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

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.

Grant Atkins Match Official Chris McMillan Match Official
Philip Bentham Match Official Scott Mikalauskas Match Official
Chris Butler Match Official Liam Moore Match Official
Matt Cecchin Match Official Dave Munro Match Official
Steve Chiddy Match Official Henry Perenara Match Official
James Child Match Official Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski Match Official
Mark Craven Match Official Tim Roby Match Official
Ben Cummins Match Official Belinda Sleeman Match Official
Robert Hicks Match Official Jon Stone Match Official
Adam Gee Match Official Bernard Sutton Match Official
Chris Kendall Match Official Chris Sutton Match Official
Ashley Klein Match Official Gerard Sutton Match Official
Jared Maxwell Match Official Ben Thaler Match Official
Michael Wise Match Official

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.”

 

NZ Secondary Schools Team secure win over NSW Combined High Schools

  • Saturday, October 7, 2017

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.

New Zealand fans will get the opportunity to watch the Kiwi Ferns play a warm-up match on home soil before they contest the Women’s Rugby League World Cup 2017, which kicks off in Sydney in exactly 100 days.

The Kiwi Ferns will fine-tune their World Cup preparations by playing New Zealand Maori Wahine Toa at Waikato Stadium ahead of the men’s RLWC2017 pool match between Samoa and Tonga on Saturday 4 November 2017.

Kiwi Ferns captain Sarina Fiso said: “This game against New Zealand Maori Wahine Toa will give the squad the best possible preparation for this year’s Women’s Rugby League World Cup as well as providing the opportunity to play in front of family and friends, which means so much to the team.”
“It will also give us a taste of the Rugby League World Cup atmosphere before we head across to Australia,” she concluded.

New Zealand are co-hosts of the men’s tournament and will stage seven games of what will be the biggest rugby league event the country has ever hosted. The addition of the Kiwi Ferns and New Zealand Maori Wahine Toa contest only enhances this special occasion.

RLWC2017 New Zealand General Manager Andrea Nelson said: “It’s great to be able to give the Kiwi Ferns the opportunity to play on home soil in front of the New Zealand public before they travel across the Tasman for the Women’s Rugby League World Cup.”

“With ticket prices starting from $45 for a family of four, it will be a great chance for fans to watch two games for a very affordable price,” she concluded.

The Kiwis Ferns have been drawn in Pool B of this year’s Women’s Rugby League World Cup and will play Canada (November 16), Cook Islands (November 19) and Papua New Guinea (November 22) in the pool stages.

Chairman of New Zealand Maori Rugby League John Devonshire said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for the New Zealand Maori Wahine Toa team to be playing on such a huge occasion with a great atmosphere.

“It’s also a great chance for our players to test themselves and help the Kiwi Ferns prepare for the Women’s Rugby League World Cup.”

Previously part of the user-pays Festival of World Cups, this year’s tournament will be first time the Women’s Rugby League World Cup has been held as a standalone event, with the pool matches to be played at Southern Cross Group Stadium in Cronulla (Sydney) as triple-headers on November 16, 19 and 22 with the semi-finals to be played as a double-header on November 26.

The tournament will see both the men’s and women’s finals played as a double-header in Brisbane on 2 December 2017 – the first time two World Cup winners will be crowned on the same day, on the same stage.

Australia, Canada, Cook Islands, England, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea will be the six teams to contest this year’s tournament.

Australia are the reigning champions with the Kiwi Ferns vying to win back the trophy they won in 2000, 2005 and 2008.

New Zealand Rugby League have named their New Zealand Resident 18s and Taurahere wider squads for their September 23 match-up.

The two sides will face off against each other in hopes of earning a spot in the New Zealand 18s team who will take on the Australian Schoolboys in late September.

The last time a NZ 18s fixture took place in 2015 the NZ Resident 18s were defeated by the Australian Schoolboys in both encounters.

This year presents the first opportunity for players at 18s level to wear the black jersey. The selection for this team will include not only the best of those residing in New Zealand (NZ Residents 18s), but also New Zealanders currently playing in Australia (Taurahere) to create a New Zealand 18s side that represents the best of New Zealand.

New Zealand 18s Head Coach Ezra Howe says the fixtures will further strengthen the NZRL pathways for those wanting to reach the pinnacle of rugby league in New Zealand.

“This is a great opportunity for the boys to put their best foot forward playing against Australia while enjoying being in an elite environment.

“Players like James Fisher-Harris who was part of the Taurahere programme when it first started back in 2014, show that these pathways provide a good foundation to then go on and represent New Zealand at the highest level.

“I know this fixture will see a good standard of football being played from both teams with many talented boys to take the field.

“Being a part of these programmes is just as rewarding for the coaching staff as it is for the players so I am thankful to NZRL for this opportunity,” he says.

Both sides will be cut down to 18-man squads by September 12 ahead of the fixture.

New Zealand Resident 18s v Taurahere
Saturday 23 September
B
ruce Pulman Park, Auckland

New Zealand Resident 18s wider squad:
*last zone represented as per LeagueNet

Akarana: Chanel Harris-Tevita, Elijah Sufia, Emanuel Gerard Tuimavave, Javvier Pitovao, Lewis Afeaki, Lewis Sio, Matt Timoko, Reagan Mclennan, Soane Hufanga, Starford Toa, Tyler Slade, Vito Tevaga; Auckland Development: Tutuki Kamana-Pou; Counties: Asu Kepaoa, Dredin Sorenson-McGee, Israel Ogden, Keanu Laumati-Paki; Mid Central: Awatere Kiwara, Wesley Veikoso; Northland: Paul Turner; Southern: Daniel Sakisi, Jordan Riki, Seth Tauamiti; Upper Central: Hayze Perham, Sheldon Rogers.

Head Coach – Moehewa Armstrong
Assistant Coach – Alan Ettles
Manager – Ben Vaipaata
Trainer – Marrin Haggie
Physio – Ulima Tofi

Taurahere wider squad:
Brisbane Broncos: Dre Ngatui-Woe; Canberra Raiders: Sebastian Kris; Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs: Lauchlan Talau, Tommy Talau; Cronulla Sharks: Cruise Topai-Aveai; Gold Coast Titans: Moeaki Fotuaika, Darius Farmer, Jackson Paulo, Reihana Marsh; Manly Sea Eagles: Semisi Kioa, Zaane Weatherall, Keith Titums, Mark Tepu-Smith; Newcastle Knights: Will Finau; North Queensland Cowboys: Murray Taulagi, Sean Mullany, Peter Hola; Parramatta Eels: Haze Dunster, Joseph Taipari, Oregan Kaufusi, Vallance Harris, John Fonua, Tui Afuola; Penrith Panthers: Sean Blore; South Sydney Rabbitohs: Mawene Hiroti, Tyrone Taukamo; St. George Illawarra Dragons: Steven Marsters ; Sydney Roosters: Baylee Bentley-Hape.

Head Coach – Rangi Hiroti
Assistant Coach – Tim McIntyre
Manager – Antony Bosley
Trainer – Lee Paru
Physio – David Close

Rugby league players and their supporters are in for an action packed season of fixtures ahead of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.

NZRL Fixtures include: National Secondary Schools Tournament, National Competition (Premiership & Championship), NZ Youth Teams, NZ Men’s Teams – details below

National Secondary Schools Tournament, Bruce Pulman Park, Auckland
Monday 4 – Friday 8 September

New Zealand Secondary Schools v New South Wales Combined High Schools, Puketewhero Park, Rotorua, Wednesday October 4

New Zealand Secondary Schools v New South Wales Combined High Schools, Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland, Saturday, October 7

NZ Youth Teams

New Zealand Resident 18s v Taurahere
Auckland
Saturday 23 September

New Zealand 18s v Australian Schoolboys
Puketwhero Park, Rotorua
Tuesday 26 September

New Zealand 18s v Australian Schoolboys
Trust Arena, Auckland
Saturday 30 September

National Youth Tournament
Rotorua
Monday 2 – Friday 6 October

NZ Men’s Teams

National Premiership
Round one

Canterbury v Counties
AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Sunday 17 September 2pm

Waikato v Akarana
FMG Stadium, Hamilton
Sunday 17 September 4pm

Round two
Waikato v Canterbury
FMG Stadium, Hamilton
Sunday 24 September 2pm

Counties v Akarana
Mt Smart, Auckland
Sunday 24 September 4pm

Round three
Akarana v Canterbury
Trust Stadium, Auckland
Saturday 30 September 1.15pm

Counties v Waikato
Trust Stadium, Auckland
Saturday 30 September 3pm

Promotion/Relegation Game
Fourth Placed Premiership Team v National Championship Winner
Mt Smart, Auckland
Saturday 7 October 5.30pm

Grand Final
First in Premiership v Second in Premiership
Mt Smart, Auckland
Saturday 7 October 7.30pm

National Championship
Round one

Central Winner v Northern Winner
Location: TBC
Saturday, 16 September

Round two
Southland Winner v Central Winner
Location: TBC
Saturday, 23 September

Round three
Southland Winner v Northern Winner
Location: TBC
Saturday, 30 September

NZ Residents v NZ Maori
Auckland
Saturday, October 14

Saturday 22 July, 2017 

Puketawhero Park, Rotorua

Rain, hail and tornados were predicted for the Bay of Plenty but the stormy weather pressed pause at Rotorua’s Puketawhero Park for the NZ Resident 16s v NZ Maori 17s clash on Saturday.

Three years on from the NZ Resident 16s win against Samoa, the side picked up exactly where their predecessors left off with another win to add to the collection.

Despite playing up an age group, the NZ Resident 16s stole a 32-28 victory over the NZ Maori 17s, providing a thrilling game of footy for spectators.

With NZ 16s half Nathaneal Sasagi opening the scoring with a try in the first 30 seconds, the NZ 16s sent a message to their opposition that they meant business. This was backed up with a conversion from fullback Tuinamo Tepulolo who finished the game with a 100 percent success rate at goal.

NZ 16s hooker Temple Kalepo was rewarded for his hard work 10 minutes later when he crossed the line for his side’s second try of the game taking the score to 12-0 after another successful conversion.

Just as the 16s were getting comfortable the NZ Maori 17s hit back with a try to Tyrin Ona-Murphy. Their captain Jordan Riki joined the action shortly after with another converted try to the NZ Maori 17s levelling the score at 12 all.

It looked like they would head to the changing rooms equal at halftime but the NZ Maori 17s had other ideas – the halftime score was 18-12 to the NZ Maori 17s.

The second half saw the Maoris come out firing as they gained a 24-12 lead with an aggressive attacking game and tight defence that halted the 16s’ momentum from the first half. Caleb Pese and South Islander Caius Fa’atili came to the rescue for the 16s managing to level the score 24 all with two converted tries and only 15 minutes left on the clock.

Supporters were on the edge of their seats as both teams scrambled to string together set plays. Composure and strength in the forwards paid off for the NZ 16s who sent Nathaneal Sasagi over the line for his second try of the game. Ten minutes out from the full time whistle NZ 16s were leading 30-24, in front for the first time since the first half.

A successful penalty kick from the classy Tuinamo Tepulolo extended their lead to 32-24 with only minutes to play. A last minute try from the NZ Maori 17s wasn’t enough to overtake the victorious NZ 16s who took home a 32-28 win.

For video interviews and to watch a replay of the livestream, click here

New Zealand Resident 16s 32 (Nathaneal Sasagi 2, Temple Kalepo, Caius Fa’atili, Caleb Pese tries; Tuinamo Tepulolo 5 goals; Tuinamo Tepulolo penalty) New Zealand Maori 17s 28 (Te Mana Te Maari, Wipere Takitumu, Tyrin Ona Murphy, Jordan Riki, Tane Wiki tries; Samuel Kamu, Leighman Hohaia Katene 3 goals)

 

NZRL Awards:

New Zealand 16s MVP: Leroy Ferguson

New Zealand Maori 17s MVP: Wipere Takitumu

NZ 16s team:

1 Tuinamo Tepulolo
2 Rayna Whaakari
3 Jonah Polata-Kopa
4 Junior Tuleisu
5 Marco Talagi
6 Xavier Stevens-Teo
7 Simi Sasagi
8 Leroy Fergusson
9 Temple Kalepo
10 Caius Faa’tili
11 Christian Tuipulotu
12 Aamon Dean
13 Semisi Tapa
14 Kaya Cuthers
15 Caleb Pese
16 Diaz Taihia
17 Griffin Neame
18 Jyris Glaumuzina
19 Cezia James

We put Kiwi boys Jordan Kahu, Dean Whare and Marty Taupau in the hot seat to find out a little more about themand their teammates…

Kiwis Coach David Kidwell has announced Adam Blair as the new captain to lead New Zealand at the Rugby League World Cup 2017.

The 30-year-old, Whangarei born Kiwi has played a vital role in the teams successes since his debut in 2006. With 41 international Tests under his belt, including the 2008 World Cup and 2014 Four Nations winning teams, Adam has been an integral member of the top-quality Broncos squad who are currently sitting in the NRL top four.

Having been a member of the Kiwis leadership team for several years, Kidwell is confident Blair has the mana, integrity and experience to take the next step in his career.

Adams vision and rugby league intelligence has been proven time and time again.

He is a well-respected core member of our team and has earned the respect of both the coaching staff and his fellow players, he says. Adam will steer the team in a positive direction with his actions, courage and mana.

Blair is known for his attention to detail both on the field and in his educational pursuits and he is taking the new role in his stride.

Im honoured to take on the new leadership role, playing for the Kiwis is not something I take lightly and leading the boys, especially in World Cup year is a challenge Im excited to get into, he says.

While Simon Mannering was considered for the role, the rugby league stalwart supported Blair in bringing a fresh perspective to the position.

Ive talked with Simon and he is happy with his role within the team and will continue to play a fundamental part as a member of the leadership group that will support the new captain, Kidwell says.

Blairs first appearance as captain will be when the Kiwis take on Samoa at Mt Smart on October 28.

Adam Blair:

Kiwi: #732

Date of birth: 20/03/1986

First grade appearances: 251

Tests: 41

Debuted: 2006

Junior Kiwis: 2002 & 2003

The RLWC2017 Organising Committee have announced that the SKY Sport has secured the New Zealand broadcast rights to this years Womens Rugby League World Cup.

Under the terms of the deal, SKY Sport will broadcast all 12 matches of the tournament culminating in the final on 2 December 2017, where history will be created when both the mens and womens finals are played on the same day, on the same stage.

RLWC2017 Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Hill said: We are delighted to be partnering with SKY Sport in an historic deal that will showcase the Womens Rugby League World Cup across New Zealand.

The agreement to broadcast every match of the tournament across New Zealand on SKY Sport is a significant step forward for Rugby League, providing a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate the skills and competitiveness of the womens game.

The Organising Committee is incredibly proud to be conducting a tournament that has attracted significant investment from both government and commercial partners whilst profiling the players and game like no previous Rugby League event.

This years tournament will be the first time the Womens Rugby League World Cup has been held as a standalone event, with the pool matches to be played at Southern Cross Group Stadium in Sydney as triple-headers on November 16, 19 and 22 with the semi-finals to be played as a double-header on November 26.

SKY Director of Sport, Richard Last said: Were thrilled to have secured this years Womens Rugby League World Cup for SKY Sport subscribers. Since the 2016 womens ANZAC Test featuring the Kiwi Ferns against the Jillaroos, weve seen a 26% increase in our viewership of womens Rugby League. Theres clearly a very real appetite, and we cant wait for the tournament to kick-off!

Female participation is one of the fastest growing areas of the sport. To be able to broadcast the Womens Rugby League World Cup across multiple international markets will not only promote womens Rugby League to a wider audience than ever before, but inspire further growth of the game from grassroots to the elite level, concluded Hill.

The Rugby League International Federation confirmed that Australia, Canada, Cook Islands, England, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea will be the six teams to contest the Womens Rugby League World Cup 2017.

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We want everyone to have a fun and positive league experience and to achieve this, New Zealand Rugby League has developed the nationwide ‘Be a sport’ programme.

Aimed at encouraging supporters to get behind their players and match officials in a positive way, each team takes responsibility for their own supporters’ behaviour.

Before every game they nominate a sideline champion (for their team), who wears a hi-visibility vest, and backed by sandwich boards featuring the ‘Be a sport’ messaging, circulates amongst their parents and supporters.

If needed the Team Champion will provide supporters’ with the code of conduct, reminding them about alcohol-free and smokefree sidelines, the use of positive language and encouraging behaviour, along with the NZRL values.

The aim is to resolve any issues before they escalate and NZRL’s Legacy Manager Kirsty Sharp says the initiative “is all about making sure the kids are enjoying themselves.”

“The ultimate goal is to create an environment where our Mini and Mod players can learn the basic skills of rugby league while socialising and having fun with their friends.

“In turn, this will encourage kids to continue playing the game and perhaps go onto a more competitive level of play,” she says.

The West Coast were the first to roll out the programme at their junior competition last weekend and NZRL Development Officer, Paddy Bryne, says the programme is off to a great start.

“The campaign has definitely been well-received by all down here in the South Island – it’s great to see such a positive uptake.

“It’s not hard to spot the sandwich boards, they’re bright and prominent promoting great messages,” he says.

The ‘Be a sport’ campaign will be implemented in each Zone throughout New Zealand and NZRL expects this to improve sideline conduct at all levels as the messages reach parents and fans of the game.

For more information – click here. 

(Programme adapted from Auckland Rugby League)