The NZRL National Women’s Tournament is four weeks away. Queen’s Birthday weekend, 2-4 June will see women’s teams from throughout New Zealand battle it out in hopes of being crowned the NZRL Women’s National champions.
Teams this year include the Counties Manukau Stingrays, Wellington Orcas, Auckland Vulcans in Pool A and Canterbury, Akarana Falcons and Wai-Coa-Bay Stallions in Pool B.
Get down to Cornwall Park on Queen’s Birthday weekend to support the women’s game.
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From Tasman Rugby League
On a cloudy day on Saturday Wairau Taniwha hosted the Victory Phoenix at Oliver park in Blenheim. Will the Taniwha be able to reverse their 36-12 defeat on opening day back in April, the difference being this time they have home ground advantage.
For the first half the Taniwha were playing with the advantage of a noticeable tail wind. Hoani Tauwhare opened the scoring for Victory with a sweeping move down the right side attack following a Taniwha dropped ball from a 20m restart. Tana Pounui scored a try for the Taniwha with Dalton Mckinney kicking the first of his three goals. The Taniwha lead 6-4.
The teams again traded tries in what was to be the pattern for the rest of the game. Fabyan Noonan scoring for Victory and Isiah Mischeski scoring for the Taniwha to make the score 10-all. Ray Roebeck scored for the Taniwha to give them a 6 point lead at half time of 16-10.
Michael Bates scored from close range to give the Taniwha a 12 point lead early in the second half. Julian Kereopa scored for Victory to narrow the margin down to six points. The lead for the Taniwha was restored to 12 points when their second rower Ryan Craig went on a 60 metre solo run to score by the posts.
Victory levelled the game with tries firstly to Tainui Parata and secondly to Laman Fa’auli who ran 20 metres through the Taniwha defence straight from a penalty tap with about seven minutes to go. With the scores tied up the hunt began for the elusive drop goal to take the lead. Victory had one unsuccessful attempt. With time almost up on the clock Victory were penalised for obstruction. From the ensuing set of six Taniwha worked their way to the Victory tryline where they too were penalised for obstruction.
So in the end, time beat both teams and the game finished up at 28-all. Julian Kereopa was player of the day for Victory and Tanie Turnball was player of the day for the Taniwha. What a great game.
Thanks to all the volunteers who make the game possible namely the match manager and officials and the people who set up the field and pack it down after the game.
Next week’s game sees Motueka Tigers host Victory Phoenix at Cooks Reserve in Riwaka. Kick off 2.30pm. Hope to see you all there.
NZRL are now open to receiving applications of interest for the roles of Head Coach for the New Zealand Resident 16s and the Kiwi Ferns.
Applications close for the NZ RESIDENT 16S MANAGER, ASSISTANT COACH and TRAINER roles at 5pm on Thursday 10 May 2018.
Successful shortlisted applicants must be available to interview on Thursday 17 May 2018
Applications close for the KIWI FERNS MANAGER, ASSISTANT COACH and TRAINER roles at 5pm on Thursday 17 May 2018.
Successful shortlisted applicants must be available to interview on Thursday 24 May 2018
To view job descriptions for all of these roles, please see the NZRL Careers page here.
If you are interested in the roles please send your covering letter and coaching CV to: admin@nzrl.co.nz before the allocated time and date.
If you have any questions of queries please contact Gary Peacham: 021 274 6975 or email: gary.p@nzrl.co.nz
By NZ Herald
Sporting royalty were included in a cohort of new police constables who graduated in Porirua over the weekend.
Kiwi Ferns Captain Laura Mariu and Kiwi Ferns player and winner of New Zealand Rugby League 2017 Player of the Year, Apii Nicholls-Pualau have both graduated from the black jersey to the blue uniform, along with 56 other constables from Wing 313 and two narcotic detector dogs.
“It is a huge honour to be a part of New Zealand Police and I have enjoyed my time here at College,” Nicholls-Pualau said.
“I believe the [Royal New Zealand Police College] definitely sets the platform for a better future and I can only hope my experiences will help me better engage with our community and set good examples.
“I can’t wait to make a difference and ultimately contribute to the ongoing success of making New Zealand the safest country.”
Mariu and Nicholls-Pualau will both be posted to Counties Manukau district and start on the beat on May 14.
Tomorrow’s graduation is also a milestone for the role the police has played in helping to build dog section capability in the Northern Territories and the Pacific, said national co-ordinator of police dogs Inspector Todd Southall.
“We have a key role in helping maintain training and development, as well as the supply of dogs to the island nations,” he said.
“It’s about helping protect our neighbours and protecting our borders.”
Senior Constable Dean McKie from the Northern Territory Police is graduating with detector dog Hugo, who was bred at the Dog Training Centre.
He will be attached to the Substance Abuse Intelligence Desk.
Sergeant Tyron Bellman from the Northern Territory Police is currently an operational handler and is the detection training sergeant for the entire Northern Territory Police.
Tomorrow he graduates as a detector dog instructor.
Constable Peter Pureau from the Cook Islands Police is graduating with detector dog Hoss, Hugo’s brother.
The Secretary of Defence and Chief Executive of the Ministry of Defence, Helene Quilter, Minister of Police Stuart Nash, MP for Mana Kris Faafoi and Deputy Commissioner Mike Clement will all be attending the graduation.
On 29 April 2018 the Patea Warriors from South Taranaki traveled north to play the Waitara Bears in a game of Masters Rugby League, and what a game it was with some great tries, outstanding tackles and some good old fashion straight up the guts running.
The game was played with such passion and physicality, but what else would you expect from these two great teams and clubs. There was a great mixture of aged players, with the oldest being in his mid sixties, but for those who were there, age was definitely no barrier.
Although Patea took the win the game of rugby league was the winner on the day. To see our past players on both sides giving their all and enjoying themselves was an awesome sight to see.
Acknowledgement definitely goes out to all the players and supporters of both teams who traveled near and far to be a part of this tremendous occasion, to the Patea Warriors Club for making the journey north and to the Waitara Bears Club who were fantastic hosts on the day.
Masters Rugby League is alive and kicking in Taranaki, and we now look forward to next date that is set with the Western Suburbs Tigers hosting on Sunday 27th May at Ngamotu Domain in New Plymouth.
The ANZAC bonds between New Zealand and Australian soldiers based at Iraq’s Camp Taji remain as strong as ever except perhaps on the rugby league pitch.
In a charity league match held on a sweltering ANZAC Day, New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel beat their Australian counterparts 32-20.
“Both teams played with passion, despite the heat and the hard surface they had to play on. It was all good fun and for a good cause, and the camaraderie was great,” Task Group Taji’s Regimental Sergeant Major said.
The NZDF and Australian Defence Force teams wore national team jerseys donated by the New Zealand Rugby League and the National Rugby League, respectively.
The charity league match raised US$2,373 (about NZ$3,350) for the New Zealand Fallen Heroes Trust, an organisation that provides support for the families of military personnel killed or injured on operations overseas, and US$2,638(about NZ$3,720) for Legacy Australia, an Australian charity supporting families of service personnel.
About 100 New Zealand and 300 Australian troops comprise Task Group Taji, the combined New Zealand-Australian training mission which has trained around 34,000 Iraqi Security Forces personnel since May 2015.
There’ll be Kiwis players galore when the Tigers come to town to take on the Warriors this Saturday night (7.30pm) in Auckland.
While there’ll be Kiwi touches around Mt Smart stadium the most visible demonstration will be on the field.
In the first eight rounds, the Vodafone Warriors fielded 16 New Zealanders and the Tigers won’t be lacking in Kiwi talent either. Tigers co-captains Russell Packer, Elijah Taylor and former Kiwis captain Benji Marshall are just a few of the Kiwi players coming to New Zealand for round nine of the NRL.
Watch out for the Kiwis players who could be in contention for a spot in the squad that takes on England in Denver later next month.
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The NZRL National Women’s Tournament is back in 2018. Queen’s Birthday weekend, 2-4 June will see women’s teams from throughout New Zealand battle out in hopes of being crowned the NZRL Women’s National champions.
Last year, the Counties Manukau Stingrays took out their eighth successive title in a nail biter against Akarana and it was standout fullback, Apii Nicholls-Pualau who was awarded Best Back of the Tournament earning her a spot in the Kiwi Ferns 2017 Rugby League World Cup squad. After outstanding performances on the world stage, she unsurprisingly went on to take out 2017 NZRL Women’s PLayer of the Year.
Five weeks out from this year’s National Women’s Tournament, we look forward to seeing all the talent on display that 2018 has to offer.
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Tasman Rugby League had their first wet game of the season, which as everyone knows – rain can be a leveller. And that is exactly what happened when Motueka Tigers hosted the mighty men from over the hill, Wairau Taniwha.
This was the Tigers first home game and they were welcomed onto Riwaka Rugby Club Grounds for the occasion. A small, but very noisy crowd were treated to a great game of league between two teams who were pretty well matched in skill. Both teams had their core group of seasoned players, but also a good mixture of young guns who brought some great energy to the game.
Taniwha scored first with Tana Pounia dotting down (his first of four), followed by Tyler Aldridge and Michael Bates before the Tigers crossed the line three times before half time to give a half time score of 18-16 with Taniwha having a very narrow lead. Denym Antonievic and Elia Miatiakibau put the points on the board for the Tigers with Mitchell Duncan-Jonas doing kicking honours in the first half.
The second half started with Iatausili Meki scoring for the Taniwha. This was answered with a try from the Tigers, before Tana Pouniu bagged his second for the Taniwha. Mitchell Duncan-Jonas from the Tigers was rewarded for his hard work with a try of his own followed by one of the Motueka Tigers key players, Sam Hedges crossing the line. This made the score 30-28 to the Tigers with not a lot of time left on the clock. There were car horns tooting, and cheering from the very loyal and vocal Tigers supporters. Could they hold on? The heightened level of intensity from both teams was fantastic and their focus and concentration amazing. You can’t beat a great game of league, and this was going to be a tight race to the finish line.
The Taniwha came out strong and their player of the day, Tana Pounia crossed for his third and fourth of the day giving a final score of 38-30 to the Taniwha and dashed the hopes of the Tigers. However the Tigers should be commended for their effort and determination and providing a great game of league. They are really starting to gel as a team so will definitely be worth watching going forward.
For the Tigers, Captain Sam Hedges and speedster Denym Antoneivic along with player of the day Elia Miatiakibau had strong games with Tigers props, Jason Rangihuna and Harley Thompson providing some solid platforms for Hayden Smith and Matiu Taiapo to work off. Damaging runs by Taniwha Captain Jason Garlick and prop Fetu Ieremia and the ever dangerous Tana Pouniu had stand out games for the Taniwha. And the ever dependable boot of Simon Duncan, now playing for the Taniwha, helped keep the scoreline just out of reach of the Tigers.
The Motueka Tigers are improving with every game and have the potential to cause an upset or two in the upcoming games.
Special thanks to Riwaka Rugby Club for allowing Tasman Rugby League to use Cooks Reserve for this game. What a great venue and great for Motueka to have their home games there. Thanks also to Vince and the team at Hotel Motueka for the after match function. The warm food was greatly received on such a dreary day.
Next week sees Victory Phoenix travel to Blenheim to take on Wairau Taniwha. Kick off 2,30pm at Oliver Park, Blenheim.
New Zealand Rugby League introduced the ‘Be A Sport’ programme to encourage positive supporter behaviour and provide more enjoyable rugby league experiences for our community – from players, referees, coaches and officials to fans and spectators.
Adapted from an Auckland Rugby League programme, Be A Sport was launched in all seven NZRL zones’ junior programmes in 2017 and expanded into further grades this year.
Be A Sport’s ethos has quickly become a cornerstone of Canterbury Rugby League’s campaign to eradicate antisocial behaviour from the game, attract new people to rugby league and make people want to stay in the sport.
“From our perspective, Be A Sport helps change the culture and environment for our visitors to the park and the players on the field,” CRL Club Capability Manager George Lajpold says.
“It’s also designed to help recognise that the people we have officiating games are volunteers.”
Recruiting and retaining referees is one of the greatest problems facing grassroots sport – and rugby league is no exception.
The biggest obstacle to new refs picking up the whistle and current refs remaining in the ranks is abuse from the sidelines. One of Be A Sport’s foundational principles is that this behaviour is unacceptable.
“One of our real concerns – and that of the sport in general – is that people see a game of NRL and expect the same level of officiating at club level right down to the six-year-old grade,” Lajpold explains.
“Part of the Be A Sport campaign is to say that these are young people still learning the sport, it’s an environment that should be full of positive experiences, and recognising that young people are there to have fun.”
Lajpold says that creating a safer and more welcoming environment for referees is critical to the code’s crusade to bolster numbers, and to the health of rugby league in general. Without refs, you don’t have a game.
“At the moment rugby league, as well as a number of other sports, are going through a process of trying to lift the profile of refereeing and let everyone know that they’re there to support our sport.
“They aren’t there to have a huge influence, but they want to create a quality experience for our players and they are an integral part of our game.
“We want everyone on the sideline to have a clear understanding of what the referees are trying to do on the field – which is to create a better experience for players and supporters.”
Canterbury Rugby League is working alongside clubs to curb behaviour detrimental to creating a positive and safe environment for players, officials and fellow supporters.
Each club appoints two ‘Team Champions’, who are identifiable by Hi-Vis vests marked with the ‘Be A Sport – Just Support’ message. Where behaviour is not appropriate, Team Champions are to follow the steps as described on the BAS guide sheet.
“One of the key things about Be A Sport is that antisocial sideline behaviour should normally be dealt with by the club where that person is from,” Lajpold says.
“It’s not a confrontational thing – it’s an opportunity for a club member to stand alongside the spectator, ask what’s happening for them around the game and remind them of what constitutes appropriate sideline behaviour.
“And it’s a positive thing to see clubs take more responsibility for their own supporters’ sideline behaviour. It’s a collective responsibility – it’s not just CRL’s responsibility or a club’s responsibility on their own.”
Lajpold says the response from the clubs to the Be A Sport programme’s initiatives has been overwhelmingly positive.
“It’s been pretty cool. From a juniors perspective every club has taken it on board.
“When you see the Hi-Vis vests down at Canterbury Park on a Saturday or at a seniors game on a Saturday, those are the Be A Sport Team Champions – they’re the ones that are there to help create a positive environment and manage any inappropriate behaviour.
“It’s been well-received, and Canterbury Rugby League is quite open to going into clubs and having conversations with parents and club members and people in the community around what their sport is, the principles that go with it and what we’re trying to achieve in this space.”
Another key component of the Be A Sport programme is creating an alcohol-free and smoke-free environment on the sideline at games.
“In the past rugby league has perhaps been seen as a sport where that’s a regular thing, drinking alcohol on the sideline, which often leads to antisocial behaviour,” Lajpold says.
“What we’re saying from rugby league’s perspective is that actually we need to start changing our culture so people want to start coming to our games and have a positive experience while they’re there.”
While supporters responsible for antisocial behaviour at rugby league games are very much in the minority, it only takes one negative incident to ruin a day out at the footy for many.
The Be A Sport programme is one of the most effective tools at Canterbury Rugby League’s disposal to decrease those negative instances by promoting positivity, inclusivity and respectfulness.
“The main thing to understand is that everyone that’s involved in rugby league, coaches, managers, the person with the whistle in the middle of the field, are volunteers and they’re also developing in the game and learning,” Lajpold enthuses.
“We have a 31 percent turnover rate of people leaving our sport every year, and part of that is because of the experience they receive when they’re at the game on the sideline.
“The Be A Sport initiative is part and parcel of us saying that as a group we need to look at the culture that’s been there in the past, changing the negative aspects of that and creating a more positive one.”
Applications close for the NZ RESIDENT 16S HEAD COACH role at 5pm on Thursday 3 May 2018.
To view job description, click here.
Successful shortlisted applicants must be available to interview on Thursday 10 May 2018
Applications close for the KIWI FERNS HEAD COACH role at 5pm on Thursday 10 May 2018.
To view Job description, click here.
NZRL hosted the first senior trainers’ course for the year over the weekend. Trainers from Zone representative teams attended the course to discuss the role of a trainer, communication skills, strapping and injury prevention. LeagueSmart, a key part of this ensures players enjoy the game in a safe and fun environment.
To find a trainers’ course near you, click here.
ANZAC Day Commemoration
Ahead of ANZAC day on Wednesday, we flashback to the second ever ANZAC Test in 1998 where the New Zealand Kiwis beat the Australian Kangaroos – 22-16.
The Southern Zone Development Camp which is a key component of the Southern Zone Development plan and pathways, was held for 2018 at St Thomas College in Christchurch. This camp saw 75 talented 14, 16 and 18-year-old players from throughout the South Island receiving expert tuition, information and advice across a range of topics that will help them to achieve their potential.
The programme was delivered by key personnel from the Zone supported by the NZRL with David McMeeken, the National Talent Manager and Nigel Vagana, the NZRL WellBeing Manager in attendance. The programme covered the areas of skill development, tactical appreciation, performance analysis, positional roles, nutrition, goal setting and smart training principles. Players were also fitness tested to assess their current level of fitness.
The camp culminated in a game where the players were able to put into practice some of what they had learnt. At the end of the camp they were issued with a comprehensive training diary which contained all the information presented to them.
Whilst the aim was to provide development for the players attending, a secondary and just as important outcome will be those in attendance taking what they have learned back to their club teams to share with their teammates and coaches.
The next focus of the Southern Zone Development programme will be the South Island 15s and 17s Tournament to be held in July in Greymouth. South Island 15s and 17s Scorpions squads will be picked from this tournament to prepare for the National Youth Tournament in October in Rotorua.
Southern Zone is grateful for the many coaches, trainers, a managers and presenters for giving their time to make this camp possible. There is no doubt that the boys who attended will have all learnt a lot.
This week saw the first look at the Motueka Tigers as they started their 2018 campaign. There had been talk about a struggle for numbers, but that was certainly not evident by the side that travelled to Blenheim to take on Wairau Taniwha on their home ground of Oliver Park. Taniwha are always strong at home and there was a good crowd of supporters on hand to cheer on both teams. It was great to see so many young families on the sideline supporting their teams.
The Taniwha who were on their second game of the season kicked things off with Tana Pounui crossing twice followed by Tyler Aldridge before Ben Kelly for the Mot Tigers put some points on the board for the visitors. Tana showed us why he was player of the day and crossed a third time, followed by Cairo Adam-Walsh and Ryan Craig also dotting down for the Taniwha. Half time score: 24-6 to the Taniwha.
Motueka Tigers coach Roy Wattie obviously had a chat with the boys at half time as Sootaga Pani scored soon into the second half, with Taniwha responding with Fetu Ieremia getting on the score sheet. The ever dependable and very talented Sam Hedges, who was impressive with his strong running, crossed for the Tigers. The Taniwha pushed again and Meki Iatausili, Mel King and Taine Turnbull all crossed the line, before Luke Raharuhi finished the game off for the Tigers with another try for the visitors. Full time socre: 46-18.
For the Taniwha, outstanding forwards were Tana Pounui (hat trick and player of the day) and Ryan Craig who was selected by the Tigers as having a awesome game. Jordan Hika & Cairo Adam-Walsh worked hard for their first hit out. In the backs the two new guys Tyler Aldridge & Taine Turnbull impressed in the back line with probing runs, both were rewarded with a try a piece. As usual the experienced players Jason Garlick, Fetu Ieremia, Phil Roberts, Ray Roebeck and Joe Asiata formed a solid platform for the new recruits to be blooded in.
For the Mot Tigers, the experience of Sam Hedges, Hayden Smith and new comers Elia Miatiakibau and Ben Kelly proved their weight in gold, bringing a strength to the team that will certainly grow as the season develops. For their first hit out, it was an impressive Motueka Tigers who took to the field and we look forward to watching their progress as the season continues.
This week sees Victory Phoenix hosting Motueka Tigers at Lower Ngawhatu. This will be Victory’s first home game at their new home ground. Kick off 2.30pm. Make sure you get along and support the teams.
NZRL renew agreement with ACC for LeagueSmart
New Zealand Rugby League is pleased to announce the renewal of their agreement with ACC to continue driving the LeagueSmart programme.
The contract was signed for a further three years with the focus of upskilling players and volunteers to stay in the game.
The NZRL LeagueSmart programme has been developed to give players, coaches and referees training to increase their performance and get the most out of their game. LeagueSmart covers key areas including warm up and conditioning, game day technique and injury management.
The partnership between ACC LeagueSmart and NZRL over the next three years will see the compulsory LeagueSmart registration for rugby league volunteers.
This will help NZRL to ensure that all volunteers have access to these resources and that players have the best possible preparation to play the great game of rugby league.
The Denver showdown between the Kiwis and England on 23 June is on track following a successful trip by New Zealand officials to Australia this week.
The Kiwis team management and New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) Chairman Reon Edwards returned to New Zealand following a constructive meeting on Tuesday with the 16 NRL clubs, the Rugby League Players’ Association (RLPA), English Rugby League (RFL) and NRL Executives.
In relation to the medical and player management issues, representatives from the RLPA confirmed they had been provided with a level of comfort regarding their specific concerns in that area.
NZRL Chair Reon Edwards said, “It was really positive to receive those comments. Of course NZRL is committed to following through on its commitment to deliver on the player management plan and maintain ongoing communication with clubs.”
Kiwis Team Doctor Greg MacLeod and High Performance Coach Donny Singe presented a comprehensive report around the player welfare and workload management that would be implemented in the lead-up to, and during the tour. It was also agreed that further assistance would be available to clubs following the players’ return from Denver.
NZRL will keep in regular communication with the NRL, NRL clubs and RLPA over the coming months to allay any other concerns with regard to the Test in Denver.
Doctor MacLeod says, “Our priority is to ensure we mitigate those risks associated with travelling long distances, a short turnaround and player workload. We have an extremely competent medical team and high performance staff and we’re fully committed to making this tour a success.”
The meeting was also attended by Rugby League International Federation Chairman John Grant who threw his support behind the June Test match, outlining the long-term benefits for the International game. The 2025 Rugby League World Cup will also be staged in the U.S in partnership with the same promoter as the Denver Test, Moore Sports International.
Edwards added, “By taking this RLIF sanctioned Test match to Denver we are breaking new ground for International Rugby League. I am the first to admit, the communication and information sharing with clubs could further improve, however all clubs have now been educated around NZRL’s commitment to mitigate the risks associated with the Denver travel demands. We’re looking forward to taking our Kiwi players to a new and exciting destination and giving the Americans a taste of International Rugby League.”
Kiwi legends Olsen Filipaina (Kiwi #529), Ali Lauitiiti (Kiwi #677) and Henry Fa’afili (Kiwi #687) are also right behind the new fixture seeing the exciting prospects for the game of rugby league in New Zealand.
“I fully support the Kiwis playing in Denver – how else is our game of rugby league going to expand if we don’t showcase it to other countries? Let’s give them a taste of Kiwi,” Filipaina said.
Lauitiiti added, “Personally, I think it’s a great initiative and it’s worked for other sports so I’m keen to see rugby league do the same thing. It’s our great game so I can’t wait for the rest of the world to be blessed with it.”
Drug Free Sport New Zealand’s investigation into athletes purchasing prohibited substances online will continue well into 2018 and is a stark warning to the whole sporting community not to become complacent about doping in sport.
New Zealand athletes from many different sports have been caught purchasing banned substances online in the Clenbuterol NZ investigation and for some sports it’s a wake-up call to take anti-doping matters more seriously.
While there is a general belief that drug testing is the only way to catch a doping athlete, there are ten ways athletes and their support personnel can fall foul of the NZ Sports Anti-Doping Rules. A positive drug test is just one of them. The latest Prohibited List came into force on 1 January 2018 and while it features only a few amendments, it’s recommended that everyone stay informed of the latest changes. Six of the ten Rules apply to support personnel so it’s not just athletes who need to be informed, but their support teams as well.
DFSNZ strongly recommends that everyone involved in rugby league in New Zealand takes the time to understand their anti-doping responsibilities. Free resources are available from DFSNZ for members of NZRL and DFSNZ also offers free education seminars and workshops on request. NZRL has a comprehensive anti-doping page on their website with links to key information.
https://www.tvnz.co.nz/shows/sunday/clips/fair-game
Think you’ve got what takes to be an NZRL Board Director? Read further to see if your skillset fits the bill:
The closing date for applications is 5.00pm on 4 May 2018.
POSITION BRIEF INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE INC
Background
Rugby league is a sport for all New Zealanders, played from the grassroots level to the international stage. The sport is ‘more than just a game’; it is part of the social fabric of our country and has a critical role in developing young men and women in some of our most at risk communities. For more information on the organisation, please visit www.nzrl.co.nz
The NZRL Board plays a significant role in the organisation’s success, providing surety to stakeholders, both within NZ and internationally. It is preparing itself for a busy future. 2018 sees tests against England in Denver Colorado (a first) and end of season tour to the UK and France and a triple header against Australia in October. The game is developing strongly and a guiding hand is required to ensure both domestic and international success for our men and women in all facets of the game.
The Board comprises seven directors; four appointed and three elected. Of the seven there must be three Rugby League Knowledgeable and three independent directors. A Board Appointment Panel, comprising of two independent Sport NZ representatives, an individual nominated from the Zones and a nominee of the NZRL board, is convening this appointment process.
Positions
The Panel is seeking applicants for one Appointed director vacancy. No incumbents are re-applying as this role has arisen due to a current director reaching their term limit. Candidates who have the skill sets set out below and who can bring an element of diversity to the current board mix will be looked upon favourably by the Appointments Panel.
The skills the Panel is looking for in the appointment includes:
Essential • Experience in creating and implementing High Performance Sports programmes • Previous board experience
Desirable • Strategic change and organizational rebuild experience • Experience of revenue generation in a sporting framework • Understanding of the New Zealand sport funding landscape / governance network • Strong commercial and sporting networks, including in Australia
All board members need to understand confidentiality, work collaboratively, possess sound judgment, have good communication and be able to demonstrate leadership ability. Applicants can have a general, rather than specific, knowledge of rugby league.
Time commitment and term As a guide, we expect an average time commitment of 1 to 1.5 days each month per director. Full day board meetings are held monthly in Auckland. We anticipate the roles starting in June 2018. Typically terms are four years and directors are eligible for re-appointment for one further term.
Remuneration Directors are paid $12,000 per annum.
Interviews All applicants must be available for interview in Penrose, Auckland on the morning of 16 May 2018.
To Apply To apply for this role please do so online at www.appointbetterboards.co.nz/APT11354 (brief registration required) The closing date for applications is 5.00pm on 4 May 2018.
Former Kiwi legends are rallying together in support of the mid-year clash between the New Zealand Kiwis and England scheduled to go ahead in Denver.
Stomping ground of the Denver Broncos, Mile High Stadium will host the international match on 23 June where Americans will get a taste of world-class rugby league for the first time.
While the Test in Denver is set to challenge the status quo of where international rugby league is played, former Kiwi legends Olsen Filipaina, Ali Lauitiiti and Henry Fa’afili are right behind the new fixture.
Kiwi #529 Olsen Filipaina and Kiwi #677 Ali Lauitiiti played 28 and 19 Tests respectively for the Kiwis and both say taking the game to Denver is an important step for rugby league to move forward.
“I fully support the Kiwis playing in Denver – how else is our game of rugby league going to expand if we don’t showcase it to other countries? Let’s give them a taste of Kiwi,” Filipaina says.
Exploring all international and commercial opportunities for the Kiwis becomes an essential part of growing the game. Expanding into the North American market would, in turn, allow New Zealand Rugby League to better support and resource grassroots rugby league throughout the country.
Lauitiiti is excited to share the game he loves with those in America who haven’t yet had the opportunity to experience ‘the hits’ in real life.
“Personally, I think it’s a great initiative and it’s worked for other sports so why can’t rugby league do the same thing. It’s our great game so why not bless the rest of the world with it,” he says.
Like Ali Lauitiiti, Kiwi #687 Henry Fa’afili remembers his days in the black and white jersey very fondly and only wishes he could do his time again running out at the world renowned Mile High Stadium.
“It would be disappointing if the game in Denver weren’t to go ahead. We’ve got the opportunity to make history with our great game so I think we need to embrace it,” Fa’afili says.
“You only have to see the excitement and reaction from the Americans when Shaun’s twinkle toes are on show. Then there’s Roger’s speed to beat players one on one, and Marty’s strength and power to fend and run over players. For them to experience it first-hand I think will be talked about for a long time,” he added.
Filipaina, Lauitiiti and Fa’afili, alongside a number of other former Kiwis continue to support the growth of rugby league in New Zealand even after hanging up the boots. This includes NZRL Board Member Tawera Nikau and Wellbeing Manager Nigel Vagana who work behind the scenes at NZRL to ensure rugby league continues to benefit New Zealanders across the country.
With the New Zealand Kiwis clash against England heading to Denver on 23 June, Americans will get the chance to experience rugby league in their backyard fore the first time…
Preparations for the Kiwis’ ground-breaking Test against England in Denver are coming together nicely, New Zealand Rugby League confirms.
The RLIF sanctioned match scheduled to be held on 23 June at Mile High Stadium will bring international rugby league to North America for the first time. With planning stages of the fixture in full-swing, NZRL can confirm the players’ insurance policy was also locked in earlier this week.
Players selected to represent their country while in Denver will continue to receive benefits that mirror the current NRL representative, State of Origin and ANZAC Test insurance policies in place. They will also receive the extra insurance required for playing in the United States.
In addition to medical concerns being allayed by Doctor, Greg Macleod, the confirmation of the insurance policy was another essential part of the planning stages that ensures the players will be well looked after.
Ample due diligence and player welfare is always at the forefront of planning for Tests in any part of the world and Kiwis Manager Nadene Conlon says the Test in Denver is no different.
“There’s always a lot of preparation that goes into any fixture the Kiwis play in, whether it’s a Test or a tour, and travelling overseas, regardless of where it is means the same rigorous processes are undertaken,” Conlon says.
“Of course playing in Denver brings with it some unique considerations but having experts on board like Greg Macleod allows us to be prepared in the best possible manner,” she says.
West Tigers co-captain Elijah Taylor and Warriors prop Adam Blair are a couple of the Kiwi eligible players who say excitement for the Test in Denver is brewing among the player networks.
“Pulling on the Kiwis jersey is always an honour and privilege – it’s the pinnacle for any New Zealand Rugby League player,”
“Any opportunity I get I’ll grab with both hands and I’m 100 percent committed to every Kiwi game wherever it’s played,”
“I understand the NRL clubs have concerns about playing in Denver, so it’s great to see the player insurance has been sorted for the Test, along with Doctor Macleod’s reassuring words that the conditions over there don’t increase our chances of injury,”
“In the camps I’ve been a part of with the Kiwis, we’ve been well looked after and I expect the Test in Denver will be no different,”
“If the Kiwis have future games in the Pacific Islands or Europe, I will be just as committed to making the Kiwis squad if given the privilege to play for my country,” Kiwi #770 Taylor says.
Kiwi #732 and RLPA Director Adam Blair adds, “everything looks like it’s falling into place and I’m excited not only for the international game but for NZRL as this is a great opportunity to show case our game in America.”
Applications for Kiwis head coach close later this afternoon when the high-powered coach selection panel will proceed to the next stage of the selection process.
The New Zealand Rugby League is on the lookout for a CEO who can lead NZRL through an exciting period of change.
You’ll be in charge of growth and development of the game across all levels while positively influencing communities throughout New Zealand.
ABOUT NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE:
Rugby league has played a significant part in New Zealand sport for over 100 years. Formed in 1910, New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) is the governing body for the sport of rugby league in New Zealand. The NZRL catchment is divided into seven zones that service the grassroots needs of the game. These zones compete in the National Championship, as well as women’s, youth and schools competitions.
NZRL manages the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns who are both currently ranked number two in the world.
NZRL is not just about success on the field – it is also charged with caring for a community off-field, promoting the values of integrity, respect, leadership, courage and passion. The “more than just a game” philosophy has seen NZRL establish innovative social development programmes using rugby league to help communities improve their lives off the field.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
The Reporting to the NZRL Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer will lead NZRL in a well-managed, successful and profitable manner as well as implementing high performance standards and expectations throughout the organization.
You will be responsible for the development and implementation of stakeholder management plans, business plans and strategies that grow the game across all levels and secures ongoing revenue streams that ensure the long-term security and viability of NZRL. Increasing the consumer, corporate, fan and participation base through the development and implementation of a well executed strategy and business plan will be very important. You will also be responsible for working closely with the Football Operations and High-Performance team to deliver sustainable long-term performance on the field.
Essential to the success of this role will require building and developing high value, long term, outcome focused relationships with Clubs, Zones, Districts, the NRL, Sport New Zealand, Commercial Partners and other key agencies and stakeholders.
KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND CAPABILITIES
You will have proven Chief Executive Officer or Senior Executive experience including reporting into a board. You will possess exceptional leadership capabilities and management experience, ability to develop and implement strategic change, strong commercial acumen and possess outstanding ability to build, develop and harness sustainable relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.
The successful candidate will be a resilient, dynamic and engaging individual with political maturity and experience with the media as the CEO will be the face and voice of rugby league in New Zealand. Knowledge and understanding of national sporting organisations as well as an interest in rugby league will be well regarded but is not essential.
APPLICATION CLOSING DATE: 5pm Sunday 22nd April, 2018
Global Elite Sports (www.globalelitesports.com) have been contracted by New Zealand Rugby League exclusively to manage this search assignment.
To apply, please submit your application with cover letter to
richard@globalelitesports.com or visit www.globalelitesports.com for more information.
Last month, Kiwi Ferns Raquel Anderson and Shontelle Woodman toured schools in Waikato and Auckland spreading the word about education.
As Duffy Books amabassadors, the pair attended assemblies at Tainui Full Primary School, Pukemiro School, Waipa Primary School and Ngaruawahia Primary School giving the gift of learning and promoting the message that ‘It’s Cool to Read and Cool to Achieve’.
For Kiwi Fern Raquel Anderson, her school visit was extra special. Going back to Tainui Full Primary School to share her journey into the Kiwi Ferns jersey, the school she attended as a youngster, had her reminiscing on her days as an eager student.
“I absolutely loved going back to my old primary school it brought back all those feel good memories,” she said.
“There was one boy with autism and aspergers who I’d heard hated going to assembly last year. When I gave him his books he was smiling from ear to ear and even helped me hand out the books to other the kids. That was a precious moment and reminded me just how special it is for these schools to be involved with the Duffy Books in Homes programme.
“Having gratitude, getting a good education and giving back to the community are just as important to being a Kiwi Fern as taking to the field so putting these sort of things into practice are very rewarding for us players,” she added.
Duffy Books in Homes is a literacy programme aimed at breaking the cycle of booklessness in decile 1 – 4 primary and intermediate schools throughout New Zealand. There are 517 schools on the programme and over 100,000 children who get to choose five brand new books each per year as well as the opportunity to ‘earn’ extra books through the ‘Caught Being Good Awards’ incentive.
Former Kiwi Ferns captain and NZRL Wellbeing and Women’s Development Manager, Luisa Avaiki, has been named as head coach of the Warriors’ new NRL women’s team.
The Warriors were confirmed as one of four clubs in the new NRL women’s competition on Tuesday and appointed Avaiki on Wednesday.
Avaiki captained the Kiwi Ferns to victory in two of the first three women’s World Cup tournaments in 2003 and 2008 and was a part of the Kiwi Ferns team that won the inaugural World Cup. Her international career stretched from 1995-2009.
She has been prominent in coaching since her retirement from playing, and has worked for the Melbourne Storm as their games development officer. She has been the New Zealand Rugby League’s well-being and women’s development manager since 2016.
Avaiki, who has also represented Samoa in rugby league, rugby union and touch, said she was humbled when given the opportunity to become the club’s first NRL women’s coach. The Warriors believe she is the first woman to have a coaching position with an NRL club.
The competition, which will also involve the Sydney Roosters, St George-Illawarra Dragons and Brisbane Broncos, will start later this year.
“Women’s rugby league has a long history in New Zealand but the introduction of this competition has taken our game to a whole new level,” she said.
“It’s a huge honour having the chance to take up this role.”
Warriors general manager of football Brian Smith said the club was thrilled to appoint Avaiki.
“It was a huge day being named as one of the four foundation clubs yesterday and it’s even more exciting to be able to announce Luisa’s appointment today. We were keen to move on this quickly as we seek to build our team.
“The new competition is taking the club and the women’s game into a completely new era which we’re so proud to a part of.”
Warriors CEO Cameron George, head coach Stephen Kearney, Smith and Avaiki met prospective players for the women’s team at Mount Smart Stadium on Wednesday night.
“For us, our women’s team will be just like our other three sides in the NRL, the Intrust Super Premiership and the Jersey Flegg Cup,” said George.
“They’ll strive to attain the same values we have for the club’s other teams.
“We are all about winning, about having a crack every time we play and making our members and fans proud.”
Following the conclusion of the Talent Development Programme, New Zealand Rugby League is excited to announce the 25-man squads for the NZ16s Residents and NZ18s Residents. Congratulations to all of those selected.
Fixtures and more information on these teams will be released in the coming week.
The Southern Zone Rugby League Board wishes to formally advise that the Southern Zone Rugby League Inc. Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday 16 May 2018 in Christchurch starting at 7.30pm following the Canterbury Rugby League AGM at the Canterbury Tennis Rooms, 113 Woodham Rd, Linwood, Christchurch. The Annual General Meeting is called in accordance with the SZRL Constitution section 13.3 – Notice of Annual Meetings.
Please note that the business of the AGM is as follows:
1. Receive and adopt the Annual Report and audited annual statement of accounts for the past year.
2. Appoint a representative to the Appointments Panel.
3. Elect a President.
4. Any other business of which at least twenty (20) Business Days notice has been given in writing.
The Southern Zone is seeking nominations for a club representative to be on the Appointments Panel for the appointment of Directors for the Southern Zone for appointments to be made in 2019.
Nominations from clubs and or districts for the representative must be sent to the General Manager Southern Zone as soon as possible to the address below or by email. This position needs to be approved by members at the upcoming AGM.
The annual accounts, Chairman’s and GM’s reports will be sent out soon with proxy papers for clubs and districts unable to attend the AGM.
Steve Martin General Manager Southern Zone RL PO Box 969 Dunedin steve@nzrl.co.nz 021 271 6975
Finals weekend of the Talent Development Programme’s competition phase saw whanau come from near and far to watch the hard work pay off at Cornwall Park for the TDP’s inaugural year.
Players from all corners of New Zealand, from Whangarei to Invercargill representing four hubs (Central, Southern, Northern and Counties) gathered in Auckland for the finals of the Talent Development Programme (TDP). The players had been involved in a 10 week programme which saw them cover fundamental skills, introduction to strength and conditioning and wellbeing education such as DrugFree Sport NZ, Careerwise and mental health workshops.
On Saturday, Counties fired up for a thriller game against Northern for the final of the 16s age group where Counties came out on top with a narrow 31-26 victory.
After a hard fought battle to reach the 18s final, Central fell to Northern 22-14 in a match-up that promised a lot of blood sweat and tears.
NZRL’s Talent Manager David McMeeken reflects on the programme’s inaugural year.
“Following the weekend’s final games, the programme is now up and running and a recognised layer to the NZRL pathway for these aspiring players. It has been a huge programme to get started, which has seen around 200 players involved in 10 weeks of training across the country and over 50 staff driving the TDP in their local areas,” he said.
“The programme has given those involved some learnings on how to prepare themselves for the rigours of high performance environments such as the NRL, whilst offering a viable pathway for them to remain here in New Zealand. This will in turn strengthen the grassroots of the game through retention. The TDP has provided a development opportunity for all staff including coaches, managers and strength and conditioning staff and it is hoped that they take their key learnings back to their respective clubs or regions to help with the development of the game,” McMeeken added.
Through a review involving players, staff and key stakeholders, key work-ons will be identified to help ensure the TDP goes from strength to strength in the years to come. NZRL recognises the support and financial funding from the NRL which has made this venture possible.
25 man squads for both 16s and 18s will be announced on Thursday March 29.
See results and awards below:
16s: Tournament MVP – Dayna Bidois (Central) Northern 26 – Counties 31 Southern 18 – Central 26
18s: Tournament MVP – Brooklyn Herewini (Central) Southern 20 – Counties 40 Northern 22 – Central 14
Northern 26 – Counties 31 – 16s
Southern 18 – Central 26 – 16s
Southern 20 – Counties 40 – 18s
Northern 22 – Central 14 – 18s
In case you missed it on the Sky Sports #KiwiLeagueShow…
The Kiwi League Show speak with NZRL Talent Manager David McMeeken, Referee Harley Wall, the coaches and players in the Talent Development Programme about their experience being a part of the 10 week programme.
By Adam Pengilly – Sydney Morning Herald
A sports medicine specialist who will act as New Zealand’s official team doctor for the proposed Denver Test – and has vast experience with Super Rugby sides playing at altitude – insists there is no science to support growing player welfare concerns over the contentious fixture.
The Kiwis’ travelling physician Dr Greg Macleod, who once helped prepare the Otago Highlanders for a gruelling six-week round-the-world odyssey where they played on a different continent each week, stressed players would not be more exposed to injury if the mid-season match went ahead.
The NRL, its clubs and the Rugby League Players Association will hand a letter to the New Zealand Rugby League and Rugby Football League this week, escalating their resistance against the fixture being played at Denver’s Mile High Stadium.
But Dr Macleod was adamant that the expected Denver heat, travel toll and altitude would not increase the injury risk for the millions of dollars of NRL talent that could make the trip. A proposal to have the number of interchanges rise from the internationally recognised 10 to 12 as well drinks breaks midway through each half has been discussed for the Test, which is hoped to provide rugby league with a toehold in the United States before the 2025 World Cup.
Asked about playing at the highest altitude city in the United States, current Queensland Reds doctor Dr Macleod told Fairfax Media: “It’s not what I would consider significantly high altitude and it is not the level of altitude where you would expect altitude sickness.
“I would say 1600 metres is above a level where you feel the effects in terms of performance, but Johannesburg is over 2000 metres and we have Test matches and Super Rugby games there, including travel, all the time.
“I’ve spoken to medical staff in Denver – including paramedics who run the medical support at the stadium and work with the [NFL’s Denver] Broncos – and one gentleman who has been there for 27 years as a paramedic said he’s never seen a case of altitude-related illness from people playing at Mile High Stadium.
“This is NFL where guys are 350 pounds and 150 kilos and playing in full gear. I know it’s a different sport, but it doesn’t seem to happen for guys that have played there.
“You’ve got to remember Denver and Colorado has an Olympic training centre and people deliberately go there to train at altitude and deliberately go there to put themselves under physiological stress and challenge themselves to improve their performance. No one has any welfare concerns regarding that.
“I just can’t see how 1600 metres is a concern because it’s not proven [scientifically]. I’ve never seen anyone have health consequences because they’ve played at this sort of altitude.” Some NRL players, including the Dragons’ Gareth Widdop and James Graham, would need to fulfil NRL commitments with St George Illawarra a little more than 48 hours after arriving back in Australia after the Test, which has been mooted for June 24.
Both have given their backing for the match, which could be played in temperatures around the 30-degree mark in the northern hemisphere’s early summer.
Dr Macleod argued NRL and Super Rugby pre-season and early regular season matches are often played in searing heat nudging the 40-degree mark, as evidenced when Manly brutalised Parramatta a little over a week ago at Lottoland.
That clash kicked off as the mercury nudged 39 degrees and didn’t feature any mid-game drinks breaks.
“Denver has dry heat and a low humidity so that 30 degrees is a much more comfortable temperature than if it was combined with humidity,” Dr Macleod said. “The heat thing is a non-issue and we have many examples of players playing in higher heat and more extreme conditions than that.”
If the match gets the green light, New Zealand players will travel in business class to Denver to allow for better sleep patterns as well as using masks to help with hydration and reduce the chance of picking up viruses.
While conceding the heavy travel schedule could affect the performance of both New Zealand and England, Dr Macleod denied it would enhance the chances of any player picking up an injury – and would be no greater risk than if a NSW or Queensland representative turned out for his club 48 hours after a State of Origin match.
“The theory that you can’t travel, but play a lot of games in a short space of time seems a bit odd,” he said. “It is a long way and no one is denying that, but it’s not the furthest a sports team has travelled.
“If you look at what the [Rugby] Sevens guys do – which is a far greater travel load than what we’re looking at here – there was a study which followed players over a five-year period and it confirmed there is no increased significant injury risk for them as opposed to players who didn’t travel that far.
“Travel does affect performance, but both teams are in the same boat.”
Dr Macleod said he is yet to be consulted by anyone acting on behalf of the NRL about player welfare issues that may stem from the Denver match on June 24.
A high-powered panel chaired by Kiwi great Dean Bell has been named to lead the appointment process for the next Kiwis coach.
Besides Bell, Frank Endacott, Monty Betham and Waimarama Taumaunu will interview candidates and make a recommendation to the NZRL board which will finalise the appointment.
Also on the panel will be a Recruitment Specialist who will be tasked with supporting the panel on all HR matters and ensuring the transparency of the recruitment process. The position is now officially open to all interested applicants, not just New Zealand-based coaches. Applications will close 6th April, 2018.
“A key recommendation of the post 2017 World Cup review was that there should be more transparency and rigor around various appointments NZRL chairman Reon Edwards says.
“This independent panel is a great step forward for what is going to be a busy year for the game.”
Panel convenor Dean Bell says there should be no excuses for the Kiwis not being competitive.
“With the depth of rugby league talent the Kiwis have at their disposal, we should be challenging the best international sides, including Australia, and achieving consistent success,” Dean says.
“I’ve already spoken with other members of the panel and as a group we’re determined to support the NZRL in moving on from the issues raised in the review of the last World Cup campaign,” he says. “We need to make sure that test football is given the status it deserves.”
He says the task for the panel is to ensure the appointment of a coach who can get the best out of the players.
The first challenge for the national side is a one-off test against England in Denver, Colorado on 23 June. This will be followed by a home test against Australia later in the year and a tour of England and France in October and November.
“The test has been scheduled in the internationally agreed window, so we’re now just working with the clubs in Australia to ensure we put the best possible team on the field,” Edwards says.
All enquiries regarding the coaching position should be direct to Hannah Speedy, email hannahespeedy@gmail.com.
― ENDS ―
Panel biographies
Dean Bell ― Convenor Dean played 26 tests for the Kiwis from 1983 to 1989. He was Football Manager for the Kiwis successful 2008 campaign in Australia. Dean has been named as one of NZRL’s Immortals and inducted as one of the NZRL’s Legends of League in 2000.
Frank Endacott Frank coached the Kiwis in 35 games from 1995 to 2000, including in two World Cups, in 1995 and 2000. He previously coached the Canterbury provincial coach before joining the NZ Warriors. He also coached the Wigan Warriors and Widness in the UK.
Waimarama Taumaunu Waimarama was a Silver Fern from 1981 to 1991, and was a member of the World Championship winning team of 1987. She was captain in the last three years of her international career. She worked as national performance director for All England Netball, before coaching the Capital Shakers and the Silver Ferns from 2011-2015.
Monty Betham Monty played 101 games for the New Zealand Warriors between 1999 and 2005 and a season with the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats in the English Super League. He represented Samoa at the 2000 Rugby League World Cup and played eight tests for the Kiwis between 2001-2006. He followed his time in league with a professional boxing career before moving to the media.
The New Zealand Rugby League supports the Sports Tribunal in reiterating the high obligation placed on all sports participants and officials not to in any way encourage or facilitate the breaching of a period of ineligibility by allowing a banned player to take part in competitive sport.
This week’s Sports Tribunal decisions come as a timely reminder for rugby league support staff that they too are subject to Sports Anti-Doping Rules.
NZRL works alongside Drug Free Sport New Zealand to ensure our athletes receive education and are pointed to the DFSNZ resources and information outlining their obligations and responsibilities.
This includes seminars for all high performance and age-group national representative teams and staff. See below, two cases involving Mr Parata and Mr Ngatoko from the Sports Tribunal that support the above messaging. The NZRL have offered Mr Parata and Mr Ngatoko Wellbeing support from local and national support services and specialists to assist them through this period.
Rugby League coach suspended for 12 months for playing a banned player
The Sports Tribunal has suspended Taranaki rugby league coach Nohorua Parata for assisting Travell Ngatoko to play a game of rugby league last year while Mr Ngatoko was serving a ban for a previous anti-doping violation.
In February 2017 Mr Ngatoko was suspended from all involvement in the sport for six months effective until 3 May 2017. On 18 March 2017 Mr Ngatoko played a pre-season game for the Coastal Cobras at Okato in Taranaki. Mr Parata was the coach of the Cobras team and, despite knowing Mr Ngatoko was still banned, he allowed him to play and entered Mr Ngatoko on the team card under another name.
Assisting, encouraging or helping a player participate in a sport while they are banned is in breach of Rule 2.9 under the Sports Anti-Doping Rules (SADR). Mr Parata admitted the violation but asked to be heard as to the appropriate sanction, which under the SADR 10.3.4 is a period of ineligibility of between two and four years, subject to the person’s degree of fault.
The mandatory minimum period of two years was adopted as the starting point and then reduced to 12 months for timely admission. The period of suspension commenced on 28 February 2018. The Tribunal considered that Mr Parata was also entitled to be credited for the three months’ period of provisional suspension that he had already served. Consequently, he is ineligible to participate in rugby league or any other sport until 30 November 2018.
The Tribunal noted that while Mr Parata may have only been trying to pull together a side to play a visiting team in a pre-season game, he was still in breach of the high obligation placed on all sports participants and officials not to in any way encourage or facilitate the breaching of a period of ineligibility by allowing a banned player to take part in competitive sport.
Rugby League player suspended for further four months for playing while banned
The Sports Tribunal has suspended rugby league player Travell Ngatoko for a further four months for playing in a rugby league game last year while serving a ban for a previous anti-doping violation. In February 2017 Mr Ngatoko was suspended from all involvement in the sport until 3 May 2017. On 18 March 2017 he took part in a pre-season game for the Coastal Cobras at Okato in Taranaki. Playing while banned is an offence under the Sports Anti-Doping Rules (SADR) 10.12.1.
Mr Ngatoko admitted the violation but asked to be heard as to the appropriate sanction, which under the SADR is a further suspension equal in length to the one imposed earlier. This may be adjusted based on the player’s degree of fault and other circumstances of the case.
Mr Ngatoko said he knew he was banned at the time, but he was encouraged to play the match by his coach and he was assured by a Taranaki Rugby League Board member on the day that it would be ok to play. Mr Ngatoko said he had never been advised what he could and could not do while banned. He stated that had he known he could not play in a pre-season game he would not have done so.
The Tribunal said that athletes have “personal responsibilities to make themselves aware of their obligations in relation to the anti-drug regime, particularly where (as in Mr Ngatoko’s case) he has already been found to have infringed the rules.” The Tribunal said Mr Ngatoko should have taken steps and requested information to ensure he understood the effect of the ban. After taking account of the evidence presented at the hearing, the Tribunal decided that the mandatory period of ineligibility of six months prescribed by Rule 10.12.3 would be reduced to four months, operative from 28 February 2018. Mr Ngatoko was credited for his early admission of fault and co-operation.
Further, the Tribunal considered the fact the season comprises of two halves, the second of which are representative games with selection based on performance in the first half of the season. The Tribunal concluded it would be “disproportionate and unfair” if because of the timing of the proceedings Mr Ngatoko missed the opportunity to obtain representative selection.
Mr Ngatoko was given credit for having already served three months’ provisional suspension from 29 November 2017 to 28 February 2018. The Tribunal concluded that the four months period of ineligibility would enable Mr Ngatoko to begin playing from the beginning of the season in April and ensure Mr Ngatoko would have the opportunity to be considered for selection for the representative matches in the second half of the season. Accordingly, Mr Ngatoko will remain ineligible from all competitive sport for a further period of one month until 31 March 2018.
By Steve Mascord
The Denver Test is one of those rugby league issues that is easy to become emotionally invested in and spend hours on social media arguing about.
With each passing day there is another story – most out of Australia – questioning the timing and venue of an international not involving the Kangaroos on a weekend that has no NRL games, with attempts to cast continuing doubt over whether players will be released.
If the distance won’t work as an excuse why players should not be released – England travelled further last year to play Samoa in Campbelltown – then it’s the altitude, even though presumably they don’t use a lever to lower the Sports Authority Stadium when the Broncos’ rival NFL teams visit.
Hell – pun intended – officials in Australia, who play friendlies in February heat and have a team in tropical north Queensland – have even cited the temperature in June as a major concern.
Your columnist could go on and on about this…….
But then I remembered that when I grew up watching rugby league, some of the best overseas players never represented their countries anywhere, let alone at Mile High Stadium.
When Malcolm Reilly and Tommy Bishop went Down Under, they mostly gave up their Great Britain shirts.
Brian Bevan, probably the greatest Australian winger of all time, never wore the green and gold because he lived in Warrington.
The first New Zealand player I was ever aware of, Henry Tatana, played his whole nine-Test international career before he crossed the Tasman to join Canterbury and then my favourite team as a kid, St George.
This list goes on. Dane and Kurt Sorensen, the Cronulla greats, had to listen to the Kiwis on the radio at their peak because they would not be released mid-season to play for their country.
We rugby league tree-hugging liberals use soccer as an example to support our arguments but Australian soccer’s famous Liverpool man, Craig Johnston, didn’t wear the green and gold either. Ever.
The stand-alone Origin weekend presents rugby league with a unique style of ‘FIFA window’ this year. It’s new territory. Of course there is going to be push-back from clubs and others protecting their own interests.
What we are experiencing are merely growing pains. If there was such a concentration of the world’s best in one competition in other sports, those domestic competitions would try it on, too.
In 2006, a New Zealand side with just three NRL players met a Great Britain line-up with one (Adrian Morley) in the middle of the season at Knowsley Road. At 46-14 to GB, it was a bit one-sided. But international rugby league didn’t spontaneously combust. They had to field teams and they did.
So while I could continue to wax sarcasm over the administrative soap opera surrounding the Denver Test on June 23, I’m going to try really hard to focus on how far we’ve come since the days of Bevan, Reilly, Bishop, Tatana and the Sorensens.
We’re playing a mid-season Test at a neutral venue, just like the big boys of international sport. It’s something to be happy, not bitter and twisted, about.
There’s a Test on at Sports Authority Field. New Zealand and England have agreed to field the best teams they can. Tickets have been sold.
I’m going. So are some of you. The stragglers will catch up with us when they’re ready.
Kiwis flood star-studded line-ups of the NRL’s top performing teams after round two of the 2018 season.
The Manly Sea Eagles recorded their biggest ever win over the Paramattah Eels, 54-0, with their Kiwi contingent leading the charge.
Monstrous forwards, Addin Fonua-Blake (Kiwi #807) and Martin Taupau (Kiwi #785) were sublime up front providing the muscle to get their side across the line for nine tries – one of which Fonua-Blake crossed for himself.
In another game most wouldn’t have picked, Kiwi #769 Alex Glenn was among the top defenders adding to his impressive 82 tackles he has racked up over just two rounds. That propels Glenn into third spot for most tackles behind Andrew McCullough and Jake Friend.
With Glenn’s defense and the attacking nouse of Kodi Nikorima (Kiwi #793), the Broncos stunned the Cowboys in a stellar 24-20 victory in front of a home crowd in Brisbane.
The Warriors didn’t disappoint either, bringing home their second win making it two from two.
Kiwi skipper Adam Blair continued to make his presence known, offload after offload connecting with Kiwis teammate and Warriors captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to produce some moments of brilliance.
Tohu Harris also provided the grunt in the forward pack finding himself on the NRL leaderboard for third most linebreak assists.
There were also plenty of Kiwi boys in the Tigers side that orchestrated the upset of round two defeating the Storm 10-8.
It was Kiwi #756 Ben Matulino whose pass found the hands of Luke Brooks who dived to score the match-winner shocking a disbelieving Melbourne crowd.
Led by veteran Kiwi half Benji Marshall, whose organisational skills and intelligent kicking constantly tested the Storm’s back three, the visitors stepped up once again.
The Tigers refused to get overawed by the Storm’s monster pack and led by Kiwis Russell Packer, Ben Matulino and Elijah Taylor dominated the early exchanges.
If round two’s performances are anything to go by, Kiwi fans will be in for a treat when the first international Test in Denver comes about in June.
Round three of the Talent Development Programme’s competition phase saw the level of rugby league go up a notch where stakes were at their highest.
Teams had finals in their sights as Northern faced Southern and Counties went head to head with Central in both 16s and 18s age groups. Counties 16s waltzed into the final winning three from three where they will take on Northern who conceded only one game to Counties.
The 18s age-group saw Northern comfortably beat Southern for a spot in the final where they will play Central who pipped Counties in a thriller on Saturday afternoon.
Results from round three with footage below:
16s: Northern 44 – 6 Southern Counties 56 – 4 Central
18s: Central 40 – 36 Counties Northern 52 – 36 Southern
Finals draw to be played Saturday, March 24 at Cornwall Park:
16s – Field one – 11am Counties v Northern – Field three – 11am Central v Southern
18s – Field one – 1pm Northern v Central – Field three – 1pm Southern v Counties
16s: Northern 44 – 6 Southern
Counties 56 – 4 Central
18s: Central 40 – 36 Counties
Northern 52 – 36 Southern
February and March continue to be the busiest months in the calendar for coach education. All zones and districts are well underway with running courses and workshops and we continue to see an increase in the uptake from our rugby league communities.
Coaching courses continue to be offered nationally and some areas are really embracing the development opportunities on offer.
Southern Zone has already serviced all districts with official NZRL accreditations and is now in a position to offer workshops to continue the learnings. Canterbury Rugby League continue to lead the charge down south with a healthy number of volunteers coming through the courses but Otago, Southland and Tasman have also welcomed a good number of volunteers to participate and complete courses.
With 34 coaches in the South Island having completed the ‘Developing Coaching Course’ during February and March, footy in the South is bound to benefit with these coaches set to impart their knowledge onto new and returning players this season.
The North Island is also experiencing increased levels of engagement in the coaching community. Auckland Rugby League are in full swing with their coach education programmes and we have seen a huge uptake in coaches attending workshops and courses. Signs are looking promising for another good year for coach development and NZRL encourage any new coaches, parents or volunteers to contact local zones and districts to enquire about the next personal development opportunity.
Interested in up-skilling as a rugby league coach? Find a course near you here.
Northland Rugby League’s very own wahine toa Chantez Connor selflessly gives her time to the game expecting absolutely nothing in return.
Connor reluctantly accepted the Pirtek Female Volunteer of the Year award at this year’s Annual NZRL Awards and her touching acceptance speech encapsulated the passion that is so evident in the rugby league community.
Her sheer dedication towards servicing the game of rugby league in Northland stems from when Connor first became involved in rugby league when she was five-years-old. She is now a qualified coach and referee, club administrator and team manager who is involved in all aspects of the game from juniors through to premiers.
In recent years she has been instrumental in growing participation and interest in the women’s game. In 2016, Chantez started a women’s team and grew interest to organise a match in the far north and fundraised for an Auckland team to play in Whangarei. 2017, for this passionate Northlander, started with a revamp of the Rugby League Northland Premiership linking history, seeking sponsorshio and producing a video promotion for an advertising campaign.
However, her work didn’t stop there. After a 25 year absence, she led the charge to include a Northland team in the NZRL National Women’s Tournament. As a result of this, there has been a surge in registrations from teenage girls no wanting to play rugby league. This success looks to be emulated through the formation of a school girls’ competition in the region.
With these commitments, plus her own job and family to look after, Rugby League Northland appreciate the extra hours she puts in to making sure rugby league thrives in the region.
New Zealand Rugby League would like to thank Chantez for her ongoing voluntary commitment and passion towards the game that is having such a positive impact in Northland.
At a media conference in Auckland today NZRL Board Chair Reon Edwards, together with Deputy Chair and Acting CEO Hugh Martyn, welcomed the Review Panel findings, describing the process as having been robust and enlightening.
“Disappointing as it was, the Kiwis 2017 loss could ultimately be for the best for the game,” said Edwards. “This is a good wake-up call and an opportunity for a fresh start.
“While Tim and Raelene’s report identifies very clearly where things went wrong, importantly they have provided the NZRL a solid framework to help us deliver on our high performance requirements, improve our selection processes, enhance risk management, and ensure we vastly improve our planning and communication.
“We have already implemented the Review Panel recommendation to change the policy that the Kiwis’ Head Coach must be a New Zealander, and next week we will announce the make up of the new selection panel.
Chair of the Independent Review Panel, Tim Castle: “All those whom we interviewed for the purposes of our work co-operated fully and we have had the advantage of very candid responses to the hard questions.
“We took this task on with the objective of putting everything and everyone under scrutiny, so that there could be a constructive analysis to the best advantage of the sport going forwards. Martyn said: “As a relatively new board member I have been hugely impressed with the willingness of the Board to accept accountability, and in a very transparent manner without fear or favour.
“We are now very well positioned to make changes that will have far reaching, positive effects and get the best outcomes for the game.”
REVIEW PANEL RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Vastly improve and comprehensively document its “fit for purpose” High Performance Plans, Programmes and measures for success at the elite level and integrate them into the organisation. We consider that this Report must be factored into these steps. The High Performance Plans, Programmes and measures for success must, among other things, incorporate: • a dedicated support structure with required expertise to ensure the Kiwis Head Coach and coaching staff have all the tools and support for desired Kiwis success in their international campaigns. • a player relationship management policy and development plan to provide for strong player welfare and culture • a comprehensive Risk/Opportunity Management Plan • all such other policy and programme requirements of a quality High Performance Plan as distilled from the following recommendations and this Report.
2. Enhance its knowledge, expertise, understanding, leadership and capability at the high performance sport level, and at the CEO position. Document job descriptions and required essential skills for all relevant positions; and design and document all processes and procedures to achieve the enhancements described. These steps must also include a clear articulation of the arrangements to be put in place to provide full support for the Kiwis’ Head Coach, including the vastly improved High Performance plans and programmes already referred to.
3. Change the current NZRL policy that the Kiwis’ Head Coach must be a New Zealander; and open recruitment and appointment processes to ensure the best person for the position is appointed.
4. Review and update its current Player Selection Policy to better reflect the capabilities and qualities being sought for all positions in the Kiwis.
5. Develop a highly sensitive and efficient player communication programme and policy to facilitate ease of communications across the entire NZRL organisation, including its High Performance and coaching positions, with all elite players.
6. Develop genuine and enduring relationships between the entire NZRL organisation, including its High Performance and coaching positions, and all elite players, including potential elite players.
7. Review and update, or create as necessary, communications policies and plans with players and staff, Social Media Policy, Media Policy, Crisis Communications Policy, and Media Plan; and incorporate these policies and plans into the new improved High Performance Plan identified in Recommendation No. 1 above.
8. Review appropriate contractual arrangements for players which maintain the integrity of current eligibility rules, but provide the best prospect of player stability for the Kiwis.
9. Review the appropriateness and efficiency of its structure and organisation and make any necessary changes. In particular, but without limitation, we recommend that the NZRL consider recruiting on/in to its governance arrangements (including the Board) high performance sport expertise.
REVIEW PANEL HIGH LEVEL FINDINGS
1. A complete lack of proven high performance sport (HP) expertise within the NZRL organisation and the supporting structures that need to be put in place for sustained success.
2. A systemic failure of senior NZRL leadership to identify HP problems and inadequacies, and no obvious ability to identify and manage the risks arising.
3. The Kiwis’ campaign was disadvantaged by the NZRL appointment of an inexperienced Head Coach (with potential nonetheless) who attempted to implement too much in a short space of time and treated the RLWC like a ‘Test’ event instead of the pinnacle of the Kiwis 4 year calendar.
4. NZRL let down Head Coach David Kidwell specifically in not providing him with the carefully and strategically designed 2014 – 2017 High Level Kiwis Campaign Plan. We record that in our view the Head Coach should have, upon his appointment asked for and insisted on being provided with that High Level Plan. David Kidwell acknowledged that indeed he should have done this but did not do so. We consider that his failing in this regard was unsatisfactory. It does not however, in our view, excuse the failure of NZRL senior leadership to provide its Kiwis Head Coach with that High Level Plan.
A copy of the Review Panel’s Summary report is available in the link below:
NZRL Independent Review 16 March
#ENDS
The NRL is set to play a Telstra Premiership match in the United States as early as next year.
Multiple media reports say the game is set to be played in the US, with planning already underway to make it a reality.
It is likely that the two sides who play in the US would be given extended breaks on either side of the long trip in order to deal with the minimum 12-hour flight players would face in both directions.
NRL CEO Todd Greenberg told Fairfax Media that planning was well advanced.
“We’re in discussions about that now,” Greenberg said. “It’s a big landing process on a number of fronts. You need to work with the broadcasters, you’ve also got to work through travel, recovery. But it’s certainly on our radar.
“The destinations in North America are available in a good broadcast timeslot, so that’s what we’re looking at. The ball is in our court in regards to scheduling and player workload. We’re actively working on that now for 2019 and 2020. Next year we could have teams playing for points in America.”
If the game was played on the West Coast means cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and possibly even Las Vegas would be in the mix.
As far as stadiums go, the NRL will have a plethora to choose from.
From the 90,000 seat Rose Bowl in Los Angeles to dozens of smaller rectangular venues used by both professional and college teams, there is no shortage of options.
As seen on NRL.com
Central 16s 6 Northern 16s 32
Counties 16s 60 Southern 16s 0
Counties 18s 42 Southern 18s 28
Central 18s 16 Northern 18s 30
It is with deep sadness that the New Zealand Rugby League acknowledge the passing of Philip Campbell, who dedicated much of his life to serving the game of rugby league in New Zealand.
Campbell, who passed away on Sunday, was the brainchild of Masters Rugby League in New Zealand, but he also looked out for the young, the up-and-coming and the social.
He tirelessly worked with Auckland Rugby League and the Ponsonby and Mt Wellington clubs, and recently helped launch and run the Physical Disability Rugby League.
Phil’s funeral is being held at Wm Morrison Funeral Home, Universal Drive Henderson on Wednesday March 14 at 12.30pm. In lieu of flowers, a donation box will be in the foyer.
Tasman Rugby League in partnership with the Southern Zone of NZ Rugby League is seeking to employ a Rugby League Development Officer for up to 30 hours per week for the period April to October 2018, based in the Tasman area.
The successful applicant will be a self starter who is passionate about rugby league, an effective communicator, computer literate with a high level of initiative, commitment with strong planning and organisational skills. The role will be responsible for the delivery of programmes into targeted schools, the facilitation of training and development opportunities for coaches, managers, trainers and club volunteers and the further promotion and development of the game in the Tasman district through the representative and junior programmes already in place.
A job description is available on request.
Please apply by sending a covering letter and CV to:
General Manager Southern Zone Rugby League PO Box 969 DUNEDIN
Email: steve@nzrl.co.nz Applications close at 5pm on Friday 23rd March 2018
New Zealand Rugby League now invites nominations for Life Membership and Distinguished Service Awards.
These are prestigious honours that are not awarded lightly nor earned as of right. They are awarded for long, well-documented and meritorious service.
Recipients must have: – During their time, advanced or improved the game of rugby league significantly, such that their contribution is widely recognised as outstanding – Introduced policies or initiatives that have made a significant impact, either at national or district/zone level – Ideally be life members at both club and district/zone level first before being considered at national level
Nomination forms can be found on the NZRL website here under Life Member Nomination forms.
Please send nomination forms to tnepe@nzrl.co.nz by 5pm Friday March 30, 2018.
Tauranga based referee, Paki Parkinson, is reaping the benefits of the NZRL National Referee Programme. Parkinson was selected to attend the RLIF sanctioned International 9s Tournament in Samoa after his performances in this year’s pre-season trial fixtures.
Parkinson, a former premier player, was identified by NRL Referee and NZRL Match Official of the Year Chris McMillan as someone with great potential when he attended a level one course in the Bay of Plenty. He quickly integrated himself into the referees’ community going on to referee the Final of the 2017 National Secondary Schools Tournament and fixtures of the National Youth Tournament leading to his selection in the NZRL Referees’ Academy.
Paki Parkinson tells us about his experience in Samoa:
“My Samoan journey started with an official welcome into the tournament with a traditional kava ceremony; this was a first for me. Twelve teams total, it looked like a heavy day with 20 matches between three of us. After the meeting the local referees and I shared a few tips around different rulings. I was fortunate to be able to watch the first four round robin games and managed to do a bit of referee coaching. Being able to share some of my knowledge with other talented referees and learn equally from them was a humbling experience.
Over the whole tournament I was privileged enough to referee six games including the finals. Four round robin games, one semi and the grand final. The weather was very humid and challenging to say the least. The weather was a combination of 35-40 degree heat, torrential rain and thunder storms which was so normal to the locals it didn’t seem to faze them. I really enjoyed the quality of Samoan rugby league, with loads of talent shown considering the slippery wet conditions. With two local teams in the final – Apia Barracudas & Marist Saints – the game was played in high spirits and with such passion; Apia coming out on top 12-8. Before flying home I got to experience some local food and culture in which I thoroughly enjoyed.”
You’ll struggle to find a volunteer who has dedicated more of their life to rugby league than Jack Newson.
The 75-year-old was the well deserved recipient of the Male Pirtek Volunteer of the Year award at the NZRL Annual Awards earlier this year. This award recognises the tireless efforts of our sport’s behind-the-scenes legends at grassroots level.
As a Life Member of the Hornby Rugby League Club, Newson lives and breathes the game and is said to be one of the club’s biggest supporters.
“He is extremely humble, and never ever asks for anything in return. We as a club are honoured to be in his presence”
His involvement with the Hornby Rugby League Club spans over 65 years as a player, coach, executive member and life member, and he currently still plays for the Masters team. Not only does he help with skills days for juniors, he fixes and maintains the club and is always the first person to be watching and supporting around Canterbury’s fields.
Newson sat down with Andrew King from Christchurch’s Western News to chat about his life of rugby league.
So Jack, you have a longstanding tie with the Hornby Panthers, 66 years and counting. What got you into league?
“When I was growing up every young kid around the country wanted to be an All Black. But we were from Hornby and we wanted to be Kiwis. That was the difference, we are a staunch rugby league area. League dominated and I still love the game right up to today. It has been my life.”
Now you volunteer for the club and was named top male volunteer of the year by NZRL. Are there more people helping out nowadays or less?
“There is plenty of people who help out with the club and we have an excellent committee who gets a lot of work done. I just help out when I can and I don’t live far away. I go over there every week. I like to go to the schoolboys’ prize giving. I love watching the younger kids coming through. Gave up coaching but I really like watching them develop their skills. There is a lot of good coaches there now, that have passed me. I used to coach 14s take them to 15s then to 16s and then drop back down and do it all over again.”
So what keeps you coming back to help out?
“It is part of my life. My love of the club, the sport all rolls into one. It is a major part of my life. When my boys finished playing I was a bit lost. I had been flat tack chasing teams here there everywhere then it just stopped. Now grand kids are coming through so it all started again.”
Kiwi #695 Lance Hohaia takes us back to his glory days in the black and white jersey and tells us about his new life as a coach in America.
When did you start playing rugby league as a child and who or what got you into the sport?
“I started playing when I was six years old for Huntly South. One of my best friends who was the best man at my wedding, he and I played together and his dad was the coach – I think I moved to Taniwharau the next year for under sevens. I grew up in the rugby league town of Huntly where my dad played and coached and my brother also played so it was inevitable that I’d end up playing footy. I’m really happy to have grown up in that town and it’s been a great journey since then”
Tell us about your rugby league career so far – coming from the humble beginnings of Taniwharau to becoming a coach in the United States:
“I played all through the age grades from under sixes right up until under 18s representing Waikato and each year from under tens to 18s we’d have National tournaments – those tournaments had club scouts there looking for the next big thing. I was approached by the Warriors when I was at the 16s tournament and I think back then I was offered $1000, a tracksuit and some free medical care. I jumped at the opportunity to be involved with that club – I grew up watching guys like Stacey Jones who were smaller in stature but were tough players – I turned 18 while I was still at high school and before I was finished high school I was offered a full time contract to play for the Warriors in 2001 (I was part time before that) where I played the following season. PJ Marsh broke his ankle in one of the first games of the season and I didn’t really intend on playing many games in 2002. Daniel Anderson was the head coach at the time and said to me, ”I think you’re ready, do you think you’re ready” and I of course said “Yes, I think I’m ready” so I think it was around round two or three of that season when I debuted for the Warriors against North Queensland in Townsville. From that point I played many years after that and I think personally 2008 and 2009 were my best seasons. I ended up staying till 2011 when I got offered an opportunity to play in the Super League in St Helen’s – I had been with the Warriors for 10 years and I thought a change was needed – my fiancé (now wife) agreed that it would be a cool little adventure to go on. We spent some time in the UK which was a bit of a turbulent time, it was hard for us to settle in as a family. Both of our young boys were born there and we didn’t have a lot of family support there and the Grand Final incident happened in 2015 which was quite a low point for us. We then moved to the United States after I retired which is where we live now and life’s going pretty good for us now.”
What challenges did you face as a young rugby league player transitioning into the professional world of rugby league?
“There were lots of challenges. I was 18-years-old earning six figures and dealing with media pressure, people wanting to spend time with you and looking back I was a kid who wasn’t equipped to deal with that stuff. It was tough, I feel like I was still able to play well over those years but it took time to adjust to that environment and it forced me to grow up quickly. I don’t have any regrets when I look back as it’s made me the person I am today. But, the pressure to perform, dealing with injuries, looking after yourself and being professional – they’re all things that take time and are learnt by making mistakes, I know I made a few. By the end of my career I was well on top of all of those things so I’m happy with my experiences and ups and downs that happened along the way.”
What’s your favourite league memory?
“As a player, my debut was very special, my last game for the Warriors was very special and winning the World Cup, alongside my debut for the Kiwis are the things are remember the most in terms of my accomplishments. The friends I made and the people I met – I have 100 more memories that I could rattle off. As a spectator, I remember being in Manchester when the Kiwis played Australia in the final of the World Cup, I was living there at the time and cheering them on in a foreign country, despite the outcome, was quite a cool moment. Coaching wise, I’ve been coaching a college team over here in the U.S. and they’ve gone from 35th to 5th in the nation over the past three years. I’m happy to say I had a little part to play in that and that’s probably one of my proudest moments so far.”
What was the best part of running out in the black and white jersey as a Kiwi?
“Knowing that I was representing my nation, my family, my kids and my wife – that is something that I’m pretty proud of. Listening to the national anthem at the start of the game is always something you see us players get quite emotional about. At that point you’re thinking of family members that have passed on, the effort, sacrifices and commitment it’s taken to get to that point – all those things just sit with you in that moment which is pretty cool.”
Video coming soon…
New Zealand Rugby League’s new look junior development programme entered its competition phase on the weekend with each of the teams coming together in Auckland.
Saturday saw teams from all four hubs (Central, Southern, Northern and Counties) gather for the first of a four-weekend competition where the players are able to put into practice the skills they have learnt during their first six weeks of training. This training included strength and conditioning, rugby league specific field sessions and wellbeing education such as DrugFree Sport NZ, Careerwise and mental health workshops.
The innovative new Talent Development Programme (TDP) has been designed to better prepare players working towards a professional career, while keeping players closer to home and playing in local competitions longer. For more information on the Talent Development Programme – click here.
Results from week one:
Counties 16s – 18 Northern 16s – 14
Central 16s – 32 Southern 16s – 14
Central 18s – 38 Southern 18s – 26
Northern 18s – 26 Counties 18s – 16
The Kiwis will play a ground-breaking Test match on 23 June against England in Denver, Colorado, the first time the countries currently ranked two and three in world Rugby League have met in the United States.
Chair of the New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) Reon Edwards said the Test is an important step for the code’s international development.
“Rugby League is making impressive strides in the United States and Canada. This Test match is an opportunity to showcase the highest level of our sport in the North American market, which has significant participation and commercial potential. NZRL has worked with the Rugby Football League and the Rugby League International Federation on this, agreeing to play a New Zealand-England Test in the United States each year for the next three years,” he said.
Denver’s storied Mile High Stadium, which has a capacity of 76,000 and is home of 2016 NFL Super Bowl Champions the Denver Broncos, will host the historic June Test match.
Kiwis stalwart Simon Mannering said: “I think it’s a great concept and one I wish was around five years ago when I was a bit younger. Growing our game internationally has to be a priority – think of the opportunities we could create for our game if it was a genuine international sport played all over the world.
“I know it’ll be tough for some NRL clubs to see the importance at first, but if we really care about the game, then I think it’s something we have to support. I definitely will.”
Another notable Test for the Kiwis will be Australia coming to New Zealand for the first time since 2014. From this year the ANZAC fixture will move to the end of the season, and alternate annually between Australia and New Zealand. A rematch of the Rugby League Women’s World Cup final between the Kiwi Ferns and the Jillaroos will feature on the ANZAC Test programme, together with the Junior Kiwis taking on the Junior Kangaroos. This is part of NZRL’s commitment to staging more games in New Zealand.
The three-Test series in England announced late 2017 will be followed by a one-off Test in France.
Recent Rugby League developments in North America include the Toronto Wolfpack, Canada’s first professional Rugby League team, winning the Rugby Football League’s third tier Kingstone Press League 1 title, gaining promotion in their inaugural season in 2017, and making a successful start to the 2018 in the Rugby League Championship. Success at that level will secure promotion to Europe’s top tier Super League. Several other North American clubs are contemplating similar moves.
In 2016 the 2025 Rugby League World Cup was provisionally awarded to North America, with the United States and Canada to co-host.
Kiwis’ 2018 Test Programme Saturday 23 June 2018; Kiwis v England; Denver, Colorado, USA Saturday 13 October 2018; Kiwis v Australia; Auckland, NZ Saturday 27 October 2018; England v Kiwis; Hull, England Saturday 3 November 2018; England v Kiwis; Liverpool, England Sunday 11 November 2018; England v Kiwis; Leeds, England
Not one but five Wests Tigers captains have been named for the 2018 NRL season – three of them being Kiwis.
Returning great Benji Marshall will hold the reins along with fellow recruits Russell Packer and Josh Reynolds.
Tigers stalwart Chris Lawrence and New Zealand international forward Elijah Taylor complete the leadership group hand-picked by coach Ivan Cleary.
Lawrence – vice-captain last season – had been tipped to vie for the sole Tigers captaincy with Taylor this year but Cleary had other ideas.
“When we started this pre-season it was pretty obvious straight away that there was no real pecking order,” Cleary said.
“There was no set culture to adhere to. It was all new.
“With this particular team at this time I think it’s going to work best to spread that role and allow those blokes to develop in their own way.”
It marks a triumphant return for Tigers premiership winning half Marshall who links with the joint venture for the first time since leaving for rugby in 2013.
Former NSW half Reynolds slots into the leadership group after arriving from Canterbury while forward Packer has been acknowledged since his off-season move from St George Illawarra.
It is believed the captaincy group will share week to week duties such as leading the team out onto the field, press conferences and other off-field responsibilities.
Wests Tigers take on North Queensland in their opening NRL trial in Cairns on Saturday night.
Marshall is the only squad member who will not attend, remaining in Sydney alongside wife Zoe ahead of the expected birth of their first child.
The Tigers’ final trial is against Cronulla at Campbelltown on February 24.
As seen on TV One
The New Zealand Physical Disability Rugby League team have come away with a silver medal after a hard fought 0-0 golden point match against Australia at the inaugural Commonwealth Championships in Queensland.
The first game against Australia on Friday night was a true Anzac battle, as two old foes of rugby league came together to represent their countries out on that field. The challenge laid down by the kiwi team with a very passionate haka led by Garry Kingi, set the tone for the next 18 minutes of footy.
The level of rugby league was phenomenal, their skill level lifting immediately under the pressure to do the best for their fellow teammates. There was no doubt the players left nothing in the tank
Although the final ended in a draw, Australia came away with the gold medal based on points differential. New Zealand went through the tournament conceding only one try.
PDRLNZ Captain Brad Vear said “This is a really big milestone in their lives because of the adversities they’ve faced in their lives whether it be through accident or born with a disability, it’s such a big deal to be here.”
The championships was one of the exhibition sports for the 2018 Commonwealth games with the physical disability tri-series making up one feature of the event.
PDRLNZ hope it will encourage more physically disabled athletes throughout NZ into the sport.
Greaves says “We want it to grow nationwide. We want our kaupapa to get out there so that people can see that what’s holding them back in themselves.”
“Our next goal is to recruit players for a local competition over winter in preparation for our inclusion at the Rugby League Emerging Nations Championships in October 2018 in Sydney,” he said.
NZPDRL would like to thank their sponsors especially NZRL, ARL, Sir Peter Leitch, Digital Island, First Sovereign, Lenco, Hilton Haulage, Parcel line express, DNI Electrical, Debtworks NZ, Straker Translations, YMCA, Graeme Williams, friends and family.
You can see the results from the tournament below.
Day one results:
NEW ZEALAND 4 (Usa Adams try) def COMMONWEALTH ALL STARS 0. AUSTRALIA 8 (Mitchell Gleeson, Geoff Clarke tries) def COMMONWEALTH ALL STARS 0. AUSTRALIA 4 (Mitchell Gleeson try) def COMMONWEALTH ALL STARS 0. AUSTRALIA 6 (Kyle Lloyd tries; George Tonna goals) def NEW ZEALAND 0.
Day two results:
AUSTRALIA 0 drew with NEW ZEALAND 0. COMMONWEALTH ALL STARS 0 drew with NEW ZEALAND 0.
Gold Medal match:
AUSTRALIA 0 drew with NEW ZEALAND 0 (Australia declared winners of championship).
Livestream link here.
Established in 2009, Upper Central Zone Rugby League (UCZ) is a non-profit organisation made up of four District Leagues, three Referee Associations and has 44 clubs, over 6,200 registered players and some exceptional volunteers.
As the Zonal body of the New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) our purpose is to lead, develop, foster and promote Rugby League in conjunction with the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Coastline and Gisborne Tairawhiti Districts. Our goal is to work collaboratively with a range of partners to create the best platform for Rugby League to grow and excel.
Our philosophy is simple; we believe sport should be a fun and positive experience for everyone involved. We are currently working with the NZRL, Regional Sports Trusts, District Leagues and Clubs, to ensure that our future has a solid platform, and is encouraging success from the grassroots to the top of the game.
About the role
The Upper Central Zone Rugby League is in search of a “smooth operator”. With our annual calendar full of activities and events, we are looking for an enthusiastic professional who will manage the delivery of key Rugby League events and the general operational needs of the organisation.
This role requires someone who can take an idea, develop the plan and execute it with precision.
We invite applications from people who demonstrate:
Leadership in a team environment. Strong project and event management skills and experience in managing volunteers. High levels of organisational, administrative, planning and reporting skills. A meticulous eye for detail. Outstanding communication and networking competencies. Confidence in presenting to large groups. Good customer service skills (listening, communication and mediation skills). Ability to remain calm and perform under pressure while managing a busy workload. Ability to work well as part of a team and willing to “get your hands dirty”. A “get the job done” attitude.
For a Job Description or any enquiries should be directed to Mel Bennett – General Manager, mel.b@nzrl.co.nz
Click here to apply.
Applications close at 12.00pm, Friday 2nd March. Successful applicants will be interviewed on Wednesday 7th or Thursday 8th of March at Sport Bay of Plenty in Tauranga.
Skills and experience
KEY COMPETENCIES
Strong project management skills and experience in managing volunteers. High levels of organisational, administrative, planning and reporting skills. Outstanding communication and networking competencies. Follows and understands the importance of safe financial management practices. Good customer service skills (listening, communication and mediation skills). Able to remain calm and perform under pressure. Able to work well as part of a team and/or unsupervised.
QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE
Tertiary qualification in preferably sport management, event management or relevant experience. Experience in project and event management.
For the third year, New Zealand Rugby League has taken part in Sport New Zealand’s Voice of the Participants survey that aims to understand what is important to rugby league players and how our clubs are performing.
The purpose of the survey is to provide New Zealand Rugby League and its clubs with an understanding of the experiences received within the clubs. The purpose being to better the experience for all those involved in rugby league in order to retain and grow participation in rugby league through clubs.
Over 1200 people participated in the national survey providing these initial findings:
– Four in five (78%) of rugby league respondents indicated they are likely or very likely to rejoin their current club next season – 65% of those surveyed indicated that they were very or extremely satisfied with the overall experience of playing rugby league at their club. This was the highest satisfaction rate of all sports who participated in the national survey – 67% of respondents said they were likely to recommend their club to someone else – 72% of players felt that their club encourages good sportsmanship and fair play
Feedback also helped to identify some areas for improvement which would enhance club members’ experiences:
– To ensure there are more opportunities to support volunteers (match officials, coaches etc) for further upskill and experience – To provide a welcoming environment and a place that people want to be a part of (e.g clean and well maintained facilities, introduction flyers, meeting club committee members)
As a result, New Zealand Rugby League have: – Further invested in the educator programme (coach educators and referee coaches) strengthening the pathways for volunteers – Rolled out the ACC LeagueSmart course that provides online support for volunteers – With the support of the crown agencies, made a slight adjustment to the ‘Be a Sport’ programme to ‘Be a Good Sport’ to further promote parental understanding around appropriate sideline behaviour, smoke free and alcohol free sidelines (Click here for Good Sports resources) -Worked with rugby league staff throughout NZ to enable them to support their clubs with junior programmes such as Backyard League, Volunteer Engagement Strategies and planning and budgeting documents.
The feedback received through these surveys proves invaluable for New Zealand Rugby League to continue improving our sport at its grassroots level.
The full report for NZRL can be found here.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Kiwi #779) and Apii Nicholls-Pualau took home the Kiwis Player of the Year and Women’s Player of the Year awards respectively at the New Zealand Rugby League Annual Awards last Friday night.
The dynamic full-back ended the 2017 World Cup with the equal most tries scored (3), the most carries (72) and the most metres carried (626) for the Kiwis. Head Coach David Kidwell says such achievements were no small feat considering Tuivasa-Sheck had recently returned from a serious knee injury.
“In some cases, it takes a fair amount of time for a player to get back to fine form following such a serious injury, but Roger did everything right and ultimately showed great leadership at the back.
“He’s a quality young-man who was a pleasure to coach and I congratulate him for his impressive performances throughout the NRL season and at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup,” Kidwell said.
While top honours in the men’s category went to Tuivasa-Sheck, Women’s Player of the Year was picked up by his female fullback counterpart, Apii Nicholls-Pualau.
After an outstanding season with the seven time National title winning Counties Manukau Stingrays, Nicholls-Pualau was selected to fill the void of previous Kiwi Ferns captain and fullback, Sarina Fiso, who won 2016 Women’s Player of the Year. Being named Back of the Tournament at the National Women’s Tournament was yet another feather in her cap.
Apii took ownership of the number one jersey stamping her mark as the starting Kiwi Ferns fullback for the entirety of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup. She also topped the leader board for kick return metres at the World Cup racking up a massive 279 metres, but Nicholls-Pualau was quick to downplay her accomplishments.
“I’m honoured to even be considered alongside players such as Teuila Fotu-Moala and Krystal Rota, let alone to win this award.
“There are a lot of people I have to thank for their on-going support including my incredible family – without them there is no way I could have dedicated as much time as I did to the sport I love,” she said.
Kiwis Rookie of the Year was won by Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Kiwi #804) who was also a finalist in the top category after bursting onto the international rugby league scene in 2017.
His physicality turned heads at the Rugby League World Cup causing defensive issues for his opposition and World Cup rankings showed he was only second to Roger Tuivasa-Sheck when it came to most carries (56) and metres carried (489).
You can watch the livestream from the Annual Awards function here.
Click here to view the photo gallery from the Awards function.
Winners of all 12 NZRL Awards categories can be found below:
Pirtek Female Volunteer – Chantez Connor (Otaika Eagles/Northland) Pirtek Male Volunteer – Jack Newson (Hornby Panthers/Southern) Grassroots Club –Taniwharau (Upper Central) Domestic Coach – Morgan Kutia (Waikato) Referee – Chris McMillan (Auckland) Domestic Player 16s – Christian Tuipulotu (Akarana) Domestic Player 18s – Tyler Slade (NZ Warriors) Domestic Player Premier – Aaron Jolley (Waikato/Hamilton City Tigers) Junior Player – Isaiah Papali’I (NZ Warriors) Kiwis Rookie – Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Melbourne Storm) Women’s Player – Apii Nicholls-Pualau (Manurewa Marlins/Counties Manukau) Kiwis Player – Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (NZ Warriors)
Following a massive season with the Melbourne Storm, Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Kiwi #804) burst onto the international rugby league scene with the Kiwis in 2017. His physicality turned heads at the Rugby League World Cup and has earned him a spot as a finalist for both Kiwis Rookie of the Year and Kiwis Player of the Year.
Finalists have been selected in all 12 NZRL Awards categories, with winners to be announced at an Auckland function on February 10.
Kiwis stalwart Simon Mannering (Kiwi #731) joins Asofa-Solomona and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Kiwi #779) as finalists for the top award while Asofa-Solomona will also face-off for the Kiwis Rookie of the Year title.
The Women’s Player of the Year award will be another heavily contested category with hard-hitter Teuila Fotu-Moala, Women’s Rugby League World Cup Player of the Tournament up against Kiwi Ferns hooker Krystal Rota and fullback Apii Nicholls-Pualau. Rota’s 2017 Auckland Player of the Year accolade will see her as a strong contender as well as Nicholls-Pualau’s dominance at the back for the Kiwi Ferns Rugby League World Cup campaign.
A special recognition award will also honour an individual’s service to the women’s game.
The full list of NZRL Awards finalists is:
Pirtek Female Volunteer – Naioma Chase (Dannevirke Rugby League/Mid Central), Sonyia Anania (Glenora Bears/Akarana), Fipe Fa’amoe Ione(He Tauua/Southern), Alana Lockhurst (Cooks Rugby League/Sothern), Sandra Hickey (Physical Disability RL/Akarana), Jasmine Tuli (Linwood Keas/Sothern), Victoria Malone (Marist Saints/Akarana), Karla Matua (Manurewa Marlins/Counties Manukau), Chantez Connor (Otaika Eagles/Northland), Nicole Baker-Havea (Otahuhu Rugby League/Counties Manukau)
Pirtek Male Volunteer – Nathan Robinson (Country Cowboys/Aoraki/Southern), James Waetford (Ellerslie Eagles/Akarana), Will Harris (Wairau Taniwha/Sotuhern), Willy Simon (Hornby Panthers/Southern), Lawrence Erihe (Linton Cobras/Mid Central), Jack Newson (Hornby Panthers/Southern), Riki Shelford (Portland Rugby League/Northland), Jim Doolan (Otara Scorpians/Counties Manukau), Dennis Stewart (Trentham Titans/Wellington)
Grassroots Club – Northcote Tigers (Akarana), Taniwharau (Upper Central), Dannevirke (Mid Central)
Domestic Coach – Rusty Matua (Auckland), Morgan Kutia (Waikato), Rod Ratu (Auckland)
Referee – Jason Wilson (Canterbury), Chris McMillan (Auckland) Domestic Player 16s – Christian Tuipulotu (Akarana), Caius Fa’atili (Southern), Sione Moala (Counties Manukau),
Domestic Player 18s – Steven Marsters (St George Illawara), Tyler Slade (NZ Warriors), Seth Tauamiti (Southern), Jonathan Aumua Falelua-Malio (Akarana)
Domestic Player Premier – Aaron Jolley (Waikato/Hamilton City Tigers), Daniel Reuelu-Buchanan (Akarana Falcons/Glenora Bears), Phil Kingi (Akarana Falcons/Glenora Bears)
Junior Player – Moeaki Fotuaika (Gold Coast Titans), Jarome Luai (Penrith Panthers), Isaiah Papali’I (NZ Warriors)
Kiwis Rookie – Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Melbourne Storm), Danny Levi (Newcastle Knights), Isaac Liu (Sydney Roosters)
Women’s Player – Teuila Fotu-Moala (Otahuhu Leopards/Counties Manukau), Krystal Rota (Manurewa Marlins/Counties Manukau), Apii Nicholls-Pualau (Manurewa Marlins/Counties Manukau)
Kiwis Player – Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (NZ Warriors), Simon Mannering (NZ Warriors), Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Melbourne Storm)
APPOINTED DIRECTORS ZONES OF NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE INC POSITION BRIEF
Rugby league is a sport for all New Zealanders, played from the grassroots level to the international stage. The sport is ‘more than just a game’; it is part of the social fabric of our country and has a critical role in developing young men and women in some of our most at risk communities. Rugby League Zones are regional based organisations formed to lead, develop, promote and foster Rugby League in the regions.
Zones’ primary responsibilities include:
(a) Administration: to administer, promote and develop the game of Rugby League in the Zone’s geographic area; (b) Competitions: to hold such regular competitions in the Zone’s geographic area as are able to foster Rugby League with a meaningful competition; (c) Representative Teams: to operate the representative teams in the National Competitions); (d) Guidance and Leadership: to provide guidance and exercise leadership in relation to Clubs & Districts and their members under its authority; (e) Support: to provide support to the activities of any Associate within its geographic region; (f) Fiscal Management and Sporting Practices: to encourage and support good fiscal management and sporting practices by all persons under its authority; and (g) Pathways: to facilitate representative pathways for players to compete in national competitions at various levels.
For more information on the organisations, please visit https://nzrl.co.nz/zones
We’re looking for individuals keen to make a difference to Rugby League in our community. Consequently, Appointed Board Member vacancies for 2018 are as follows:
Northland Zone 4 vacancies Preferred backgrounds include strategic thinking, financial management, broad networks, planning skills and understanding organisational structures & systems.
Akarana Zone 2 vacancies (1 incumbent re-standing) Preferred backgrounds include digital and marketing skills.
Counties Manukau Zone 1 vacancy (1 incumbent re-standing) Preferred background includes strong leadership, vision, business acumen, good negotiator and knowledgeable of the community game & needs.
Upper Central Zone 2 vacancies Preferred backgrounds include governance skills (ideally in sport), fundraising and HR skills. Must be regularly available and committed to the role.
Mid Central Zone 2 vacancies Preferred backgrounds include sponsorship, revenue generation and marketing. Financial reporting skills would also be valuable as well as board chairing experience.
Wellington Zone 4 vacancies Preferred backgrounds include change management, commercial business skills (ability to work ‘on’ rather than ‘in’) and ideally some skills in service design / systems thinking.
Southern Zone 2 vacancies (2 incumbents re-standing) Preferred backgrounds include financial and business planning skills, strategy and relationship management skills.
Person Specification All board members need to understand confidentiality, be collaborative in nature, possess sound judgment and be able to demonstrate leadership ability.
Other background and skills that make for strong directors include:
• prior governance experience • knowledge of, and experience in, the sport of Rugby League • knowledge of community-based programmes and work with central and local government agencies and commercial sponsors • occupational skills, abilities and experience • awareness of conflicts of interest • general skills in commerce, finance, marketing and business
An appointments panel has been convened to assess applicants, undertake interviews and recommend appointments.
To Apply
To apply for these roles please do so online at www.appointbetterboards.co.nz/APT10801 (brief registration required). For further information on the role please contact the organisation’s adviser, Simon Telfer, via simon@stimulusnz.com.
The closing date for applications for all Appointed Director positions is 5.00pm on 9 February 2018.
Rugby League player suspended for 18 months
As of 1 January 2018 the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List for 2018 has been updated. The updates see a number of changes which can be read on the Drug Free Sport New Zealand (DFSNZ) webpage here.
It’s important for all rugby league players to be aware of their obligations to ensure they are not taking any substance that may be on the WADA Prohibited List. New Zealand Rugby League works alongside DFSNZ to ensure our athletes receive education and are pointed to the DFSNZ resources and information outlining their obligations. This includes seminars for all high performance and age-group national representative teams. We also push material out through our tournament programmes.
However this week, a rugby league player has been found to test positive.
Today, Point Chevalier Pirates and Akarana Falcons representative player Siliga Kepaoa was suspended for 18 months after testing positive for the prohibited substance Higenamine. Higenamine is classified as an S3 Beta-2 agonist, a specified substance prohibited at all times in and out of competition. (To read the Sports Tribunal of New Zealand decision, please click here.)
Kepaoa’s case proves a valuable lesson for other players using supplements. Kepaoa was unaware the “Oxyshred” he was consuming advertised as a “super potent thermogenic fat burner” would see him test positive for a prohibited substance, higenamine, and cost him an 18 month suspension.
The Tribunal was satisfied that Mr Kepaoa had shown there had been no significant fault in testing positive for higenamine but there was a degree of fault falling within the “high end of the range of the defence”.
Mr Kepaoa acknowledged he had received some education about drugs in sport prior to the start of the Falcon’s 2017 season and was aware that he needed to ensure he was not using supplements with banned substances in them. Mr Kepaoa also accepted he should not have relied on a salesperson’s advice as to whether Oxyshred contained a banned substance and should have checked the product for himself. The Tribunal considers Mr Kepaoa should have taken more care but that his failure to do so should be reflected in the relatively limited deduction allowed from the otherwise mandatory 2 year suspension period. The Tribunal accepted the agreed recommended 18 month suspension period. In light of his immediate acknowledgment of the breach Mr Kepaoa’s period of suspension from participating in sport was backdated to 19 September 2017.
Although Mr Kepaoa was disappointed, he accepted the ban was a result of his failure to personally check if his supplements contained prohibited substances from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List .
New Zealand Rugby League supports Drugfree Sport New Zealand and their ongoing work to ensure sport in New Zealand is clean. In doing so, NZRL strives to provide all high performance and age-group representatives with up-to-date anti-doping education allowing them to make informed decisions.
You can read more about your anti-doping obligations as a player on the New Zealand Rugby League Anti-Doping page, which includes information on the Prohibited List, anti-doping rules, medications, supplements, testing and where you can find help and resources.
The most important rule for athletes to remember is that if you are not 100% sure, don’t take it until you check with Drug Free Sport NZ and ensure it is not on the Prohibited List.
MID CENTRAL ZONE OF NZRL – FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
The key role of this position is in promoting and supporting the rugby league communities throughout the Mid Central Zone; its districts are Manawatu, Whanganui, Taranaki and Hawkes Bay. The focus is to develop the game, deliver our core strategies and increase participation. In addition to oversee the newly established rugby league academies throughout the zone.
The ideal candidate would be able to maintain and build relationships with all MCZ stakeholders; districts, clubs, the Rugby League communities and in addition have;
A proven track record developing and maintain positive working relationships with diverse stakeholder groups clear knowledge of the game of rugby league The ability to think outside the box and create opportunities to build participation The drive to work autonomously and be enthusiastic to work within a team The ability to work a 40 hour week with some weekends included This role requires significant travel and the need to stay overnight on occasions
We will provide: Competitive salary, phone and vehicle. To Apply Send your detailed C.V and a cover letter to lisa@nzrl.co.nz Closing Date of Applications: Monday 18/12/2017; 4pm.
Following the success of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, the new world rankings have been announced for the men’s game and, for the first time, the women.
Australia, after picking up the silverware in both tournaments, are at the head of the respective tables.
Kangaroos head coach Mal Meninga said “We believe a strong international programme is essential and see our success, and the manner in which we fought for it, as a catalyst in continuing this push to prioritise Test match rugby league. The players have been central to this achievement and I know they are very proud and humble to maintain the status quo.”
Nine nations make up the inaugural Women’s rankings.
In the men’s rankings, Lebanon are the main movers, up nine places from eighteenth into the top ten, whilst Tonga go from eleventh to fourth. Papua New Guinea rise six places to tenth and there is a welcome move for Chile, who won the first South American Championship, as they go from 37th to 32nd in a year when more internationals have been played than ever before.
Tongan head coach Kristian Woolf noted: “The Mate Ma’a’s move is just reward for a very strong year including a great World Cup campaign. It is something we want to continue, with the opportunity to be involved in more International games in the future and the ability to compete against the top three nations.”
PNGRL chairman Sandis Tsaka added: “The performance of the Kumuls during the 2017 World Cup has helped PNG get back up the world rankings and we now have the challenge of continuing to rise by playing more full international games. The PNG supporters and players have shown that they love international rugby league.”
David Collier OBE, chief executive of the Rugby League International Federation, commented: “On behalf of the RLIF board I would like to congratulate Australia on retaining their position and the other major movers, in particular Lebanon, Fiji, PNG and Tonga who all lit up the World Cup.”
“The rankings are a statistically-weighted reflection of results over the past five years, with greater emphasis on recent displays. Scotland and Samoa have retained a top six place due to their recent performances against the tier one nations, and Ireland are improving on the field yet drop out of the top 10 because of the ranking of the opposition they faced.
“What we have seen is that the success of the World Cup has reinvigorated the international game, even more fixtures are being arranged across the tiers and that will have a reflection in future rankings as past results gradually degrade.”
The Test series scheduled for next autumn between England and New Zealand will, most likely, determine which nation will end 2018 as the second ranked side.
Women’s Rankings
1. Australia 2. New Zealand 3. England 4. Canada 5. Cook Islands 6. Papua New Guinea 7. France 8. Italy 9. Lebanon
Men’s Rankings Current / Previously 1. Australia 1 2. New Zealand 2 3. England 3 4. Tonga 11 5. Fiji 7 6. Samoa 5 7. Scotland 4 8. France 6 9. Lebanon 18 10. PNG 16 11. Ireland 8 12. Wales 9 13. Italy 12 14. USA 10 15. Jamaica 13 16. Serbia 14 17. Canada 15 18. Malta 17 19. Russia 19 20. Belgium 20 21. Spain 21 22. Norway 22 23. Greece 23 24. Philippines 34 25. Ukraine 25 26. Czech Republic 26 27. Netherlands 27 28. Germany 28 29. Hungary 29 30. Cook Islands 24 31. Sweden 30 32. Chile 37 33. Niue 31 34. Denmark 32 35. South Africa 33 36. Vanuatu 35 37. El Salvador 39 38. Thailand 36 39. Argentina – 40. Colombia – 41. Japan – 42. Solomon Islands 38 43. Brazil – 44. Uruguay 40 45. Hong Kong – 46. Bulgaria 41 47. Latvia 42 48. Morocco 43
Rating points are awarded for all sanctioned internationals over the previous five (5) years and are calculated by an independent company of sports data experts. A higher weighting is given to the most recent internationals.
After seven years as an appointed director, Jennifer Rolfe is stepping down from the New Zealand Rugby League Board. She will be replaced by experienced director, Australian based Andrew Fraser. Previously Head of Strategy and Investment at the NRL, Fraser is currently a director of the Rugby League World Cup.
Fraser serves as a director on a diverse range of other bodies, including Sunsuper a top ten Australian superannuation fund, where he is Chairman of the Investment Committee. His other current directorships include the Major Projects Advisory Board of the Whitsunday Regional Council and the Hear and Say Centre. He is an independent member of Griffith University’s Finance, Risk and Resources Committee and joined the University Council in November 2017. Fraser has served as a Commissioner on the board of the Australian Sports Commission, was an elected member of the Queensland Government and served as a Minister in a range of portfolios including Sport, Local Government, Economic Development, Trade and the Treasury.
A graduate of Griffith University, he has degrees in Commerce and Law with First Class Honours and received the University Medal.
Reon Edwards, chairman of the NZRL Board said, ”Jen has been an outstanding contributor to our Board. Her knowledge and passion for communications and marketing has provided support for our commercial team since she started in 2011. We wish her every success.”
Of Fraser’s appointment Edwards said “We are extremely fortunate to be able to fill the vacancy with someone who brings a huge amount of knowledge and passion for the game to the board table.
“In addition to Andrew’s years of involvement through the NRL, he also provides experience in governance, political savvy and an understanding of law and commerce.”
Fraser said, “Rugby League is a force for good – it does so many great things that often go unseen and unheard in communities.
“I am eager to give back to the game and the game in New Zealand is well placed to grow – on the field and off the field.”
Rolfe will complete her duties at the last board meeting of the year on December 6, Fraser’s appointment will take effect on December 7.
New Zealand Rugby League Board: Reon Edwards (Chair), Hugh Martyn (Vice-Chair), Elizabeth Richards, John Bishop, Tawera Nikau, Bill McEntee, Andrew Fraser
A field goal on the stroke of fulltime from Australian, Caitlyn Moran sealed the game for the Jillaroos after holding off a late surge from a determined Kiwi ferns outfit.
Moran also bagged a double in the match which laid the platform for the Jillaroos to build a lead after spending much of the first half fending off New Zealand attacks.
New Zealand try scoring machine, Honey Hireme, also scored two tries but it wasn’t enough as the Jillaroos won their second straight Women’s World Cup.
As soon as play got underway, the Ferns flexed their muscles and put the Jillaroos on the back foot by sending their powerful forwards up the middle to gain some early momentum.
But despite controlling the opening minutes of the game, some creative play from the Jillaroos resulted in the first points of the final.
With two defenders on her back, Renae Kunst managed to get an offload to fullback Nakia Davis-Welsh who flew downfield before drawing the Kiwi fullback and finding Isabelle Kelly unmarked who crossed over for a brilliant team try.
Caitlyn Moran made no mistakes adding the extras to give Australia an early 6-0 lead just eight minutes into the match.
But New Zealand wouldn’t stay behind for long thanks to smart play from stand-off Raecene McGregor, then turning to Honey Hireme, who got her first of the day to level the scores just four minutes later.
Now with some momentum behind them, the Ferns started to regain control of the match with some quick line speed preventing the Jillaroos from moving up the field.
And as the clock ticked into the back end of the first half, Hireme once again gave New Zealand the upper hand after she forced her way over for her second try of the day.
Despite dominating for most of the first half, New Zealand only held onto a slim 10-6 advantage before Australia finally broke through on the verge of halftime.
As both teams took the field for the final 40 minutes of the 2017 Rugby League Women’s World Cup, the match was still well and truly anyone’s for the taking.
And it was the Jillaroos who took control of the match following play getting underway, landing a swift double blow within four minutes of each other to gain a firm grasp on the game.
The first came from an Ali Brigginshaw grubber kick which deflected off a New Zealand defender, bouncing up perfectly for Kelly who was in pursuit and put the ball down under the posts for her second try.
Then just four minutes later, forward Elianna Walton forced her way over next to the posts to give Australia a 22-10 lead with a little over 20 minutes yet to play.
But New Zealand were far from done and after finally making their way back down the right end of the field, New Zealand got themselves back into the match.
The Ferns moved the ball through the hands using quick passes and offloads to break up the Australian defence before Raecene McGregor finally found a way over the try line.
As the game moved into the final 10 minutes and with just one converted try the difference, the energy of both teams lifted as they could sense a World Cup victory was just one play away.
And that play would come from two-try hero, Caitlyn Moran, who slotted a field goal from 15 meters out on the stroke of full time to secure a second straight Rugby League Women’s World Cup for Australia, finishing champions 23-16.
James Coman | @JamesComan1 Rugby League World Cup 2017 Reporter
A review of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup campaign has commenced this week with the appointment of an independent panel.
Review chair Tim Castle – an international sports barrister and adjudicator, and elite player manager; together with Raelene Castle (no relation) – the former Chief Executive of Netball New Zealand and the NRL Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs; will consider the performance of the players and team management, and will interview an informed and representative group of individuals connected with this year’s World Cup campaign.
“We were all disappointed with the Kiwis’ performance and need to understand what went wrong,” said NZRL chairman Reon Edwards.
“A thorough independent review is essential if we’re to get it right for the next World Cup.”
He said consideration of the current coaching eligibility rule, whereby the national coach must be a New Zealander would be but one of the matters reviewed by the panel.
Panel chair, Tim Castle said he and co-panellist Raelene Castle felt very privileged to undertake the independent review.
“We recognise the sport at all levels is integral to many communities around the country, and we’re approaching the task with a positive and constructive frame of mind.
“Raelene and I will be rigorous and independent with our review, our findings and our recommendations.”
Reon Edwards confirmed the independent panel’s findings would be released in February / March along with the four-year Strategic Plan that the NZRL has been working on for the past 8 months.
“The review will input into the NZRL’s Strategic Plan, which is well evolved and has been focusing on the delivery of better outcomes for the game.
“The plan establishes our strategic direction – setting out significant steps to build on and improve the game in New Zealand, from a core focus at a grassroots level through to our high-performance programmes and the Kiwis.”
While the plan is close to being finalised, Edwards said the NZRL Board has deliberately postponed its release until the conclusion of the panel’s review.
“Spending another couple of months on the review will allow us to set the best plan possible for the next four years.
“We completely understand how the New Zealand League community, including players and coaches, feel about this World Cup performance by our Kiwis team.
“We all want our team to be successful and we need to ensure we do and have everything we need to achieve what we all desperately want – to be best in the world.”
Sport NZ CEO Peter Miskimmin said: “Sport NZ welcomes the review and credits New Zealand Rugby League for the process they are undertaking and the calibre of experts it has assembled.
“The campaign was disappointing and it’s important the team and sport rebound. We want the Kiwis to be winning, and through their success be inspiring young people to play the game and play it well.
“Tim and Raelene bring a wealth of expertise and give the review the best possible chance of achieving these outcomes.” – ENDS
REVIEW PANEL TERMS OF REFERENCE – PURPOSE
To review the Kiwis campaign at RLWC17 with the primary objective to capture material learnings, both positive and negative, from the campaign and provide recommendations to the Board that will inform: • planning and preparation for future campaigns, and • the development of NZRL’s High Performance strategy 2018-2021.
REVIEW PANEL TERMS OF REFERENCE – SCOPE
The NZRL’s Kiwis campaign preparation and performance for RLWC17 including, but not limited to, the following: • preparations and planning for RLWC17; • resources committed to the campaign both human & financial; • leadership and capability; • coach selection policy; • player selection policies; • management of player culture and welfare; • tournament logistics; • game plans, implementation and evaluation; • RLIF and RLWC17 local organising committee rules and regulations.
TIM CASTLE BACKGROUND An international sports barrister and adjudicator, and elite player manager; Tim Castle brings valuable insight into high performance sport issues, which are the subject of the NZRL panel’s review. For more than a decade he has managed numerous professional elite athletes including the former All Blacks the late Jerry Collins, Keven Mealamu, Rodney So’oialo, and Neemia Tialata. He also manages current Silver Ferns captain Katrina Grant and in New Zealand Olympic athlete Nick Willis. With regards to rugby league, in 2010 Tim was brought in by Sport New Zealand as an independent mediator to successfully facilitate the serious organisational re- structuring dispute between the NZRL and Auckland Rugby League. Tim’s extensive involvement in sports leadership includes being the first Vice President (the effective chair) of the New Zealand Olympic Committee, board member of the New Zealand Sports Foundation, New Zealand’s inaugural representative on the International Cricket Council Corruption Commission, and was an inaugural appointee to the New Zealand Sports Tribunal – a position held for eight years, Since 1991 Tim has been an appointee to the international Court of Arbitration for Sport (the first from New Zealand, Australia and Oceania), which remains the world’s principal sports disputes Tribunal; and has presided over cases involving doping, match fixing and international athlete eligibility disputes.
RAELENE CASTLE BACKGROUND Raelene is the former Chief Executive of Netball New Zealand and most recently was Chief Executive of the NRL’s Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. She was a Board Member of the International Netball Federation and the Chair of the NRL CEO group. Raelene has previously worked in the marketing, sales, sponsorship and communications areas for a number of leading New Zealand companies including Telecom, BNZ, Southern Cross Healthcare and Fuji Xerox. Recognised with a Sir Peter Blake Emerging Leader Award in 2011, Raelene was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in 2015.
Kiwi Ferns forward Teuila Fotu-Moala admits feeling pressure to deliver in Saturday’s Rugby League World Cup final after being crowned player of the tournament.
Fotu-Moala beat Ferns teammate Honey Hireme and Jillaroos star Ali Brigginshaw following an impressive campaign where she was among the leaders in metres and line break assists.
“Overwhelmed, I was speechless when I heard my name,” she said on Wednesday.
“When they started talking about my stats. I didn’t realise my stats were pretty decent for the tournament. I’m still quite speechless, have no words yet.
“I don’t think it has kicked in yet but it is a massive World Cup and it’s quite competitive this time around. I’m real honoured to say the least.”
While humbled, Fotu-Moala, who turned 24 on Wednesday, said she had begun to feel the weight of expectation that came with recognition.
It was true she’d once been dubbed ‘The Jukebox’ by Kangaroos great Darren Lockyer, she said. The name was given because the hits keep coming from Fotu-Moala.
“I loved Darren Lockyer. He’s one of my favourites and for him to give me a nickname, that’s real cool. I’ll take it, but there’s another pressure for hitting out. If it happens, it happens. I don’t want people expecting hits.
“It puts a bit of pressure on me, there’ll be more eyes on me. (People will say) ‘Oh okay, she’s the fearless woman, let’s see what she’s got’, for those who haven’t been following.
“I just have to prove that I’ve worked hard to get here where I am.”
Fotu-Moala said she also had to overcome the difficulty of initially being discouraged by her family to pursue her rugby league dream.
“From the start of my journey, they haven’t been that supportive only because it wasn’t feminine to be out of the house training at night,” she said.
“Later on as I made the Kiwis, they only started being supportive and giving me a push and pushing me to do the best I could.
“I wasn’t allowed to play Sundays or because I was a girl my family would stop me from playing but I kept sneaking out of the house on Sundays and just going anyway.
“It was just those little traditional things they wanted me to be real traditional. When they saw I was doing well, then they just let it go because they got tired of saying no.”
Story care of stuff.co.nz.
New Zealand will take part in their fifth consecutive Rugby League Women’s World Cup Final after overcoming England Women’s 52 – 4 at Cronulla Stadium.
New Zealand overcame a poor start in the first half completing just 35 percent of their sets to record seven tries in the second half to blow England off the park and become the first team to qualify for the Final on Saturday.
A hat-trick to Honey Hireme and a double to Krystal Murray helped the Ferns cause, while forwards Teuila Fotu-Moala and Lilieta Maumau both notched up over 200 running meters throughout the match.
England started the match with their backs against the wall after they knocked the ball on from the kick off gifting New Zealand with a great early attacking chance.
And true to their class, the Kiwi Ferns wasted no time finding a way through England’s defence, scoring in the second minute of the match after executing a slick backline move through the hands for Maitua Feterika, who crashed over the line for the opening points of the game.
Then just four minutes later, the Ferns found themselves in attacking range once again and after a full set on the English line, the three-time champions opted to run the ball on the fifth for Shontelle Woodman, who ran through a gaping hole in England’s defence for their second try after just six minutes.
Following two unsuccessful conversions, the score line remained at 8-0 as things started to look ominous for the lacklustre English side.
But after completing just 35% of their sets in the opening 40-minutes, the Ferns gave the English time to slowly find their groove and work their way back into the match.
And in the 21st minute, England found the breakthrough after halfback, Kirsty Moroney, put a beautiful cross-field kick into the Ferns in goal, bouncing favourably for Tara-Jane Stanley who quickly got the ball down for England’s first points.
England’s try would be the last points of the first half as unforced errors slowed the momentum of both sides before the break for New Zealand to walk off the field with a 14-4 advantage.
Looking to rebuild their uncharacteristically low completion rate, the Ferns started the second half much the same as the first, scoring early points to immediately put England on the back foot.
Winger, Honey Hireme, crossed over for the first of her three tries of the day after just six minutes of the second half, finding enough space down the side-line to plant the ball down as New Zealand started to look dangerous.
Following Hireme’s four-pointer, New Zealand started to show why they haven’t missed a World Cup final since the inception of the tournament in 2000.
Improving their completion rate from 35 percent to 68 percent, the Ferns ran in seven tries in the second half thanks to a second-half hat-trick from Hireme to streak away with the match and secure a spot in their fifth consecutive Rugby League Women’s World Cup.
Kiwi Ferns 52 (Feterika, Woodman, Murray 2, Hireme 3, Fotu-Moala, Peters, Maumau, Mariu tries; Nati 4 penalty goals) England 4
Kiwi Ferns Coach Tony Benson has named his side for tomorrow’s Women’s Rugby League World Cup semi-final against England at 1.45pm (AEDT).
Top try-scorer of the tournament Honey Hireme who pocketed six tries against the Cook Islands, will start on the left wing alongside Captain Laura Mariu who slots back in as lock.
While New Zealand have been fairly dominant in the pool stages, Benson is aware Sunday’s semi-final encounter against England will be no easy feat.
“They’re an incredibly physical side that will come at us hard so it’s our job to be ready for that,”
“We’ve identified a number of areas to work on that will improve our performance, and execution of those tweaks will be key for us,” he said.
A win for the Kiwi Ferns on Sunday would see them play the winner of the Australia v Canada clash taking place at 4pm AEDT following the first semi-final at Southern Cross Stadium, Sydney.
#Earnthefern #WRLWC2017
Semi-Final Kiwi Ferns v England November 26, 1.45pm (AEDT) Southern Cross Group Stadium, Sydney
1 – Apii Nicholls-Pualau 2 – Atawhai Tupaea 3 – Maitua Feterika 4 – Shontelle Woodman 5 – Honey Hireme 6 – Georgia Hale 7 – Kimiora Nati 8 – Aieshaleigh Smalley 9 – Krystal Rota 10 – Lilieta Maumau 11- Teuila Fotu-Moala 12 – Hilda Peters 13 – Laura Mariu (Captain) 14 – Nita Maynard 15 – Annetta-Claudia Nuuausala 16 – Krystal Murray 17 – Ngatokotoru Arakua 18 – Amber Kani 19 – Kahurangi Peters
Despite the Ferns crossing for two tries in the opening ten minutes, the Orchids were able to hold out an array of attacking raids to keep the score to just 8-0 at half-time.
Their efforts were to no avail, however, as the Ferns put together a clinical second half with Annetta-Claudia Nuuausala and Maitua Feterika inspiring the hard-fought win.
Luisa Gago gave New Zealand the early buffer as she zig-zagged her way through multiple Orchids defenders to sneak her way over the try-line.
It wasn’t long before they extended their lead after fullback Raecene McGregor crashed her way over for their second unanswered try.
Papua New Guinea showed their resilience with some committed goal-line defence holding out a third Ferns try, but their success didn’t resonate with the ball-in-hand with New Zealand holding them out at the opposing end.
Both teams were fighting valiantly in a third-hitting contest that saw some brutally absorbing tackles on either side of the ball, and New Zealand looked to have finally made a breakthrough with Maitua Feterika slicing through but eventually knocked the ball forward just metres out from the try line.
Just moments later, a scorching kick at the opposing end from PNG halfback Amelia Kuk ricocheted off the post and planted down by the scrambling Orchids attackers, but the video referee ruled there was a knock-on in the process of scoring.
As their only chance went begging, they were able to maintain the 8-point deficit at half-time despite conceding two tries in the opening ten minutes of play.
The Ferns began the first-half with some great lead-up play from McGregor and Georgia Hale as they broke the line to earn their side great field position, but the scrambling PNG defence was able to hold out the raid.
New Zealand thought they had grabbed their much-needed just a few tackles later after a classy backline movement saw Feterika crash over in the right-hand corner, but some desperate defence from Male Mar stripped the ball in the process of scoring.
Despite their gallant efforts, they couldn’t stop winger Hilda Peters scoring in the opposite corner after a swift right-to-left shift.
Ngatokotoru Arakua was unable to convert from the sideline as the Ferns held onto a handy 12-0 lead.
With a wave of momentum behind them, the Ferns were able to strike shortly after with centre Amber Kani crossing the line before Fetrika scored their fifth unanswered try in similar fashion just two minutes later.
Although conceding three tries within a relentless 15 minute period, PNG clawed their way back with Joan Kuman going close to scoring but was forced into touch by the gutsy Ferns defence.
Their defensive efforts were rewarded with a four-pointer at the opposite end after some barnstorming runs through the middle-third gave them valuable field position, before going through the hands to give Atawhai Tupaea open space and give them a 26-point lead with just over 20 minutes remaining.
Brimming with confidence, the Ferns weren’t afraid to throw the ball around and they found themselves scoring a contender for try of the tournament, with a series of offloads eventually leading to Racquel Anderson crossing for their seventh try of the tournament.
Anderson was unable to convert her own try as the Ferns ran away with a comfortable 30-0 lead with 15 minutes remaining in the contest.
Annetta Nuuausala and Amber Kani put the icing on the cake in the closing stages with tries of their own to finish off a 38-0 win.
Kiwi Ferns play England in their semi-final at 1.45pm AEDT on Sunday November 26- Southern Cross Stadium, Sydney
Andre Cupido | @AndreCupido10 Rugby League World Cup 2017 Reporter
Kiwi Fern stand-off, Georgia Hale will captain her team for the first time in New Zealand’s third and final pool match of the Women’s Rugby League World Cup against PNG tomorrow at 6.30pm (AEDT).
While this is Hale’s first Rugby League World Cup, the PNG match-up will be her fifth international Test having played at the 2015, 2016 and 2017 ANZAC Tests.
Aieshaleigh Smalley also joins Hale as the starting prop for her first international Test in the black jersey. She credits the support of her Otahuhu Leopards team and family in Auckland for being able to represent her country in the sport she loves.
“I’m so grateful to be where I am today, I just cannot wait to run out on the field in front of my family and friends who have flown across to Sydney to support me,”
“My three-year-old son Kayson will also be there to cheer me on so I can’t wait to make him proud,” she says.
If the Kiwi Ferns win their game against PNG tomorrow, they will finish top of Pool B and will play their semi-final against the team ranked second in Pool A on Sunday November 26.
#Earnthefern #TeIwiKiwi
Kiwi Ferns v PNG November 22, 6.30pm (AEDT) Southern Cross Group Stadium, Sydney
1 – Raecene McGregor 2 – Atawhai Tupaea 3 – Maitua Feterika 4 – Amber Kani 5 – Hilda Peters 6 – Georgia Hale (Captain) 7 – Racquel Anderson 8 – Aieshaleigh Smalley * 9 – Krystal Rota 10 – Kahurangi Peters 11 – Teuila Fotu-Moala 12 – Louisa Gago 13 – Sharlene Atai 14 – Nita Maynard 15 – Annetta-Claudia Nuuausala 16 – Bunty Kuruwaka-Crowe 19 – Lilieta Maumau
21 – Ngatokotoru Arakua 22 – Apii Nicholls-Pualau
*International debut
Stuff.co.nz By Marvin France
When Kiwi Ferns coach Tony Benson was forced to find a new captain for the World Cup, he did not need long to settle on a replacement.
There are not too many players who know more about the tournament than Laura Mariu.
The 36-year-old loose forward has taken part in all five Women’s Rugby League World Cups dating back to its inception in 2000, a remarkable feat of longevity that has seen her walk away with three winner’s medals.
Surprisingly, though, the current event in Australia is her first as captain. And after New Zealand’s run of dominance was broken by the Jillaroos four years ago, what better way to cap off a special career than by leading the Kiwi Ferns back to the top.
“It’s very humbling. It’s always a privilege to represent your country but to lead the team to the World Cup is a huge honour,” Mariu told Stuff.
“I started in 2000, made the side then and haven’t looked back. I found a love for this game, I played other sports as well but I’ve become really passionate about rugby league.”
Forget about getting paid. It’s that sort of passion that kept Mariu and her teammates turning up year after year, even when they had to pay for the right to represent their nation on the world stage.
There is still a long way to go before the elite women’s players receive the same treatment as the men. But Mariu says the difference in support now compared to the early days is night and day.
“At the beginning it was marae styles and now we’re at the Novotel, which is huge and we’re truly grateful for everything the NZRL have been doing for us,” she said.
“They’re paying for hotels and for us to fly over to Australia. In the past we’ve had to pay levy fees just to represent our country. With the game evolving and the support from the NZRL, Rugby League World Cup and even the NRL, it’s made a huge difference for the game.
“It’s good to know they can see a future for the women’s game,” Mariu added. “There was a time when it seemed like there was nothing really happening but now there’s new opportunities and the exposure we’re gaining, hopefully it will draw new players and grow the game.”
Mariu, who had captained the side once previously, was handed the role when fullback Sarina Fiso became unavailable.
And with all but four of the 24-strong squad tasting their first World Cup, Benson was fortunate enough to be able to call on a player of her experience.
“It’s an easy one with Laura because she’s consistent, she’s highly likely to be on the field most of the time and we have a good relationship,” the coach said.
“When you’re touring you need to know everything that’s going on, who is happy and not and what works and doesn’t work in her mind. She has a big say in pretty much everything.”
They may be light on experience but Mariu is excited by the talent in the squad and the way they have gelled off the field.
The Kiwi Ferns made a nervous start during Thursday’s opening game against Canada before finding their groove in the second half to record a 50-4 victory.
They play their second pool game against the Cook Islands on Sunday and Mariu is confident they will continue to improve as they work towards a place in the final on December 2.
“If we stick to the basics and do them well, all good things can come from that,” the skipper said.
“It’s about keeping our unit tight, keeping the culture strong and knowing that there’s no individuals out there. It’s a team effort.”
The Ferns ran in 14 tries in a near-perfect performance with speedster Honey Hireme crossing for six tries in a clinical display of rugby league.
Halfback Kimiora Nati put in another strong showing as she led her team around with her pin-point kicking game and combined strongly with halves partner Raecene McGregor, who crossed for two tries of her own.
Cook Islands enjoyed a promising opening stanza with their threatening attacking raids causing havoc for the New Zealand defence, but it was the Ferns who broke the deadlock with a right-to-left shift at the opposing end which gave Hireme the first try of the contest.
Hireme found open space in the ensuing set with a burst down the left-hand touchline, and a second try was looming for New Zealand but winger Atawhai Tupea couldn’t maintain possession in the opposite corner.
While the Cooks Islands were desperately searching for a quick reprieve, the Ferns were brimming with confidence and rampaging front-rower Lilieta Maumau extended their lead after she brushed off a host of defenders on her way to the try-line.
Kimiora Nati converted from in-front to take a 10-0 stranglehold after 20 minutes.
New Zealand continued their dominance with their forwards laying a strong platform through the middle-third, and Shontelle Woodman took full advantage as she added her name to the scoresheet just moments later.
Nita Maynard was providing significant impact off the bench with some darting runs out of dummy-half, and a break through the middle was finished with a quick play-the-ball for fellow interchange player Krystal Murray, who crossed for their fourth try.
Hireme and Woodman were causing trouble for the Cook Islands right-edge defence as they combined for three tries within a relentless five minute period, with Hireme grabbing her hat-trick courtesy of a some brilliant inside play from Woodman.
Murray was denied a second try in the closing stages of the first-half, but it made little difference as the Ferns dominated proceedings to take a 38-0 lead at the break.
New Zealand five-eighth Raecene McGregor split the defence in the early exchanges of the second-half and was brought down just metres out from the try-line, with Hireme capitalising on the broken defence and crossing for her fourth try of the game.
Hireme eventually grabbed her fifth try after being previously denied by the video referee with Nati unable to convert as the Ferns took a 48-0 lead after 50 minutes.
Fullback Apii Nicholls-Paulau was putting in another stellar performance with some evasive runs and tireless efforts from the back, and soon turned provider fro McGregor with a brilliant offload that put the five-eighth over from close range.
McGregor raced away for her second try off the following set before Maynard snuck her way over the try-line just five minutes later.
The Cook Islands were valiant despite trailing on the scoreboard as they continued to fight hard for valuable field position and were frantically scrambling in defence, but the left-side attack of the Ferns couldn’t be stopped as Hireme sprinted away for her eighth try of the tournament.
Murray scored her second try with a bulldozing run from 30 metres in the closing stages out before her team backed it up with some committed goal-line defence to hold out the Cook Islands and finish with a dominant 76-0 victory.
New Zealand 76 (Hireme 6, McGregor 2, Woodman 2, Murray 2, Maumau,, Maynard tries; Nati 10 goals) def. Cook Islands 0
Three debutants have been named in Kiwi Ferns Coach Tony Benson’s starting line-up to take on Cook Islands in New Zealand’s second Women’s Rugby League World Cup game tomorrow at 4pm (AEDT).
While Nicholls-Pualau, New Zealand’s stand-out player against Canada will remain in fullback, Racquel Anderson, Louisa Gago and Australian-based Kiwi Raecene McGregor will play their first international Test.
Hailing from Waikato, Racquel Anderson will reap the benefits of making the three hour round trip to each training in the lead up to the World Cup.
“I’m rearing to get out on that field and put all those hard yards spent travelling and training hard into practice,”
“I know when I pull on that black jersey for my first time I’ll be thinking of the little league community that we have back in Tokoroa and hopefully my story will empower more young women to get out there and play the game we all love,” she said.
Kiwi Ferns v Cook Islands November 19, 4pm (AEDT) Southern Cross Group Stadium, Sydney
1 – Apii Nicholls-Pualau 2 – Atawhai Tupaea 3 – Amber Kani 4 – Shontelle Woodman 5 – Honey Hireme 6 – Raecene McGregor * 7 – Kimiora Nati 8 – Lilieta Maumau 9 – Racquel Anderson * 10 – Kahurangi Peters 20- Hilda Peters 12 – Louisa Gago * 13 – Laura Mariu (Captain) 14 – Nita Maynard 15- Krystal Murray 16 – Ngatokotoru Arakua 17 – Bunty Kuruwaka-Crowe 19 – Aieshaleigh Smalley * 22- Annetta-Claudia Nuuausala
Fullback Apii Nicholls-Pualau starred for the Ferns as she continued to cause havoc with the ball in-hand, while halfback Kimiora Nati was a shining light with a clinical performance.
The Kiwis got off to the perfect start with winger Honey Hireme crossing for the first try of the tournament courtesy of some nice lead-up play from Nicholls-Pualau.
Their lead was short lived, however, as they were unable to withstand the pressure from Canada with back-rower Megan Pakulis barging her way over from dummy-half.
The Ferns regained the lead just moments later with speedster Atawhai Tupaea streaking down the right-hand touchline for their second try of the contest.
Kimiora Nati converted to take a handy 10-4 advantage after 15 minutes.
The Kiwis continued to force an array of handling errors with some brutally absorbing tackles but were unable to extend their lead with some costly mistakes of their own.
Despite the valiant efforts of Canada to level the scores, Ferns centre Shontelle Woodman eventually found a breakthrough after palming off a host of defenders before passing inside to Hireme for her second try of the contest.
Nati polished off a dominant first-half performance with her second conversion as the Ferns went into half-time with a 16-4 lead.
New Zealand earned an attacking raid off the first-set thanks to some barnstorming runs from their forwards, and Hireme looked to have completed her hat-trick only to knock the ball on as she dived in the left-hand corner.
Teuila Fotu-Moala continued her dominance as she brushed off defenders to burst through the middle-third, and their momentum couldn’t be stopped as Lilieta Maumau added her name to the scoresheet.
Brimming with confidence, the Ferns soon found themselves on the attack again with Krystal Murray providing significant impact off the bench with a try of her own.
Nati continued her strong day with the boot as she converted to take a comfortable 28-4 lead after 55 minutes.
Fotu-Moala was rewarded for her determined efforts with a four-pointer before Nicholls-Pualau scored their fourth try within a relentless 11 minute period.
Fotu-Moala and Mama both grabbed their second tries in the closing stages to round off a dominant 50-4 victory.
New Zealand 50 (Hireme 2, Fotu-Moala 2, Maumau 2, Tupaea, Murray, Nicholls-Pualau tries; Nati 7 goals) Canada 4 (Pakulias try)
Kiwi Ferns Coach Tony Benson has named his side for New Zealand’s first Women’s Rugby League World Cup game against Canada tomorrow at 1.45pm (AEDT).
In what will be her fifth Rugby League World Cup, Laura Mariu will captain the Kiwi Ferns when they run out at Southern Cross Group Stadium in Sydney tomorrow afternoon. Experienced veterans Sharlene Atai and Honey Hireme will start in the second row and left wing positions respectively.
Nicholls-Pualau will make her international debut starting at fullback with Australian-based and Gisborne-born Nita Maynard set to make her debut off the bench.
“To play in that black jersey is the highest honour and I’m so privileged to be named in the starting line-up,”
“I know I’ve got my work cut out for me but I’m ready to get out there and give it my all,” Nicholls-Pualau says.
For Maynard, being one of the first Australian-based Kiwis to pull on the Kiwi Ferns jersey is a dream come true.
“Raecene and I were lucky enough to get the opportunity to trial and when we both got the call up into that final Kiwi Ferns World Cup squad the feeling was indescribable,”
“It makes it even more special that I’ll be playing my first international Test at my home stadium where I play with the Cronulla Sharks,” she said.
Coach Tony Benson says he is happy with the blend of youth and experience in his team to take on Canada.
“I’m excited that we can finally put all the hard work and sacrifices to good use on the field and I’m confident in the team that will run out tomorrow,” he says.
Kiwi Ferns v Canada November 16, 1.45pm (AEDT) Southern Cross Group Stadium, Sydney
1- Apii Nicholls-Pualau* 2- Atawhai Tupaea 3- Maitua Feterika 4- Shontelle Woodman 5- Honey Hireme 6- Georgia Hale (Vice Captain) 7- Kimiora Nati 8- Lilieta Maumau 9- Krystal Rota 10- Bunty Kuruwaka-Crowe 11- Sharlene Atai 12- Teuila Fotu-Moala 13- Laura Mariu (Captain) 14- Nita Maynard* 15- Krystal Murray 16- Ngatokotoru Arakua 17- Amber Kani 18- Louisa Gago 19- Kahurangi Peters
The atmosphere was tense when the Kiwis marched their haka but when the full-time siren rung, history had been made.
The supporters sung louder, the subs danced on the sideline, the scoreboard read: Tonga 28, New Zealand 22 and Tonga celebrated their first ever victory over the Kiwis – and the first victory by a tier two rugby league nation over a tier one opponent.
The stadium shook with the noise of Tongan hymns and cheering but the red wasn’t as prevalent as it was last week and there were plenty of black jerseys chanting “Kiwis” in reply.
Tonga forward Sio Siua Taukeiaho dedicated the historic to win to his country’s supporters.
“It’s great to see, it’s great to see all the Tonga fans who have come out from Auckland and all over New Zealand just to support our little nation.
“Seeing them out there tonight, it was great for us to put on a performance like we just did and come away for the win. All our hard work goes towards them for all of the support they have given us. It was just awesome to have them there supporting us
In a losing side, Kiwis backrower Simon Mannering was gracious.
“I can walk off that field with a smile on my face, just really happy for rugby league in general,” he said.
“I’m very much disappointed, but it was a real great spectacle for rugby league, I’ve played for a number of years and that’s probably the best crowd I’ve ever played in front of.”
Mannering said that Tonga played with a lot of energy and capitalised on the Kiwis’ mistakes well.
“We definitely could have handled the situation better, all of us, from younger guys to older guys,” he said.
“But with losses, the best thing you can do is make sure you learn from them.
“I always thought how good it would be for a game where these second tier nations beat these top tier nations and unfortunately that was us today.”
New Zealand Kiwis 22 (Tuivasa-Sheck (2), Watene Zelezniak, Rapana tries; Johnson 3 goals) Tonga 28 (Fusitu’a (3), Lolohea, Hopate tries; Taukeiaho penalty, 2 goals, Lolohea 1 goal). Half-time: New Zealand Kiwis 16 led Tonga 2. Crowd:24,105
Jesse King Rugby League World Cup 2017 Contributor
What’s the situation? The board of Wellington Rugby League has been busy developing its strategic plan aimed at growing Rugby League in the greater Wellington region. We have great relationships with our key stakeholders and are about to renew our MOU with Sport Wellington. It’s a great time to join us as our new General Manager who will work with the board and staff to move the game forward in leaps and bounds, implementing our new strategy and driving the success train forward. The strategy is in place, we know what we want to achieve; you’ll be joining us to work out exactly how we achieve it, implement it and smash it!
Are you our GM? This is a key role promoting and supporting rugby league communities throughout the Wellington region to develop the game, deliver our core strategies and increase participation. Although experience with Rugby League isn’t essential, as a New Zealander, you probably care a great deal about the game and sport in general.
You’ll understand the challenges here in Wellington and the importance of having amazing relationships with all your stakeholders; the clubs, fundraisers and of course Rugby League itself.
It goes without saying that you’ll have a strong work ethic and willingness to ‘roll your sleeves up’ to get the job done with limited resources. You’ll also likely have: • An appreciation of the strategic issues facing sport and the potential for Rugby League to add value to the communities the game serves. • A proven track record developing and maintain positive working relationships with diverse stakeholder groups. • Sound working knowledge of financial reporting and performance management processes in order to provide competent operational management of the Wellington Zone. • An ability to drive change and positively influence culture. • The ability to maximise revenue generation opportunities via understanding of the sponsorship and/or funding sectors (marketing experience would be an advantage). • Experience managing staff, volunteers and contractors with a leadership record.
What’s in it for you? So you’re keen (as you should be), it sounds like a great opportunity, so you’re wondering “what’s in it for me?” If having the opportunity to really make your mark, surrounded by other like-minded sporting people as you establish your own brand and leadership through Rugby League here in Wellington isn’t enough, how about adding a company car and phone to the mix? You’ll receive a competitive salary along with the satisfaction of doing something you love on a daily basis.
To apply: Have we just described your dream job? Has your stomach done that little flip of excitement it does when you finally find what you’ve been looking for? Do you have the experience and the drive we need to make this work? If so, send your detailed C.V and a cover letter to Darren.rewi@nzrl.co.nz If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to contact us, whether it’s to talk about the role in general or to discuss salary – we want to hear from you!
Kiwis Coach David Kidwell has brought back nearly one hundred Tests of experience for Saturday’s Rugby League World Cup clash against Tonga in Hamilton.
After sitting out the Kiwis 74-6 victory over Scotland, veterans Thomas Leuluai returns to the number 9 jersey while Simon Mannering slots in at 11.
Jordan Rapana will start on the right wing, while Dallin Watene-Zelezniak gets his first ever chance to play in front of his home crowd, partnering with club team mate Dean Whare on the left wing and centre respectively.
Kodi Nikorima will join Shaun Johnson in the halves with Te Maire Martin named in 19.
Isaac Liu is the only change to the bench, which continues to look to Russell Packer, Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Danny Levi to add a further spark during the match.
NEW ZEALAND v TONGA WAIKATO STADIUM, HAMILTON 11 NOVEMBER 2017
KIWI NO. JERSEY NO. NAME TEST APPEARANCES 779 1 ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK 14 794 2 DALLIN WATENE-ZELEZNIAK 4 776 3 DEAN WHARE 17 803 4 BRAD TAKAIRANGI 2 798 5 JORDAN RAPANA 6 793 6 KODI NIKORIMA 6 774 7 SHAUN JOHNSON 23 785 8 MARTIN TAUPAU 18 704 9 THOMAS LEULUAI 39 755 10 JARED WAEREA-HARGREAVES 21 731 11 SIMON MANNERING 43 800 12 JOSEPH TAPINE 4 732 13 ADAM BLAIR 43 804 14 NELSON ASOFA-SOLOMONA 2 768 15 RUSSELL PACKER 5 805 16 ISAAC LIU 1 806 17 DANNY LEVI 2 796 18 KENNY BROMWICH 3 802 19 TE MAIRE MARTIN 2 770 20 ELIJAH TAYLOR 11 781 21 PETA HIKU 10
Kiwi Ferns overcome a strong Maori Ferns side in their World Cup warm-up match in Hamilton coming out on top, 32-12.
The win was extra special for local Kiwi Ferns, Honey Hireme and Shontelle Woodman, both scoring in front of a home crowd filled with family and friends.
Young Kiwi Ferns and debutantes were able to get a taste for the World Cup atmosphere on home soil, before heading to Sydney for the Women’s Rugby League World Cup where they will play their three pool matches https://nzrl.co.nz/rlwc2017-womens-draw/.
Kiwi Ferns Captain Laura Mariu reflects on the win in Waikato:
Kiwi Ferns 32 (Honey Hireme 2, Krystal Murray, Maitua Feterika 2, Shontelle Woodman, Apii Nicholls-Pualau tries; Kimiora Nati 2 goals) Maori Ferns 12 (Sharnita Woodman, Te Aroha Hapuku tries; Jonsal Tautari penalty & goal)
The Kiwis enjoyed a beautiful week of summer in Christchurch and topped it off with a comprehensive win over the Scots. The conditions were as far from their previous encounter during the 2016 Four Nations as they could have been. The sun was shining, the ground was in excellent condition and the home fans were loud and proud.
New Zealand and Tonga will battle it out for top spot in Pool B and the opportunity to avoid a semi-final clash with Australia.
In what equated to the New Zealand version of Super Saturday, the Kiwis demolished Scotland 74-6 at Christchurch Stadium and then watched as Tonga overcame Samoa 32-18.
The Kiwis and Mate Ma’a are both undefeated and will meet next Saturday at Waikato Stadium in one of the most eagerly awaited matches of the tournament, with the winner set to play the third-placed team from Pool A in the quarter-finals.
That team is now likely to be Lebanon after the Cedars went down to England 29-10 at Sydney Football Stadium in the later match on Saturday night.
Match Report: Shaun Johnson has become New Zealand’s leading Test point-scorer as the Kiwis’ ran riot in a 74-6 rout of Scotland at Christchurch Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Kiwis amassed a staggering 14 tries as they blew Scotland away in a performance that will leave the rest of the competition weary of having to encounter a side now beaming with confidence.
The three tries to both Peta Hiku and Te Maire Martin will hold prominence at the top of the scoreboard, but it was the clinical, across-the-park showing of the entire team which stood out.
It was a 28-point shut-out in the opening 40 minutes and after the break the free-flowing and ad-lib football continued as New Zealand took advantage of the glorious conditions and dry track.
Johnson scored 22 points from a try and nine goals, adding to his 14-point haul in the 38-8 victory over Samoa, giving him an incredible 36 already for the tournament.
The 27-year-old took his Test points tally to 175 in his 23 Test/World Cup appearances, passing Matthew Ridge’s mark of 168 points.
The Kiwis had 196 total runs compared to Scotland’s 84. A total of 2079 run metres to the Bravehearts’ 636. And 31 offloads to the Scot’s six. It was a complete overpowering.
Right from the start the Kiwis showed they weren’t afraid to throw the ball around and their efforts were rewarded with three tries in the first 15 minutes.
By halftime, their 70 percent share of possession had helped them to half-a-dozen tries – including a Jason Nightingale double – and the lead had extended to 28-0.
New Zealand’s approach was personified by Nelson Asofa-Solomona, who threw a casual flick-pass after bumping off several Scottish defenders to set-up Martin for the Kiwis’ fifth try of the day.
Russell Packer scored his first try in a Kiwis jersey three minutes after the break as New Zealand moved to a 34-0 lead. Joseph Tapine was at the forefront of New Zealand’s destructive forward-pack who simply monstered Scotland out of the game.
Tries to Martin and Hiku – their second each of the day – along with one by Dean Whare propelled the margin out to 52 points midway through the second half, as New Zealand showed-off their depth and potential dominance to the rest of the competition.
Fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck picked up the man-of-the-match award and sits just one try short of claiming the Kiwis’ all-time World Cup try-scoring record, which he shares with New Zealand legend Lesley Vainikolo on nine.
The win leaves New Zealand ready to take on Tonga next week in what is being billed as one of the matches of the tournament to played in New Zealand, while Scotland will be icing their wounds after a damaging afternoon.
New Zealand Kiwis 74 (Martin 3, Hiku 3, Nightingale 2, Whare, Johnson, Taylor, Bromwich, Tapine, Packer tries; Johnson 9 goals) Scotland Bravehearts 6 (Thomas try; Addy goal). Half-time: New Zealand Kiwis 28 led Scotland Bravehearts 0. Crowd:12,130
Max McKinney | @MaxMckinney Rugby League World Cup 2017 Correspondent
Shaun Johnson will have a new halves partner for Saturday night’s Rugby League World Cup clash against Scotland with Te Maire Martin to wear the number 6 jersey in just his second Test.
Jason Nightingale, Peta Hiku and Dean Whare all get starts in a reshaped backline while Addin Fonua-Blake is set to earn his first Kiwis cap coming off the bench. Kenny Bromwich is fit and rearing to go in the back row. Elijah Taylor will start at hooker, rounding out the seven changes to the side that beat Samoa 38-8 at Mt Smart.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Russell Packer and Danny Levi will again provide spark off the bench.
Thomas Leuluai and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak are 18th and 19th men respectively, Simon Mannering and Jordan Rapana are 20 and 21.
NEW ZEALAND v SCOTLAND CHRISTCHURCH STADIUM 4 NOVEMBER 2017 KIWI NO. JERSEY NO. NAME TEST APPEARANCES 779 1 ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK 13 747 2 JASON NIGHTINGALE 32 776 3 DEAN WHARE 16 803 4 BRAD TAKAIRANGI 1 781 5 PETA HIKU 9 802 6 TE MAIRE MARTIN 1 774 7 SHAUN JOHNSON 22 785 8 MARTIN TAUPAU 17 770 9 ELIJAH TAYLOR 10 755 10 JARED WAEREA-HARGREAVES 20 796 11 KENNY BROMWICH 2 800 12 JOSEPH TAPINE 3 732 13 ADAM BLAIR 42 804 14 NELSON ASOFA-SOLOMONA 1 768 15 RUSSELL PACKER 4 * 16 ADDIN FONUA-BLAKE – 806 17 DANNY LEVI 1 704 18 THOMAS LEULUAI 39 794 19 DALLIN WATENE-ZELEZNIAK 4 731 20 SIMON MANNERING 43 798 21 JORDAN RAPANA 6
New Zealand scored five unanswered second half tries to win in a physical opening round World Cup clash in Auckland, but the win was soured by the loss of centre Gerard Beale with a leg injury.
Beale was taken from the field on a medicab, suffered a suspected broken leg as he was running in support and fell to the ground without being touched.
His loss is a blow for the new-look Kiwis, who had to overcome an emotion-charged Samoa side, with blood, sweat and tears all shed on the field as both teams wore their jerseys with pride in a tough and hard-hitting match.
Hardman Junior Paulo went from tears to aggression as he sung the national anthem before leading Samoa in a spine tingling pre-game war dance.
Following a blood pumping Haka from New Zealand, the opening minutes of the game featured hard straight running, and brick wall defence.
But it took only five minutes for New Zealand to break through Samoa’s defence and record their opening try of the World Cup.
40 meters out from Samoa’s line, Rapana flicked the ball inside to Shaun Johnson who drew the full-back and returned the ball to a full flight Rapana who ran down the field for New Zealand’s first try.
Following Johnson’s unsuccessful conversion, the match fell into an arm wrestle as the big men of both teams tried to bash their team into good field possession.
But it would be the footwork of New Zealand forward Simon Mannering that created a chance for Shaun Johnson to extend their lead 20 minutes out from half time.
Holding onto a slim 10-0 lead, Samoa needed to strike before half time to get back into the game.
And with just four minutes left to play in the half, Joey Leilua came off his edge and threw a long cut out ball to Ken Maumalo who picked up the bouncing ball and planted it down to bring the score line to 10-4 shortly before half time.
After a scrappy start to the game, completing just over 50% of their sets, New Zealand started to show glimpses of their world-class talent.
Then in the 56th minute, Johnson launched a grubber off his right boot, which sat up perfectly for Kodi Nikorima to give New Zealand a confident 20-4 lead as their attack started to gel.
New Zealand’s momentum was dealt a big blow in the 61st minute when Beale was taken from the field after suffering his injury. Beale was motionless on the field as his teammates were clearly distressed after falling to the ground after a tackle.
Despite the injury, New Zealand continued to rally and put Samoa to the sword as they ran in three unanswered tries in 20 minutes to finish the match.
As the siren sounded to finished the match, Samoa finally broke through New Zealand’s defensive line for a late consolation try, but it meant little as New Zealand finished winners, 38-8.
NZ 38 Jordan Rapana, Shaun Johnson, Brad Takairangi, Kodi Nikorima, Issac Liu, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Nelson Asofa-Solomona tries; Shaun Johnson 5 goals Samoa 8 Ken Maumalo, Joseph Paulo tries
James Coman1 | @JamesComan1 Rugby League Wolrd Cup 2017 Reporter
October 28 at Mt Smart
Kiwis Coach David Kidwell has named an attacking line up to tackle Samoa in their opening Rugby League World Cup match at Mt Smart on Saturday October 28.
The mix of youth and enthusiasm as well as experience in Kidwell’s side is displayed with the fact the Kiwis will cap player #804 during the match, whilst Kiwi #704 Thomas Leuluai will start at hooker.
Brad Takairangi will become Kiwi #803 earning his first start in the centres alongside Gerard Beale while Kodi Nikorima will partner Shaun Johnson in the halves.
Martin Taupau will be joined in the front row by skipper Adam Blair with the back row made up of Simon Mannering, Joseph Tapine and Kenny Bromwich.
Russell Packer who will provide a further spark off the bench along with Danny Levi, Isaac Liu and Nelson Asofa-Solomona will also earn their first Kiwis cap.
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is named in 18 with Peta Hiku in 19, Te Maire Martin 20 and Addin Fonua-Blake in 21.
NEW ZEALAND v SAMOA MOUNT SMART STADIUM AUCKLAND Saturday 28 October 2017
KIWI NO. JERSEY NO. NAME TEST APPEARANCES 779 1 ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK 12 794 2 DALLIN WATENE-ZELEZNIAK 3 767 3 GERARD BEALE 10 * 4 BRAD TAKAIRANGI – 798 5 JORDAN RAPANA 5 793 6 KODI NIKORIMA 5 774 7 SHAUN JOHNSON 21 785 8 MARTY TAUPAU 16 704 9 THOMAS LEULUAI 38 732 10 ADAM BLAIR (C) 41 796 11 KENNY BROMWICH 2 800 12 JOSEPH TAPINE 2 731 13 SIMON MANNERING 42 * 14 NELSON ASOFA-SOLOMONA – 768 15 RUSSELL PACKER 3 * 16 ISAAC LIU – * 17 DANNY LEVI – 755 18 JARED WAEREA-HARGREAVES 19 781 19 PETA HIKU 9 802 20 TE MAIRE MARTIN 1 * 21 ADDIN FONUA-BLAKE –
A committed second half effort from the NZ Maori side saw them turn a half time six point deficit into a six point win.
The NZ Residents (NZR) were the first to score with a try to Jordan Tuarae, his second try and a second conversion from winger Aaron Jolley had the NZR up 12-nil mid way through the half.
Manaia Osborne scored for the NZ Maori and fullback Patrick Herbert kicked the first of his three conversions to bring the score back to 12-6 before the NZR kicked a 40/20 right on half time. Only spirited defence from the NZ Maori prevented NZR from converting this into points.
After half time momentum swung the other way and while the NZ Residents struggled with injury and substitutions, the NZ Maori dug deep to score 16 unanswered points and lead 22-12 before a late try by the NZR brought the score to 22-16.
NZ Residents: 16 Cole Waaka, Jordan Tuarae (2) tries; Aaron Jolley 2 goals
NZ Maori: 22 Dean Kouka-Smith, Royden Gillett, Manaia Osborne, Piki Rogers tries; Patrick Herbert 3 goals
The confirmed squads for the RLWC2017 Men’s Tournament have been confirmed today. Get behind your Kiwis!
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Pool A
Australia 1.Reagan Campbell-Gillard (Penrith Panthers), 2.Will Chambers (Melbourne Storm), 3.Boyd Cordner (Vice-Captain) (Sydney Roosters), 4.Cooper Cronk (Melbourne Storm), 5.Josh Dugan (St George Illawarra Dragons), 6.Tyson Frizell (St George Illawarra Dragons), 7.Dane Gagai (Newcastle Knights), ,8.Matt Gillett (Brisbane Broncos), 9.Wade Graham (Cronulla Sharks), 10.Valentine Holmes (Cronulla Sharks), 11.Ben Hunt (Brisbane Broncos), 12.Felise Kaufusi (Melbourne Storm), 13.David Klemmer (Canterbury Bulldogs), 14.Josh McGuire (Brisbane Broncos), 15.James Maloney (Cronulla Sharks), 16.Josh Mansour (Penrith Panthers), 17.Jordan McLean (Melbourne Storm), 18.Michael Morgan (North Queensland Cowboys), 19.Cameron Munster (Melbourne Storm), 20.Billy Slater (Melbourne Storm), 21.Cameron Smith (Captain) (Melbourne Storm), 22.Jake Trbojevic (Manly Sea Eagles), 23.Tom Trbojevic (Manly Sea Eagles), 24.Aaron Woods (Wests Tigers).
England 1.John Bateman (Wigan Warriors), 2.Kevin Brown (Warrington Wolves), 3.Sam Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs), 4.Thomas Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs), 5.Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves), 6.Luke Gale (Castleford Tigers), 7.James Graham (Canterbury Bulldogs), 8.Ryan Hall (Leeds Rhinos), 9.Chris Heighington (Cronulla Sharks), 10.Chris Hill (Warrington Wolves), 11.Josh Hodgson (Canberra Raiders), 12.Jonny Lomax (St Helens), 13.Jermaine McGillvary (Huddersfield Giants), 14.Mike McMeeken (Castleford Tigers), 15.Sean O’Loughlin (Captain) (Wigan Warriors), 16.Mark Percival (St Helens), 17.Stefan Ratchford (Warrington Wolves), 18.James Roby (St Helens), 19.Scott Taylor (Hull FC), 20.Alex Walmsley (St Helens), 21.Kallum Watkins (Leeds Rhinos), 22.Elliott Whitehead (Canberra Raiders), 23.Gareth Widdop (St George Illawarra Dragons), 24.George Williams (Wigan Warriors).
France 1.Bastien Ader (Toulouse Olympique), 2.Olivier Arnaud (SO Avignon XIII), 3.Lucas Albert (Catalans Dragons), 4.Jason Baitieri (Catalans Dragons), 5.William Barthau (Toulouse Olympique), 6.Guillaume Bonnet (SO Avignon XIII), 7.Julian Bousquet (Catalans Dragons), 8.Clement Boyer (Toulouse Olympique), 9.Damien Cardace (FC Lezignan), 10.Nabil Djalout (Catalans Dragons), 11.Theo Fages (Captain) (St Helens), 12.John Boudebza (London Harlequins), 13.Benjamin Garcia (Catalans Dragons), 14.Maxime Herold (XIII Limouxin), 15.Benjamin Jullien (Warrington Wolves), 16.Thibault Margalet (Catalans Dragons), 17.Anthony Maria (Toulouse Olympique), 18.Hakim Miloudi (Doncaster/Hull FC), 19.Mark Keirallah (Toulouse Olympique), 20.Roman Navarette (Catalans Dragons), 21.Eloi Pelissier (Leigh Centurions), 22.Mickael Rouch (XIII Limouxin), 23.Gadwin Springer (Castleford Tigers), 24.Fouad Yaha (Catalans Dragons).
Lebanon 1.Robbie Farah (Captain) (South Sydney Rabbitohs), 2.Mitchell Moses (Vice-Captain) (Parramatta Eels), 3.Danny Barakat (Wentworthville Magpies), 4.Jamie Clark (Auburn Warriors), 5.Adam Doueihi (South Sydney Rabbitohs), 6.James Elias (West Newcastle), 7.Ahmad Ellaz (Auburn Warriors), 8.Nick Kassis (Blacktown Workers), 9.Andrew Kazzi (Wests Tigers), 10.Anthony Layoun (Parramatta Eels), 11.Michael Lichaa (Canterbury Bulldogs), 12.Mitchell Mamary (Wentworthville Magpies), 13.Bilal Maarbani (Manly Sea Eagles), 14.Abbas Miski (North Sydney Bears), 15.Tim Mannah (Parramatta Eels), 16.Ray Moujalli (Canterbury Bulldogs), 17.Reece Robinson (unattached), 18.Travis Robinson (Newtown Jets), 19.Chris Saab (Blacktown Workers), 20.Raymond Sabat (Lycans FC), 21.Jaleel Seve-Derbas (Wests Tigers), 22.Elias Sukkar (Wentworthville Magpies), 23.Alex Twal (Wests Tigers), 24.Jason Wehbe (unattached).
Pool B
New Zealand 1.Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Melbourne Storm), 2.Gerard Beale (Cronulla Sharks), 3.Adam Blair (Captain) (Brisbane Broncos), 4.Kenneath Bromwich (Melbourne Storm), 5.Addin Fonua-Blake (Manly Sea Eagles), 6.Peta Hiku (Warrington Wolves), 7.Shaun Johnson (New Zealand Warriors), 8.Thomas Leuluai (Wigan Warriors), 9.Danny Levi (Newcastle Knights), 10.Isaac Liu (Sydney Roosters), 11.Simon Mannering (New Zealand Warriors), 12.Te Maire Martin (North Queensland Cowboys), 13.Jason Nightingale (St George Illawarra Dragons), 14.Kodi Nikorima (Brisbane Broncos), 15.Russell Packer (St George Illawarra Dragons), 16.Jordan Rapana (Canberra Raiders), 17.Brad Takairangi (Parramatta Eels), 18.Joseph Tapine (Canberra Raiders), 19.Martin Taupau (Manly Sea Eagles), 20.Elijah Taylor (Wests Tigers), 21.Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (New Zealand Warriors), 22.Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Sydney Roosters), 23.Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (Penrith Panthers), 24.Dean Whare (Penrith Panthers).
Samoa 1.Frank Pritchard (Captain) (Parramatta Eels), 2.Bunty Afoa (NZ Warriors), 3.Leeson Ah Mau (St George Illawarra Dragons), 4.Fa’amanu Brown (Cronulla Sharks), 5.Herman Ese’ese (Brisbane Broncos), 6.Pita Godinet (Manly Sea Eagles), 7.Tim Lafai (St George Illawarra Dragons), 8.Joseph Leilua (Canberra Raiders), 9.Ricky Leutele (Cronulla Sharks), 10.Sam Lisone (NZ Warriors), 11.Jarome Luai (Penrith Panthers), 12.Suaia Matagi (Parramatta Eels), 13.Peter Mata’utia (Newcastle Knights), 14.Ken Maumalo (NZ Warriors), 15.Zane Musgrove (South Sydney Rabbitohs), 16.Josh Papalii (Canberra Raiders), 17.Joseph Paulo (Canberra Raiders), 18.Junior Paulo (Cronulla Sharks), 19.Ben Roberts (Castleford Tigers), 20.Sam Tagataese (Cronulla Sharks), 21.Jazz Tevaga (NZ Warriors), 22.Young Tonumaipea (Melbourne Storm), 23.Frank Winterstein (Manly Sea Eagles), 24.Matthew Wright (Manly Sea Eagles).
Scotland 1.Alex Walker (London Broncos), 2.Andrew Bentley (Toulouse Olympique), 3.Ben Hellewell (London Broncos), 4.Ben Kavanagh (Hull KR), 5.Brandan Wilkinson (Bradford Bulls), 6.Callum Phillips (Workington Town), 7.Dale Ferguson (Huddersfield Giants), 8.Danny Addy (Hull KR), 9.Danny Brough (Captain) (Huddersfield Giants), 10.David Scott (Batley Bulldogs), 11.Frankie Mariano (Featherstone Rovers), 12.James Bell (NZ Warriors), 13.Jarred Anderson (Sydney Roosters), 14.Johnny Walker (Darlington Point Roosters), 15.Kane Bentley (Toulouse Olympique), 16.Kieran Moran (Hull KR), 17.Lachlan Stein (Penrith Panthers), 18.Lewis Tierney (Wigan Warriors), 19.Luke Douglas (St Helens), 20.Matthew Russell (Warrington Wolves), 21.Oscar Thomas (Bradford Bulls), 22.Ryan Brierley (Toronto Wolfpack), 23.Sam Brooks (Featherstone Rovers), 24.Shane Toal (Barrow Raiders).
Tonga 1.Andrew Fifita (Cronulla Sharks), 2.Mahe Fonua (Hull FC), 3.David Fusitu’a (NZ Warriors), 4.Siliva Havili (St George Illawarra Dragons), 5.Ata Hingano (NZ Warriors), 6.Will Hopoate (Canterbury Bulldogs), 7.Konrad Hurrell (Gold Coast Titans), 8.Michael Jennings (Parramatta Eels), 9.Solomone Kata (NZ Warriros), 10.Sione Katoa (Penrith Panthers), 11.Samisoni Langi (Leigh Centurions), 12.Tuimoala Lolohea (Wests Tigers), 13.Sika Manu (Hull FC), 14.Manu Ma’u (Parramatta Eels), 15.Sam Moa (Catalans Dragons), 16.Ben Murdoch Masila (Salford Red Devils), 17.Joe Ofahengaue (Brisbane Broncos), 18.Tevita Pangai jnr (Brisbane Broncos), 19.Ukuma Ta’ai (Huddersfield Giants), 20.Sio Siua Taukieaho (Sydney Roosters), 21.Jason Taumalolo (North Queensland Cowboys), 22.Peni Terepo (Parramatta Eels), 23.Daniel Tupou (Sydney Roosters), 24.Manu Vatuvei (Salford Red Devils).
Pool C
Papua New Guinea 1.David Mead (Captain), Brisbane Broncos), 2.Ase Boas (Vice-Captain) (PNG Hunters), 3.Enoch Maki (PNG Hunters), 4.Garry Lo (Sheffield Eagles), 5.James Segeyaro (Cronulla Sharks), 6.Justin Olam (Melbourne Storm/Sunshine Coast Falcons), 7.Kato Ottio (Canberra Raiders), 8.Kurt Baptiste (Canberra Raiders), 9.Lachlan Lam (Sydney Roosters), 10.Luke Page (Burleigh Bears), 11.Moses Meninga (PNG Hunters), 12.Nene MacDonald (St. George Illawarra Dragons), 13.Nixon Put (PNG Hunters), 14.Paul Aiton (Catalan Dragons), 15.Rhyse Martin (Canterbury Bulldogs), 16.Rod Griffin (Canterbury Bulldogs), 17.Stanton Albert (PNG Hunters), 18.Stargroth Amean (PNG Hunters), 19.Thompson Teteh (Redcliffe Dolphins), 20.Wartovo Puara Jnr (PNG Hunters), 21.Wellington Albert (PNG Hunters), 22.Watson Boas (PNG Hunters), 23.Willie Minoga (PNG Hunters).
Ireland 1.Liam Finn (Captain) (Wakefield Trinity), 2.Scott Grix (Vice-Captain) (Wakefield Trinity), 3.James Hasson (Wakefield Trinity), 4.Kyle Amor (St Helens), 5.Liam Kay (Toronto Wolfpack), 6.Will Hope (Sheffield Eagles), 7.Oliver Roberts (Huddersfield Giants), 8.Ed Chamberlain (Widnes Vikings), 9.George King (Warrington Wolves), 10.Joe Keyes (Bradford Bulls), 11.Joe Philbin (Warrington Wolves), 12.Jack Higginson (Wigan Warriors), 13.Anthony Mullally (Leeds Rhinos), 14.Tyrone McCarthy (Salford Red Devils), 15.Brad Singleton (Leeds Rhinos), 16.Micky McIlorum (Wigan Warriors), 17.Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook (St Helens), 18.Api Pewhairangi (London Broncos), 19.Matty Hadden (Rochdale Hornets), 20.Shannon McDonnell (Camden Rams), 21.Michael Morgan (Canterbury Bulldogs), 22.Casey Dunne (Athboy Longhorns), 23.James Kelly (Sheffield Eagles), 24.Alan McMahon (Waterford Vikings).
Wales 1.Courtney Davies (Gloucestershire All Golds), 2.Steve Parry (Gloucestershire All Golds), 3.Chester Butler (Halifax), 4.Danny Ansell (Hunslet), 5.Sam Hopkins (Leigh Centurions), 6.Michael Channing (London Broncos), 7.Ben Evans (London Broncos), 8.Dalton Grant (London Broncos), 9.Elliot Kear (Vice-Captain) (London Broncos), 10.Rhys Williams (London Broncos), 11.Matty Barron (Newcastle Thunder), 12.Joe Burke (Oldham Roughyeds), 13.Gavin Bennion (Rochdale Hornets), 14.Craig Kopczak (Captain) (Salford Red Devils), 15.Matty Fozard (Sheffield Eagles), 16.Andrew Gay (South Wales Ironmen), 17.Christiaan Roets (South Wales Ironmen), 18.Regan Grace (St Helens), 19.Morgan Knowles (St Helens), 20.Ben Morris (St Helens), 21.Rhodri Lloyd (Swinton Lions), 22.Josh Ralph (Tweed Heads Seagulls), 23.Phil Joseph (Vice-Captain) (Workington Town), 24.Matty Seamark (Wynnum Manly Seagulls).
Pool D
Fiji 1.Kane Evans (Sydney Roosters), 2.Salesi Faingaa (Parramatta Eels), 3.Jarryd Hayne (Gold Coast Titans), 4.Tui Kamikamica (Melbourne Storm/Sunshine Coast Falcons), 5.Viliame Kikau (Penrith Panthers), 6.Apisai Koroisau (Manly Sea Eagles), 7.Joe Lovadua (St George Illawarra Dragons), 8.Henry Raiwalui (Mounties), 9.Taane Milne (St George lIlawarra Dragons), 10.Sitiveni Moceidreke (South Sydney Rabbitohs/North Sydney Bears), 11.Marcelo Montoya (Canterbury Bulldogs), 12.Kevin Naiqama (Captain) (Wests Tigers), 13.Ben Nakubuwai (Gold Coast Titans/Tweed Heads Seagulls), 14.Mikaele Ravalawa (Canberra Raiders), 15.Junior Roqica (London Broncos), 16.Jacob Saifiti (Newcastle Knights), 17.Ashton Sims (Warrington Wolves), 18.Korbin Sims (Brisbane Broncos), 19.Pio Seci (Nabua Broncos), 20.James Storer (Port Kembla Blacks), 21.Akuila Uate (Manly-Sea Eagles), 22.Eloni Vunakece (Sydney Roosters/ Wyong Roos), 23.Suliasi Vunivalu (Melbourne Storm), 24.Brayden Wiliame (Catalans Dragons).
Italy 1.Daniel Alvaro (Parramatta Eels), 2.Mirco Bergamasco (Saluzzo Roosters), 3.Nathan Brown (Parramatta Eels), 4.Christophe Calegari (Palau XIII Broncos), 5.Terry Campese Queanbeyan Blues), 6.Justin Castellaro (Northern Pride), 7.Chris Centrone (Wyong Roos), 8.Geole Cellurino (Saluzzo Roosters/Tully Tigers), 9.Mason Cerruto (Penrith Panthers), 10.Ryan Ghietti (Northern Pride), 11.Gavin Hiscox (Central Qld Capras), 12.Jack Johns (Newcastle Knights), 13.Richard Lepori (Oldham Roughyeds), 14.Josh Mantellato (Wyong Roos), 15.Mark Minichiello (Captain) (Hull FC), 16.Nathan Milone (Wests Tigers), 17.Joel Riethmuller (Northern Pride), 18.Brendan Santi (Sydney Roosters/Wyong Roos), 19.James Tedesco (Vice-Captain) (Wests Tigers), 20.Joel Tramontana (Canterbury Bulldogs), 21.Paul Vaughan (St George Illawarra Dragons), 22.Jayden Walker (Cronulla Sharks), 23.Colin Wilkie (Northern Pride), 24.Shannon Wakeman (Huddersfield Giants).
USA 1.Jonathan Taylor Alley (Central Florida Warriors), 2.Ryan Burroughs (Toronto Wolfpack), 3.Charles ‘CJ’ Cortalano (White Plains Wombats), 4.Joseph Eichner (Toronto Wolfpack), 5.Bureta Faraimo (NZ Warriors), 6.Gabriel Farley (Philadelphia Fight), 7.Kristian Freed (White Plains Wombats), 8.Daniel Howard (Wentworthville Magpies), 9.Stephen Howard (Mounties), 10.Martwain Johnston (Delaware Black Foxes), 11.Andrew Kneisly (Philadelphia Fight), 12.Corey Makelim (Mounties), 13.Fotukava ‘Hiko’ Malu (Atlanta Rhinos), 14.David Marando (Belrose Eagles), 15.Nicholas Newlin (Atlanta Rhinos), 16.Mark Offerdahl (Captain) (London Broncos), 17.Edward Pettybourne (Tweed Heads Seagulls), 18.Joshua Rice (New York Knights), 19.Matthew Shipway (South Newcastle), 20.Samuel Tochtermann-Talbott (Tweed Heads Seagulls), 21.David Ulch (Tampa Mayhem), 22.Taioalo Junior Vaivai (Illawarra Wests Devils), 23.Matthew Walsh (White Plains Wombats)
New Zealand’s Kiwi Ferns will assemble mid-November in preparation for their tilt at returning the Women’s Rugby League World Cup to NZ. The three-time champions (2000, 2003 & 2008) have been working hard for months to prepare for the tournament.
For the first time this selection process has included talent based in Australia, with a number of players making the trip to NZ to trial with their NZ based counterparts before the squad was selected.
Coach Tony Benson said, “It has been exciting to see the lift in intensity at training and at the trials since we were able to commit more resources to the team.
“They have been working on their fitness levels with our trainers and Athlete Nation at the NZIS gym facilities and refining our nutrition with Lee-Anne Wann, performance nutritionist to prepare themselves for this campaign.
“All the players have really embraced the challenge and I am confident they will give the very best of themselves at this year’s tournament.”
The following squad, led by Laura Mariu, will head to Australia where they will play all their pool games in Sydney. The Women’s final will be played prior to the Men’s final in Brisbane on December 2, 2017. All Kiwi Ferns game will screen live on SKY in NZ.
(In alphabetical order) 1. Raquel Anderson * 2. Ngatokotoru Arakua 3. Sharlene Atai 4. Maitua Feterika 5. Teuila Fotu Moala 6. Louisa Gago * 7. Georgia Hale (VC) 8. Honey Hireme 9. Amber Kani 10. Bunty Kuruwaka-Crowe 11. Laura Mariu (C) 12. Lilieta Maumau 13. Nita Maynard * 14. Raecene McGregor * 15. Krystal Murray 16. Kimiora Nati 17. Apii Nicholls-Pualau * 18 Annetta-Claudia Nuuausala 19. Hilda Peters 20. Kahurangi Peters 21. Krystal Rota 22. Aeishaleigh Smalley * 23. Atawhai Tupaea 24. Shontelle Woodman
* Denotes Debutant
The Kiwi Ferns will play a warm-up game prior to the men’s Samoa v Tonga match in Hamilton on November 4. Buy Tickets.
Tournament details and to buy tickets
National Youth Tournament Final – 17s
Counties Manukau Stingrays v Akarana Falcons
2.30pm Friday 6 October
Puketawhero Park, Rotorua
Counties Manukau Stingrays have ended the Akarana Falcons three year reign as 17s National Youth Tournament winners.
Counties Manukau 26 (Penehuro Richard Toai, Paea Fotu, Tyrin Ona-Murphy, Daylee Dutton, Tevita Mikaele, Etuale Lui-Toeava tries; Tevita Mikaele 4 goals ) Akarana Falcons 18 (Caleb Pese, Matagi-Blade Kamulemu tries; Regan McClennan 2 goals)
17s National Youth Tournament Merit Team:
17s National Youth Tournament Awards:
17s Manager of Tournament: Junie Shelford – Northern Swords
17s Trainer of Tournament: John Taula – Central Vipers
17s Coach of Tournament: Tusa Lefale – Counties Manukau Stingrays
17s Fairplay Team of the Tournament: Northern Swords
17s Player of the Tournament: Semisi Tapa – Auckland Vulcans
National Youth Tournament Final – 15s
Akarana Falcons v Auckland Vulcans
12.30pm Friday 6 October
Akarana Falcons may be the top team from the Akarana zone but the Auckland Vulcans development team weren’t afraid to step up to the mark. It wasn’t till golden point extra time when the Falcons scored a victorious try that had them crowned the 15s National Youth Tournament winners.
Auckland Vulcans 8 (Dominic Elliot tries; Sefa Roache goals; Sefa Roache penalty goal) Akarana Falcons 10 (Sione Tapuosi 2 tries; T.J. Devery penalty goal)
15s National Youth Tournament Awards:
15s Manager of Tournament: Dan Pinn – Akarana
15s Trainer of Tournament: John Hansen – Akarana
15s Coach of Tournament: Daniel McEwen – Wellington
15s Fairplay Team of the Tournament: Northern Swords
15s Player of the Tournament: Benjamin Kosi – Auckland Vulcans
15s Merit Team:
The World’s best are coming for the Rugby League World Cup and that includes the match officials. RLWC2017 head of officiating Tony Archer today announced a squad of match officials for the World Cup and for the first time each of the 26 is drawn from the NRL or Super League competitions only.
In another first, Belinda Sleeman is set to become the first female match official appointed to a World Cup fixture after being included in the squad chosen by Archer and RLWC2017 match officials coach Steve Ganson.
The match officials will act as the tournament’s 15th team and like the players representing each of the 14 nations they will go into camp together in Brisbane for the duration of RLWC2017, which begins in Melbourne on 27 October when Australia plays England.
They will have their own performance manager, a physiotherapist, a logistics and operations manager and three coaches – Ganson from England, Australia’s Russell Smith and New Zealand’s Luke Watts – working under Archer.
Archer said the performances of the match officials during the tournament would determine who was appointed to the World Cup final in Brisbane on 2 December.
There will be some key differences to the way NRL matches are officiated, with World Cup games controlled by one referee – not two – and an in-goal video referral system replacing the Bunker for checking contentious decisions.
There will also be no shot clock for scrums and goal lines drop outs but common rules used in Super League and the NRL will be in operation, including a seventh tackle from the 20-metre re-start if the ball is kicked dead and a tap re-start from a 40:20 kick. Golden point will only be used in finals matches.
NZRL National Referees Manager Luke Watts said.” This is a fantastic reward for Henry Perenara and Chris McMillan. They have been selected in the squad on merit, as the criteria for selection was based purely on performance with no automatic country allocation. Both have made tremendous strides in 2017 moving up the NRL ranking. We are making excellent headway in international referee relations.
“Their selections will have a flow-on effect for NZ officials. Both Henry and Chris are also active in the development of domestic NZ officials, giving up their time to speak at courses and offer coaching to referees.”
Defending champions, Akarana Falcons have done it again cementing their second successive National Premiership title over Waikato, 30-4.
The Falcons put a lid on Waikato’s hopes of a fairy-tale finish with a clinical game of footy at Mt Smart Stadium tonight.
Despite Waikato being presented with the first opportunity to put four points on the board in the first three minutes, the Aucklanders made excellent work of beating them to it. Following back-to-back sets of six and a knock on from Waikato Captain, Aaron Jolley, Akarana’s Siliga Kepaoa crossed the line for the first try of the game, shortly converted by Mark Graham, 6-0.
Relentless defense from Waikato just wasn’t enough to stop the force of Akarana who got another try on the board minutes later to push the score out to 12-0 following another successful conversion from Mark Graham.
A massive set of six from Waikato saw them gear up for their first try but a stray pass that missed the hands of their right-hand winger had Akarana turn the ball over. Waikato continued to match Akarana set for set but just couldn’t quite convert the several opportunities they did have into points.
Coming out of halftime with a 12-0 lead, Akarana caught Waikato napping to put another four points on the scoreboard, once again successfully converted by Mark Graham, 18-0. That was shortly followed by a try from their captain, Philip Kingi that after a conversion, took the score to 24-0.
A sin-bin for Waikato captain, Aaron Jolley, was then matched by Akarana when their star second-rower, Daniel Reuelu-Bachanan was binned too. It was Waikato that took full advantage of the situation when they scored their first well deserved four-pointer of the night in Eric Taiulu. An unsuccessful conversion meant that would be the last points the visitors would put on the board.
Akarana dealt Waikato their final blow in the last 10 minutes with Cole Waaka getting across the line, and Graham successful with his boot to make the final score 30-4.
Although they fell short of creating a fairy-tale finish, Waikato captain, Aaron Jolley was impressed with his team’s performance considering it was only last year they were promoted into the National Premiership.
“We’re super proud just to get into the final with the big boys and our province is proud of us too so we’re happy with the campaign we’ve had this year,â€
“The brotherhood is as strong as ever with some new blood in our team – we’ll be back next year to have another crack,†Jolley said.
Lifting the champions’ shield for the second straight year, Akarana’s captain Philip Kingi was quick to thank his opposition.
“I’d like to thank Waikato for a great game, they really deserved to be here and the score doesn’t quite reflect their efforts this year,â€
“We play a lot of footy together so it was just a matter of stringing together our plays and I think we managed to do that tonight,†Kingi said.
MVP of the match: Taylor Daniels – Akarana
1st/2nd : Akarana v Waikato – October 7, Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland, 7.30pm
Akarana Falcons 30 (Siliga Kepaoa, Daniel Reuelu-Buchanan, Taylor Daniels, Philip Kingi, Cole Waaka tries; Mark Graham 5, goals) Waikato 4 (Eric Taiulu try)
New Zealand Residents team named to play NZ Maori on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at 2.30pm at Pulman Park, Papakura:
NZ Secondary Schools secure another comfortable win over NSW Combined High Schools, 52-6.
The young NZ side may have fallen over in their second match last year but this year managed to take home two wins from two matches against NSW Combined High Schools.
It was a special win for NZ winger Selesitino Ravutaumada who scored himself a hat-trick with some moments of brilliance from the Rotorua Boys’ High School student.
NZSST Captain Jordan Riki also dipped his hand in the try-scoring pot after a magnificent 30 metre solo run planting the ball in the right-hand corner. Hard yards were also put in by the NZ Loose forward Javvier Pitovao who was instrumental in setting up several of NZ’s ten tries.
The NSW team was once again plagued by unforced errors and dropped balls that prevented them from scoring until the final minutes of the game. The four-pointer attempts they did manage to string together were stopped right in their tracks by an outstanding NZ defensive line.
However their first and only try came when Franklin Pele crossed the try-line to be converted by Chris Holten to take the final score to 52-6.
New Zealand Secondary School Team 52 (Selesitino Ravutaumada 3, Christian Tuipulotu, Awatere Kiwara, Jordan Riki, Samuel Nati, Starford To’a, Jonathon Aumua-Falelua-Malio, Patrick Elia tries; Konrad Tu’ua 5 goals) New South Wales Combined High Schools 6 (Franklin Pele try; Chris Holten goal)
Kidwell, who was a student of All Blacks mental skills coach Gilbert Enoka at Hillmorten High School in Christchurch, was a guest of Steve Hansen and his staff on their busiest training day ahead of the Test at ANZ Stadium.
After watching the way Hansen prepared his team, Kidwell was one of the few people not surprised that the All Blacks led the Wallabies 40-6 at halftime and 54-6 in the 46th minute before going on to win 54-34, and says he learned a lot from his time in camp last Thursday.
It was just great to see the way they do things, Kidwell said.
I see myself as a continuous learner so to have the opportunity to learn off one of the premier sports teams in the world, in the all blacks, was obviously beneficial.”
I really enjoyed it and I want to thank Steve and his team for letting me into their inner sanctum.
They are really professional in the way they do things, which is why they are at the top of their sport, and to see it come out in the game last Saturday night was really impressive.
What most impressed Kidwell was the leading role the All Blacks players took at training session, and he wants to create a similar high performance environment in the Kiwis camp during the World Cup.
What I want to do is create a gap between the NRL and the Kiwis, and make sure that when players come into the Kiwis environment they are lifting their standards and lifting the commitment there, Kidwell said.
That is what I saw coming into the All Blacks camp, they are there for a purpose and while the coaches are there to help they have a strong culture and it is player led. They have obviously got a high standard of excellence and what I was really impressed was that it is really player driven.
What I really noticed was that there wasnt any wasted energy. Everything they do is with a purpose, whether it is catch and pass, tackle technique or whatever and it is all player driven.
Obviously I want to improve the environment of the Kiwis and there are few things we can change which I think will really benefit us.
While Kidwell didnt want to go into specific detail about what the Kiwis may adapt from the All Blacks he said one thing that was likely to change would be their training schedule between games.
I had a look at the days they train, what they do on those days compared to us and the reasons why, he said.
They train two days before the game and it is a double-day, whereas we are used to having that day off. That really impressed me, knowing the reasons why they do it, and I think it could be really beneficial for us. Id love for us to one day have a mixed training session.
Kidwell also plans to make changes to the Kiwis playing style and has been in discussions with technical advisor Brian Smith and assistant coach Garth Brennan about ways to capitalise on the strengths of the players who will be in the New Zealand squad.
What I have tried to do the last four or five teams we have played Australia hasnt worked so the one thing I said to Brian when we sat down and talked about his role was that I wanted to look outside the box, Kidwell said. Brian has coached over 600 first grade games so he has a lot of knowledge and experience, and we are looking at a different style we are going to play during the World Cup.
We have obviously got a lot of talent within the NRL so we are really going to try and use our strength, with the style of football we will play during the World Cup.
New Zealand meet Samoa in their opening match of the World Cup at Mt Smart Stadium on October 28, before travelling to Christchurch to play Scotland on November 4 and to Hamilton to take on Tonga on November 11.
By Brad Walter | @BradWalterSport Chief Correspondent, RLWC2017
Two new director appointments have been made to the New Zealand Rugby League Board, in Elizabeth Richards and Hugh Martyn.
Richards, a Chartered Accountant, has been involved in rugby league in both team management and governance roles. Managing the NZ 18s in 2015 and the Kiwi Ferns since 2016, she is also the Vodafone Warriors Academy and Development Manager. In addition to three years as the Treasurer of the Ponsonby United Rugby League club and three years on the Executive Committee for the National Māori Accountant Network, Richards has been actively involved with development and delivery of governance training programmes in her role in a professional services firm.
Hugh Martyn, a Christchurch based Director is the current Chairman of City Care Ltd. Martyn transitioned from a role as company lawyer into management in the 1990’s and has held a number of senior management roles since. During this time he has held other Directorships and bring significant high level business experience to the Board.
Reon Edwards, acting NZRL chair says, “We were very fortunate to receive applications from a number of quality people involved in business and the game and have been able to choose two that we believe will add to the existing Board in a positive way.”
The two new appointees will attend their first Board meeting on August 30, 2017.
Notes:
The NZRL Board is made up of four appointed and three elected Directors. The appointed members are John Bishop, Jennifer Rolfe, Hugh Martyn and Elizabeth Richards. The elected members are Tawera Nikau, Reon Edwards and Bill McEntee.
The first round of the Southern Zone Rugby League South Island Premier Competition was played on Saturday August 12 and saw last year’s champions, the Southland Rams, play the Otago Whalers in Dunedin and the Tasman Titans travel to Greymouth to play the West Coast Chargers.
The Whalers picked up their first win against the Rams in seven years with a 56-20 victory and the Chargers had a strong win against the Titans 40-26.
Week two was played on the August 19 and saw the Southland Rams take a narrow victory 34-32 over the Chargers in Invercargill. In a major upset, competition newbies, the Aoraki Eels scored a big away win over the Tasman Titans, 44-20. The Eels have entered in their first year of the competition with the newly formed Aoraki district running its inaugural club competition in the spring months at the end of 2016. Players only qualified for the Eels representative team if they had been registered and played in the 2016 club competition. This ensured that players selected had already committed to rugby league.
The competition continues for a further three more weeks to find the South Island champion for 2017 and the district to go forward to the National Championship.
