a bit about him.”
Efforts to slim down come after a few years of adversity for Leung-Wai Milo, who had to forfeit his final year at Gold Coast league nursery Keebra Park State High School – famed for helping to develop NRL superstars such as Benji Marshall and Payne Haas – last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
There were also back-to-back serious knee injuries in 2018 and 2019, resulting in two surgeries, one of which was a reconstruction.
“I was pretty gutted for a few months there, but I’m over it now and have moved past it,” he said.
“Keebra was a good experience. It was tough, the trainings were something else, especially the fitness.
“While I was there I played against (current Queensland State of Origin player) Xavier Coates and played with guys like (2021 Brisbane Broncos trialist) Reece Walsh.
“I’m thankful to the people at my homestay in Aus who always pushed me to train and not sit there and feel sorry for myself with my knee problems.
“One of their children did their knee at the same time so we were rehabbing and training together which helped.”
Ahead of his Auckland White side kicking off their NZRL National 20s campaign this Saturday against Wai-Coa-Bay in Rotorua, Leung-Wai Milo said preparations are tracking well.
“Trainings have been going well and we’ve been focussing a lot on the game plan we want to use for the competition,” he said.
“It’s good to be gelling with guys my age.
“Everyone is training really well and we are excited for the first game.”
When former rugby league superstar Ali Lauititi is your uncle and you happen to also be named after him, you’d better be handy with a rugby league ball.
Luckily that’s the case for Papatoetoe Panthers product Ali Leiataua, with the talented fullback set to take the next step in his own promising league career by representing Auckland in the NZRL National 20s competition which kicks off this weekend.
As the first boy in his family, Leiataua was named after his mum Tala’s brother Ali, who at the time of his nephew’s birth in January 2003 had just come off a spectacular NRL campaign with the New Zealand Warriors in which he was named the competition’s best second-rower.
“We talk heaps of footy. He comes over most days and we chat,” Leiataua said of his relationship with his uncle.
“I’d just been born in his last few years at the Warriors, so I was too young to remember, but I’ve seen lots of clips of him playing and he was a pretty damaging ball runner.
“A few times we have had a game in the backyard… he’s still got it, he’s a bit unfit now but you can tell he still has it in him!
“We are different builds, but he still thinks he can beat me in a race.
“He’s very competitive and I think that’s where I get it from.”
In good news for the Auckland Blue side, Leiataua’s tip sheet includes ideas on replicating uncle Ali’s renowed offload game.
“He’s told me to always try and get that ball free when I run and to always keep the ball in two hands to keep the opposition in two minds, and that way you always have an option for a fend,” Leiataua said.
“When he’s not busy he comes and watches, or if it’s on TV he watches, and he’s like a little game review guy for me.
“He’ll come over and sit me down for a chat and tell me what I did do well and what I didn’t do well.”https://cdn.iframe.ly/api/iframe?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DdDW5nqUMCLQ&key=bab6e08fa25761f5368580a846bae5ea
Linking up with the Auckland U20s marks Leiataua’s return to league, after spending last season playing school rugby union.
“I missed league, it’s my bread and butter. It’s good to get back into it,” Leiataua said.
“It’s been good to play league again, it had been a while.
“When I turned up at the trial there were a few familiar faces I played with and against.
“It’s something new playing with the older boys – there’s guys in the team who are two years older than me – so physically it’s a little bit harder, but with training so consistently it’s been good so far.”
February 23 2021
With the Auckland region having moved to Level 1 as of February 23, NZRL is encouraging clubs and all involved in the game to continue to maintain a high level of awareness and hygiene at all rugby league activities, including trainings and games.
22 February 2021
The most influential Māori sportspeople of the past 30 years have been crowned and four rugby league greats have been honoured in one of the most prestigious sporting lists.
Dubbed The Little General during his standout career with the Warriors and the Kiwis, Jones was, according to broadcaster Dale Husband, “so popular he could have been Prime Minister”. Played 48 tests and 238 NRL games for the Warriors before turning to coaching. Ex-Warriors and Kiwis teammate Wairangi Koopu said Jones transformed both teams. “The small rarea bird flies up high in the kahikatea tree. That’s how you’d sum up Stacey Jones.”
The star of the Kiwis’ only Rugby League World Cup winning team in 2008, Benji Marshall is about to enter his 19th NRL season, having played over 300 first grade games. Won a NRL title with Wests Tigers in 2005 when he produced an amazing flick pass in the grand final. Golden Boot winner in 2010 as international player of the year. “He could have played State of Origin, he definitely could have played for Australia, but he chose the black jersey over a Kangaroos jumper,” said ex-Kiwi Tony Kemp. “To me, that says everything. The guy’s an absolute legend.”
One of the most respected players in NZ Rugby League history and across the entire NRL scene, Wiki starred during 12 seasons with the Canberra Raiders, winning the 1994 premiership as a centre. Ended his 311-game career with three seasons as a Warriors prop. The most capped Kiwi with 55 tests and a NRL Hall of Famer. Former Kiwis captain Hugh McGahan said of Wiki: “He’s got conviction, he’s got resilience, he’s got power. He never knew the meaning of the word, ‘giving up’.’’
Her 32 Test tenure in the Kiwi Ferns jersey includes four World Cups spanning 18 seasons. Putararu-born Hireme-Smiler was named World Cup MVP in 2013 and also appeared for the Black Ferns a year later at the 2014 Rugby World Cup, as well as starring in the Black Ferns sevens team. Former Warriors and Kiwis forward Wairangi Koopu claims Hireme’s ease at switching between the two codes earned her the nickname of “Honey Bill Williams”. She was named in NRL.com’s Women’s Rugby League Team of the Decade (2010s) and appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to the game, cementing her standing as one of women’s rugby league’s all-time greats.
1. Lisa Carrington – Te Aitanga-A-Māhaki/Ngāti Porou (Canoeing)2. Michael Campbell – Ngāti Ruanui/Ngāi Rauru (Golf)3. Wynton Rufer – Ngāti Porou (Football)4. Jason Wynyard – Ngāti Maniapoto/Ngāpuhi (Wood Chopping)5. Pero Cameron – Ngāpuhi (Basketball)6. Zinzan Brooke – Ngāpuhi (Rugby)7. Stacey Jones – Ngāti Maniapoto/Ngāpuhi (Rugby League)8. Farah Palmer – Tainui/Ngāti Maniapoto (Rugby)9. Benji Marshall – Ngāi Tuhoe (Rugby League)10. Dame Noeline Taurua – Ngāpuhi (Netball)11. Aaron Smith – Ngāti Kahungunu (Rugby)12. Portia Woodman – Ngāpuhi (Rugby)13. Ruben Wiki – Ngāpuhi (Rugby League)14. Trent Boult – Ngāi Tahu/Ngāti Porou/Ngāi Te Rangi (Cricket)15. Eric Rush – Ngāpuhi (Rugby)16. Winston Reid – Tainui/Te Arawa (Football)17. Peter Martin – Te Arawa (Paralympics Athletics)18. Leilani Joyce – Ngāti Hine/Ngāi Te Rangi/Tainui (Squash)19. Suzie Bates – Ngāi Tahu (Cricket/Basketball)20. Honey Hireme-Smiler – Ngāti Raukawa/Ngāi Haua/Waikato-Tainui (Rugby League/Rugby)21. Nathan Nukunuku – Ngāti Porou (Softball)22. Temepara Bailey – Ngāpuhi (Netball)23. Shane Bond – Ngāi Tahu (Cricket)24. Sarah Hirini – Ngāti Kahungunu (Rugby)25. Joelle King – Ngāti Porou (Squash)26. Raelene Castle – Ngāpuhi (Sports Administrator)27. Kayla Whitelock – Rangitāne (Hockey)28. Cathy Millen – Ngāi Tuhoe (Power Lifting)29. Cameron Leslie – Ngāpuhi (Paralympics Swimming/Wheelchair Rugby)30. Shannon McIlroy – Ngāti Porou (Lawn Bowls)
22nd February 2021
Indigenous skipper Cody Walker admitted he was to blame for the penalty goal miscommunication that resulted in a 10-all draw with the Maori All Stars because he didn’t get coach Laurie Daley’s message to go for the win.
Trailing 10-8 with just over a minute on the clock Walker opted to take a penalty shot from a James Fisher-Harris penalty unaware there would be no golden point extra-time.
Daley said he “wanted to go for the try” but Walker couldn’t see any message when he looked to the bench and assumed levelling up the scores was the best play believing they’d have extra-time to decide the match.
Instead the game ended in a draw for the first time in the history of the All Stars game and the teams shared the Arthur Beetson Trophy.
“I turned around and I thought it was golden point,” Walker said.
Daley said although he wanted his team to go for the win he considered the draw a fair result.
“I think when you look at it overall of course we would have loved to have won but I think you just saw two passionate proud cultures having a crack right til the death,” Daley said.
“We made it extremely hard for ourselves, we didn’t have any good ball, we turned it over, we were ill-disciplined at times but the commitment to defend and just keep turning up was as good as I’ve seen.”
In a low-scoring game there were moments of brilliance and desperation from both sides.
Latrell Mitchell came up with a classy grubber kick for Alex Johnston to score in the 64th minute to give the Indigenous All Stars a sniff of victory.
For the Maori side it was their experience that led the way with Benji Marshall instrumental from halfback and James Fisher-Harris fittingly awarded the Preston Campbell Medal as man of the match despite his costly penalty late in the game.
Fisher-Harris made 137 metres from 16 hit-ups and also made 26 tackles in a typically powerful performance.
Just three weeks after his glittering career appeared over, Marshall capped his surprise career extension with South Sydney by leading the New Zealand side in his debut appearance for the Maori.
With Jahrome Hughes and his five Melbourne Maori teammates stranded in Victoria due to COVID travel restrictions, Marshall stepped into the No.7 jersey with a superb performance that proved there are many miles left in his 35-year-old legs.
Marshall led an emotion-charged haka prior to kick off but after a tryless first half it was his sublime short ball to Jordan Riki that finally broke the stalemate as the Maori capitalised on the superior possession and field position.
The veteran playmaker was the calm amid a frenetic storm as errors upon errors left both sides unable to really hit their attacking groove in a game dominated by desperate defence.
“It’s not about trophies for us. It would’ve been good to win it but at the end of the day there’s a bigger picture,” said Maori coach David Kidwell.
“I’m just immensely proud of my boys. They put everything out there tonight and I couldn’t be happier for them.”
Captain Corban McGregor praised her team for “keeping the foot on the throat” as the Maori team delivered an emphatic 24-0 win over the Indigenous All Stars in a thoroughly one-sided contest.
The Maori women led 12-0 after just 11 minutes and, fearing an Indigenous comeback, McGregor pulled her team together in a huddle to remind them the job was far from done in front of a vocal home crowd for the Indigenous women in Townsville.
Not only did the Maori side keep the Indigenous women scoreless, they ran in three more tries to ensure a dominant victory, avenging last year’s tough 10-4 loss on the Gold Coast.
“It was super important and we used that exact term after the second try, let’s keep the foot on the throat and keep leading and pushing as hard as we can,” said McGregor.
“They are a strong side and they have some power coming back and we knew that if we gave them a chance they’d make the most of it so we definitely just wanted to keep dominating through the middle and things opened up for us.
“I had a taste of this game last year and we didn’t come out on top so there was fire in the belly to get the win tonight.”
Maori coach Keith Hanley was ecstatic with the result as his team – minus all their New Zealand-based players – produced a complete performance with powerful defence, skill and precision.
Whether it was halfback Zahara Temara orchestrating tries from pinpoint grubber kicks or the rampaging runs of front-row duo Rona Peters and 18-year-old rookie Mya Hill-Moana, the Maori women just had an answer for everything.
“We couldn’t possibly have scripted that,” Hanley said.
“Obviously it was still a very competitive contest. Credit to the Indigenous side. They never faded and never went away and again we just re-emphasize our love and respect for them.
“We have a very gifted group and they certainly came together today and were all singing the same theme song.”
Raecene McGregor won the player of the match award with her two-try effort while sister Page McGregor chimed in with a try of her own for a family treble.
Indigenous coach Ian Bourke said his team could never get themselves into the contest as sloppy handling in the wet conditions cost them dearly.
“We certainly learned the hard way tonight,” Bourke said.
“But I think the girls will learn a fair bit out of it.
“I don’t know the average age but it’s hovering probably around 20 to 21 and let’s be honest, that compared to the opposition is pretty experienced in key positions and unfortunately we couldn’t get into the rhythm or feel as though the energy was there.
“I’m definitely proud of the girls in the back end of the game.
“It’s not about the short-term event. It’s the long-term plan for the program.”
Indigenous skipper Tallisha Harden said her team were devastated by the result but it would only strengthen their resolve to become better footballers.
“The emotion at the end, a lot of them are pretty heartbroken,” she said.
“It’s tough when you lose but we’ll bounce back and I’m really excited to see what the girls do next and their pathway for the rest of the year.”
February 19th 2021.
In partnership with ACC, LeagueSmart aims to better prepare and educate our volunteers, staff and players around different health, safety and wellbeing practise to ensure our game is a safe space for all involved.
To encourage our rugby league communities to complete the training and stay on top of their rugby league knowledge, NZRL is giving away a BLK / NZRL supporters prize which will include: A 2017 RLWC Kiwis jersey, polo, hoodie and trackies, training gear and assorted headwear!
Anyone who completes the LeagueSmart programme (10 – 15 minutes) will instantly go in the draw to win. To complete LeagueSmart, please visit https://nzrl.co.nz/get-involved/leaguesmart/.
The competition will run from the 19th of February to the 19th of March with the winner being announced on the 26th of March.
Follow NZRL social media platforms for regular updates!
17 February 2021
Rugby league activity in Auckland may resume as of February 18 provided the strict Level 2 requirements set in place by the New Zealand Government can be followed.
Under Level 2 restrictions, which Auckland will move to from midnight on February 17, gatherings for sport are permitted if limited to groups of 100 or less and physical distancing of two metres for those not on the field is observed.
The requirements outlined here apply to any form of rugby league activity, including trainings, games and other gatherings.
Both electronic and manual contact tracing must be available and placed prominently at the entry point to any facility (indoor and outdoor). Click here to download and learn more about the NZ Covid Tracer app.
Please refer to your appropriate District and Club for more specific information on upcoming competitions and fixtures.
14 February 2021
In the wake of Auckland moving to COVID-19 Level 3 for the next three days, all rugby league activity in the region is suspended until midnight on Wednesday, February 17.
This includes all club trainings and activities.
The Auckland Rugby League office will be closed on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, but staff will be working from home and be available. Click here to contact.
Visit www.covid19.covt.nz for more Government information.
Tuesday, 9th February.
Rugby League World Cup 2021 (RLWC 2021) celebrated Waitangi Day by unveiling New Zealand legend Honey Hireme-Smiler MNZM as an International Ambassador.
Hireme-Smiler is regarded as a women’s Rugby League all-time great, representing the Kiwi Ferns in 32 tests’ over 18 seasons, which included four World Cups. As well as being named in the NRL.com’s Women’s Rugby League Team of the Decade (2010s) Honey was also appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to the sport.
Although she hung up her boots in 2020, Honey has continued to represent the sport in various roles from coaching women and girls’ teams, commentary for Sky Sport NZ, advisor for inclusion in sport for people with disabilities and advocating for the growth of the game through various guest speaking roles.
Announced today on Waitangi Day, the national day of New Zealand, Hireme-Smiler has been brought into the RLWC2021 ambassador squad to spread the values and messages of the tournament internationally, particularly in the Southern Hemisphere.
Honey joins dual-code legend Jason Robinson OBE as an International Ambassador, adding to the respected squad of RLWC2021 ambassadors Adam Hills, James Simpson, Jodie Cunningham, Kevin Sinfield, Lois Forsell, Luke Gale, Oliver Thomasson and Robbie Hunter-Paul.
Commenting on the partnership, Honey said: “The growth of the World Cup since my first tournament in 2003 has been incredible, and the plans for 2021 will no doubt give the women’s game the perfect platform to continue that global growth. The three tournaments, men’s, women’s and wheelchair, being staged at the same time is already monumental in the sports history so I can’t wait to help spread the word in my new role.”
Jon Dutton, Chief Executive of RLWC2021, said: “Honey has been a trailblazer for women’s sport and we’re over the moon she’s going to help represent the tournament as our latest International Ambassador.
“Inclusivity is at the core of our values as a tournament and Honey will be an ideal voice to positively promote what will be the biggest and best Rugby League World Cup in history.”
Follow all the latest news via www.RLWC2021.com and the official social media channels on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
If you enjoy sport and engaging with the community, an exciting employment opportunity has arisen with Counties Manukau Rugby League.
CMRL is now open to receiving applications of interest for the role of Development Officer.
Click here for the application form.
Applications close on the 19th of February 2021.
3rd February 2021
Benji Marshall is set to represent his Māori culture for the first time as he was yesterday named in the NZ Māori All-Stars squad.
Marshall has been named on the bench for the Māori All-Stars with coach David Kidwell unveiling a 20-man squad looking to make it two in a row after a 30-16 win over their Indigenous counterparts last year.
Marshall has been included alongside close relative Jeremy Marshall-King who are both in line to come off the bench at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on February 20.
“When I phoned Benji and asked if he would like to represent the Indigenous Māori, you could just hear the excitement that came across the line from him,” Kidwell told NRL.com.
“And to also be able to play with Jeremy, which he’s never been able to do before, I think that’s really important and something we did well last year.
“He’s looking forward to getting into camp and using his experience.”
Kidwell said he’ll work with the clubs to determine the amount of game time the likes of Marshall will play in the match.
Penrith playmaker Jarome Luai and premiership-winning halfback Jahrome Hughes, who faced off against each other in the grand final last year, will start in the halves.
“We’re always trying to work with NRL clubs because we understand coming from clubland,” Kidwell said.
“We’ll figure all that out but sometimes it’s hard to stop players who want to spend a lot of time on the field.
“Marshall, Luai, Raiders fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Roosters centre Joseph Manu are among 11 changes made to the Māori All-Stars squad following last year’s win.
Nicoll-Klokstad replaces Knights superstar Kalyn Ponga at the back, who underwent shoulder surgery in the off-season.
Storm recruit Reimis Smith is another bolter in the starting line-up with Raiders winger Bailey Simonsson included on the unlimited interchange bench.
Prominent Kiwi Ferns front a strong Māori All-Stars wahine squad including the likes of Raecene McGregor and Nita Maynard who missed the end of year Kiwi Ferns campaign due to Covid-19 restrictions. Former Kiwi Ferns veteran Rona Peters also makes her return to the side.
Coach Rusty Matua is unable to travel to Australia to steer the side so Keith Hanley and assistant Lisa Fiaola will take over the duties.
Despite the disruptions, Hanley has named a host of familiar personnel with NSW representatives Botille Vette-Welsh, Corban McGregor and Kennedy Cherrington included in the Māori All-Stars wahine squad.
The blockbuster doubleheader will kick off on Saturday the 20th of February at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, 10:00 pm NZDT.
29 January 2021
New Zealand Rugby League will kick off its inaugural National 20s Competition on Saturday 27 February 2021. The round-robin competition will play over five consecutive weeks with the two top placed teams set to face off in the final the weekend of April 2.
The NZRL National 20s Competition involves six teams from across New Zealand with Zones and appropriate Districts represented.
Auckland hosts two teams as Auckland Rugby League, Akarana and Counties Manukau join forces to create an Auckland Blue and Auckland White team. Other teams represented include Northland; Wai-Coa Bay, with the inclusion of Waikato, Hauraki, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne and Coastline Districts; Central Districts, including Manawatu, Taranaki, Hawkes Bay and Wellington; and South Island, including Tasman, Canterbury, West Coast, Aoraki, Southland and Otago Districts.
The NZRL National 20s Competition will showcase future Kiwis from across the country as this inaugural comp looks to shine a spotlight on New Zealand’s development talent as they pave their way for elite professional contracts.
All games will be televised live on Sky Sport, Sky Sport Now and for Australian viewers, Kayo and FOXSPORTS Linear.
27 January 2021
New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) has announced a major technology upgrade for the administration of the sport of rugby league throughout the country.
NZRL has partnered with Sportsground Ltd, a New Zealand based digital technology company, to utilise the ‘Sporty’ platform to help organise its sport.
The decision to use Sporty to upgrade its systems, including all player, coach, referee and volunteer registrations, member management, and game competition management was not made lightly according to NZRL CEO, Greg Peters.
“We used 2020 to review and evaluate a number of options both domestically and abroad. We’re pleased to have identified a local sports technology company with proven capability to meet the demanding requirements of organising our sport nationally,” Peters said.
Mike Purchas, CEO of Sportsground Ltd says they are pleased to have been selected to deliver the solution.
“We’re thrilled. We already provide web services for a number of rugby league organisations and we are excited to be increasing their functionality and rolling it out nationally for 2021,” Purchas said.
Boasting a clientele that includes NZ Rugby, Netball NZ, Football NZ, Touch NZ and many other national bodies, Sportsground Ltd has been servicing the New Zealand sports sector for over a decade. The Sporty platform is modular and provides an integrated, hierarchal system designed to meet the differing needs at each level of a sport, from the participant to the team, club/school, regional organisation and national body.
“It requires boldness to undertake a digital upgrade. The easy option is to retain status quo, but that’s not necessarily the best outcome for a sport. We applaud the decision from NZRL to implement transformational change that will future-proof it for years to come,” stated Purchas.
Peters added, “The global pandemic has emphasised the importance of timely communication and robust digital solutions that help administer our sport. Our technology upgrade with Sporty puts rugby league in good stead.”
January 16 2021
One-test Kiwis fullback Tony Smith never lost his love of sport despite missing out on a rugby league test jersey and team photograph and being banned from playing rugby union for life.
The retired North Canterbury farmer died last Monday, aged 81, after a short illness.
Smith – aided by his late wife Chris – devoted himself to sport and community affairs in the Waiau district despite being refused reinstatement to rugby union after a short, successful league career.
He played his one and only test for the Kiwis in 1962, kicking a goal in a record 19-0 win over Great Britain at Auckland’s Carlaw Park. But Smith suffered a shoulder injury and missed selection for the second Test.
“Because the players were allowed to keep their jerseys only at the second Test, when the team photo was also taken, Tony missed out on both,’’ New Zealand Rugby League historian John Coffey said.
The Kiwis test proved his last game of rugby league in New Zealand. He married in 1963 and went to farm at Waiau, where the local rugby club’s case to have him reinstated was flatly refused by higher authorities.
Back then, any player deemed to have been a rugby professional was automatically denied a rugby union return.
Smith’s case was in a different league, however, to most code switchers. Some former union players had made a handsome living from playing for big English league clubs – ex-All Black and Empire Games relay bronze medallist Peter Henderson funded a Waikato farm from his Huddersfield tenure.
Smith, however, played domestically and once told a Press reporter that his league expenses scarcely covered his petrol costs to Christchurch from Waikari.
Waiau, where he moved at the age of 23, was 120km from the nearest rugby league competition in Christchurch – too far to drive to practices and games for a busy young farmer.
Former Linwood and Canterbury forward John Flanagan said Smith decided to put a halt to his league career, despite having a potentially long representative tenure ahead of him in an era when the Kiwis won the Courtney Goodwill Trophy as the world’s leading league nation.
“We were at his wedding on May 3, 1963 on the day they announced the Kiwis team to tour Australia. If he had still been playing league, he would have gone on that tour for sure,” Flanagan said.
“In his last two years with Linwood, he was back working on a farm at Waikari, and he used to come in for training on Thursday, play the game and stay over, when he needed to, with the owners of His Lordship’s Hotel, free of charge.
“But when he moved to Waiau, he decided it was too far to drive in.”
Flanagan felt Smith’s rugby union exclusion was “a big loss for them” because his friend would have been a major asset to the 15-man code in Canterbury Country.
“The only rugby he played afterwards was the [Waiau club’s] Married v Singles game.”
Coffey said: “Banned from the only sport played in his area, Tony nevertheless was the lifeblood of the local rugby union club for the next few decades. He could not play again but that did not stop him from coaching junior teams and doing more than anyone to keep the club going, off the field.
“He was held in high regard by his former Linwood and Canterbury team-mates and by those in north Canterbury who knew of his selfless work for a sport which had blacklisted him.”
Smith’s son, Peter, said his father “never showed any bitterness” to rugby union officialdom and simply got on with living a long and happy life.
That included coaching junior rugby teams in Waiau, and a long spell playing and coaching tennis, which became his main sporting outlet.
Anthony Andrew Smith was born in 1939, and grew up in the Waikari district where he was a promising rugby union player, who became a Hurunui representative.
Flanagan said Smith switched to league after being spotted playing union by Neville Atkinson, a Linwood stalwart then living in Waikari.
Aged 19, he was invited to move to Christchurch, where he lived in a boarding house in Stanmore Road, and worked as a drainlayer’s assistant for Linwood captain Bob Pounsford.
“Tony made an impact the first game he played for us,” Flanagan said. “Some of the Papanui guys said, ‘where did he come from’?’’
Smith proved a quick learner in his new code. He helped Linwood share the Canterbury title with Papanui in 1960 and become outright champions the following year.
“He was a reliable last line of defence, a great handler of the ball and an outstanding goalkicker,” said Flanagan, who likened Smith’s skills to those of his Linwood and Canterbury rugby union contemporary Fergie McCormick.
“Pat White – who became a Kiwi with his brother, Jim – was our goalkicker, but he missed a couple of conversions in a game. Tony took over and landed them from everywhere, and kept the job.”
Smith was the top points scorer in the Canterbury competition for two years running.
He once broke in a brand-new pair of boots by kicking nine goals from 11 attempts against Marist – eight from eight in the second half.
“He was a great tackler, and good on attack, as well. He had very strong hips, from working on the farm since he left school,’’ Flanagan said.
Smith made firm friendships with his Linwood teammates, often taking them home to his parents’ Waikari farm for a weekend of hunting and socialising.
“We couldn’t drink at [Waikari’s] Star and Garter because the publican, who must have been on the rugby union, wouldn’t serve us because were only 19 at the time, yet he used to serve Tony when he was playing [rugby] for Waikari,’’ Flanagan said. Undeterred, the Linwood lads switched their custom to the Great Northern Hotel “down the road.’’
After standing out for Linwood, Smith was selected for Canterbury and became a South Island representative in 1960 – only his second season in league – and again in 1962.
He starred in Canterbury’s first Northern Union Cup home victory over Auckland in 1962, kicking four goals in a 16-13 win over an Auckland team featuring 12 Kiwis.
That display helped Smith earn a Kiwis call up for the first test against Great Britain at Carlaw Park. He slotted a goal before suffering an injury, which curtailed his 1962 season.
“He never played rugby league in New Zealand again,” Flanagan said. “But he did play for us when we had an overseas tour to Sydney, where we went to the 1962 grand final between St George and Wests, and then had games against Manly-Waringah, a selection picked from four Wollongong clubs, and the Mittagong District.”
Tim Bond, a standoff half who played alongside Smith for Canterbury, the South Island and the Kiwis, said the fullback deserved a Kiwis jersey and was ” a real, thorough team man”.
“He was the hardest fullback I ever struck. He knocked you backwards, and you always felt it. If you got past Tony Smith, you were lucky. He was such a reliable player; he was really a sportsman who did his best every game. He was really friendly with everyone, a real good fella.”
After rugby league, Smith turned his attention to farming, retiring when he was close to 70 and passing on a property once owned by wife Chris’ family, to his second son, Gary.
Peter Smith said his father and mother were actively involved in the Waiau community, with tennis proving a particular passion for Tony, who was still coaching kids at the Waiau club until he became ill.
“He loved all sports – he liked rugby, and rugby league,” Peter said. “He couldn’t wait for the NRL season to start.”
Anthony Andrew Smith. Born: September 15, 1939. Died: January 11, 2021. Pre-deceased by wife Christine. Survived by sons Gary, Paul and Peter. – Tony Smith (Stuff sports reporter).
The Canterbury Rugby League community is mourning the loss of Bill Whitehead QSM, who passed away on Friday, aged 89. To say the game farewells one of its hardest-working and dedicated servants would almost be to undersell his colossal contribution to rugby league locally and nationally.
Whitehead has been described as the most decorated man in New Zealand rugby league – and as the holder of life memberships with nine different rugby league bodies (and another in Bowls), a Queen’s Service Medal, a Sport Canterbury Lifetime Achievement award and a string of other honours, it’s fairly safe to say there’s no hyperbole in that statement.
Christchurch-based Whitehead, known affectionately as ‘Rugby League Bill’, gave up thousands upon thousands of hours of his own time in over 60 years of service to the game as a manager and administrator, along with some notable cameos as a player and referee.
William Albert Whitehead was born in Reefton in 1931 and lived in the West Coast town of Inangahua until 1947. He was a keen follower of rugby league as a youngster – he revelled in telling the tales of his uncle, Bill Clark, outsprinting All Blacks and Kiwis legend George Nepia to score a try for Inangahua against Canterbury in 1937, and watching a Ray Nuttall-inspired West Coast side defeat the touring Great Britain ‘Indomitables’ in ’46 – but it was a familiar example of bureaucracy from the then-amateur rugby union that permanently pushed him towards the 13-a-side code.
“We didn’t have schoolboy rugby league on the Coast, but I played rugby union in Nelson after we shifted there in 1947,” Whitehead recalled in a 2015 interview.
“I played two years for them in ’47-48, but I ran a professional mile in 1949, and I got given (the equivalent of) two dollars and a ribbon. That made me a ‘professional’, so I couldn’t play rugby union anymore. I had to wait until I moved to Christchurch in 1951 and the following year I played rugby league for Papanui reserves.”
Marist (known as Marist-Western Suburbs from 1968) formed in 1952. Whitehead began a long association with the club soon afterwards, firstly as a player for the reserves side, then as a team manager, vice-president, secretary and – from 1982 to ’85 – president.
He was made a life member of the club in 1981 and became a life member of the New Zealand Marist Rugby League Association in ’97 after holding several high-ranking posts for that organisation.
“I managed the premiers for three years, and in my first year I told Jim Amos, the famous coach, about a player in reserves he should have a look at. Jim said, ‘just make sure you’ve got the jerseys’. So I quickly learned my place,” he laughed.
Whitehead managed one appearance for the club’s premier side – as an emergency replacement in 1965.
“We got to Hornby and we were one player short. (Coach) Father Pearce said, ‘I’ll have to find a pair of boots’; he was going to play himself. I said, ‘I’m ahead of you!’. So I got to play my one and only premier game.
“We got beaten 20-0, and I remember it like it was yesterday. They had three Kiwis in their side – Ian Drayton, John Bray and Brian Langton. I went into the Hornby rooms and said to (Test winger) Langton, ‘you won’t get any tries today’. He said, ‘why not?’, and I said, ‘because I’m marking ya!’”
Whitehead was also the manager or local manager for over 300 teams. He was twice the local manager for Australia, Great Britain and France, and Wales once, during the national sides’ visits to Christchurch, a role he fulfilled for countless touring New Zealand and Australian representative teams. He was local manager for Kiwis sides in 1971, ’77 and ’80, while he managed the Kiwi Schoolboys four times during the 1980s – including on a tour of Australia in ’86.
But his most lasting association was as the local manager for every visiting West Coast team from 1964-89, an enduring and amicable partnership that led to a genuine career highlight in 1987, when he was awarded the Queen’s Service Medal by then-Governor-General Sir Paul Reeves.
“I was on tour in Australia managing the Kiwi Schoolboys side when I got word of that. It’s funny that, because I wrote to the Canterbury Rugby League to thank them for the nomination but I found out later it was the West Coast that nominated me.
“I was chatting away to (Reeves), and he said, ‘another rugby league man’ – he’d just given (a QSM) to Johnny Lloyd, my old mate from Hornby. I said, ‘I wanted to ask you, where do the workers go for a beer after the ceremony? We don’t drink champagne and that kind of stuff. He said, ‘as a matter of fact, neither do I – I usually have a keg out the back, and if you hang back I’ll have one with you.’ So me and Johnny had a couple of beers with Sir Paul Reeves.”
A life membership nod from the New Zealand Rugby League followed in 1998.
“That meant a lot, of course; there was the odd person – mainly from Auckland – that said I didn’t deserve it, but that didn’t worry me a hell of a lot,” he said with a hearty chuckle.
He received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Canterbury Sports Awards in 2019, which Sir Peter Leitch presented Whitehead with during a visit to his Christchurch rest home soon afterwards.
Whitehead had significant involvement with other sports, including his role as the media manager of weightlifting at the 1974 Commonwealth Games, coordinating the Rugby League Night in conjunction with the Canterbury Park Trotting Club for 30 years, and being tournament convenor for the Canterbury Licensed Trade Bowls Club, the latter earning him a 10th life membership.
But his heart lay with rugby league, and Whitehead’s enormous contribution to the code at junior levels brought him just as much pride and enjoyment as rubbing shoulders with some of the game’s greats.
Among many, many stories of his tireless efforts was the time when he organised raffles and sponsors (including Air New Zealand) to get a Canterbury 8-year-old side to Auckland, where they played against Ellerslie and Mt Albert.
He also displayed a sharp eye for talent-spotting on occasion.
“I was invited to pick five or six up-and-coming players from Canterbury to take to Cromwell to play the Kawarau Bears, with the rest of the team coming from Mosgiel. Future Kiwis Esene Faimalo and Logan Edwards were among them, as were two New Zealand Marist reps, and Russell Tuuta, who later played for New Zealand Maori.
“I was quite pleased with the five I picked, with all of them ending up with New Zealand in front of their names within five years.”
Whitehead remained a passionate follower of rugby league in his later years, delighting in the Kiwis’ regular successes and riding the Warriors’ rollercoaster. But he had no hesitation in nominating a hero of yesteryear as his all-time favourite.
“My idol was Mel Cooke, who was the best footballer I’ve seen in the South Island and the best forward without any doubt; the second would probably be Charlie McBride.
“I used to pass Mel on the roads all the time – he did a hell of a lot of running. I used to say they named Pound Road after him, because he was always pounding (the pavement).”
There are very few significant elements of Canterbury Rugby League’s post-WWII history Whitehead did not have some big or small role in: “The Pat Smith Trophy that they play for now (in the CRL premiership grand final), I actually bought out of the petty cash at Tattersall Hotel,” he revealed in 2015.
A remarkable milestone was celebrated during a South Island Kiwis reunion at Gary Clarke’s museum in Woolston in December 2014, when Sir Peter Leitch took it upon himself to recognise Whitehead’s 60 years of service to rugby league. In a typically generous gesture, Sir Peter presented Whitehead with an engraved trophy and a voucher to take his family out to Christmas dinner – an indication of the esteem some of the game’s finest servants hold ‘Rugby League Bill’ in.
NZRL chief executive Phil Holden also sent a letter thanking Whitehead for his six decades of service.
“You don’t go looking for recognition, but it’s nice when it happens,” Whitehead said matter-of-factly, while adding that “friendship” was his main motivator for selflessly giving so much of his time for the benefit of others.
It’s obvious the future of rugby league remained very close to his heart, however, and that Whitehead was loath to see the foundations he and others have laid for junior and grassroots football go to waste, concluding our 2015 interview with this pointed reminder:
“I keep telling the clubs, that’s where the Mel Cookes come from. Grassroots are the most important part of our game. I’ll always appreciate my involvement with schoolboy football, and that’s where the great players come from.”
Canterbury Rugby League extends its sympathies to ‘Rugby League Bill’s’ family and friends.
December 16, 2020
James Fisher-Harris and Krystal Rota have been named the 2020 New Zealand Rugby League Players of the Year for the first time in their careers, while Dylan Brown earned Young Kiwi Player of the Year for the second year running and Autumn-Rain Stephens Dally took home Kiwi Ferns Rookie of the Year.
In a season that saw no Kiwi Internationals due to the ongoing implications of Covid-19, the 2020 Kiwis High-Performance Awards were judged solely on NRL performance. The Kiwi Ferns Awards have been credited on international merit due to their clash against Fetu Samoa Invitational which was the only New Zealand Rugby League International for the year.
2020 Kiwis Player of the year, James Fisher-Harris (Kiwi #801), was named 2020 Dally M Prop of the year and earned recognition as one of the NRL’s best and most hardworking forwards. Passing the 100-game milestone for the Panthers, he led the competition in post-contact metres, was the top forward in terms of total run metres and played an integral role in the Panthers’ drive to their first grand final in 17 years.
Kiwis Head Coach Michael Maguire says, “James has performed consistently right throughout the year at such a high standard and to make it to the grand final is a real credit to him.”
“It’s been a pleasure to watch him develop into the player he is, one of his biggest strengths is consistency, you know what he’s going to deliver for his team and he’s a step above where he’s ever been and how he performs. He’s a quiet achiever but he’s all about action. James is a clear asset to any team he’s a part of and is well-deserving of this accolade.”
Captaining her country for the first time, the 10 Test veteran Krystal Rota and 2020 Kiwi Fern player of the year, led the Kiwi Ferns to their 28-8 win over Fetu Samoa Invitational in November. No stranger to the captaincy role, 2020 also saw her captain the Māori All-Stars as well as the Counties Manukau Stingrays, leading them to their 11th straight women’s title in the Sky Sport Women’s Premiership.
Kiwi Ferns Head Coach Ricky Henry says, “This was Krystal’s most influential year. I knew she had leadership capabilities from watching her in the Māori All-Stars and throughout her Counties campaigns but these qualities were definitely on display in Kiwi Ferns camp.”
“Captaining your country is whole other ball game, it’s the highest level of leadership and responsibility a player can have and she rose to the challenge. A worthy recipient and these qualities will only continue to grow.”
For the second year running, Kiwis Junior Player of the Year, Dylan Brown cemented his place in the NRL as one of its elite playmakers. Brown made 16 regular-season appearances for Paramatta, with nine line-breaks, 52 tackle-busts, 11 forced dropouts and five tries. At just 20 years of age, he was instrumental in the Eels’ run to the playoffs drawing praise from the highest levels of the game for his defence and multi-faceted attack.
Kiwis Head Coach Michael Maguire says, “A real quality Dylan has shown is his ability to improve every time he steps out on the field.”
“He’s grown as a player and he had a taste of the Kiwis at the Nines last year but I know a real driver for him is to earn a Kiwis Test jersey and he’s definitely heading in the right direction. Watching him push his team around the park, putting his body on the line, growing his leadership capabilities but at the same time building his own game has been pleasing to watch. He’s maturing as a player and showing his true character both on and off the field.”
2020 Kiwi Ferns Rookie of the Year, Autumn-Rain Stephens Dally, enjoyed a meteoric rise after switching to rugby league in 2020.
Named MVP of the inaugural NZRL National Women’s Championship after her stand-out performance at full-back for the Upper Central Stallions, she then made her international debut at five-eighth for the Kiwi Ferns against Fetu Samoa Invitational.
The 24-year-old’s skills were on display at Mt Smart Stadium, as she played a key hand in two tries before scoring two more of her own, including a blistering 50-metre effort.
Coach Ricky Henry said, “Autumn-Rain scored three tries in the first ever game I watched her play, she’s an outstanding talent that seems to have found her home with rugby league.”
“She’s willing to learn and grow, initially playing out of position but rising to the challenge. She wreaked havoc on the field, she’s explosive, fast and these skills will only mature. She’s definitely one for the future.”
2020 High-Performance Winners:
Kiwis Player of the Year – James Fisher Harris
Kiwi Ferns Player of the Year – Krystal Rota
Kiwi Ferns Rookie of the Year – Autumn-Rain Stephens Dally
Kiwis Young Player of the Year – Dylan Brown
2020 NZRL Community Award Winners
Grassroots Club of the Year – Mangere East
Domestic Men’s Player of the Year – Francis Leger
Domestic Women’s Player of the Year – Harata Butler
Domestic Coach of the Year – Phil Gordon
U16s Player of the Year – Tre Fotu
U18s Player of the Year – Sam McIntyre
Match Official of the Year – Paki Parkinson
Pirtek Volunteer of the Year – Shayne Wassel
The 2020 NZRL Community Award recipients have tonight been announced with Mangere East Rugby League Club taking out NZRL Grassroots Club of the Year.
What was a truly testing year, Mangere East shone through as a servant for its community, going above and beyond to provide a safe space, while continuing to promote and grow the game of rugby league despite the year’s challenges.
Mangere Easts’ weekly ‘Life Soup Kitchen’ provided free hot meals throughout the year in a safe environment for families that were struggling to make ends meet. The club responded quickly to Auckland’s second lockdown by providing a free Covid-19 testing station in their car park, encouraging members within their community to get checked.
Gala days, school holiday programmes and free meals for local families, are only a fraction of the work Mangere East have been doing off the field to continually serve the needs of their people, epitomising NZRL’s More Than A Game.
The 2020 NZ 16s Player of the Year was awarded to Marists’ Tre Fotu. He was a standout against the NZ Māori 17s scoring a double and continually asking questions of the defence.
NZ 16s Head Coach, Phil Gordon says; “Tre is a young man who epitomised the meaning and value of wearing the Black and White jersey. He was a focused trainer, disciplined in his approach and committed to executing game plans and structures at the highest level.”
The NZ 18s Player of the Year for 2020 was awarded to Northcote Tiger and NZ 18s Clubs captain, Sam McIntyre. Sam captained the NZ 18s Club team in the inaugural Schools v Clubs match, scoring one try and leading his side to a 34-22 victory.
NZ 18s Head Coach, Tusa Lafaele says; “Sam has always displayed a high skill level, technique and ability as an athlete. Often what separates the talented from the successful, is the attitude and fortitude to work hard and be prepared to make sacrifices. Sam has always applied himself in this manner, striving for success and competing with true grit.”
Akarana veteran, Francis Leger, was awarded NZRL Domestic Men’s Player of the Year due to his outstanding season captaining Akarana to their fifth straight NZRL Premiership victory, as well as the NZ Residents.
Harata Butler took home NZRL Domestic Women’s Player of the Year after a successful season in Counties Manukau colours, earning her MVP of the Sky Sport Women’s Premiership as well as her international Kiwi Ferns debut.
NZRL Domestic Coach of the Year was awarded to Phil Gordon after he coached his undefeated Akarana side to an impressive fifth NZRL Premiership, as well the NZ Resident 16s to a convincing 42-6 victory over the NZ Māori Resident 17s.
NZRL Match Official of the Year was awarded to veteran Paki Parkinson after a successful season officiating the NZRL Premiership, NZ 16s and the NZ Residents v NZ Maori Residents.
Pirtek’s 2020 Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Takahiwai’s Shayne Wassel. Despite several disabilities including mild deafness, speech impediment and blindness in one eye, the single father of four never lets that get in the way of his ability to go above and beyond for his local club, whanau and community – Read more about Shayne’s story here.
NZRL would also like to give a special mention to runner up clubs for Grassroots Club of the Year, the Eastern Eagles and Timaru Outlaws.
Despite financial difficulties, the Eastern Eagles immediately switched focus to supporting its club members and the wider community through the COVID-19 pandemic. Seeking support from local businesses, the Eagles procured and co-ordinated the receipt and delivery of hundreds of food packs and other essentials items, reaching pockets of the community that were often missed.
The Timaru Outlaws, just four years old, had only one U7s team in 2018, as of 2020 they now have five junior teams playing under the senior side equating to around 100 registered U13 players. Based in a non-traditional rugby league area, with no club rooms, it’s the collective efforts of the community and their strong whanau values-driven approach that has seen this club flourish with momentum only continuing to rise.
NZRL CEO, Greg Peters says, “These awards recognise exceptional work in our grassroots, domestic and community space both on and off the field. We congratulate each recipient on their outstanding achievement.
“Thank you to those in our rugby league communities who continue to go above and beyond for our game. In what was a challenging year for most, it’s the dedication of our people that keep rugby league thriving – thank you.”
To watch the NZRL Community Awards, please click here.
The NZRL High-Performance Awards will be broadcast tonight Sky Sport 4 at 7:30 pm.
December 9, 2020
The NZRL National 20s Competition will involve six teams from across New Zealand with Zones and appropriate Districts represented.
Auckland will host two teams as Auckland Rugby League, Akarana and Counties Manukau join forces to create an Auckland Blue and Auckland White team. Other teams represented include Northland; Wai-Coa Bay, with the inclusion of Waikato, Hauraki, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne and Coastline Districts; Central Districts, including Manawatu, Taranaki, Hawkes Bay and Wellington; and South Island, including Tasman, Canterbury, West Coast, Aoraki, Southland and Otago Districts.
This year the NZRL National Youth Tournament will move to a 16s and 18s age group format as opposed to its previous 15s and 17s structure to coincide with both Sport NZ’s ‘Balance is Better’ philosophy, as well as the NSW and QLD age group competitions.
With this shift in age categories, NZRL will provide an additional three years of growth and development opportunities for players here in New Zealand with 16s, 18s and now 20s pathways. NZRL will take this a step further come 2022 by entering an NZRL U19 team into the NSW SG Ball competition.
The NZRL National 20s Competition will not only showcase New Zealand’s domestic game but it will provide Clubs and Districts with the opportunity to recruit and retain rangatahi talent, an age group notorious for significant drop-offs in sporting activity according to Sport NZ.
Fixture list and venue confirmation will be finalised in the coming weeks.
The New Zealand Rugby League community is mourning the loss of Kiwi #568 Gerard Stokes, a Canterbury stalwart on and off the field, and one of New Zealand’s most prominent coaches of the past 30 years. He died aged 65 after battling brain cancer.
Stokes leaves behind an enormous rugby league legacy that included playing and coaching stints on the New Zealand and British club scenes, and with numerous representative teams on our shores.
The son of Jim Stokes, a West Coast and Canterbury forward, Marist-Western Suburbs product Gerard showed early promise as a tough front-rower. He represented New Zealand at schoolboy and age-group level and played for Canterbury B at just 17.
Stokes broke into the senior Canterbury team in 1980. By now with Eastern Suburbs, he used a strong showing for South Island as a springboard to selection in the 1982 Kiwis squad to tour Australia and Papua New Guinea, featuring in four matches.
Stokes spent the 1982-83 northern winter with Workington Town, but not before the start a story that has since passed into rugby league folklore and illustrates his rare toughness unfolded. Stokes dislocated then broke his finger after it became caught in Wellington enforcer and Kiwis teammate Kevin Tamati’s shorts during a rep match. Leaving for England soon afterwards, Stokes played with painkilling injections and the injured finger strapped up all season, then had the digit amputated upon his return to New Zealand at the same time as having minor knee surgery.
The veteran forward returned to Marist-Western Suburbs in 1986. He then turned his hand to coaching, leading the Saints to a grand final – a loss to Halswell – as player-coach in 1988.
A stint in charge of the Hornets garnered grand final success in 1993, before Stokes took the reins of the Canterbury Country Cardinals in the Lion Red Cup. He led the Cardinals to the playoffs in the competition’s inaugural 1994 season.
Stokes became Canterbury coach in 1997, the beginning of a five-season tenure that reached a crescendo in 2000 as the Bulls took out the inaugural Bartercard Cup title. Other representative appointments during the late-1990s included the New Zealand Nines and New Zealand Residents teams.
He was a Kiwis selector and assistant coach under Gary Freeman and New Zealand A coach in the early-2000s, while he coached Wellington in the 2002 and ’03 Bartercard Cups before returning to Workington Town as head coach – the start of a seven-year stretch as a coach in the Old Dart that ultimately led to Christchurch-born son Ben becoming a superstar all-rounder with the England cricket team.
Stokes left Workington Town for neighbouring archrivals Whitehaven in 2008, coaching the club for three seasons – a period that also saw him coach Serbia’s national team.
Ged and Deb Stokes moved home to Christchurch in 2013. Ged, a carpenter by trade, worked with young offenders at Paparua Prison up until last year.
New Zealand Rugby League offers its sincere condolences to Gerard’s wife Deb, sons James and Ben, his extended family, his many friends, and the ex-teammates and players he coached who were touched by the contribution of one of our game’s great servants.
Will Evans
3rd February, 2021.
In partnership with Le Va, NZRL has produced a ‘Wellbeing Waka’ that will work to better the mental health and wellbeing outcomes of rugby league communities across New Zealand.
The Wellbeing Waka is a mental health roadshow that is set to sail to 10 of its 17 Districts from now until April. The roadshow not only aims to deliver interactive and educational workshops for Rangatahi and parents, but the Waka will go a step further to develop ‘Wellbeing Champions’ for each of the District areas.
These Champions will be on the ground contacts who provide wellbeing support networks for their communities once the Waka leaves. These Champions will be subject to training opportunities to strengthen their personal tool kits when dealing with potential crises or matters of need regarding mental health, suicide prevention and overall wellbeing.
The Wellbeing Waka will work to provide a safe space to encourage youth and parent forum discussions around mental health and suicide prevention. The Waka aims to empower youth to establish support networks among peers to ensure the voice of the young person is spoken, heard and has a seat at the table in each of the rugby league Districts.
NZRL Wellbeing Manager, Carmen Taplin says: “Our mental health and suicide rates for Maori and Pasifika from within our rugby league communities is high compared to other ethnicities.
“We believe that with education and creating sustainable support networks in our Districts, we are able to have a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of our people and their families.
“We don’t just want to come, deliver a workshop and go. We are here to create a sustainable support model that works to break down the stigma associated with mental health through empowering Rangatahi and those most effected to take the lead within their communities.
“Through these initial workshops and upskilling of staff and Wellbeing Champions as well the power of past and present players, we are hoping to create a safe and supported mental health network through rugby league.”
The next Wellbeing Waka will take place on the 11th of February, 2021 at Waikato Sport, Wintec Rotokauri Campus at 6:30pm, join us and Le Va for an important korero.
NZRL’s Wellbeing Waka is for boys and girls (12 – 18+) as well as parents.
The Waka is free of charge, kai will be provided.
Keep an eye out on NZRL’s channels for the Wellbeing Waka’s next destinations.
11 November 2020
Rugby League World Cup 2021 (RLWC2021) has today confirmed of details regarding the first-ever Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) World Cup, an exhibition event, which will be held during next year’s showpiece tournament.
The five-team tournament will be hosted in Warrington from 1 November 2021 and will be a festival of exciting and competitive international PDRL. The event will culminate with the final at the Halliwell Jones Stadium ahead of France v Samoa in the final men’s group A match, on 7 November 2021.
The PDRL event was originally planned under the banner of the Festival of World Cups, which was due to take place in the summer of 2021, but the Festival was recently postponed because of the impact of COVID-19. RLWC2021 have today (28 October) announced delivering the PDRL World Cup as part of the wider programme of the tournament, adding to the commitment of being the most inclusive Rugby League World Cup ever.
The PDRL World Cup, which will run alongside RLWC2021, comprises teams from five nations who will take part in a mini-tournament format. England, New Zealand, Australia, Scotland and Wales are all set to compete for the first ever PDRLWorld Cup title.
PDRL is an adapted version of rugby league aimed at facilitating those with physical disabilities the opportunity to play.
RLWC2021 Chief Executive Jon Dutton said: “We are delighted that we can still deliver this first-ever PDRL World Cup alongside the Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair competitions in what will certainly be the biggest, best and importantly most inclusive Rugby League World Cup in history.
“The action will be intense, and the final being staged at Warrington’s Halliwell Jones Stadium before the France v Samoa game ensures not only a big crowd but also a fitting finale to this tournament. Although we are sad that the Festival of World Cups has understandably been postponed, we are proud that we can stage the PDRL World Cup.”
Professor Steven Broomhead MBE, Warrington Borough Council Chief Executive and Vice Chair of Warrington Wolves said: “We’re incredibly proud to be hosting the PDRL event at our prized Halliwell Jones Stadium, as part of the biggest and most inclusive Rugby League World Cup yet.
“We’re excited to be part of PDRL story and to be able to encourage more people to get involved with and watch these games. Everyone working within PDRL is determined to make next year a monumental event and we hope that the games inspire more teams to join the PDRL in the years to come.”
Sandra Hickey, Chairperson of Physical Disability Rugby League NZ said: “We are really excited about the opportunity to see our athletes shine on the global stage. This will be the first time our athletes will get to play in such a grand event as the Rugby League World Cup, wearing the Kiwi jersey with pride, right alongside their able-bodied peers. Our focus now is on training, fundraising and doing all we need to bring that cup back home with us.”
The PDRL World Cup schedule will be released in due course for more information visit: rlwc2021.com
To view a special message regarding the PDRL World Cup from RLWC2021 ambassador and Warrington Wolves PDRLplayer Adam Hills visit: https://youtu.be/DFanTONqjGo
8 November 2020
A haka showdown with the support of the NZ18 players set the scene for what would be a passionate affair between the Residents and NZ Maori.
It took 14 minutes to see the opening try and it didn’t disappoint, a left edge set play finished with Residents winger Sam Fa’apito going over untouched. Captain Francis Leger converted to make it a 6-0 lead over the Maori Residents.
The Maori Residents hit back instantly as they won their own short kick-off, and off that set James Waterson latched onto a grubber in behind to score. Josiah Afu added the extra two to level up the score.
After constant pressure, Maori Resident front rower Trent Schaumakal twisted his way over the line as repeat sets proved detrimental to the Residents outfit. Josiah Afu again added the extras to take their first lead of the evening.
Number 17 Keanu Dawson made an instant impact coming on for the Residents side, as he crashed over to bridge the gap. Leger converted to level the scores again with seven remaining in the first half.
Patrick Sipley grabbed the first points, six minutes into the second stanza as he put the Residents back into the lead. Leger converted to take the score to 18-12.
A sublime kick from Sam Nati ended with some magic from Matti Tuitama putting Sam Fa’apito over for his second. Leger unable to convert as the Residents went up 22 points to 12 with just over 20 minutes to go.
Three minutes later Sam Fa’apito claimed his hat trick when he picked off a pass from Jordan Bunce and took it 90 metres to score. Leger was unable to convert Fa’apito’s scintillating effort as the score remained 26-12. All the momentum was with the NZ Residents as they looked to close the game out with 10 remaining,
However a penalty on the Residents’ line saw momentum shift as the mistake afforded an opportunity for the Maori’s and they turned it into points. Cole Waaka’s cut out ball put James Waterson over for his second of the evening. Conversion unsuccessful as the Maori side reduced the margin to 10.
James Waterson grabbed himself a hat trick of his own to pull the game within one score, Josiah Afu converted from the left side line which created a grandstand finish. 26-22 with only three minutes left in the match.
The NZ Maori then completed the stunning 14 point comeback with only six remaining. Mikaere Beattie capped off an impressive 50-metre move as he crashed over for a try right under the post, stealing the win from the NZ Residents and pulling off an impressive 28-26 upset.
The inaugural U18s New Zealand Club vs Schools kicked off at Mt Smart Stadium in what was an inspired and hotly contested matchup.
Coming out of the gates strongly, initial pressure from the clubs’ side saw captain Sam McIntyre break the deadlock. Clubs were unable to convert to leave the score at 4-0 after six minutes.
A mistake off the kick-off allowed a set on the Clubs’ line and the Schools team did not fail to level. Tome Poona executing a pin point cross field kick for Matua Robinson to leap and score. Poona converted to give the Schools a two point lead.
The Clubs team regained the lead in the 17th minute, this time taking advantage of a Schools’ mistake, number four Daeon Amituanai crashed over the line to make it 8-6. Half Sebastyan Jack again unable to add the extras.
Two minutes later, the Clubs left edge centre bulldozed his way over the line. Salesi Ataata capping off a great set of brilliance by the Clubs side. Jack again unable to convert as the score stayed at 12 points to six.
A barnstorming effort from Elam Payne set up Daeon Amituanai for his second, as the Clubs team further their advantage 18-6.
Schools hit back after receiving two penalties, a right side shift saw Eric Vaafusuaga grab his first of the afternoon to close the gap. Poona kicked wide to leave the score at 18-10 with 10 remaining in the half.
A sneaky kick in behind from hooker Jarney Proctor-Harwood was enough to gift his captain a second try of the half, McIntyre latching on to make it 22-10 for the Clubs outfit.
On the stroke of half time Austin Anderson grabbed his first try from dummy-half, Poona was unable add the conversion as Clubs took a 24-14 lead into the sheds.
Eric Vaafusuaga scored his second try of the afternoon to kick off the second forty, crashing over after a sharp set move by the Schools. Poona was unable to convert as the Clubs lead was reduced back to six,
Daeon Amituanai completed his hat trick, as he crashed over from dummy-half in the 54th minute. Sebstyan Jack converted from the right touchline to take the Clubs to a 30-18 buffer.
A grubber rebounded back into the clutches of Austin Anderson saw the Schools keep the pressure on the Clubs side, with Poona unable to convert as the score remained 30-22 with a quarter left to play.
Trading scores, the Club side hit back when five eight Josiah Karapani crashed over after a brilliant show of footwork. TJ Devery took over the kicking duties for the injured Sebastyan Jack but was unable to convert his first attempt. Clubs go up 34-22 with just over 15 minutes to play.
Clubs held on a late flurry from the Schools side to capture victory in the first-ever U18s Clubs vs Schools clash. Final Score Clubs 34 – Schools 22.
Veteran Kiwi Fern and trailblazer Honey Hireme-Smiler has today announced yesterday’s International against Fetu Samoa was her last.
Her 32 Test tenure in the Kiwi Ferns jersey includes four World Cups spanning 18 seasons. She was named in NRL.com’s Women’s Rugby League Team of the Decade (2010s) and appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to the game, cementing her standing as one of women’s rugby league’s all-time greats.
Born in Putaruru, Waikato, Hireme first represented New Zealand against the New Zealand Māori in a non-Test match in 2002. The 22-year-old scored ten tries at the following year’s World Cup, including a double in the 58-0 defeat of New Zealand Māori in the final, and was named in the Team of the Tournament.
Kiwi Ferns fixtures were scarce in the ensuing years, but the blockbusting centre was one of several players to back up for their successful World Cup title defence in 2008.
Hireme, who by now was representing Counties-Manukau, captained the Kiwi Ferns at the 2013 World Cup, where they relinquished their crown to Australia via a 22-12 loss in the final. Despite the defeat, Honey was named Player of the Tournament.
After turning out for the Kiwi Ferns at the 2017 NRL Auckland Nines, Hireme ended a three-year absence from the Test rugby league arena at that year’s World Cup. The Papakura Sisters star played four matches on the wing and was the tournament’s top try-scorer with 13 – more than double her closest rival. Hireme scored six tries in the pool-stage thrashing of the Cook Islands, a hat-trick in the semi-final defeat of England and a brilliant first-half double in the gallant loss to Australia in the final.
Hireme was snapped up by St George Illawarra for the inaugural NRLW premiership, playing all three of the Dragons’ games and averaging 129 metres. She was outstanding in New Zealand’s subsequent Test loss to Australia in Auckland, making three line-breaks and a game-high 214 metres in the 26-24 thriller as she showcased her trademark speed, power and fend.
Hireme was named 2018 Kiwi Ferns Player of the Year, following on from NZRL Women’s Player of the Year nods she received in 2007 and 2012.
Having returned to the Waikato – playing for Hamilton City Tigers and representing Wai-Coa-Bay at the NZRL National Women’s Tournament – Hireme was named Kiwi Ferns captain for the mid-2019 Test against Fetu Samoa. She scored two tries and again ran for over 200 metres in the 46-8 win.
Honey signed with the Warriors but sat out the 2019 NRLW campaign to be with her mother, Caryn, who sadly passed away on September 25. Just weeks later she returned to the field to lead the Kiwi Ferns to World Cup Nines glory; Hireme scored four tries and was named in the Team of the Tournament.
The inspirational 38-year-old was a shining light in the Kiwi Ferns’ 28-8 Test loss to the Jillaroos in Wollongong, scoring their only try of the second half and running for a team-high 127 metres.
2020 saw Honey miss out on the NRLW Warriors campaign due to injury but represent the Upper Central Stallions with pride as they took out the inaugural NZRL National Women’s Championship.
Honey was then called up for the 2020 Kiwi Ferns camp in preparation for what would be the only New Zealand International for 2020 against Fetu Samoa Invitational.
The Kiwi Ferns veteran in amongst nine debutantes showed her class, helping lead the Ferns and new aged squad to a 28-8 victory. Unbeknown to most, this was Honey’s last Test for the Kiwi Ferns as she made the difficult decision to call time on her 18-year career.
“Leaving the jersey in a better place!” says Honey.
“Deciding to retire has been a really hard decision, my heart and my mind would play footy till I’m 50, but my body tells me my time is done. I love my team, my sport and I love to compete, I have given all I can as a player and have always aimed to give nothing less than my absolute best.
“Although I may not be out on the field, making an impact, I will continue to serve the game off the field for many years to come. Every teammate, every coach, every manager, trainer, medical staff, support person, mentor, fan, friend and most of all my loving whānau, Thank you for being a part of this journey, for your guidance, support and love I am truly grateful to you all.
“Hanging up the boots with love: Hunz, Honey-Bill, Aunty, Whaea, Nan, Honey Hireme-Smiler.”
Greg Peters, NZRL CEO, says, “On behalf of everyone in our rugby league communities we would like to thank Honey for her outstanding service to the game and for all she’s achieved.
“She’s paved the way for countless women to get involved and succeed in rugby league, and she will continue to serve as an invaluable role model both on and off the field for years to come.
“We are extremely lucky to have had someone of her calibre wear the Black and White jersey for so long and we can’t thank Honey enough for her over and above dedication to the game and its communities – which I’m sure will never end.
“She absolutely will be missed, and it’s sad to see her call time on such an outstanding career but she’s an exceptional ambassador that embodies everything great about this sport, there is no doubt she has left the jersey in a better place.”
7 November 2020
Rising five-eighth Autumn-Rain Stephens-Daly scored two tries and set up another on debut as the New Zealand Kiwi Ferns proved too powerful against a Fetu Samoa invitational side 28-8 at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday.
In a week when the Kiwi Ferns were celebrating 25 years of rich history, an inexperienced New Zealand outfit put on a show in front of past players who proved unstoppable across two decades from 1995.
The game also marked the only international fixture scheduled on the rugby league calendar this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recently appointed coach Ricky Henry turned to 11 debutants from New Zealand’s local and domestic competitions with several stars including Georgia Hale, Amber Hall and Raecene McGregor unavailable.
Fielding just five players who played in last year’s Test match loss to the Jillaroos in October, fill-in halves Stephens-Daly and Karlee Hansen impressed to help give Henry his first victory in charge of the national team and food for thought ahead of the 2021 World Cup.
A rugby sevens convert from Bay of Plenty, Stephens-Daly’s double set up a commanding 24-4 lead midway through the second half in a scrappy performance in wet conditions.
Stephens-Daly was well supported by Hansen, opened the scoring for the Kiwi Ferns in the third minute with a crafty chip-and-chase but failed to finish the game with a knee injury in a concern for Henry.
The power of Kiwi Ferns veteran Honey Hireme-Smiler, returning from a knee injury, was on display with the star centre causing nightmares out wide next to Katelyn Vaha’akolo, who also crossed for a try in her maiden appearance.
Back-to-back penalties to Fetu Samoa, who too were made up of local New Zealand-based Samoan players due to border restrictions, enabled the visitors to get on the board through Ricshay Lemanu.
The Fetu Samoan playmaker Lemanu took her opportunity against classy defenders Hireme-Smiler and Krystal Rota to bamboozle the pair close to the line with a dummy.
Fetu Samoa centre Leianne Tufuga was next to cross for the side in a spirited finish for the visitors, who improved overall after last year’s corresponding 46-8 result.
Kiwi Ferns back-rower Crystal Tamarua, coming off a 14-day quarantine after her NRLW stint with the Warriors in Australia, crossed before the full-time siren in a well-deserved try late to seal the win.
Alicia Newton NRL
Mt Smart hosted its first game of the calendar year as Niue Rugby League and Hakula Tonga went head to head as part of NZRL’s Clash of the Pacific Women’s Double Header.
It didn’t take long for Tonga to break the deadlock as number 23 Alice Vailea took advantage of a great first set to bundle over from dummy half. Tonga took a 4-0 lead early as the conversion was unsuccessful.
Four minutes later Mele Hufanga doubled the lead beating two defenders on her way to the line. Hufanga converting her own score to make it 10-0.
Tongan fullback Malie Taulaga sliced her way through to score her first of the afternoon, as the Hakula woman begin to show their dominance. 14-0 after 11 minutes.
Manutala’aho Huni grabbed her first, crashing over after a superb offload from Taulaga put her in open space. Hufanga added the extras to make the lead 20-0 after 16 minutes.
A Niue mistake close to the line was again made to pay as Tongan captain Lilieta Mamau-Pinomi bulldozed her way over the line. Hufanga added the conversion to take the lead to 26-0 after 22 minutes.
From the kickoff set, winger Sarah Filimoe’atu finished off a clinical move from their own half, going 50 metres to score under the post. Hufanga converts. 32-0 with 15 minutes remaining in the first stanza.
Nancy Sikei Mafile’o then went over for her first of the afternoon. Conversion successful as Tonga lead 38-0.
Niue received their first penalty and did not fail to convert that into points as Niue captain Bobbie Kamutoa fought her way over the line. Conversion unsuccessful as the score remained 38-4.
Both teams went into the sheds at half time, Tonga leading Niue 38 points to four.
After a battling eight minutes, it was Niue who capitalised first as Holly Hiko received a lovely cut out pass to go over for the first try of the second period. Niue again unable to kick the conversion attempt as they stay on eight points.
Danger woman Mele Hufanga again weaved her way out of trouble, and went on a scintillating 80 metre effort, crushing any sort of comeback from the Niuean side. She was unable to convert her second try. Tonga lead 42-8 after 56 minutes.
A minute later Nancy Sikei Mafile’o scored her second of the game as Hakula woman broaden the lead further. Hufanga converts from right in front as Tonga create a 40-point buffer. 48-8.
A left foot-step by the Tongan number 1 put her right through as Taulaga added another try of her own. Hufanga converted to widen the gap to 54 points to eight.
The number 21, Mele Hufanga achieved her hat trick with 12 minutes to go, again showing her rampant strength and footwork. She converted from in front to take the lead to 60 points to eight.
With 7 minutes remaining, Hakula winger Sarah Filimoe’atu grabbed her second in similar vein as her first, breaking the line and going 50 metres to score under the post, Hufanga again converted to make the lead 66-8.
A late red card seemed consolation for Niue as Tonga go out 66-8 winners in what was an exciting and quality way to usher International Rugby League back.
5 November 2020
Just six months ago, there was a very real prospect that no women’s rugby league would be played in New Zealand or Australia in 2020.
Since then, however, the inaugural Sky Sport NZRL National Women’s Premiership – with matches played alongside the men’s provincial fixtures for the first time – and the third NRLW Premiership have unfolded, while the season is set to conclude this Saturday with a clash between the Kiwi Ferns and Fetu Samoa at Mt Smart Stadium.
It’s appropriate that the only major rugby league international to be played in this part of the world in a heavily disrupted, ultra-challenging year for all sports involves the New Zealand women’s team. The Kiwi Ferns are celebrating the 25th anniversary of their trailblazing tour of Australia – and a quarter century of resilience, selflessness, perseverance, pride and passion integral to elevating the women’s game to its current standing.
The New Zealand Women’s Rugby League Federation was officially registered and accepted by NZRL in February 1995. Just four months later, a 23-strong squad of pioneers – captained by Juanita Hall and coached by Janie Thompson – set off on a 21-day, seven-match tour of Australia.
“It was an absolute honour and privilege to be selected for the inaugural Kiwi Ferns alongside my peers, and to captain the team was extremely priceless,” Hall says.
“I remember clearly standing on the stage in Nelson (after the National Tournament), shocked to be selected – and I didn’t initially hear that I was captain. I think I was the last to be named.”
By the time they returned home, the New Zealand team had won all seven games and scored 204 points (including 42 tries) while conceding only 30 (including just six tries).
Four days after a hard-fought 16-6 win over a President’s XIII at North Sydney Oval in their opening assignment – fighting back from 6-2 down at halftime – New Zealand backed up for the first-ever international against Australia.
New Zealand’s line-up for that historic encounter at Lidcombe Oval was (Auckland unless otherwise stated): Tammi Wilson, Lynley Tierney, Eva Epiha, Zavana Aranga (Wellington), Debbie Syme (West Coast), Therese Mangos, Leah Witehira, Juanita Hall (c), Maria Auega (Wellington), Luisa Avaiki, Eileen Rankin, Nadene Conlon, Rachel White. Interchange: Nicole Presland, Golly Baker, Wendy Cunningham, Sharlene Hannah (West Coast).
The tourists overcame another four-point halftime deficit to carve out an 18-14 victory. Wellington hooker Maria Auega had the honour of scoring the maiden try in women’s rugby league internationals, while halfback Leah Witehira, prop Luisa Avaiki and winger Lynley Tierney dotted down in the second half to drive New Zealand to the win.
“Putting on the black-and-white jersey for the first time, and standing proud and emotional with hand over heart at our first international in Sydney, singing the national anthem, and thinking to cherish that moment in history, thanking God, my parents and family, and the pride of representing my country – I will never will forget it,” Halls recalls of that illustrious occasion.
Despite playing two more midweek matches – a 26-4 defeat of Sydney and a 46-0 rout of Canberra – before the second Test the following weekend, New Zealand overwhelmed Australia 14-6 in Canberra to complete a series whitewash. Wingers Tania Martin (Auckland) and Laura Waretini (Canterbury), and interchange Sara White (Auckland) were the new faces in the Test team.
The tour wrapped up with a pair of shutouts of Queensland, winning 48-0 and 36-0. Although she missed opening two games, Waretini finished as the top try-scorer on tour with nine, while Zavana Aranga led the pointscoring charts with 44 (3 tries, 16 goals).
Michelle Driscoll (Auckland), Kaylene Ihaia (Wellington) and Megan Tahapeehi (West Coast) were the tourists who did not feature in the Test matches.
The undefeated side cemented their status as fledgling women’s rugby league’s benchmark, which would go unchallenged for almost two decades.
“No one can ever take the black-and-white jersey from you, always treasured. Being the first New Zealand rugby league team to win a Test series against Australia, on Australian soil, since the 1950s is a great honour,” Hall beams.
“I would like to pay tribute and honour the wonderful late Bernie Wood, NZRL Life Member and Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for his vision and passion, for making it possible for the creation of the inaugural Kiwi Ferns of 1995. One could say he is the ‘father’ of the Kiwi Ferns.”
But the tour was unmistakably challenging – for Hall personally and for the squad as a whole – for a variety of reasons.
“Being captain of a new national team and not having someone to seek advice from for help to handle all that the role entailed (was difficult). I personally sought out the great Kiwi legend Fred Ah Kuoi for his advice which was extremely helpful, invaluable and encouraging.
“The financial side of having to pay over $2000 each was extremely hard on all players, in addition to working full-time, being stay-at-home mums, and young university students.
“Additionally, the youth and vitality of our team and management, not familiar with our newly-held status as ambassadors of New Zealand women in league, and finding our feet during our tour. There was no media training or support for us on how to handle certain situations.
“Then I was injured due to a hotel mishap in the bathroom – I should have sued them! – and was unable to play our end-of-tour games in Queensland.”
Australia made its first trip across the Tasman in 1997, losing both internationals in Wellington (34-26) and Auckland (40-16). Great Britain was swept 3-0 on its three-Test tour to New Zealand in 1998. New Zealand suffered its first loss in 1999, in the second Test against Australia, but still won the series 2-1.
The Kiwi Ferns – co-captained by ’95 originals Nadene Conlon and Nicole Presland – powered to a commanding triumph in the inaugural Women’s Rugby League World Cup in 2000, beating hosts Great Britain 26-4 in the Warrington-hosted final.
The Ferns defended their world champions crown in devastating style on home soil in 2003, scoring 372 points and conceding just four in six games. They overwhelmed NZ Māori 58-0 in the final. Captain Luisa Avaiki was named Player of the Tournament, while Honey Hireme – in the second season of a Kiwi Ferns tenure that now spans 19 years – scored 10 tries.
The New Zealand side had just three matches from that emphatic success until the next World Cup in 2008, but they were no less convincing in retaining the title. The Kiwi Ferns, again led by Avaiki, thrashed Australia 34-0 in the final at Suncorp Stadium. Veteran centre Trish Hina starred with two tries and three goals in the decider – almost matching her effort in the 2000 final, when she bagged two tries and two goals.
But their decade-long, 20-Test unbeaten run came to an end via an 18-16 loss to Australia in 2009. The Kiwi Ferns had just two more internationals – comfortably accounting for England 2-0 at home in 2010 – prior to the 2013 World Cup, where the Hireme-led team lost their title to the Jillaroos 22-12 in the Headingley final.
While a tough result to swallow for the traditional top dogs, it saw the Kiwi Ferns-Jillaroos rivalry step up a notch: The trans-Tasman adversaries have faced each at least once every season since until 2020. Women’s rugby league made a significant step forward in 2014 when Australia and New Zealand squared off prior to the Australia-Samoa men’s Four Nations encounter in Wollongong, the Ferns prevailing 12-8.
Of equal importance was the staging of a three-match series between the Kiwi Ferns and Jillaroos at the 2015 NRL Auckland Nines. The high-quality clashes in an abbreviated format – marked by thrilling tries and ferocious tackles that turned several Kiwi Ferns players into viral sensations – showcased women’s rugby league to a wider audience and was regarded as a highlight of the Nines weekend, as it would be again in 2016-17.
Meanwhile, a women’s fixture became part of an Anzac Test double-header bill from 2015, with international matches belatedly broadcast live on TV and receiving long overdue media coverage.
The 2017 Women’s Rugby League World Cup was the first to be held parallel to the men’s tournament, with the Jillaroos outlasting the Kiwi Ferns, captained by Laura Mariu, 23-16 in an epic final in Brisbane. Hireme crossed for an astounding 13 tries at the tournament.
Following the first NRLW premiership in 2018 – which featured a healthy contingent of Kiwi Ferns throughout the Warriors (coached by New Zealand great Avaiki), Broncos, Roosters and Dragons squads – the Jillaroos and Kiwi Ferns produced out an equally enthralling post-season contest at Mt Smart Stadium, the Australians notching three straight victories over their archrivals for the first time in a 26-24 nail-biter.
In 2019, the Kiwi Ferns recorded a 46-8 win over Fetu Samoa in Auckland and a 28-8 loss to the Jillaroos in Wollongong at Test level either side of their triumph in the inaugural World Nines tournament.
COVID-19 put paid to any hope of a New Zealand-Australia Test in 2020, but the Kiwi Ferns’ showdown with Samoa is nevertheless a fitting way to mark the team’s 25-year milestone. A host of debutants will accompany captain Krystal Rota, fellow stalwart Maitua Feterika and 39-year-old Kiwi Ferns legend Honey Hireme-Smiler.
Acknowledging the players, coaches, administrators and volunteers who ‘dug the well’ for women’s rugby league in New Zealand will undoubtedly play a key role in the Kiwi Ferns’ build-up to this week’s match. Kiwis & National Teams Manager Conlon and Head of Women’s Rugby League Avaiki continue to fly the flag for the 1995 originals on the NZRL staff, while Conlon’s exhaustive research has this week culminated in the assigning of Kiwi Ferns numbers for all 147 New Zealand women’s internationals.
“It has been good to see how far the Kiwi Ferns and women’s rugby league has come, with all the great achievements of the past, present and for future Kiwi Ferns,” foundation skipper Hall says.
“The progress and been slow and steady – compared to the Australian competitions of both local club and NRLW, we a slightly behind. The lack of teams in grassroots club level is evident.
“With the Warriors’ team entry into the NRLW competition, it has given a huge boost for women in rugby league. This has been enthralling and fabulous to watch, and for the next generation to aspire to.
“However, kudos to NZRL for their efforts in progressing and improving New Zealand women in league.
“I have to mention also the amazing stalwarts and hardworking former Kiwi Ferns – the likes of Luisa Avaiki Nadene Conlon, Tammy Wilson, Lynley Tierney and many others – who have continued to promote, support and do a fabulous job within in their roles in NZRL.”
KIWI FERNS INTERNATIONAL RECORD – 1995-2019
Authored by Will Evans
2 November 2020
New Zealand Rugby League is pleased to announce the following players have been selected to represent the New Zealand Residents who will take on the NZ Māori Residents this Sunday, 4 pm at Mt Smart Stadium.
The last time the two met was in 2017 where the NZ Māori Residents came away with a 22 – 16 victory.
The NZ Residents squad consists of the best players from the NZRL National Men’s competition; many who have already achieved professional or international rugby league success.
NZRL congratulates the following players:
NZRL National Men’s Premiers Akarana Falcons, front 10 of the 18 Residents players after convincingly defending their title with a 64-18 win over Counties Manukau over the weekend.
Akarana captain and NZ Resident veteran Francis Leger took home MVP of the Men’s Premiership competition and MVP of the final.
2018 Sonny Fai medallist and Warriors player of the year (Flegg and Intrust) Preston Riki gets the call up alongside teammate and former Wynnum Manly Sea Eagle, Patrick Sipley.
Canterbury and Linwood teammates Penitito Ilalio and Alex Todd return to the side after featuring in last year’s Residents campaign.
“We have some undeniable talent across the park,” says NZRL CEO Greg Peters.
“It’s exciting we are able to showcase this with the much-anticipated clash against the NZ Māori Residents come Sunday, especially with all that’s happened with Covid, it’s great to see this come to light.
“The talent on display across the Men’s Premiership competition this year was quality and it’s evident by the calibre named in this team. I have no doubt this will be a tough and passionate affair! Congratulations to our NZ Residents.”
The NZ Residents face the NZ Māori Residents this Sunday 4 pm following the NZ Schools v Clubs match at Mt Smart Stadium.
It is a gold coin entry donation to Mt Smart on the day; otherwise both games will be televised live on Sky Sport 4.
Kiwi Ferns veteran hooker Krystal Rota has been honoured with her first Test captaincy for this Saturday’s clash against Fetu Samoa Invitational.
Rota has been a focal point of the Ferns team, a mainstay at the hooker position for the better part of four years after making her debut in the 2016 Anzac test victory over the Jillaroos.
No stranger to the captaincy role, Rota has captained the Counties Manukau women’s team for three years, including over the weekend when they won their 11th straight women’s title by taking out the Sky Sport Women’s Premiership in a convincing win over the Akarana Falcons.
Rota has also captained the Maori All-Stars for two years where she scored the match-winning try in their inaugural game against the Indigenous All-Stars and was subsequently awarded the Trish Hina Medal as player of the match.
The Manurewa Marlins junior has gone on to play nine Tests for New Zealand and was a standout in the NRL World Nines campaign where the Ferns were crowned World Nines Champions after beating the Jillaroos 17-15 in the final.
Despite opting to miss out this year due to Covid-19 logistics, she is also a key member of the Warriors’ NRLW campaign where she played a vital role in their first two seasons.
Kiwi Ferns Head Coach Ricky Henry says, “Krystal has been a standout member of this team for the past four years and shows all the qualities of a great leader. She’s no stranger to the responsibility and the impact she has on those around her is evident.
“It’s one of the highest honours to captain your country and it was a pleasure to give her this opportunity.”
The Clash of the Pacific Women’s Double Header is taking place Saturday, November 7 at Mt Smart Stadium. Tonga women will face Niue women at 2:00 pm followed by the Kiwi Ferns v Fetu Samoa Invitational at 4:00 pm.
Both games will be televised live on Sky Sport 4 and Fox Sports in Australia. To purchase tickets to the Clash of the Pacific Women’s Double Header, please click here.
1 November 2020
Fetu Samoa Invitational coach Ross Uele has unveiled his test squad, naming a considerable number of uncapped players in his 20 strong team.
The new players to the test arena currently play at a provincial level in the NZRL competition with eight of the named squad involved in the women’s NZRL grand final over the weekend. The other six players have just completed their duties in Farah Palmer Cup in Rugby union and a few key candidates come off injuries and fully cleared to play.
We are excited at the combinations assembled for this Fetu Samoa Invitational squad of 2020,” said Uele. “It’s not an easy process especially with the disruption of the regular footy season but I’m excited about the opportunity to see these woman represent their families and heritage in a Samoan jersey.
“As always there are players who will be really disappointed at missing out, unfortunate due to Covid-19 restrictions and the international travel band. Last year many of the Fetu Samoa girls were based out of Australia and we also have woman in Samoa that could be selected for this squad too.”
“I look forward to the week in Fetu Samoa camp and participating in this Pacific Clash with all the other nations involved, says Uele.”
20 women Fetu Samoa Invitational squad: Masuisui Pauaraisa, Aieshaleigh Smalley, Nina Foaese, Ricshay Lemanu, Vaanessa Molia-Fraser, Cassie Siataga, Onjeurlina Leiataua, Rowena Koonwaiyou Meleisea, Ruth Vae, Lani Latoa-Williams, Shannon Laamauga Leota, Summer Kapsin, Clementine Varea, Leianne Tufuga, Jhana Magele, Pauline Hunt, Makayla Eli, Mela Maxine-Vili, Glory Aiono, Keilamarita Pouri-Lane.
Newly appointed Head Coach Ricky Henry has named 11 debutantes for the much-anticipated International against Fetu Samoa Invitational on Saturday, November 7 at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland (4:00 pm kick-off local time).
The Kiwi Ferns squad is fresh with budding talent from the inaugural Sky Sport Women’s Premiership and NZRL Women’s Championship as well as seasoned Kiwi Ferns and returnees from the NRLW Warriors campaign.
Standouts from the National Women’s Championship who have earned their debuts include Upper Central Stallion’s Autumn Stephens and Mya Terehia Hill-Moana.
Stephens was crowned MVP of the National Women’s Championship and Mya Terehia Hill-Moana earned herself MVP of the Women’s Championship final where the Stallions came away with a 12-10 win over the Auckland Vulcans. Auckland Vulcan’s Lavinia Tauhalaliku and Shannon Muru have also earned their debut spots after impressive seasons.
Out of the Sky Sport Women’s Premiership, champion Counties Manukau powerhouses Kere Matua and Christyl Stowers both earn their debuts as well as MVP of the Premiership Harata Butler and MVP of the grand final Kararaina Wira-Kohu. Akarana front three of the 11 Kiwi Fern debutantes in Karli Hansen, Katelyn Vaha’akolo and Sharliz White.
Seasoned Kiwi Fern names return to the squad including star Counties’ fullback Amber Kani, Captain Krystal Rota and unstoppable forward Maitua Feterika who all impressed for the Stingrays throughout the Premiership competition.
Resilient Kiwi Ferns’ winger Julianna Newman returns post knee surgery, impressing in Akarana colours and Kiwi Fern veteran, Honey Hireme-Smiler is back after missing out on the NRWL Warriors campaign due to injury. Crystal Tamarua and Kanyon Paul also join the 19-women squad fresh from the Warriors’ NRLW campaign.
“I want to congratulate those selected for our up and coming International against Samoa,” says Head Coach Ricky Henry.
“It’s a proud moment to wear the Black and White jersey, especially for those making their debut in front of family and friends. I have been encouraged by the performances in the Sky Sport Premiership, National Championship, and NRLW competition.
“There is an exciting mix of fresh talent and experienced leadership in this squad and it was no easy feat narrowing the wider squad to 19. The women’s game is strong and there is depth across the park – all positive signs as we build towards the 2021 World Cup.”
The Kiwi Ferns last faced Fetū Samoa in June 2019 where they came away with a convincing 34 -14 victory.
Both games will be televised live on Sky Sport 4 and Fox Sports in Australia.
To purchase tickets to the Clash of the Pacific Women’s Double Header, please click here.
New Zealand Rugby League wishes to congratulate the following players:
(Alphabetical order by first name)
*Debutante
Old foes Akarana Falcons and the Counties Manukau Stingrays took the field today for the final of the NZRL National Premiership at Trust Stadium.
Preston Riki put first points on the board for the Falcons, pushing his way over the defence in the opening minutes of the match.
Enthusiastic defence from the Stingrays forced an error on the Akarana Falcons just 10 meters from their try line allowing the Stingrays to launch an attack of their own. After a mistake from the Stingrays, the Falcons took advantage and forced their way downfield, Riki scoring his second try of the match in the same spot within the first 11 minutes.
Counties Manukau’s Penehuro Toai came short of scoring the first try for his team, handing the ball over on the fifth tackle. Akarana immediately put the foot down and took the ball to the other end of the park after a perfectly timed kick from Api Pewhairangi. Francis ledger helped himself to four points, scoring an impressive try just short of the dead ball line. Sam Faapito showed his skill on the wing showing extraordinary pace to score a follow up try, increasing the lead over their opponents by 24 points in a matter of minutes.
An energy shift for the Stingrays saw Richard Holani score his team a much-needed try with only 6 minutes to go in the first half.
Counties Manukau their own worst enemy awarded the Flacons a try off an intercept. Ray Tuimalo-Vaega ran 80 meters to score an excellent solo try to increase the Falcons lead at half time 30 – 6.
Points came quickly in the second half for the Akarana Falcons. A dominant attacking line saw Faapito stroll over the try line twice within 10 minutes for his hattrick. Akarana took advantage of mistakes the Stingrays didn’t learn from.
Facing an uphill climb, the Stingrays weren’t ready to back down just yet. Toai crashed over to score his first try. The try coming a little to late to change the outcome of the match.
Dominance continued for the Akarana Falcons as tries kept rolling in. It started with Chase Bernard slipping off 2 defenders to score the 8th try for the Falcons. Off another excellent kick from Falcons teammate Pewhairangi, Casey Smith quickly followed up with a try of his own. A deflated Stingrays team allowed yet another untouched try to the Falcons through Matiu Stone Dunn. An excellent 11th team try for the Flacons saw Pewhairangi score after weaving around the defence.
Cole Waaka would close out the match for the Akarana Falcons scoring a try in the last minute of the match. The Falcons finish the season in convincing fashion, winning their fifth consecutive Premiership title with the final score over the Counties Manukau Stingrays 64 – 18.
31 October 2020
A clinical 80-minute display by Counties saw them crowned Sky Sport Premiers, taking out the women’s title for an 11th consecutive year.
Crushing defence kicked off the final clash between Counties Manukau and the Akarana Falcons but it was Counties who found themselves in good attacking position first.
A cross-field kick saw Kere Matua skilfully catch it over the line however momentum wasn’t on her side as she fell over the dead-ball line.
Errors began to creep in for both sides as a result of the bucketing rain, Counties and Akarana both struggled to defuse the ball. However, it was Akarana’s error that proved the most costly as Counties’ powerhouse Kararaina Wira-Kohu barged over for the first points of the day on the ensuing set. A successful conversion put Counties in front 6 – 0 after 15 minutes.
Akarana’s Karli Hansen found space off a clever grubber through the Counties defence. It was a race between Hansan and Counties fullback Amber Kani that saw Akarana regain possession due to an offside penalty. Akarana were back in good attacking position but a mistake saw the opportunity go begging.
Maitua Feterika’s powerful drive up the middle put Counties back on the attack. A slick left side overlap put centre Kere Matua through the gap and comfortably over for her first try. Matua was unable to convert her own four pointer, the score 10 – 0 with ten to go until half time.
Strong Counties defence saw Akarana struggle to make it out of their own half, Counties were back on their 10-metre line and once again a clinical left edge shift resulted in Kere Matua earning her second four-pointer right before half time.
A missed conversion kept Counties lead at 14 heading into the sheds.
A beautiful cut out pass from Counties Captain Krystal Rota allows Ricshay Lemanu to barge over the Akarana defensive line for Counites fourth and first points of the second half.
Ball handling errors crept in again for both sides as the rain settled in once again, an uncharacteristic error at the scrum from Krystal Rota gifted possession back to Akarana yet they couldn’t capitalise.
Another barging run from Maitua Feterika saw her go inches from the try line but an impressive try-saving tackle from Akarana forward Lani Latoa-Williams held her up.
Counties then stormed down the opposite end of the field and an inside ball from Kere Matua puts winger Alexis Thompson over the line extending Counties lead to 22 points, Kere Matua converts making it 24 – 0 with 15 to go.
Counties were back in attacking position again to expose the Akarana right edge defence as Alexis Thompson went over for her second. Counties unable convert, the score 28 – 0.
Shortly after, Counties are back on their line as the Akarana defence struggles to contain the powerhouse Counties forward pack. Kere Matua then barges on the loose ball scoring her hattrick for the day, Counties convert extending their lead to 34.
Akarana win a turnover ball and find their second wind despite the adversity on the scoreboard, a good team attacking effort resulted in Akarana winger Sharliz White going over for Akarana’s first points making it 34 – 4 with ten to go.
Despite a last-ditch effort from Akarana, it was Counties who dominated for the 80 minutes, rightfully earning their 11th straight women’s title with a 34 – 4 victory over the Akarana Falcons.
It was the much-anticipated battle of the two islands with the Northland Swords receiving the opening kick only to be hit by stiff Otago defence. The high intensity did not dissipate, as each tackle in the opening few sets for both teams backed with force.
The Whalers first chance off a set piece inside Swords territory produced points as a great backline move saw Fullback Tama Apineru cross over in the right corner. Try converted by Mackenzie Haugh opened the scoring at 6-0.
The Swords succeeded in retaliating immediately as their first set with the ball resulted in points. Halfback Jesse Epiha regathered a grubber from Levita Levita to score under the posts. Converted by Levita to even the score with half an hour remaining in the half.
A great set off their own goal line ended in spectacular fashion as once again a grubber saw the Northern Swords earn points. This time it was left-wing speedster Tevita Henare-Schuster chasing a long grubber to score in the left hand corner. Levita unsuccessful with the conversion leaving the score at 6-10.
Lock forward, Jake Fowler looked strong for the Otago Whalers early on, with decisive runs and hefty defence causing problems for the Swords.
A back and forth fixture saw chances for both Otago and Northland go begging, despite this, the Swords were the ones who capitalised, adding to their score through interchange Manaaki Tawhiwhirangi. A successful conversion saw the lead increase by 6 bringing the score to 6-16 with just under 20 minutes remaining in the half.
Momentum was clearly on the Northern Swords side as on the ensuing set, an offload from captain Ross McFarlane gifted Manaaki Tawhiwhirangi his second in under five minutes. Levita, who has kicked well all day converted to bring the score to 6-22.
Otago refused to quit as a few great runs gave them good field position on the Swords goaline. A cross kick was placed for left winger Saimone Samate who leaped into the air to catch the ball and score. The conversion was missed to bring the score to 10-22 as the half time hooter sounds.
Swords were the more clinical team in the first half, less errors saw them in better chances to score, hence the lead.
A slight drizzle greased the field as the teams returned for the second half, Otago used this to their advantage marching down the length of the field in their opening set.
The Whalers found themselves camped on the Swords goal line earning a number of repeat sets. Which finally resulted in points with Simone Fa’oso crashing over for the opening try of the half. A missed conversion left the score at 14-22.
Multiple errors saw both teams hand over possession in the centre of the park, the rain playing its part in this grand final.
The Otago centres played their part in this fixture, both Fa’aoso and Solia were a menace to tackle for the Swords.
A dropped intercept from Swords winger Eroni Biukoto almost saw the Northern side seal the game.
With under 20 minutes remaining the game remained at 14-22 as a combination of great defence and errors from both sides did not allow one another to take hold of the second half.
The intensity began to pick up in the latter stages of the half, led by right centre Tofatuimoana Solia.
With great field position the Whalers placed a cross kick in again looking for left winger Saimone Samate. However a great cover tackle from Eroni Biukoto saw him pushed over the touch line.
Again, the Whalers found themselves on the Swords goaline, and after a scrappy last tackle option the scoring drought was finally broken through lock Jake Fowler score, a well deserved try from the Otago workhorse. The try was converted to bring the score to a tantalising 20-22 with seven minutes remaining.
The rain causing problems once again, the Whalers hooker Troy Antsiss losing the ball in their own half to give the Swords great field position.
In a crazy sequence a fifth tackle grubber from the Northern Swords was blocked and recovered by the Otago Whalers. This was then kicked through to chase by right wing Piliu Tavake who would have surely score had he picked it up. Unfortunately for him an error saw the Swords hold on with two minutes remaining.
With less than a minute remaining the Otago Whalers go 80 metres in an attempt to win this game, a kick that went too strong saw the Northern Swords hold on to win the 2020 NZRL championship 22 – 20.
A nail biter of a game, wonderful conclusion to a great competition.
A scrappy affair at the Trust’s Stadium saw the Upper Central Stallions look to end their undefeated season with a final win over rivals Auckland Vulcans. Defence was the meta in this game, as both sides showed heart and effort, forcing the opposition into mistakes.
An early mistake from Auckland Fullback Keri Ratima allowed the first opportunity for Upper Central but the defence stood firm, taking Upper Central captain Dorta Adams over the side-line.
A mistake off the next set from Auckland gave another chance for the Stallions and this time they made them pay. A sharp left-side shift saw Niu Milo put through fullback Autumn Stephens, who is arguably the most in-form player of the competition, untouched for the first points of the game. Trisha Tarsau-Hina unable to convert as the score remains 4-0 in the 3rd minute.
Opportunities were abundant for both sides throughout the half, but ball security and lack of discipline halted any side from crossing the line. Edge defence kept play through the middle and the aggressive nature of the game took over, with big hits causing many dropped balls.
Upper Central go into the sheds with the upper hand with a four-point lead over Auckland.
A great solo try from Kiwi Fern Honey Hireme-Smiler increased the Stallions advantage in the second forty. Honey showed her class and veteran savvy to take the game by the scruff of the neck and give her team an eight-point buffer. Tiria Anderson unable to convert, Stallions remained up by eight at the 42nd-minute mark.
Auckland marched down the field and received a penalty late in the set and after peppering the Stallions line were finally able to crack the stout defence. Half Kaylarnee Murray utilised her brilliant footwork to swerve through on the last and score next to the left upright. Hooker Jhana Magele slotted her conversion kick over to tighten the deficit to two.
The Vulcans then took their first lead of the game after a barnstorming break from Shontelle Woodman. Off the back of the break, a right side swing saw Tanika Noble take her chance as she went over to put the Vulcans in front with 20 to go. Conversion unsuccessful from Magele, score stood at 10-6 in favour of Auckland.
A mistake and crucial penalty in favour of the Stallions put them in ideal attacking position with five minutes to go. Stallion forward, Jayde August then bulldozed her way from the tap restart to put Upper Central back in the lead with only four minutes remaining. Stallions again unable to convert as they take a 12-10 lead going into the last phases of the game.
After a tantalising finish, The Upper Central Stallions did enough hold off a late surge from Auckland to capture their first National Women’s Championship trophy, the final score Upper Central Stallions 12 – Auckland Vulcans 10.
30 October 2020
This Saturday, the Trust’s Stadium in Auckland will host the final clashes of the New Zealand Rugby League National competition showcasing the best grassroots talent from up and down the country. Here NZRL will crown the Women’s and Men’s Championship winners and Sky Sport Women’s and NZRL Men’s Premiership champions. For those who can’t make it, the Championship games will be live-streamed on NZRL’s Facebook page thanks to Radio Tainui, and the Sky Sport and Men’s Premierships will be televised live on Sky Sport and Fox Sport/Foxtel for Australian viewers.
Women’s Championship Final 10:30 am – Field 2
Upper Central Stallions vs Auckland Vulcans.
The Women’s Championship Final will see the Upper Central Stallions take on the Auckland Vulcans. Upper Central go into the game with the upper hand after they defeated Auckland 18-14 behind in a clinical display from fullback Autumn Stephens. Stephens continued her form throughout to land a spot in the Kiwi Fern’s wider squad and will be a player to watch in this matchup. This final will commence the jam-packed day of rugby league action with a 10:30 am kick-off. Thanks to radio Tainui the game will be live-streamed on NZRL Facebook page.
Men’s Championship Final 12:15 pm Field 2
Northern Swords vs Otago Whalers.
The North Island Champions; The Northern Swords will take on South Island Champions; Otago Whalers in this North v South battle at 12:15pm. The Swords, off the back of great play from half Levita Levita and deep backs Eroni Biukoto and Matthew Kahle secured a spot in the final after Wellington upset the Upper Central Stallions in the last game of the tournament. South of the Cook Strait, it wasn’t as close of an affair as Otago went through the tournament undefeated to book their spot in tomorrow’s final.
Thanks to radio Tainui the game will be live-streamed on NZRL Facebook page.
Sky Sport Women’s Premiership Final 2:05 pm Field 1
Counties Manukau Stingrays. vs Akarana Falcons.
Counties Manukau will be looking to secure an 11th straight Women’s title win when they face the Akarana Falcons tomorrow in the Sky Sport Women’s Premiership final. Both teams dominated the Premiership competition but it’s Counties going in as favourites as they remain undefeated. The two met on October 10th and Counties ran away with a dominant 40-10 win, but with the quality of Apii Nichols at the back and Jules Newman on the edge, Akarana will look to bounce back against the Stingray side. Counties captain and Kiwi Fern Krystal Rota will look to provide the same spark she did on that day and lead her team to another winning Title. With the Kiwi Ferns’ selectors looking to narrow the wider squad post-finals, this is shaping up to be a passionate affair with much on the line.
Kick-off at the Trust’s Stadium is at 2:05 pm and the game is televised live on Sky Sport 4 and Fox Sport / Foxtel.
Men’s Premiership Final 4:05 pm Field 1
Akarana Falcons vs Counties Manukau Stingrays.
In the same vein as their women counterparts, both Counties and Akarana dominated through the competition to reach the Premiership Final. However, they were unable to be separated in their October 10th matchup as the game ended spectacularly in a 12 all draw. The matchup between halves Drew Radich of Akarana and Stingrays Samuel Nati will be an exciting affair as both have been in sublime form throughout, marshalling their troops well. Akarana will be determined to defend their crown in the last game of the evening in what will be a much-anticipated re-match and one not to miss.
Kick-off is at 4:05 pm and the game is televised live on Sky Sport 4 and Fox Sport / Foxtel.
29 October 2020
Trish Hina arguably one of New Zealand’s greatest sportswoman, will run out for the Upper Central Stallions this Saturday in the NZRL National Women’s Championship final after a ten-year hiatus from rugby league.
Ex Kiwi Fern captain, Hina has impressively represented her country in four sports: league, union, touch and softball.
Hina’s journey with rugby league began in 1993 when New Zealand Rugby League established competitions for women where Hina would play club rugby on Saturday and league on Sunday.
She was selected for the first Kiwi Ferns side that toured Australia but didn’t attend because of softball commitments. However, the stand-off soon established herself as the best women’s league player in the world.
Hina was a member of the Te Ahora club side in Wellington that won 11 consecutive Wellington titles. In 1999 she captained Wellington to the National title, historically an event dominated by Auckland.
In 2000 Hina was named MVP at the first women’s rugby league World Cup and in 2000 Hina was named New Zealand Rugby League Player of the year.
The second World Cup was staged in Auckland in 2003 and was a much larger event to which the Kiwi Ferns beat the New Zealand Maori 58-0, illustrating the strength of the women’s game in New Zealand.
In 2008 the Kiwi Ferns defended their World title again and Hina was named MVP of the World Cup for a second time. In the final, New Zealand thrashed Australia, 34-0 and Hina played arguably her greatest game, scoring two tries and kicking three conversions.
In 2009 the Kiwi Fern trailblazer moved from Wellington to Auckland in an attempt to achieve the one goal that had eluded her – to make the New Zealand women’s rugby union team, the Black Ferns, and that she did.
Within a year, Hina cracked a side that had only lost three games in twenty years. However, she then struck adversity:
“In 2011, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Kidney Disease, which prevented me from playing High-Performance Sport, so I moved from Auckland to Gisborne to focus on my health and wellbeing. It was basically the same disease that Jonah Lomu had, but in a more mild form,” said Hina.
Her last game of league was for the Kiwi Ferns against England at Trusts Stadium in 2010.
Hina will return to the same stadium, exactly ten years from when she last said goodbye, but this time as an Upper Central Stallion in the NZRL National Women’s Championship final this Saturday.
“10 years later I’m feeling fitter then I have ever been,” says Hina.
“I have my 20month old son SEKANI-HEIZ who inspires me every day to enjoy the things I love to do.
“Emotions were very high leading up to the tournament; I was nervous, excited, unsure if my body would cope with the contact, once I got on the field my natural footy instinct kicked in and I started having some fun. I still have a long way to get to the standard I want to be at; it is going to be a lot of hard training during summer break this year.
“Playing with the Stallion team has also helped with my transition back to league, the culture within the team and the support from the management and the Upper Central Rugby League staff have been amazing, it feels like being a part of a high-performance team again.”
2020 marks the inaugural NZRL Women’s Championship and Sky Sport Women’s Premiership, stand-alone women’s competitions that have been a long time coming but showcase the growth and strength the women’s game in New Zealand possesses.
“Finally women are getting the recognition they deserve,” says Hina.
“I’m loving the pathways and opportunities women have in league nowadays, the standard of league has really improved, girls are quick, fit and strong and that’s a result of the work, money and time going into this space.”
The Upper Central Stallions are taking on the Auckland Vulcans at 10:30 am on Saturday 31st October at Trusts Stadium, Auckland. Thanks to Radio Tainui the game will be livestreamed on New Zealand Rugby League’s Facebook page.
27 October 2020
Warriors NRLW captain Georgia Hale and Knights NRL star Connor Watson have been awarded Veronica White and Ken Stephen medals for their community work.
The pair were honoured in a ceremony at ANZ Stadium before the Telstra Premiership grand final on Sunday.
Hale, in addition to being a wonderful role model and trailblazer on the field, is constantly helping others with genuine passion via her role as the Warriors’ community coordinator.
The lock was also nominated for last year’s Veronica White Medal.
The 25-year-old, who was named the 2020 Young New Zealander of the Year, has made a difference on countless school visits.
Hale has been devoted to assisting rural communities, children, the intellectually disabled and a variety of charities.
The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the club’s outreach programs, but Hale continued to assist through Zoom calls as well as her own food-bank collections and wellbeing sessions with friends and family.
“We couldn’t be prouder of Georgia. She brings enormous credit on herself in the most selfless manner,” Warriors CEO Cameron George said when Hale was named Young New Zealander of the Year.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo paid tribute to Watson and Hale and said both were exceptional ambassadors for rugby league.
“It is so fitting for us to showcase these two exceptional people on our biggest day of the year,” Mr Abdo said.
“So many of our players undertake a significant amount of work off the field – much of it done very quietly – tonight was our chance to acknowledge that work. Rugby League brings communities together and Connor and Georgia have led the way in 2020.”
The Ken Stephen Medal is brought to you by My Property Consultants while the Veronica White Medal is supported by Apprenticeship Careers Australia. Both medals are part of the Kayo NRL Community Awards 2020.
October 25 2020
New Zealand’s future Kiwi talent was on display at the New Zealand Māori Rugby League Tuakana Tournament yesterday where the NZ Resident 16s came away with a convincing 42 – 6 victory over the NZ Māori 17s at Rotorua International Stadium.
Two spine-tingling hakas echoed throughout the stadium setting the tone for what would be a tough and passionate affair.
The game commenced with an even match up the middle, but it was the NZ Resident side that scored themselves an early 10 – 0 lead. Kyson Kingi for the NZ Maori side scored what would be their only four-pointer of the night which kept the game within six points, but the NZ Residents were too classy running away with a 22-point lead at half time.
The second forty saw the NZ Resident 16s mount an extra 14 points but an improved defensive performance by the NZ Māori went astray as the 22 point half time lead proved too costly.
The NZ Resident 16s too good for the NZ Māori 17s with a 42 – 6 victory at Rotorua International Stadium.
NZ 16s five-eight Cassius Tia earned 14 of the Residents 42 points with five conversions and a try and NZ Resident centre Tre Fotu earned himself a double.
NZ Resident 16s (42)
Try scorers: Dickie Terepo, Nathaniel Tangimataiti, Tre Fotu (2), Cassius Tia, Te Hurinui Apanui Twidle, Jacob Laban, Demitric Sifakula.
Conversions: Cassius Tia (5)
NZ Māori 17s (6)
Try scores: Kyson Kingi
Conversions: Tea-Rani Woodman
