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As seen on Te Ao Māori news

Many young people across the motu aspire to play alongside the greats in their sport and for one 17-year-old Tāmaki Makaurau, it is almost a reality.

Papatoetoe Panthers’ Karlos Hati-Ross (Tainui, Ngati Kahu ki Whangaroa, Ngati Hine, Ngapuhi) has just signed a two-year deal with the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks’ Under 19 team playing in the S.G Ball competition.

He moves across the ditch at the end of the year.

Te Ao Māori News caught up with the player at his māhi, Māori by Design, where he said that when he was given the offer he was nervous and it felt surreal.

“[I] just couldn’t believe where I was and the position and the opportunity I was given. I was just happy and I know my parents were happy for me too.”

His mum, Devida Hati-Ross, told Te Ao Māori News the news made them feel they were living in a dream.

“I know a lot of boys that have got contracts and, when you hear about it, it’s not the same as being part of it and going through the process of getting him all signed up and ready to go.

“It’s a dream come true. I am really proud of him, I can’t wait for him to leave and start doing his own things as well.”

She said Karlos had wanted to become a famous league player since he was four years old.

“I used to say to him, ‘Yeah right, so does every other kid’, and he’s maintained that the whole time as he’s gone through the age groups.

“He’s always wanted to be the best at everything he does and that’s been his trait since he was a kid – we just call him Mōhio at home,” she said.

He is almost there having received the offer to play for the Sharks development team after competing in the Aotearoa NZ Māori Rugby League 2024 tournament, which had many NRL scouts there.

Hati-Ross has built an impressive repertoire of representative honours over recent years despite being just 17-years-old.

In 2022 he was selected to compete in the Auckland Rugby League (ARL) Region of Origin Series with the Auckland South team, earning selection for the tournament’s Under-15 Boys Merit Team.

2023 saw Hati-Ross selected for the ARL U16 Auckland Boys team for their Australia tour where they competed against the Future Titans and prestigious rugby league schools Keebra Park State High School and Marsden State High School.

This isn’t the first time the big leagues have shown interest in his skills. Last year the Broncos and Warriors had given him offers after seeing him play but, sadly, that faded when he tore his ACL.

“It was hard, devastating news for me be cause I knew what I had and it all changed because they can’t take on a broken player.”

His future looked uncertain when he failed his return-to-play pre-test a week before his actual test.

“I decided I needed to get back to where I was or better or even better, and rehab myself and work through those hard times,” Karlos said.

Devida said he worked really hard on his rehabilitation.

“When he did the actual test, the testing physios couldn’t believe it, they’ve never seen a 17-year-old do their testing to that ability before.”

Now healed from his injury, he flies off to Australia later this year where he will be living with other members of his team.

Read more on Te Ao Māori news

8 July 2024

Teenage back rower Leka Halasima was called up to make his NRL debut in the One New Zealand Warriors’ 18th-round encounter with the in-form Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs at Accor Stadium in Sydney on Saturday.

The 18-year-olds late promotion into the game-day 19 came as a result of captain Tohu Harris being ruled out indefinitely with a chronic wrist injury.

In 37 minutes of game time, the debutante ran for 108 metres from 7 hit-ups, making 1 line break, 5 tackle breaks, and 9 tackles, falling just short of scoring his first try in the NRL.

4 July 2024

New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) will be launching a Young Referees Programme that aims to inspire young people to enter the game of rugby league as a match official.

As match officials play a significant role within our game, the NZRL Young Referees Programme aims to encourage young people to recognise the value of becoming a referee.

The programme will be targeted towards senior secondary school-aged students between 15–18 years of age.

Participants will be connected with District referee associations across New Zealand, promoting young recruits to officiate within their local District competitions and potentially National competitions.

For some aspiring match officials, the programme will present an opportunity to strengthen their connection to rugby league, whilst for others the programme could be the start of a career as a match official with several New Zealand match officials currently appointed in NRL and NRLW pathway competitions and tournaments.

If you are between 15 – 18 years of age and would like to receive more information regarding the programme

Please register your interest here – sporty.co.nz/viewform/297385

Registrations for the NZRL Young Referees Programme will close Monday 15 July.

2 July 2024

The prestigious Pirtek Volunteer of the Month award sees members of our grassroots rugby league community across Aotearoa recognised for their dedication, hard mahi, and service to the game.

This award is given to volunteers who display the core values of NZRL’s Kiwi Way: being family first, innovative, inclusive, respectful, respectful and humble. New Zealand Rugby League is proud to announce our second winner for 2024, the Pirtek Volunteer of the Month award for June goes to Damion ‘Donks’ Murray.

Damion is a key member of the Portland Panthers Rugby League Club in Whangārei and has been touted as the ultimate volunteer for the Northland club.

Damion has coached multiple Panthers’ junior teams including the U12’s and U14 Boys and Girls, and he can be found at every training and game day around the club rain or shine.

If any tamaiti wants to play rugby league Damion ensures there is no barrier keeping them from participating.

With no local competition for girls to play past U12’s, every week he personally transports girls in his vehicle from Whangārei to Moerewa almost an hour away, so they can attend trainings. He then drives the girls to Auckland on weekends so they are able to play in the competition there.

Damion is so passionate about rugby league that all costs come from his own pocket, having sponsored many Player of the Day awards and fees for many tamariki over the years.

Outside of the Panthers he is also heavily involved in the Aotearoa NZ Māori Rugby League Tournaments, having coached two Ngāpuhi Ahi teams in 2023 and taken an U14 team to the recent June Rangatahi Tama Tournament in Rotorua. Damion is also coaching an U12 Ngāpuhi Ahi team heading to the Tamariki Tournament in September.

Pirtek CEO Chris Bourke shared, “Congratulations to Damion for being this month’s Pirtek Volunteer of the Month!

“His unwavering dedication to the Portland Panthers Rugby League club from coaching multiple teams to personally transporting players, truly embodies the spirit of community and selfless passion for the sport.”

Congratulations Damion from New Zealand Rugby League!

 

Know a volunteer who does exceptional mahi? Help us celebrate these grassroots heroes by nominating them for the next Pirtek Volunteer of the Month award.
Each monthly winner will receive $200 worth of vouchers and have their story shared across our channels.
Complete this form to make a nomination:

Pirtek Volunteer of the Month Submission Form

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    1 July 2024

    As seen on northernswords.co.nz

    Rugby League Northland is thrilled to announce the launch of the Rugby League Northland Academy, an elite development programme for youth in Northland, in association with the One New Zealand Warriors.

    Rugby League Northland CEO Robbie Johnson met with the One NZ Warriors General Manager of Recruitment, Development, and Pathways, Andrew McFadden, to officialise the partnership this week.

    This ground-breaking initiative is set to revolutionise rugby league and development in the region, offering young athletes unprecedented opportunities in Whangarei, the Mid-North and the Far North, to hone their skills, enhance their athletic performance, and pave the way for a bright future in the sport.

    The Rugby League Northland Academy aims to identify and nurture local talent, providing a structured pathway for young players to progress from grassroots to professional levels.

    By partnering with the One NZ Warriors, the Academy will leverage the expertise, resources, and support of New Zealand’s premier NRL side. This collaboration ensures that our young athletes receive top-tier coaching, mentorship, and exposure to the highest standards of rugby league.

    The Rugby League Northland Academy is committed to creating a clear and achievable pathway for our young athletes. Through regular assessments, feedback, and opportunities to compete at higher levels, participants will have the chance to showcase their talents and aspire to represent the Northern Swords and beyond.

    This partnership with the One NZ Warriors opens doors to potential scholarships, trials, and professional contracts, turning dreams into reality for our aspiring rugby league stars.

    Rugby League Northland and the One NZ Warriors are united in their commitment to developing the next generation of rugby league talent. We look forward to embarking on this exciting journey with our community and celebrating the growth and achievements of our young athletes.

    Read more on northernswords.co.nz

    27 June 2024

    2023 was one of the best years for rugby league in New Zealand in the last decade, with increased participation almost outshined by an unprecedented growth of popularity and positive narrative surrounding the game. New Zealand Rugby League saw record entries for their National Secondary Schools Tournament (NZSS), which almost doubled in size from 21 teams in 2022, to 38 teams in 2023.

    Off the back of this, the 2024 NZRL National Secondary Schools Tournament (NZSS) is lining up to be the biggest year of the Nationals to date.

    As one of the most anticipated events on the rugby league calendar, 65 teams are set to be invited to the Nationals across four grades; Boys Premiership, Boys Championship, GirlsChampionship and U15 Boys Carnival.

    In 2022 the Girls’ and U15s’ divisions were successfully introduced to the Tournament. In 2023 these two additional divisions returned and NZSS history was made when St. Thomas of Canterbury College became the first non-Auckland and South Island school to win the Boys Premiership in over 20 years.

    Interest in the female and girls’ game has significantly grown, with over 18 schools expressing interest in entering the Girls Championship grade this year.

    The spike in interest in the Tournament can be attributed to the continued work being carried out nationally, with secondary school competitions taking place in both the North and South Islands.

    General Manager of Football & High Performance Motu Tony says, “Our NZSS Tournament continues to grow year on year, and this year’s tournament will be the biggest ever. Our NZSS tournament caters to those wanting to have fun as well as represent their school, and to those seeking to capture the attention of NRL and NRLW clubs.

    “Not only will rugby league be played at the tournament, education hubs for wellbeing and injury prevention will also be available to participants”.

    Recent NZSS participants both male and female have progressed to high-performance teams and pathways domestically and in Australia.

    Sharnyze Pihema who represented Manurewa High School in the inaugural 2022 Girls’ Tournament, went on to captain the 2024 NZRL Ahi Kā Aotearoa national representative team. At the NRL Harvey Norman Women’s Championship in the Gold Coast Pihema was named Player of the Tournament.

    From the 2023 Boys’ Premiership Champions St. Thomas of Canterbury College, Bishop Neal, Lennox Tuiloma, Micah Sula, and Isaiah Savea were selected for the One NZ Warriors 2024 Harold Matthews Cup squad who won their NSWRL competition earlier this year.

    The 2024 NZSS Tournament will be played in Auckland from 6th – 8th September.

    18 May 2024

    Raised in South Auckland’s Ōtara, 22-year-old Josiah Karapani made his NRL debut for the Brisbane Broncos last knight.

    Reece Walsh’s knee injury opened the door for Karapani to make his long-awaited debut, with the young gun starting in the centres for Brisbane in Magic Round after Selwyn Cobbo switched to fullback.

    The young debutante shared, “I only got the call-up yesterday, but I had to take it [the opportunity]

    “It means a lot especially having my family behind me watching me play for the first time since I moved to Australia, it’s the best feeling.”

    An Otahuhu Leopards junior, Karapani was a standout player in the Auckland Rugby League age-group competitions throughout his younger years, earning Counties Manukau and New Zealand Rugby League representative selections.

    Karapani participated in the 2019 NZRL Talent Development Programme, then featured in the first-ever 18s New Zealand Clubs team in 2020.

    Josiah Karapani playing for the New Zealand 18s Clubs team v New Zealand 18s Schools team, 2020.

     

    The talented back was first scooped up by the Warriors for their SG Ball Cup squad during the COVID pandemic in 2020, before making the move across the ditch to the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

    From 2021-2023 he solidified himself as a mainstay in the Rabbitohs SG Ball Cup squad, eventually moving up into the Jersey Flegg and New South Wales Cup squads before the age of 21.

    He came extremely close to making his debut with the Sydney club, if not for an untimely serious illness.

    Joining the Broncos in the recent off-season, Karapani initially signed on a train-and-trial contract but was upgraded into the club’s top 30 squad after impressing in the pre-season.

    Karapani has been plying his trade for feeder team Burleigh Bears in the Queensland Cup, crossing for six tries in eight appearances so far this season.

    He was due to enjoy a week off with the Bears on a bye, but has now achieved a career dream on one of the biggest stages in the game.

    Coach Walters noted how excited he was for Karapani ahead of his debut at Magic Round this Friday, citing how the youngster had earned his chance after impressing in reserve grade.

    “He’s really accelerated his form over recent weeks, he’s got speed and a great attitude and deserves his opportunity,” Walters said.

    29 April 2024

    As seen on nswrl.com

    The U17 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs wāhine etched their place in history with a convincing  36-0 win over the Wests Tigers in the inaugural Grand Final of the Westpac Lisa Fiaola Cup.

    Winger Asha Taumoepeau-Williams continued what she’s been producing all season for the Under 17s girls. She had 11 tries coming into today’s decider and ratcheted that up to 15 by the end of the match.

    But the one to snatch Player of the Match was hooker Mary-Jane Taito for her scheming work around the ruck and her relentless defence.

    Former dual international Lisa Fiaola presented the match ball to Taito and congratulated five-eighth Evelyn Roberts, who scored two tries today, after she was named Player of the Series.

    Taito and Roberts were just two of the young kiwi wāhine who made the move to Sydney to join the Bulldogs side. They were joined by Seriah Palepale, Lahnayah Daniel, Paige Tauaneai, Trinity Tauaneai, Josinah Filisi Tauiliili, and Giovanna Suani. 

    Bulldogs coach Michael Stuart had warned his team not to expect everything to go their way in the finals even though they had been the dominant team all season to finish as Minor Premiers.

    “Finals is a whole new competition, so we prepared a little bit differently to reflect that,” Stuart told nswrl.com.au

    The Bulldogs beat the Newcastle Knights 22-4 in last weekend’s Semi-final to concede just one try in two matches while scoring 13 of their own.

    “The girls deserve it, they’ve had a long, hard seven months and this is just the icing on the cake,” Stuart said.

    “We’ve got a lot of local girls in the team. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a team bond and come together as quick as these girls have.”

    As for his winger’s four tries: “She’s only 15; turns 16 in November; and she’s a superstar.”

    Taumoepeu-Williams said she had scored four tries before for her junior club in New Zealand.

    “But it feels good to do it today,” she said. “We’ve bonded so well in a short amount of time. My teammates are my friends and like family.”

    And as for the secret to scoring so often in a grand final?

    “I just trusted my team.”

    This was the Bulldogs 10th straight victory – eight in the regular season and two finals.

    It might have been first versus fifth on the ladder, but the Wests Tigers mustered a fine Semi-final win with a 32-14 upset over the second-placed Illawarra Steelers.

    Although they tried hard, they were denied possession today and were outclassed in the middle and on the edges.

    A try in the opening minute, and then three more in a six minute period later in the first half, helped the Bulldogs to a commanding 18-0 half-time lead.

    They gobbled up possession, restricting the Wests Tigers to only two entries into their territory for the first 30 minutes.

    It was the Bulldogs right edge that shone – three of their first four tries came down that channel.

    The first try was off a Tigers mistake in the opening set. On the third play the Bulldogs shot the ball through the hands for Taumoepeau-Williams to score his first for the day – her 12th for the season.

    She followed up with a second in the 18th minute after a neat chip kick from halfback and skipper Olivia Vaalele.

    The other first-half tries came from second rower Aliahana Fuimaono – cousin of Westpac NSW Sky Blues utility Taliah Fuimaono – who put on a mighty left fend to see her way to the chalk.

    Then in the 20th minute five-eighth Evelyn Roberts stepped off her left foot, then her right, for a fine individual try.

    The Wests Tigers were awarded the only penalty of the first half but were unable to capitalise.

    In the second half the dominance continued with another three tries, including Taumoepeau-Williams grabbing her third and fourth.

    Roberts bagged her second and centre Lahnayah Daniel got onto the scoresheet supporting Roberts, who drew in the defence on the left edge.

    The win in the metropolitan version of the Lisa Fiaola Cup followed a 22-8 win by the Western Rams 22-8 over the Northern Tigers last March in the regional NSW competition of the same name.

    Read more on nswrl.com

    29 April 2024

    As seen on warriors.kiwi

    The Warriors have become the first team in the history of the UNE Harold Matthews Cup to claim the premiership in their maiden year after defeating the Western Suburbs Magpies 34-16 at CommBank Stadium over the weekend.

    It continued a fairy tale run for the Warriors who had to win their final game of the regular season to snatch the sixth spot in the finals, followed by sudden death wins over Parramatta Eels and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs to make the decider.

    Warriors lock Lennox Tuiloma, who scored two tries in the decider including a strong effort in the second half where he dragged defenders over the line with him before breaking free to score, was named Player of the Match.

    South Island Scorpion Tuiloma featured in the 2023 NZRL National Secondary Schools team in the national representative competition. Teammates Turama Paranihi, Kairus Booth, Romana Whitiora, and Isaiah Savea all also featured in the competition for the Aotearoa Whaanui boy’s side.

    Warriors coach Thaine Ashford said the historic result was just the beginning for pathways programs in New Zealand, with the Auckland-based club joining the UNE Harold Matthews Cup for the first time in 2024.

    “It is probably bigger than us,” Ashford said.

    “Obviously it is special to us, but (also) for the game in New Zealand having the opportunity to showcase that you can stay home and build something from where we are.

    “I’m very grateful to be a part of something special and to be a part of history.”

    The Magpies started strong with two back-to-back tries to back-rower Teancam Epati and five-eighth Jhevon Lele in the opening six minutes to take their lead out to 10-0.

    The Warriors hit back in the 11th minute through halfback Jack Thompson who broke through the defensive line to race down the field to score (10-6).

    Trailing by four points, the Warriors pushed the Magpies in defence – forcing an error in their half.

    The Warriors pounced on the mistake and found themselves in front after Thompson passed short to back-rower Militonimolela Sikuvea who crashed over the line (12-10).

    With momentum behind them, the Warriors scored another two tries along with a penalty goal to extend their lead to 24-10 at half-time.

    The second half started with both teams testing one another in both attack and defence with set-for-set football being played for the opening 12 minutes.

    The Warriors were the first to score in the second half after Magpies fullback Ali Hickam Karnib spilled a Thompson grubber.

    Winger Ezekiel Davidson-Faaiuaso regathered the ball and charged to the line – carrying a defender on his back before passing the ball to utility Boston Krone to score (28-10).

    The Magpies won the ball back from the kick-off before hooker Ashton Large found space for prop Christina Taupau-Moors to crash over the line and reduce the deficit to 12 points with 10 minutes remaining (28-16).

    The Warriors sealed the deal in the final five minutes when lock Tuiloma powered his way through the goal-line defence for his second try.

    “Every single one of these boys has played their part to get us here today, not just the boys that took the field today,” Ashford said.

    “The boys turned up for each other and they believed in each other and that’s what it can do for you sometimes.

    “I’m very happy and very grateful for the win.”

    Read more on warriors.kiwi

    26 April 2024

    20-year-old Zyon Maiu’u from West Auckland made his NRL debut last night for the One New Zealand Warriors’, in their narrow loss to the Gold Coast Titans at GoMedia Mt. Smart Stadium.

    Coming on in the 57th minute, the young prop/second rower instantly made an impact in the middle with his strong up-the-guts running style. In just 13 minutes on the field Maiu’u took seven runs for a total of 77 run metres, 39 of which were post-contact.

    His intensity visibly lifted the energy for the Warriors who were battling against the clock to make a late comeback against the leading Titans.

    Maiu’u started off in the Warriors 2020 S. G. Ball Cup squad, before signing a three-year contract with the club in 2021.

    Upon his signing, Peter O’Sullivan Warriors recruitment manager praised Maiu’u’s “competitiveness, skill and toughness and ability to play edge and middle equally as well as the other”.

    Since 2023 he has been a mainstay in the Warriors New South Wales Cup squad having played 32 matches, until earning the call-up to the NRL side this week.

    A Te Atatu Roosters junior, Maiu’u featured in the 2020 NZRL New Zealand Schools representative side and the following year played in the NZRL National 20s Competition with the Auckland Blue team, going on to be named Tournament MVP.

    With only a first small glimpse of his talent and impact seen on the NRL stage last night, young Zyon Maiu’u is definitely one to watch.

    23 April 2024

    As seen on warriors.kiwi

    They stunned Parramatta last week and now the One New Zealand Warriors’ Harold Matthews Cup side has shocked minor premier Canterbury Bankstown to reach the under-17 competition’s grand final, the first time the club has had a team in a premiership decider since 2014.

    The TJ Ashford-coached Warriors held on for a gritty 12-10 victory over the Bulldogs at Henson Park today to add yet another chapter to their fairytale debut campaign in the renowned pathways competition.

    It began with what could have been a deflating 10-36 loss to the Eels in February but that result instead provided the launching pad for what has turned out to be an exceptional season so far – and the biggest game of all is yet to come.

    It’s the first time a One New Zealand Warriors side has been in a grand final since the Stacey Jones-coached side beat the Broncos in the NYC (under-20) showdown in 2014.

    When the Warriors’ 2024 Harold Matthews side was trounced 40-10 by Cronulla Sutherland in the second to last round of the regular season, chances of reaching the finals hung in the balance but the team snared the sixth and final spot a week later with a resounding 46-10 win over St George and hasn’t looked back since.

    Last Sunday the Warriors avenged their opening-round loss to the Eels by racing to a 24-0 lead and then closing out the game 30-20 to eliminate the third-ranked side.

    That lined them up against the minor premiership-winning Bulldogs in today’s preliminary final at one of Sydney’s most famous old venues Henson Park.

    The Bulldogs had been dominant all season with seven wins and a draw averaging more than 37 points a game. The fewest points they had been restricted to in any match was 20.

    As one of the two top qualifiers, they’d had the last two weeks off giving the One New Zealand Warriors a potential edge in match fitness.

    With the match played in wild, wet and windy conditions, the Warriors again made a fast start as they had against Parramatta with winger Kairus Booth from Balclutha, scoring in just the seventh minute.

    Then five minutes later powerful loose forward Lennox Tuiloma added to his try-scoring tally with Booth converting for a 10-0 lead.

    Canterbury Bankstown responded in the 19th minute with an unconverted try to halfback Matthew Barakat to leave the Warriors holding a 10-4 advantage at halftime.

    That became 12-4 with a Booth penalty four minutes into the second spell, two points that would prove vital in the final analysis.

    South Island Scorpion Booth featured in the 2023 Aotearoa Whaanui representative team, while Tuiloma played in the National Secondary Schools team after winning the NZRL NZSS Boys Premiership with St. Thomas of Canterbury College.

    Heading into the closing stages the Warriors still had an eight-point lead until the Bulldogs scored and converted with two minutes to play.

    Defending heroically throughout, they shout out their opponents to prevail 12-10 to earn a grand final date with the Western Suburbs Magpies, who finished second in the minor premiership and held out Cronulla Sutherland 8-6 in today’s other preliminary final.

    The Warriors now return home before heading back to Sydney for the season decider next Saturday (April 27), part of the New South Wales Rugby League’s super grand final day for all junior grades including the SG Ball Cup (under-19).

    UNE Harold Matthews Cup Grand Final: New Zealand Warriors v Western Suburbs Magpies 2:00PM

    Best of luck to our rangatahi hitting the field this weekend, live stream the Grand Final games on nswrl.tv.

    23 April 2024

    This Saturday 27 April the Grand Finals for the UNE Harold Matthews Cup and Westpac Lisa Fiaola Cup will take place at CommBank Stadium in Sydney. A number of young talented Kiwi players will be taking the field for the Under-17s Warriors and the Under-17s Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs women in their respective finals.

     

    Westpac Lisa Fiaola Cup Grand Final: Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v Wests Tigers 12:30PM

    UNE Harold Matthews Cup Grand Final: New Zealand Warriors v Western Suburbs Magpies 2:00PM

    Watch the action live on nswrl.tv.

     

    UNE Harold Matthews Cup:

    They stunned Parramatta and now the One New Zealand Warriors’ Harold Matthews Cup side has shocked minor premier Canterbury Bankstown in their semi-final to reach the under-17 competition’s grand final, the first time the club has had a team in a premiership decider since 2014.

    The TJ Ashford-coached Warriors held on for a gritty 12-10 victory over the Bulldogs at Henson Park today to add yet another chapter to their fairytale debut campaign in the renowned pathways competition. Tries by Kairus Booth and Lennox Tuiloma secured the victory for the Warriors, as well as a successful conversion and penalty from Booth.

    South Island Scorpion Booth featured in the 2023 Aotearoa Whaanui boys team while Tuiloma played in the National Secondary Schools boys team after winning the NZRL NZSS Boys Premiership with St. Thomas of Canterbury College.

    Click here to see the Warriors Harold Matthews Cup team list.

     

    Westpac Lisa Fiaola Cup:

    The semi-final game between Canterbury-Bankstown and Newcastle ended with the Bulldogs extending their undefeated streak to nine matches, coming away with a 22-4 win in which Auckland’s Evelyn Roberts and Seriah Palepale crossed for a try each. The duo played alongside each other in the 2023 National Secondary Schools girls team.

    The Bulldogs side is further bolstered by several young Kiwi wāhine who made the move over the ditch including Lahnayah Daniel, Mary-Jane Taito, Paige Tauaneai, Trinity Tauaneai, Josinah Filisi Tauiliili, and Giovanna Suani. At the 2023 National Girls Youth Tournament Taito was the 16s Tournament MVP and captain of the champion Counties Manukau team.

     

    Best of luck to all our rangatahi hitting the field this weekend, live stream the Grand Final games on nswrl.tv.

    5 April 2024

    As seen on nzherald

    In the sporting world of rugby league and rugby, we are used to seeing the All Blacks’ Barrett brothers or the Savea siblings wreaking havoc on their opponents.

    Now the Onesemo-Tuilaepa twins are making moves on the field and are fast becoming names to look out for as they come through the ranks of representative rugby league.

    Demielle and Christabelle Onesemo-Tuilaepa, 19, were chosen to represent New Zealand as part of the Ahi Kā Aotearoa squad, who travelled to the Gold Coast last month to play in this year’s Harvey Norman Women’s Championship.

    They took on teams representing parts of Australia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and First Nations.

    The sisters took part in this year’s RISE Talent Development Programme – an initiative set up to help better prepare young players for the demands of high-performance environments, with a focus on female players aged 17 to 21 years old.

    The talented twins come from a family of 10 and hail from the villages of Lepā and Vavau in Samoa. They began their athletic careers from a young age.

    “We played our first rugby game back in 2018, in Savaii, for the girls’ secondary schools rugby competition; then our village rugby team for the Lepā and Lotofaga union,” Demielle said.

    “From here, my sister Christabelle and I were the youngest to be named in the Manusina squad at only 14 years old.

    “[We] were chosen to play for the New Zealand U18 Barbarians Sevens team in the 2020 World School Sevens Tournament. I believe we were also the youngest on the team.”

    ‘Our dad had to look for equipment from all parts of Upolu’

    Christabelle remembers the days she and her siblings were running around the rugby fields every weekend, helping to set things up before the players arrived.

    Their parents are heavily involved in rugby in Samoa and have played at professional level. They describe their mother as a “huge advocate” for women in rugby and has always pushed them to work hard.

    “I look back now. My siblings and I used to wake up early on Saturday mornings to help our parents set up the fields for the Atua i Saute Rugby Union in Lepā.”

    By 7am, the twins would be at the fields setting up the pole paddings, sideline flags, ice, water and even music for the respective teams. Then after the tournaments, they would wash uniforms or take anyone who was injured to the hospital.

    “So to now be the ones playing – I appreciate all the hard work that goes into organising sports tournaments,” Christabelle said.

    [The sport] is not popular among Samoan women and the twins did not get to attend many rugby league tournaments because their village is about an hour from Apia.

    “I remember that when we first started playing…our dad had to go look for players and equipment from all parts of Upolu, as the resources available were limited,” Christabelle said.

    “If equipment was available, it was usually for the men’s team.”

    The twins say there is a massive difference in resources. In New Zealand there is a coach, assistant coaches, trainer, manager, physio, wellbeing support, great facilities and gear.

    “The establishment of development programmes for both men and women would hugely improve the sustainable development of rugby and sport in Samoa. This is something I would be keen to do in the future,” Christabelle said.

    When the twins moved to Aotearoa for better opportunities, they found the environment was completely different from Samoa and they faced some challenges.

    “Funny, I didn’t know the rules for my first league [game],” Christabelle laughed.

    “My sisters and I were Googling ‘rugby league rules’ in the car on our way to our first rugby league game at Richmond, to learn it quickly.”

    Demielle said women’s rugby in New Zealand is well-developed, with many pathways and opportunities for players to develop and succeed, such as the opportunity to represent New Zealand on the Ahi Ka 2024 team.

    “It is not light on me that many girls, especially those who I played with in Samoa, do not have the same opportunities to also develop in the league.”

    ‘Hard work beats talent’

    The girls encourage aspiring players to be disciplined and to work hard.

    “A quote I live by is: ‘Hard work beats talent’. You can be a talented player but you have to put in the hard work to achieve your dreams and goals,” Demielle said.

    Christabelle’s advice is simple: “Remember your why and let that fuel your drive to achieve your dreams.”

    The future remains hopeful for the twins as they work toward a professional career in rugby league for the Kiwi Ferns or Black Ferns for rugby union; as well as becoming role models and inspirations for the upcoming generations that want to play league.

    Read more on nzherald.

    31 March 2024

    18s Girl’s Finals

    Auckland 10 v Canterbury 20 

    The host team were first to put points on the board in the opening minutes of the game, scoring through their right edge before successfully kicking the conversion. They continued building momentum in the game, scoring again shortly after off the back of excellent ball play and strong finishing on the try line. The Cantabrians were unable to score in the first half, with the score set at 10-0 half time to Auckland.

    The opening of the second half saw the Canterbury Bulls strike back to maintain a footing in the game, after a nifty dart from dummy half and over the try line to score. The girls from Canterbury continued to build momentum after an Auckland error gave them possession and the opportunity to score again. A successful conversion equalised the score to 10-all with minutes to go. The Aucklanders struggled to fire back as Canterbury continued to play with energy and pace. A barging run from a Canterbury forward 10 metres from the try-line saw them score a third try to take the lead. In the final minute of the match, the South Islanders sealed their win with one final try down their right edge, crowning them the national U18 girls champions for 2024.

     

    18s Boys Finals

    Wellington 20 v Canterbury 4

    The boys from the capital were first to put points on the board in the opening minute of the match, with fast pace and skill giving them the opportunity to cross the white line. They continued to build momentum while keeping out the South Islanders, going on to score again minutes later and successfully converting. The halftime score was set at 10-0 in favour of the Wellington Orcas.

    Wellington continued their roll-on from the first half, firing straight away to score twice in the opening minutes of the second half. Determined to stay in the game, the Cantabrians struck back with excellent ball play and speed down their left edge to give them their first try. This would be the final try of the match, the Orcas being too dominant and claiming the championship title.

    31 March 2024

    16s Girl’s Finals

    Wellington  8 v Waikato 14

    It was the defending champions Wellington who put points on the board first in their initial attacking set of the game, utilising their strong-running left edge. Shortly after they would cross for another, shifting the ball along to their right edge for the winger to score. The girls from the Waikato fought to stay in the game, scoring their first try just before the half to set the score at 8-4 to Wellington.

    In a shift of momentum, the Waikato side struck first after the halftime break, with a show of pace from the left winger to beat the Wellington defender and score. A successful conversion put them in the lead by two points. The team would cement their win with another try in the last minute of the game through another individual display of speed down the right edge, dethroning the team from the capital.

     

    16s Boys Finals

    Canterbury  10 v Auckland 18

    The Aucklanders came firing out of the gates to score right from the kick-off, with a well-placed kick seeing them win possession and go on to score. Minutes later, skilful passing and ball movement saw #7 Calvin Harris-Tavita score his second for the host team, followed by a successful conversion. Not to be diminished the Cantabrians rolled down the field with excellent momentum, before spreading the ball across to cross for their first try. The halftime score was 10-4 in favour of Auckland.

    The first four minutes of the second half went scoreless, until an excellent cut-out pass by Auckland saw them score their third down their left wing. The boys from Canterbury battled to maintain their footing in this match, capitalising off an Auckland error in their own in-goal to score. A successful conversion saw the margin narrow to just four points. Now a one-try game, in the last minute before the full-time hooter, the determined Aucklanders stormed down the pitch to score once more.

    31 March 2024

    The National District 9s semi-finals action kicked off this morning to determine which teams and districts are headed to the finals later today. The first final will take place between the girls from Canterbury and Auckland at 2:00pm. In the boy’s grade, Wellington and Canterbury were successful in their matches and will head to the final at 2:30pm. Both finals will be broadcast on Sky Sport.

     

    Boys 18s Semi-Finals

    Wellington 12 v Auckland 10

    Canterbury 8 v Otago 4

    Both semi-finals were closely-contested, with the Wellington Orcas narrowly beating the the Aucklanders by a 2-point kick to secure their place in the final, and the Cantabrians beating Otago by one try to join them.

    Boys 16s Finals – Wellington v Canterbury 2:30pm

     

    Girls 18s Semi-Finals

    Waikato 10 v Canterbury 16

    Auckland 16 v Northland 4

    The girls from Canterbury overcame the Waikato side by one converted try, while the Aucklanders showed their skill to overcome Northland by three tries to face Canterbury in the final.

    Girls 18s Finals – Canterbury v Auckland 2:00pm

    31 March 2024

    The National District 9s semi-finals action kicked off this morning to determine which teams and districts are headed to the 16s finals later today. The first final will take place between the girls from Wellington and Waikato at 1:00pm. In the boy’s grade, Canterbury and Auckland were successful in their matches and will head to the final at 1:30pm. Both finals will be broadcast on Sky Sport.

     

    Boys 16s Semi-Finals

    Wellington 10 v Canterbury 12

    Auckland 26 v Northland 4

    The Cantabrian boys narrowly beat the Wellington Orcas by a 2-point kick to secure their place in the final, while the Aucklanders produced a dominant win over Northland.

    Boys 16s Finals – Canterbury v Auckland 1:30pm

     

    Girl’s 16s Semi-Finals

    Wellington 12 v Manawatu 8

    Auckland 4 v Waikato 8

    Both girl’s semi-finals were close-contested, with Wellington and Waikato narrowly winning their games by one try to book a place in the finals.

    Girl’s 16s Finals – Wellington v Waikato 1:00pm

    30 March 2024

    The New Zealand Rugby League National District 9s kicked off at Bruce Pulman Park this Easter Saturday, with Day 1 consisting of round-robin matches. By the end of the day, semi-finalist teams were confirmed consisting of the Wellington, Northland, Auckland and Canterbury boy’s sides, and Wellington, Waikato, Auckland, and Manawatu for the girl’s grade.

     

    Boys 16s 

    Round 1 of the day saw the Northland, Wellington, Bay of Plenty, and Auckland sides all claim their first victories. The Coastline team in Pool A are making their National District 9s Tournament debut.

    In Round 2 Otago took their first win, while Wellington and Northland finished in a low-scoring deadlock at 4-all. In Pool B, the Aucklanders continued their winning streak and Canterbury chalked up their first win against Bay of Plenty.

    In the final round of the day, Wellington and Northland cemented their spots in the semi-finals for Pool A by winning their respective matches. In Pool B it was the Aucklanders and Cantabrians who finished first and second ahead of Bay of Plenty and Taranaki to go through to playoffs.

     

    Pool A Standings

    Wellington

    Northland

    Otago

    Coastline

     

    Pool B Standings

    Auckland

    Canterbury

    Bay of Plenty

    Taranaki

     

    Boys 16s semi-finals Sunday 31st March

    Wellington v Canterbury – 9:30am Field 2

    Northland v Auckland – 9:30am Field 5

     

    Girls 16s 

    In the girl’s grade the wāhine from Waikato, Wellington, Manawatu, and Auckland were all successful in winning their Round 1 matches. The Southland team in Pool A are the sole team representing the district in the tournament.

    The second round saw Bay of Plenty take their first win of the day in Pool B, while Auckland, Wellington, and Waikato continued their winning momentum.

    In Pool A Wellington completed a clean sweep after narrowly defeating Waikato, with the two sides locked in for semi-finals tomorrow. Pool B came down to points difference, with Auckland just coming out on top over Manawatu by four points. The two sides will face Wellington and Waikato in playoffs tomorrow.

     

    Pool A Standings

    Wellington

    Waikato

    Northland

    Southland

     

    Pool B Standings

    Auckland

    Manawatu

    Bay of Plenty

    Canterbury

     

    Girls 16s semi-finals Sunday 31st March

    Wellington v Manawatu – 9:00am Field 2

    Auckland v Waikato – 9:00am Field 5

     

    For all draw and results updates visit sporty.co.nz.

    Field 1 will be broadcast on Sky Sport

    Field 2 will be live-streamed on Veo

    Field 3 will be live-streamed on YouTube 

    30 March 2024

    The New Zealand Rugby League National District 9s kicked off at Bruce Pulman Park this Easter Saturday, with Day 1 consisting of round-robin matches. By the end of the day, semi-finalist teams were confirmed consisting of the Wellington, Otago, Canterbury and Auckland boy’s sides, and Waikato, Northland, Auckland and Canterbury for the girl’s grade.

     

    Boys 18s

    Round 1 of the day saw the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and Canterbury sides claim their first wins of the weekend, the Cantabrians beating Auckland the 2023 champions. Pool A’s North Island v South Island match-up between Wellington and Otago was an even contest ending in a draw.

    In Round 2 Wellington and Otago chalked up their first wins of the tournament, while Canterbury continued their winning momentum. In Pool B Manawatu and Auckland clashed but neither side could clinch a victory, with the final score at 20-all.

    Pool A came down to points difference in the third and final round of the day, with the Wellingtonians narrowly coming out on top of the pool ahead of Otago, for the two sides to advance to semi-finals. In Pool B the Canterbury side completed a clean sweep to finish first, followed by the Aucklanders who beat the Bay of Plenty Lakers.

     

    Standings

    Pool A

    Wellington

    Otago

    Waikato

    Northland

     

    Pool B

    Canterbury

    Auckland

    Bay of Plenty

    Manawatu

     

    Boys 18s semi-finals Sunday 31st March

    Wellington v Auckland – 10:30am Field 2

    Otago v Canterbury – 10:30am Field 5

     

    Girls 18s 

    The 18’s girl’s grade kicked off the tournament with Northland, Waikato, Canterbury, and Auckland all winning their initial games. The Coastline team in Pool B are making their National District 9s Tournament debut.

    Round 2 of pool matches saw Taranaki and Wellington victorious for the first time in the day, while Auckland and Waikato continued to go undefeated in their respective pools.

    In the final round of the day, in Pool A Waikato cemented their place in the semi-finals by beating Taranaki to go undefeated. Waikato will be joined in the semi-finals by Northland who defeated Otago. Pool B was taken out by the unbeaten Auckland wāhine, and Canterbury who produced a large win over Coastline.

     

    Pool A Standings

    Waikato

    Northland

    Taranaki

    Otago

     

    Pool B Standings

    Auckland

    Canterbury

    Wellington

    Coastline

     

    Girls 18s semi-finals Sunday 31st March

    Waikato v Canterbury – 10:00am Field 2

    Auckland v Northland – 1o:00am Field 5

     

    For all draw and results updates visit sporty.co.nz.

    Field 1 will be broadcast on Sky Sport

    Field 2 will be live-streamed on Veo

    Field 3 will be live-streamed on YouTube 

    Off the back of Ahi Kā Aotearoa’s recent campaign in the Harvey Norman Women’s National Championships, Sharnyze Pihema was named the joint Player of the Tournament and recipient of the Tahnee Norris Medal.

    Teammate Monica Samita was named alongside her in the Tournament Team. Their selection was hard-earned with the Championships being an elite pathway tournament, where players from across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea showcase their skills in the representative arena.

    The Ahi Kā Aotearoa squad was selected from the successful ‘RISE’ Talent Development Programme. In partnership with the NRL, the RISE programme was delivered earlier this year across multiple sessions around the country. RISE aims to better prepare young players for the rigours of high-performance environments such as the NRLW, targeting female players aged 17-21.

    Pihema shared, “Coming through the RISE programme, I feel it was beneficial not only for me but the other ladies as well… it showed us how much the game is growing and how important it is to keep the programme up for generations to come.

    “Hopefully over the next few years, the programmes in New Zealand will continue to develop further than where they are now.”

    Pihema co-captained the young Ahi Kā side in their successful 2024 campaign, which saw them win two matches despite being an under-21 squad playing against open women’s representative teams.

    The 19-year-old hails from Manurewa in South Auckland with roots tying her to Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Kahungunu, and Samoa.

    Reflecting on the moment she was awarded the MVP title Pihema said, “It was a massive shock to me, I didn’t expect my name to be called for MVP as there were many players that I thought were more worthy of the award. I was honoured and privileged to be that player”.

    In humble fashion, the lock did not mention her formidable ball-running, reliable defence, and overall outstanding physicality and athleticism which earned her the MVP title.

    Pihema got her first taste of rugby league in intermediate before becoming a Manurewa Marlins junior. Throughout her younger years, she participated in the New Zealand Māori Rugby League Rangatahi Kōtiro tournaments, represented the Auckland Vulcans in the National Youth Tournament, and featured in the New Zealand Secondary Schools team.

    “It was tough to move up grades as the competition was getting harder each time, but I now understand that if I didn’t continue to move up, I wouldn’t be where I am now.

    “My mother has supported me and my footy dreams since the day I picked up a rugby ball. No matter how difficult life was, she always managed to make time for my games and trainings.”

    The young athlete’s years of dedication and training saw her earn selection for the NSWRL Manly Sea Eagles under-18s Tarsha Gale Cup team, in 2023.

    “Playing in the Tarsha Gale competition was a good opportunity for me to see what the level of footy is like going forward.

    “My advice to young girls wanting to pursue league would be to always take every opportunity you get. If you’re asked to go to a training with the top side, go. If you’ve been invited to a program to develop your skills, go. If your mate asks you to go run some extras before or after training, go.”

    Her teammate 20-year-old Monica Samita also impressed on the Championship stage to rightfully earn her place in the Tournament Team. The skilful hooker is no stranger to elite-level football, as a returnee to the team from their inaugural campaign in 2023.

    Samita shared, “I had a lot of expectations to help my teammates by helping with preparation for this competition and sharing my experience, but I also learnt a lot from my teammates.

    “This year I enjoyed the team culture we had, getting to meet new people and run alongside them doing what we love.”

    Not only was Otahuhu Leopards junior one of the most experienced in the squad, but also one of the most accomplished. In 2022 Samita was part of the winning Akarana Falcons team at the National Youth Tournament, then the New Zealand Resident Clubs team. She made her international debut for the Tonga National Women’s team later that year as one of the youngest in the squad.

    Most recently, in 2023 Samita was selected for the first-ever Ahi Kā team before joining the runner-up Akarana Falcons Sky Sport Women’s Premiership side. In November, she earned her second international Test cap with the Tonga Women’s team in the Pacific Championships Eden Park triple-header.

    “Over the years I’ve learnt a lot of lessons and taken a lot of losses, to become a better player and improve my performance as an athlete. I’m very grateful for the opportunities that I’ve been given, but there is still a lot of improvement to do for me to become the player that I aspire to be.”

    Samita credited her remarkable football success to hard work, and the support of her family and coaches, sharing, “‘Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.’ This is something I always fall back on and have always been reminded of when I’ve felt like giving up and quitting.

    “My parents have always supported me, especially my dad who has shown dedication and made countless sacrifices throughout the years. My previous coaches have all supported me…without their experience and knowledge I wouldn’t be half the player I am today.”

    The achievements of the Ahi Kā Aotearoa team, Pihema, and Samita, are testament to the high calibre of local talent that has been fostered through the growing grassroots and domestic representative pathways.

    Samita shared, “Look at the likes of Mele Hufanga, Krystal Rota, Mya Hill-Moana and so many more New Zealand women who have gone through the same pathways as us to get to where they are [in the NRLW].

    “My ultimate football goal is to one day become an NRLW player for the Warriors, and to be able to put on the Black and White jersey one day.”

    Her captain Pihema said, “My biggest footy goal is to make the NRLW but with that comes my mother. I want my mother to be able to be there the day I debut in my first game.”

    There is no shortage of young New Zealand girls who, like Samita and Pihema, have dreams of playing in the NRLW and donning the Black and White jersey. Dreams of playing in the NRLW are much closer to home now, with the Warriors confirming an NRLW team for the 2025 season.

    Sharnyze Pihema and Monica Samita are just a small reflection of the highly talented upcoming generation of female rugby league footballers in New Zealand, who we will undoubtedly see playing in the NRLW and Kiwi Ferns one day.

    28 March 2024

    New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) is proud to announce the return of the National District 9s Tournament for 2024, following the event’s success in 2022 and 2023.

    This year the National District 9s Tournament will be held at Auckland’s Bruce Pulman Park over two days of the Easter weekend, Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st of March. Pool games will take place on the 30th, with all semi-finals and finals set for the 31st.

    The top eight qualifying district teams in each of the grades will compete in the tournament, which will collectively see 32 teams participating. All four grades (16s Boys, 16s Girls, 18s Boys, and 18s Girls) will be hotly contested throughout the weekend for champions to be crowned.

    In 2023 Auckland prevailed in both the Boys and Girls 18s grades, whilst Wellington claimed the 16s Girls grade and Manawatu the 16s Boys grade. 

    Ten districts spanning the country will be represented at this year’s Nationals, namely; Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Coastline, Taranaki, Manawatu, Wellington, Canterbury, Otago, and Southland.

    This will be Coastline’s inaugural campaign in the tournament, entering teams in the 16s Boys and 18s Girls grades. Taranaki, Bay of Plenty, and Southland all return to the Nationals having last participated in 2022. Southland will field a 16s Girls team for the first time.

    The National District 9s is one of the most significant events in the grassroots rugby league calendar, as David McMeeken National Football Operations Manager at NZRL says, “The National 9s Tournament is an effective entry point for rugby league, as it encourages participation and growth of the game at a district level throughout the country.”

    The 9s format also fosters interest and development in the girl’s game across the country with Luisa Avaiki, Head of Women’s Rugby League at NZRL saying, “I’m excited that we can continue the momentum of this tournament. It’s a significant event in our calendar as it encourages girls from every district across New Zealand to have a go and get involved in rugby league.”

     

    Visit Sporty for the Tournament draw, results and the Day 2 Draw will be updated regularly.

    All Field 1 games will be broadcast on Sky Sport.

    All Field 2 games will be live-streamed on the NZRL YouTube Channel.

    15 Feb 2024

     

    The New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) proudly announces that the ‘RISE’ Talent Development Programme, in partnership with the NRL, is back for 2024.

    After its inaugural year in NZ in 2023, the ‘RISE’ Talent Development Programme aims to better prepare young players for the rigours of high-performance environments such as the NRLW, targeting female players aged 17-19 years of age.

    This weekend, the ‘RISE’ programme expands to various cities in New Zealand. Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch will host Rise sessions for young aspiring female players to improve their skills, learn the basics of strength and conditioning, and understand the significance of player well-being.

    2023, which also saw the establishment of the NZRL Ahi Kā Aotearoa squad that competed in the Harvey Norman Women’s National Championship in 2023. Players who were selected for the squad were part of the inaugural Rise programme, which serves as a pathway for young females to

    With the NRLW growing from six to 10 teams in 2023, female players have more opportunities to be recognised and establish themselves as elite athletes. The RISE programme is the next step for aspiring Kiwi players to become NRLW players and future Kiwi Ferns.

    As seen on https://www.nzherald.co.nz/

    Two sporting codes united on the golf course last week to raise more than $17,000 for Northland’s young rugby league players.

    More than 110 golfers took to the inviting fairways and greens of The Pines Golf Club in Whangārei. Golfing teams came from as far away as Auckland to compete in the tournament, where they joined groups from Northland golf clubs out of Whangārei, Hikurangi, Ngunguru, Waitangi, Waipū, and Mangawhai, along with a healthy representation from home club members at The Pines.

    Also among the playing fraternity were several former New Zealand and Samoan rugby league international representatives — including Duane Mann, Gary Prohm, Jerry Seuseu, and Ali Lauiti’iti. Funds raised from the golf will be utilised by Rugby League Northland’s youth teams, boys and girls, travelling to national tournaments throughout New Zealand.

    The Legends of League golf tournament was run under a three-player Ambrose team format, and was won by the Whangārei team Rangikorero Roaders comprising David McDonald, Thomas McDonald, and Matt Dennis.

    Event organiser and North Golf Association development officer Dave Mullan said the Legends of League golf event showcased how different sporting codes could work together – under the auspices of the Northland Sports Coalition – not only keeping the population fit, but also enabling participants to enjoy social engagement through sports.
    “We’ve had multiple charity fundraising events at The Pines over the years, which combined have attracted thousands of players, and it was highly encouraging to see dozens of ‘new faces’ playing in the Legends of League tournament … golfers who have united their love of two sports all for a very worthy cause under a charitable umbrella doing good for the community,” Mullan said.

    A charity auction at the event, conducted by the highly entertaining Louis McDonald of Eves Real Estate, had money rolling in from an enthusiastic crowd bidding on such highly collectable rugby league sporting memorabilia as:

    • a signed Kiwis jersey that sold for $1,300;
    • a signed Warriors jersey that sold for $750; and
    • a signed Paramatta Eels jersey that went for $400.

    Plus a pair of boots worn and signed by Kiwis and Penrith Panthers hard-man James Fisher Harris that sold for $500.

    The Tuurangawaewae Sports and Cultural club Pat Bennett Memorial 9s Tournament will take place Saturday 2 March 2024 from 8.30 am to 4.00 pm, at Paterson Park in Ngaaruawaahia.

     

    The objectives of the tournament are to promote Rugby League, to provide all invited teams with a great day of football to start the season, to promote Turangawaewae Rugby League Club to new members, to provide our schoolboys and junior netball teams with a fundraising opportunity and to host and welcome all supporters and spectators to our tournament and our club.

    The Tournament will comprise a day of Hard and Fast 9’s Men’s and Women’s Rugby league and a Netball tournament. There will also be a club sprint race, so pick your fastest sprinter and we’ll see which club will take out the bragging rights for 2024. Join us for a fun filled, action packed day of whaanau day of Rugby League and Netball.

     

    The tournament venue is Paterson Park River Road, Ngaaruawaahia. Parking is available at the Ngaamiro Health clinic carpark and around the venue.

     

    All you have to do is complete your online player registration form. https://www.eventcreate.com/e/patbennett9s once completed you will receive a registration confirmation.

    All teams will be affiliated to a District Body recognized by NZRL.

    You can have up to 20 players per team (see tournament rules below).

    If your club is out of the Waikato District, you must apply to your local league district seeking approval to participate in an “out of zone” tournament.

    Entry fee is $200 per League team and $100 per Netball team . There are 2 payment options;

    1. Internet banking
    2. credit Card
    3. You can pay $200 cash on the day at the admin

     

    Just so you know, all registration monies go towards the prize money. No profit is made from this event.

     

    DRAW

    Depending on the number of teams entered will determine the number of games that will be played. The draw will be issued to each registered club by Wednesday 28 February 2024.

     

    Click here for the full tournament information pack

    December 13 2023 

     

    In a year of significant growth for rugby league in Aotearoa, historical results were achieved in nationwide domestic competitions, which saw talent emerge across the motu both on and off the field. NZRL would like to congratulate the Domestic Rugby League Award Recipients for 2023. 

    The Grassroots Club of the Year was highly contested. NZRL would like to recognise the clubs shortlisted in contention for this award: Dannevirke Tigers (Mid Central), Howick Hornets (Counties Manukau), Manukau Magpies (Counties Manukau), Porirua Vikings (Wellington).  

    The Grassroots Club of the Year for 2023 isrecognised for both on-field and off-field achievements, but also for implementing NZRL’s “Kiwi Way” values, carrying out community outreach, growing participation, and showing commitment to the development of rugby league in their respective districts and zones. Congratulations to 2023’s Club of the Year, Mid Central’s Dannevirke Tigers.  

    The 2023 Men’s and Women’s Domestic Player of the Year awards go to Ōtāhuhu Leopards and Auckland Vulcans duo Sione Feao and Onjeurlina Leiataua Hunt. 

    Sione Feao led the charge for the Ōtāhuhu Leopards throughout their season in the Fox Memorial Premiership, which earned him the Auckland Rugby League Player of the Year award. He was then fundamental in the Auckland Vulcans’ inaugural National Premiership campaign, which saw them go all the way to win their first-ever Premiership. The back-rower and prop was named Player of the Match in their grand final against the Counties Manukau Stingrays, before he featured again in the Auckland Invitational team against the Aotearoa New Zealand Maōri side. 

    The versatile and powerhouse veteran Onjeurlina Leiataua Hunt takes home the Women’s Player of the Year award. After a stand-out season for the Ōtāhuhu Leopards in the Steele-Shanks Women’s Premiership, she was named Lock of the Year in Auckland Rugby League’s Team of the Year. She was instrumental in the Auckland Vulcans’ maiden Sky Sport Women’s Premiership campaign, which saw them claim a historic first Premiership title to complete a Vulcans double. Leiataua Hunt then laced up for the Auckland Invitational side against the Aotearoa New Zealand Maōri women. 

     The Junior (U19) Boys and Girls Players of the Year are Jacob Laban (Wellington) and Monica Samita (Akarana).   

    Wellington native Jacob Laban was an integral player in the One New Zealand Warriors U19 S.G. Ball Cup team, before becoming a mainstay in the semi-finalist Knock On Effect New South Wales Cup team. The back-rower’s stellar performance throughout the season for both Warriors teams earned him selection and a debut for the New Zealand Kiwis A team in their Test match against the Tonga A side. 

    Akarana’s Monica Samita co-captained the inaugural Ahi Kā Aotearoa team in the Australian Harvey Norman Women’s National Championship, held in the Gold Coast earlier this year. The skilful hooker steered the spine for City in the Steele-Shanks Women’s Premiership, before taking a lead in the young Akarana side who were Sky Sport Women’s Premiership finalists. 

    The Coach of the Year for 2023 is awarded to Akarana’s Phil Gordon. The highly experienced and knowledgeable Gordon coached the Te Atatu Roosters to the Fox Memorial Premiership Plate Final, and the Akarana Falcons men to third place in the National Premiership. He also coached the victorious Aotearoa Whaanui 16s Boys in the National 16s and 18s Tournament. 

    Manager of the Year goes to Wellington’s Rachael Leafe. Ever-present in grassroots rugby league, outside of being involved in her local club the Randwick Kingfishers, Rachael managed several teams this year: the champion Orcas 16s Girls in the National 9s Tournament, the finalist Orcas 16s Girls in the National Youth Tournament, the Orcas 20s Boys in the Ruben Wiki Cup, and the victorious National Secondary Schools Girls team for which she was awarded Manager of the Tournament. 

    Counties Manukau’s Zachary Moulder is awarded the 2023 Trainer of the Year. Zach provided his expertise and experience as a trainer to the Counties Manukau representative teams throughout the season. Outside of his practical skills and knowledge, Zach earned this award for his outstanding service including consistent efforts and willingness to assist however needed, and his ability to connect with players. 

    Paki Parkinson has taken home Match Official of the Year for the fourth consecutive year. In addition to his participation in all significant NZRL national tournaments, Paki was also of service by upskilling and imparting his knowledge to other referees. Most notably in 2023, Paki refereed the National Men’s Premiership Final and New Zealand Universities Test matches, and was a touch judge in the Kiwi Ferns v Tonga international Test match.  

    Raukawa Ki Runga’s Nick Hennessy has been awarded Pirtek Volunteer of the Year for his utmost commitment and dedication towards growing female rangatahi participation, in the Ōtaki region. Nick’s focus on developing the girl’s and women’s game as a coach and mentor is outstanding, selflessly volunteering his personal time and resources to aid them however possible. To read Nick’s story, click here.  

    NZRL CEO Greg Peters says, “2023 has been a year of significant growth for the game in New Zealand, which has only been possible through the continuous dedication of people across our rugby league communities.  

    Thank you for the remarkable work on and off the field to ensure rugby league continues to thrive – thank you for another amazing year.”   

     

    2023 NZRL DOMESTIC AWARD WINNERS 

     

    Grassroots Club of the Year –Dannevirke Tigers (Mid Central) 

    Shortlist: Howick Hornets (Counties Manukau), Manukau Magpies (Counties Manukau), Porirua Vikings (Wellington) 

     

    Men’s Domestic Player of the Year – Sione Feao (Auckland) 

    Shortlist: Enoch Tautalo (Wellington), Francis Leger (Auckland), Geronimo Doyle (Counties Manukau), Mikaele Mafi (South Island), Phranklyn Mano-Le-Mamea (Counties Manukau),  

     

    Women’s Domestic Player of the Year – Onjeurlina Leiataua Hunt (Auckland) 

    Shortlist: Florence Toluono Waqa (Counties Manukau), Lydia Quedley-Turua (Akarana), Tamara Ruaporo (Wellington) 

     

    Junior Boys (U19) Player of the Year – Jacob Laban (Wellington) 

    Shortlist: Te Kaio Cranwell (South Island), Rodney Vea (Counties Manukau), Zyon Maiu’u (Auckland) 

     

    Junior Girls (U19) Player of the Year – Monica Samita (Akarana) 

    Shortlist: Braxton Sorensen-McGee (Auckland), Seriah Palepale (Auckland) 

     

    Coach of the Year – Phil Gordon (Akarana) 

    Shortlist: Ake Pereira (Wellington), David Reedy (South Island), Manu Clarkson (South Island), Ruka Loza (Counties Manukau), Sefo (Frank) Fuimaono (Auckland) 

     

    Trainer of the Year – Zachary Moulder (Counties Manukau) 

    Shortlist: Chris McMillan (Counties Manukau), Lee Mou (South Island), Paul Fisiiahi (Counties Manukau), Sheldon Akavi (Wellington) 

     

    Manager of the Year – Rachael Leafe (Wellington) 

    Shortlist: Melanie Piri (South Island), Mel Tukapua (South Island), Tania Morunga (Counties Manukau) 

     

    Match Official of the Year – Paki Parkinson (Bay of Plenty) 

    Shortlist: Jack Feavers (South Island), Jaxon McGowan (Northland), Liam O’Brien (South Island) 

     

    Pirtek Volunteer of the Year – Nick Hennessy (Wellington) 

    Shortlist: Dylan and Ruscelle Rintoul (Waikato), Michelle Harding (South Island), 

    Phylis Latu (Counties Manukau), Scott Tulua (Counties Manukau) 

     

    As seen on canterburyrugbyleague.co.nz

    Ngā Puna Wai was a hotbed of rugby league education and development for five consecutive days last week as the most significant event of Canterbury Rugby League’s partnership with NRL club Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs to date unfolded.

    Led by Craig Wilson (Pathways and Development), Fifita Hala (Recruitment) and Adam Hartigan (General Manager – Pathways), the Bulldogs delivered three coach upskilling sessions and two days of skill development for junior players.

    “The feedback’s been really good – it’s only in its infancy, but the first steps have been really positive, the coaches are great and we want to give them access to as much information, video, skills and drills, and support,” Wilson said.

    “We’re very lucky in that we’ve got a good league club behind us and a couple of guys who are very passionate about the development of rugby league in Phil Gould and Adam Hartigan.

    “We’ve been discussing it for 12 or 18 months how we can benefit this area, but it’s an area rich in rugby league talent, going back to the Brent Todds, and [more recently] Jordan Riki, Slade Griffin, Griffin Neame.

    “We’re just hoping that if we can assist and develop the game here, there will be more to come.

    “We’re committed for the next two years and hopefully that will form a catalyst for more guys to come through the system and play in the NRL, not just at the Bulldogs but at other clubs.”

    Wednesday’s initial seminar was held for national level and pathways coaches, Thursday’s session was for youth club and 13s/14s representative coaches, and on Friday, senior club coaches and 15s grade coaches and older got their opportunity.

    On Saturday afternoon, around 100 juniors from the 13s and 14s grades experienced a skill development training day at Ngā Puna Wai. The following day roughly the same number of 15s-18s boys and 15s-23s girls had the same invaluable chance.

    “They focused on rugby league’s fundamentals and the Bulldogs’ big thing was effort, so we just wanted everyone listening and putting their best foot forward,” Canterbury Rugby League Director of Football Jamie Lester enthused.

    “There were lots of smiling faces and prizes given out by the Bulldogs to players who really showed that effort they were looking for.

    “Sunday’s session saw the players split into backs and forwards, so the training was a bit more position specific. Our coaches had been learning the Bulldogs during the week, too, so they were instilling some of the stuff they had learned.

    “Both days were mixed gender – that is part of the Bulldogs’ values, that everyone is treated as equals.”

    Wilson provided some further insight into the ethos behind the Bulldogs’ methods.

    “It’s not so much about the sporting element – because they can learn the skill anywhere – it’s about the little things: the attention to detail, how you approach your training, the preparation you need to do,” Wilson explains.

    “Eighty percent of going to that next level is learning and knowing how to train, and perseverance. If they can do that, they get into the mindset of being able to train well … and when you have to perform those skills under pressure and at speed, they become competent and that builds confidence, which builds their game and allows them to grow and develop.

    “The first thing that fails under pressure or fatigue [in a game] will be their skill level, so it’s a fine line. Teaching these kids to listen and that discipline doing drills, once they pick that habit up, that’s something they have for the rest of their lives – in footy and in general.”

    Lester praised the Bulldogs’ dedication to the club’s burgeoning development and pathways relationship with CRL, formally announced in July.

    “The big thing for Canterbury Rugby League was being able to showcase that partnership,” Lester said.

    “To be able to have the Bulldogs here for five days just shows the commitment they’re willing to put in. It’s not their first visit either – this is the third time they’ve been over this year. They’re really putting the time and energy into bringing our youth through.

    “It was a great opportunity for our community, from a coach and player perspective, to get involved and learn and grow.”

    As CRL CEO Malcolm highlights, the Bulldogs’ activities on this trip have not been limited to the Canterbury region.

    “We are excited and grateful for the Bulldogs investing their time in being in Christchurch for five days,” Humm said.

    “Our intent is to support our coaches with their developmental learning and impart this on female and male players, whether this be through the club system or representative programs.

    “We also have a greater purpose through the relationship, and this is to support the wider South Island. Examples of this include CRL and the Bulldogs spending time at St Thomas of Canterbury College – the recent NZRL Secondary Schools Tournament champions – and the Bulldogs travelling to Greymouth to deliver a coaching and player development clinic after their Christchurch visit.

    “We aim to spread these opportunities wider for future visits.”

    Read the full article on canterburyrugbyleague.co.nz

    As seen on canterburyrugbyleague.co.nz

    Papanui Tigers and Greymouth Greyhounds have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will see the clubs share players during the 2024-25 seasons, with the Greyhounds competing in the Canterbury Rugby League Men’s Premiership and the Tigers lining up in the Canterbury Cup Premier Reserves.

    The MoU, executed on November 20, comes on the back of a motion carried by CRL affiliated clubs to change the senior men’s competition structure. All clubs fielding a Premier grade team will also be required to have a team in the Premier Reserves grade.

    Greymouth enjoyed a strong campaign in the 2023 Canterbury Cup – finishing atop the ladder at the end of the regular season before losing its semi-final – while Papanui won the Division One title after making the difficult decision to withdraw from the Premiership. The MoU allows both clubs to fulfil their obligations under the new competition structure.

    Under the terms of the MoU, the Greyhounds will be able to call upon players registered with the Tigers and vice versa, while the eventual goal of the arrangement is for both clubs to field standalone teams in both grades.

    “It is exciting to have Greymouth Greyhounds included in the Canterbury Men’s Premiership,” Canterbury Rugby League CEO Malcolm Humm enthused.

    “Their results in 2023 demonstrated they are on a strong performance trajectory and, combined with Papanui Tigers, the increase in senior men’s numbers provides a real pathway opportunity for both of these clubs and their players.

    “Additionally, we believe this will provide a significant boost to rugby league on the West Coast. Canterbury Rugby League views this as our opportunity to support Southern Zone and the West Coast in growing the sport in a traditional rugby league heartland.”

    The historic addition of the Greyhounds to the CRL Premiership – a first for a West Coast club – creates seven-team Massetti Cup and Canterbury Cup competitions for 2024.

    Teams will play 12 regular season matches (two full rounds) ahead of the four-team finals series format, while discussions are underway to stage a pre-season knockout competition.

    The Greyhounds’ six home games will consist of three each at Wingham Park in Greymouth and Papanui Domain.

    “It’s really exciting for us – it’s going to be a challenge, but it’s a challenge we’re going to take with open arms and give it our best shot,” West Coast Rugby League chairman Brad Tacons said.

    “In 2017 we lost the senior (West Coast) comp, the Greyhounds were established in 2019 to keep the local guys playing footy – and we only had 17 players, so we’ve hung in there till this point and this is by far our most significant step and most exciting one.

    “It will be really good for the game on the Coast to be able to play in a meaningful competition.”

    Tacons also expressed West Coast Rugby League’s eagerness to simultaneously aid Papanui’s quest to eventually feature at Massetti Cup level again.

    “We’re right behind supporting Papanui,” he affirmed.

    “We know the struggles that clubs go through, we know when it seems like there’s no coming back – it seems like the world’s ended. But you rally round, you get good people around you and you make it happen.

    “They want to get back into Premier football and we’re there to provide support to them, and likewise from their side, they’re there to help us grow the game on the Coast.”

    The clubs are far from strangers – they had an MoU in 2022, whereby the Greyhounds effectively served as a Canterbury Cup affiliate for the Tigers, who were then still competing in the top flight.

    “We’re really excited to team up with the Greyhounds, who have been playing really well to be at this level and deserve their opportunity as well,” Papanui Tigers president Grant Bond praised.

    “The Greyhounds have already had a relationship with us from our previous MoU, so they knew what we were about and what we stood for.

    “We were keen to get together and it’s all quite positive.”

    As the Tigers’ rebuild continues, the chance to stage Massetti Cup matches at Papanui Domain and for the club’s top players to feature in the Premiership are immediate advantages of the agreement with the Greyhounds.

    Forecasting further, the partnership shapes as a vital stepping stone to Papanui’s return to Premier grade status under its own steam.

    “Playing premier football back at Papanui will be great, but it’s more about our players and teams competing at the highest level we can, and obviously to get back to a premier grade in our own right,” Bond adds.

    “If we do it the right way it will give us more of a sustainable process rather than a ‘hanging on by the skin of our teeth’ type scenario.”

    Greymouth’s elevation also means the Thacker Shield will be competed for between Premier clubs in 2024.

    Reinvigorated as a challenge trophy this season, the Greyhounds ironically defeated the Tigers in a Canterbury Cup clash to take possession of the Thacker Shield, which they successfully defended in their remaining home games.

    The Greyhounds will be required to put up the Thacker Shield at their home games next year, whether at Wingham Park or Papanui Domain.

    Read more on canterburyrugbyleague.co.nz

    20 November 2023

    Members of the New Zealand grassroots rugby league community across the motu get the chance to see their hard mahi recognised through the Pirtek Volunteer of the Month award.

    This award is given to a volunteer who displays the core values of NZRL’s Kiwi Way: being family first, innovative, inclusive, respectful, and humble. NZRL is excited to announce that Michelle Harding is the final winner of the Pirtek Volunteer of the Month award for 2023.

    Michelle has been at the heart of Christchurch’s Halswell Hornets Rugby League Club for more than 20 years, with her support spanning the club’s landscape and grades throughout this time.

    She spent six years managing junior teams, then managed senior teams, including the Premier and Reserves men’s sides, for six more years. Rain or shine, Michelle was there to ensure smooth sailing for the players and all involved. After becoming recognised as an excellent manager, she was given the role of Canterbury Bulls and South Island Scorpions 16s and 18s manager.

    Michelle served as the Club Secretary for several crucial years, including rebuilding the clubrooms following the Christchurch earthquakes and through COVID-19. Although Michelle has since retired as Club Secretary, this year she stepped up to organise the annual fundraiser, the club’s event of the year. Pirtek CEO Chris Bourke says, “Michelle’s dedication and commitment has made her an integral part of the Halswell Rugby League club, and they are extremely lucky to have her!”

    “Michelle is a well-deserving winner of the Pirtek Volunteer of the Month.”

    Congratulations Michelle!

    October 23 2023

    The 2023 16s and 18s boys and girls national representative fixtures showcased some of the best young rugby league talent throughout the four matches held at Auckland’s Bruce Pulman Park. Both Aotearoa Whaanui boys and girls teams produced wins over the Auckland invitational sides, while the Clubs v Schools matches saw the boys Clubs and girls Schools teams emerge as winners.

     

    Aotearoa Whaanui 16s Girls v Auckland Invitational Girls

    Aotearoa Whaanui 38-0

    The Aotearoa Whaanui girls team portrayed much skill and strength in their convincing win over the Auckland Invitational girls side. Scoring for the match was opened by Whaanui winger Prayer Playle who crossed the white line off the back of an expert long ball by halfback Hera Maihi. Maihi was dependable with kicking duties throughout the match, successfully kicking four conversions and one penalty goal. The Whaanui side proved too strong for the Aucklanders going on to score eight unanswered tries, finishing the game as victors 38-0. Centre Te Maia Sweetman finished the match with a double, with her teammates Prayer Playle, Bailey Edwards, Ava-Lea Maxwell Ogilvy, Kayshana Rapana, and captain Mihikorama Kerr all crossing for tries.

     

    Aotearoa Whaanui 16s Boys v Auckland Invitational Boys

    Aotearoa Whaanui 20-10

    Spine-tingling hakas set the scene for the Auckland v Aotearoaa Whaanui 16s Boys clash at Auckland’s Pulman Park. However, the first forty was one-way traffic for the Aotearoa side.  South Island’s Azaniah Roebeck opened the scoring, followed by consecutive tries to South Island’s Torino Jackson, Waikato’s Fine Fale and Wellington’s Shae TeKauri Taitua. The half-time hooter worked wonders for the Auckland side as they regrouped to find their comeback form. Auckland’s Charleston Te Rore set the scene for the second half, earning the 09’s first points through a barging run up the middle. Consecutive Auckland tries to Peter Faaleaga, and Steven Moala followed, but the clock rang full-time, and the comeback was cut short. An impressive second-half Auckland effort wasn’t enough for Whaanui’s first-half dominance, final score 20-10.

     

    New Zealand Resident Clubs Boys v National Secondary Schools Boys

    New Zealand Resident Clubs Boys 30-22

    This intense clash saw heavy contact and excellent ball play from both 18s boys sides as they battled for the full 70 minutes. The Clubs team came out firing, with Captain Rodney Tuipulotu-Vea scoring first after an opportunity created by a kick from half Maui Winitana-Patelesio. Winitana-Patelesio was also successful for three conversions in the match. The NZ Resident Clubs side continued to dominate the first half, scoring three more tries bringing the score to 20-0 at halftime. The Schools side made a resurgence in the second half after prop forward Malachi Filipo crossed to put their first points on the board. They maintained momentum scoring two more consecutive tries but were ultimately outlasted by the Clubs boys, who went on to win the game 30-22.

     

    New Zealand Resident Clubs Girls v National Secondary Schools Girls

    National Secondary Schools Girls 32-28

    Fullback Jessica Patea put first points on the board for NZ Clubs, but NZ Schools had the upper hand for most of the first half. Containing the Schools’ middles proved challenging as field position swayed heavily in favour of the Secondary Schools side. Schools led 20-6 at the break through tries to Shafenior Lui, Evelyn Roberts, Danii-Nicole Gray and Josinah Filisi Tauilili. Filisi Tauilili scored a double to kick off the final forty before Schools’ hooker Evelyn Roberts barged over for her second shortly after. NZ Club captain Braxton Sorensen-McGee cleverly found space on the line, injecting momentum into her side as they bridged the gap 32-12. That momentum carried as the return set saw winger Danii Mafoe crash over after a full-field effort from NZ Clubs with the deficit now 16. The Clubs began to find space as their comeback edged closer and closer. Consecutive line breaks saw winger Elenoa Havea barge over, making it a ten-point game with ten to go. More metres down the middle from an inspired Schools side saw it become a four point game with two minutes to go. A powerful kick-off from NZ Schools kept their lead alive as they got the ball back on the return set, but a knock-on soon after gave Clubs one final shot. A last-ditch attempt from Clubs to score a 100m try fell agonisingly short as the full-time hooter rang; NZ Schools held on to victory, 32-28.

    October 19 2023

    The 2023 16s and 18s boys and girls representative fixtures boast an extreme amount of top talent from across the motu. New Zealand Rugby League is proud to announce the return of the Clubs vs Schools match-up as well as the return of Aotearoa Whaanui vs Auckland Invitational. This 16s clash puts the top talent from around Aotearoa up against the melting pot that is Tāmaki Makaurau, whilst the 18s Clubs vs Schools fixture is a combination of the best players from both the NZRL National Secondary Schools and National Youth Tournaments. All matches are set to take place at Auckland’s Bruce Pulman Park on Monday 23 October.

    NZRL General Manager of Football & High-Performance Motu Tony stated, “Another successful year of the National Secondary Schools and NZRL National Youth Tournaments gave our rangatahi and rugby league community a fantastic opportunity to come together.

    “The tournaments showcased the enormous talent we have playing and participating in rugby league, and our expanded female National Youth Tournament showed that the future of the Kiwi Ferns is bright and exciting.

    “The efforts of those who performed exceptionally well in our tournaments have been recognised. They will get another opportunity to connect and compete with the rugby league talent throughout the motu.

    I am excited about the talent we have that will compete in these fixtures and also proud that we can offer our young female players another representative opportunity.”

    All games are free to attend at Bruce Pulman Park, Takanini, and will be live-streamed on the NZRL YouTube channel: youtube.com/playlist

     

    Aotearoa Whaanui 16s Girls v Auckland Invitational 16s Girls

    Monday 23 October Bruce Pulman Park 10:05 am

    2023 NZRL AOTEAROA WHAANUI 16S GIRLS SQUAD

    • Manaia Blake-Thompson – Mid Central Vipers
    • Olive Connolly – South Island Scorpions
    • Lahnayah Daniel – Waikato
    • Bailey-Rae Edwards – Bay of Plenty
    • Mihikorama Kerr – Waikato
    • Charley Lahmert – Mid Central Vipers
    • Dormay Laufiso – South Island Scorpions
    • Riana Le’afa-Paki – Wellington Orcas
    • Hera Maihi – Wellington Orcas
    • Te Waikaukau Mathieson-Julian – Mid Central Vipers
    • Ava-Lea Maxwell-Ogilvy – South Island Scorpions
    • Sophie Parker-Cornelius – Mid Central Vipers
    • Prayer Playle – Mid Central Vipers
    • Kayshana Rapana-Phillips – South Island Scorpions
    • Te Ngaroahiahi Rimoni (Fanua) – Wellington Orcas
    • Celine Russell – South Island Scorpions
    • Lei Sipaia – Wellington Orcas
    • Te Maia Sweetman – Mid Central Vipers
    • Courtney Tyrell – Wellington Orcas

     

    Aotearoa Whaanui 16s Boys v Auckland Invitational 16s Boys

    Monday 23 October Bruce Pulman Park 11:35 am

    2023 NZRL AOTEAROA WHAANUI 16S BOYS SQUAD

    • Huritetaha Barlow – Waikato
    • Kairus Booth – South Island Scorpions
    • Kaea Cribb – Waikato
    • Fine Fale – Waikato
    • Ezekiel Hammond-Siolo – South Island Scorpions
    • Rico Lemalie – South Island Scorpions
    • Torino Jackson – South Island Scorpions
    • Bishop Neal – South Island Scorpions
    • PJ Palamo – South Island Scorpions
    • Turama Paranihi – Waikato
    • Tavita Pomale – Bay of Plenty
    • Azaniah Roebeck – South Island Scorpions
    • Isaiah Savea – South Island Scorpions
    • Lorenz-Markel Strickland Rere – Wellington Orcas
    • Micah Sula – South Island Scorpions
    • Shae TeKauri Taitua – Wellington Orcas
    • Delahoia Te Pakeke-Kakoi – South Island Scorpions
    • Timau Utiaro – Waikato
    • Romana Brent Whitiora – Waikato

     

     NZRL National Secondary Schools Boys v NZRL New Zealand Resident Clubs Boys

    Monday 23 October Bruce Pulman Park 1:05 pm

    2023 NZRL NATIONAL SECONDARY SCHOOLS BOYS SQUAD

    • Malakai Cama – Rotorua Boys’ High School
    • Zeke Faga-Ieti – St. Thomas of Canterbury College
    • Quiann Feterika-Mafoe – St. Paul’s College
    • Jeriko Filipi-Talisau – St. Paul’s College
    • Malachi Filipo – St. Paul’s College
    • Noah Harmer-Campbell – St. Thomas of Canterbury College
    • Chelden Hayward – St. Thomas of Canterbury College
    • Mikaele Ilaiu – Rotorua Boys’ High School
    • Maretino Kaloudau – St. Thomas of Canterbury College
    • Sosaia Latu – Otahuhu College
    • Tepatasi Laumalili – De La Salle College
    • Meihana Pauling – St. Thomas of Canterbury College
    • Elijah Paea – De La Salle College
    • Ezekiel Paulo – St. Thomas of Canterbury College
    • Kalani Peyroux-Donaldson – De La Salle College
    • Jason Salalilo – St. Thomas of Canterbury College
    • Junior Sikuvea – De La Salle College
    • Jackson Stewart – St. Thomas of Canterbury College
    • Lennox Tuiloma – St. Thomas of Canterbury College

    2023 NZRL NEW ZEALAND RESIDENT CLUBS BOYS SQUAD

    • Te Kaio Cranwell – South Island Scorpions
    • Carlos Davis – Akarana Falcons
    • Atelea Filo – Counties Manukau Stingrays
    • Joshua Grewe – South Island Scorpions
    • Jaydyn Hoeta – South Island Scorpions
    • Hirini Holmes – Counties Manukau Stingrays
    • Psalms Iosua – Akarana Falcons
    • Dakota Kakoi – South Island Scorpions
    • Matiasi Lolesio – Auckland Vulcans
    • Xavier Lynch – South Island Scorpions
    • Allan Malama-Talataina – Auckland Vulcans
    • Lyrakai-Layke Posimani – Akarana Falcons
    • Raphael Sio – Akarana Falcons
    • Eteuati Jeremiah Tatupu – Counties Manukau Stingrays
    • Jamie Junior Te Whata
    • Francis Tuimauga – Counties Manukau Stingrays
    • Rodney Vea – Counties Manukau Stingrays
    • Maui Winitana-Patelesio – Wellington Orcas
    • Caleb Wright – Waikato

     

     NZRL National Secondary Schools Girls v NZRL New Zealand Resident Clubs Girls

    Monday 23 October Bruce Pulman Park 2:45 pm

    2023 NZRL NATIONAL SECONDARY SCHOOLS GIRLS SQUAD

    • Danii-Nicole Gray – Auckland Girls Grammar School
    • Riley Fruean-Otineru – McAuley High School
    • Ivana Lauitiiti – McAuley High School
    • Te Raukura Leafe – St. Mary’s College
    • Shafenior Lui – Southern Cross Campus
    • Shanthie Lui – Southern Cross Campus
    • Latesha Mitchener – Auckland Girls Grammar School
    • Luca-Bella Ngatuere-Ongley – St. Mary’s College
    • Seriah Palepale – Auckland Girls Grammar School
    • Evelyn Roberts – McAuley High School
    • Indiana Russell-Lia – St. Mary’s College
    • Giovanna Suani – Auckland Girls Grammar School
    • Josinah Filisi Tauliiili – Southern Cross Campus
    • Faith Tavita – Auckland Girls Grammar School
    • Alianna Tonu’u – McAuley High School
    • Jemma Tonu’u – McAuley High School
    • Tonga Toutai – Southern Cross Campus
    • Billie Va’a – St. Mary’s College
    • Paea Uilou – Auckland Girls Grammar School

    2023 NZRL NEW ZEALAND RESIDENT CLUBS GIRLS SQUAD

    • Dorothy Brunt – Akarana Falcons
    • Maia Davis – Wellington Orcas
    • Gillian Fa’aumu – Auckland Vulcans
    • Tiaane Tavita Fesolai – Akarana Falcons
    • Dallas Flasza-Taupau – Wellington Orcas
    • Elenoa Havea – Auckland Vulcans
    • Milahn Ieremia – Akarana Falcons
    • Mele Kaufusi – Counties Manukau Stingrays
    • Tyler Limmer – South Island Scorpions
    • Leaony Macdonald-Tuimauga – Counties Manukau Stingrays
    • Danii Mafoe – Akarana Falcons
    • Tayla-Benét Masoe – Counties Manukau Stingrays
    • Ashlee Matapo – Akarana Falcons
    • Lialanie Muamua – South Island Scorpions
    • Jessica Patea – Wellington Orcas
    • Amiria Ranapia – Wellington Orcas
    • Marewakiterangi Samson – Akarana Falcons
    • Braxton Sorensen-McGee – Auckland Vulcans
    • Pasikalia Tuiatua – Wellington Orcas

    29th September

    The National Boys Youth Tournament Grand Finals today saw new victors South Island Scorpions crowned as the 16s grade champions, while the Counties Manukau Stingrays went back-to-back as 2022 and now 2023 18s title-holders. The Auckland Invitational 16s, Aotearoa Whaanui 16s, and New Zealand Resident Clubs 18s representative teams were named in the prizegiving ceremony, with selection having taken place throughout the tournament.

     

    National Boys Youth Tournament Grand Finals recap:

     

    16s Boys

    Grand Final – South Island Scorpions v Waikato

    Final score: South Island Scorpions 26-10

    In this thrilling Grand Final, the South Islanders shot out of the gates first, scoring twice and converting once within the first 15. Momentum swung the other way as the young Waikato men fought back hard to regain their footing in the game. Tries by Walker and Whitiora and a successful conversion from Cowan equalised, bringing the score to 10-all halftime. In the second half’s opening, the Scorpions capitalised off a Waikato penalty for Roebeck to cross for his second try. Although the Waikato side continued to show great physical strength and speed in this contest, the Scorpions proved too strong, scoring twice more and claiming the title 26-10.

     

    South Island Scorpions try scorers

    #2 Azaniah Roebeck – 2 tries

    #3 Ezekiel Hammond-Siolo

    #4 Luciano Felise

    #24 Bryce Hauraki-Carle

    Conversions: #1 Kairus Booth – 3/5

     

    Waikato try scorers

    #13 Romana Brent Whitiora

    #17 Mairangiatea Walker 

    Conversions: #6 Te Kororangi Joshua Cowan – 1/2

     

    18s Boys

    Grand Final – South Island Scorpions v Counties Manukau Stingrays

    Final score: Counties Manukau Stingrays 24-12

    A repeat of the 2022 Grand Final, the returning champions Counties Manukau held majority of the possession and dominance in the first half. Francis Tuimauga and Sosaia Latu scored, with Latu successfully converting both, putting them in the lead 12-0 at halftime. The South Islanders were finally rewarded with two tries in the second half, both to Te Kaio Cranwell, as they refused to go down without a fight. Despite tough efforts and skilful play from the Scorpions, Counties Manukau were too formidable and claimed a back-to-back victory of the 18s grade.

     

    South Island Scorpions try scorers

    #12 Te Kaio Cranwell – 2 tries

    Conversions: #6 Eli Bijl-Kakoi – 2/2

     

    Counties Manukau Stingrays try scorers

    #5 Sosaia Latu

    #7 Cameron Tuipulotu

    #10 Francis Tuimauga

    #21 Eteuati Jeremiah Tatupu

    Conversions: #5 Sosaia Latu – 4/4

     

    2023 NZRL AOTEAROA WHAANUI 16S SQUAD

    1. Kaea Cribb – Waikato
    2. Kairus Booth – South Island Scorpions
    3. Ezekiel Hammond-Siolo – South Island Scorpions
    4. Fine Fale – Waikato
    5. Tavita Pomale – Bay of Plenty
    6. Lorenz-Markel Strickland Rere – Wellington Orcas
    7. Delahoia Te Pakeke-Kakoi – South Island Scorpions
    8. Timau Utiaro – Waikato
    9. Turama Paranihi – Waikato
    10. Torino Jackson – South Island Scorpions
    11. Pj Palamo – South Island Scorpions
    12. Bishop Neal – South Island Scorpions
    13. Romana Brent Whitiora – Waikato
    14. Isaiah Savea – South Island Scorpions
    15. Micah Sula – South Island Scorpions
    16. Huritetaha Barlow – Waikato
    17. Shae TeKauri Taitua – Wellington Orcas
    18. Rico Lemalie – South Island Scorpions
    19. Azaniah Roebeck – South Island Scorpions

    Emerging Player: Tevita Kilisimasi-Ioane – Mid Central Vipers

    Tournament MVP: Fine Fale – Waikato

     

    2023 NZRL NEW ZEALAND RESIDENT CLUBS BOYS 18S SQUAD

    1. Caleb Wright – Waikato
    2. Raphael Sio – Akarana Falcons
    3. Hirini Holmes – Counties Manukau Stingrays
    4. Dakota Kakoi – South Island Scorpions
    5. Xavier Lynch – South Island Scorpions
    6. Eli Bijl-Kakoi – South Island Scorpions
    7. Maui Winitana-Patelesio – Wellington Orcas
    8. Rodney Vea – Counties Manukau Stingrays
    9. Atelea Filo – Counties Manukau Stingrays
    10. Francis Tuimauga – Counties Manukau Stingrays
    11. Lyrakai-Layke Posimani – Akarana Falcons
    12. Te Kaio Cranwell – South Island Scorpions
    13. Carlos Davis – Akarana Falcons
    14. Psalms Iosua – Akarana Falcons
    15. Joshua Grewe – South Island Scorpions
    16. Jaydyn Hoeta – South Island Scorpions
    17. Eteuati Jeremiah Tatupu – Counties Manukau Stingrays
    18. Matiasi Lolesio – Auckland Vulcans
    19. Allan Malama-Talataina – Auckland Vulcans

    Emerging Player: Jarod Cook – Northland Swords

    Tournament MVP: Rodney Vea – Counties Manukau Stingrays

     

    For past live streams, results of all Boys Youth Day 3 games, and all tournament content, visit linktr.ee/nzrlgrassroots.

    29th September

    The 2023 National Boys Youth Tournament has not disappointed, with the stage now set for the Grand Finals. In their first tournament stint as a District, Waikato 16s have exceeded expectations by making it all the way to the big dance to face a strong Scorpions outfit. In a massive campaign for the Southern Zone, both their 16s and 18s teams have earned title contention, with the 18s set for a 2022 Grand Final rematch against the Counties Manukau Stingrays.

    The 16s Boys Grand Final match-up was set after a dominating victory by the South Island Scorpions and a hard-earned win by the Waikato young men. The Scorpions outfit put the Auckland Vulcans to the sword, winning 24-0, while Waikato fought and outlasted the Akarana Falcons 22-14. The 16s Grand Final between the Scorpions and Waikato will be played on Puketawhero Park Field 1 at 11:00 am, scheduled for live-stream on the NZRL YouTube page. In this match-up, players to watch out for include Lennox Tuiloma, Turama Paranihi, and Te Kororangi Joshua Cowan. The final to determine 3rd place of the 16s Boys grade will be played prior between the Auckland Vulcans and Akarana Falcons at 9:00 am on Puketawhero Park Field 2.

    The Grand Final in the 18s grade sees an exciting rematch of the 2022 Grand Final between the South Island Scorpions and Counties Manukau Stingrays. In 2022, the Counties side dominated, comfortably claiming the title 28-12. In their semi-final, the Stingrays secured their spot in the final after beating the Akarana Falcons 16-8. Meanwhile, the Scorpions showed their dominance in their semi-final against the Vulcans, winning 22-4. The Grand Final will be played at 12:30 pm on Puketawhero Park Field 1, to be live-streamed on the NZRL YouTube page. This final will feature several recognisable standout players taking the field, including 2022 MVP Rodney Vea-Tuipulotu, Meihana Pauling, and Te Kaio Cranwell. The 3rd place final will be played earlier between the Auckland Vulcans and Akarana Falcons boys at 10:15 am on Puketawhero Park Field 4.

     

    National Boys Youth Tournament Finals Draw  – Friday 27th September

    16s Boys

    Grand Final – South Island Scorpions v Waikato 11:00 am (Puketawhero Park Field 1*)

    3rd/4th place final – Auckland Vulcans v Akarana Falcons 9:00 am (Puketawhero Park Field 2)

     

    18s Boys

    Grand Final – South Island Scorpions v Counties Manukau Stingrays 12:30 pm (Puketawhero Park Field 1*)

    3rd/4th place final – Auckland Vulcans v Akarana Falcons 10:15 am (Puketawhero Park Field 4)

     

    *live-streamed game on youtube.com/@NZRugbyLeague

    For the entire National Boys Youth Tournament finals day draw and to keep up with all the action, visit linktr.ee/nzrlgrassroots

    28th September

    The highly anticipated 2023 NZRL National Boys Youth Tournament has been full-on, as teams of the best young men from throughout the country have battled for victory on the field. This year has seen an expansion as the Coastline, Bay of Plenty, and Waikato Districts entered the tournament. Day one saw some thrilling pool games, and day two produced closely-contested semi-finals across both 16s and 18s age-grades, with Grand Finals now set to be played tomorrow.

     

    National Boys Youth Tournament Major Semi-Finals recap:

    16s Boys

    Semi-Final 1 – Auckland Vulcans v South Island Scorpions

    Final score: South Island Scorpions 24-0

    The South Islanders came strong out of the gates, scoring and converting twice within the first ten minutes. Scorpions kicker Kairus Booth then successfully notched a penalty kick while the Vulcans side struggled to score, bringing it to 14-0 at halftime in favour of the Scorpions. In the second half the South Island Zone boys continued to dominate and keep the Aucklanders from scoring, comfortably securing their place in the 16s Grand Final. #9 Rico Lemalie finished the match one try short of a hat trick.

     

    Semi-Final 2 – Waikato v Akarana Falcons

    Final score: Waikato 22-14

    Akarana were the first to put points on the board after #12 Quinn Opuariki crossed for a try. Not to be outdone, the young men from the Waikato returned with some fiery attack to score twice and put them in the lead before halftime, 10-4. An intense second half saw the Aucklanders strike back, scoring quickly after kick-off to equalise. The two sides continued to battle going try for try, but ultimately it was Waikato who came out victorious 22-14. Waikato #9 Turama Paranihi finished with a double that helped his team take the win.

     

    18s Boys

    Semi-Final 1 – Counties Manukau Stingrays v Akarana Falcons

    Final score: Counties Manukau Stingrays 16-8

    In this battle of the Aucklanders, the Counties Stingrays produced a more dominant performance but the Falcons refused to quit, fighting right up until the final whistle was blown. The South Aucklanders kept Akarana scoreless to 16-0 up until the 43rd minute, but spirited gameplay was seen as both sides put their bodies on the line under heavy contact. Akarana centre #4 Isaiah Fale impressively scored a double  to put his team on the board, but Counties Manukau claimed the victory and will feature in tomorrow’s 18s Grand Final.

     

    Semi-Final 2 – South Island Scorpions v Auckland Vulcans

    Final score: South Island Scorpions 22-4

    The South Islanders came out firing, scoring twice and converting once within the first ten minutes. The Scorpions side continued to dominate the Auckland side in the first half, scoring again while keeping the Vulcans out, 16-0 at the half. After several close attempts, the Vulcans were finally rewarded with a try in the 37th minute, but the Southern Zone team were too strong and comfortably took the win 22-4. Scorpions #6 Eli Bijl-Kakoi performed his kicking duties well, scoring six points with three successful conversions from four attempts.

     

    National Boys Youth Tournament Finals Draw  – Friday 27th September

    16s Boys

    Grand Final – South Island Scorpions v Waikato 11:00 am (Puketawhero Park Field 1*)

    3rd/4th place final – Auckland Vulcans v Akarana Falcons 9:00 am (Puketawhero Park Field 2)

     

    18s Boys

    Grand Final – South Island Scorpions v Counties Manukau Stingrays 12:30 pm (Puketawhero Park Field 1*)

    3rd/4th place final – Auckland Vulcans v Akarana Falcons 10:15 am (Puketawhero Park Field 4)

     

    *live-streamed game on youtube.com/@NZRugbyLeague

    For the entire National Boys Youth Tournament finals day draw and to keep up with all the action, visit linktr.ee/nzrlgrassroots

     

    September 27 2023

    Tanaia-Aroha Herniman and Maia Crutcher featured in the inaugural U19 Ahi Kā Aotearoa team, who competed in the Harvey Norman Women’s Championship in the Gold Coast earlier this year. Now, the girls are preparing to move to Sydney together in the coming months, having signed on with the Manly Sea Eagles for their 2024 U19 Tarsha Gale Cup squad.

    The Ahi Kā Aotearoa representative team Tanaia and Maia were part of comprised U19 players who participated in the ‘RISE’ Talent Development Programme, delivered in partnership with the NRL. The programme aims to better prepare young players for the rigours of high-performance environments such as the NRLW, targeting female players aged 17-19.

    With the Ahi Kā team, Tanaia and Maia faced the First Nation’s Gems, QLD Ruby’s, NSW Country Women, and South Australia in the Championship. The Harvey Norman Women’s National Championship is an elite pathways tournament allowing players across Australia and now New Zealand to showcase their skills in the representative arena. “There’s a lot more opportunities for us as girls to get out there”, shared Tanaia.

    Tanaia hails from Whangaparaoa, while Maia proudly comes from Whakapara, north of Whāngarei. Maia was part of the Northern Swords Wāhine Squad for the 2022 National Women’s North Island Championship. The 18-year-old has come up through the grades for the last three seasons at the Hibiscus Coast Raiders, and previously participated in NZ Māori Rugby League kōtiro tournaments. “The game has definitely grown ever since I first started playing, it’s good to see”, she reflected. Having previously played rugby union for Whangaparaoa College, Tanaia made the code switch to league and although only in her second year of playing she has already made a name for herself to earn sought-after recognition and opportunities.

    As newcomers competing in their first National Girls Youth Tournament, Maia and Tanaia featured in the squad of 2022 champions and 2023 finalists, the Akarana Falcons. The girls earned selection for the Falcons after stellar seasons for the Hibiscus Coast Raiders in the Auckland Rugby League 18s competition this year. The pair shared much anticipation for the next step in their rugby league journey, which takes them to join the Manly Sea Eagles for the 2024 NSWRL U19 Tarsha Gale Cup season. As she now prepares to make the move to Sydney with her teammate and friend, Tanaia shared, “We’re super excited to be able to have this opportunity.”

    “It’s a massive opportunity; we’re super humble and truly grateful,” said Maia.

     

    26 September 2023

    The 2023 National Girls Youth Tournament did not disappoint, as some of the best rugby league wāhine from around the country represented their Zones and Districts over three days. Following the successful inaugural tournament in 2022, 2023 saw an expansion as the Waikato and Bay of Plenty Districts joined the fold to field their best female talent. Spectators were treated to some exhilarating football, as returning players alongside new up-and-comers left it all on the field. The Grand Finals saw Counties Manukau Stingrays successfully defend their claim to the 16s Girls title, while the Auckland Vulcans dominantly took the victory of the 18s Girls grade. The very best young women from the tournament earned selection for the NZRL Aotearoa Whaanui and Resident Clubs representative squads to play in October.

     

    NZRL 2023 National Girls Youth Tournament Grand Finals recap:

    16s Girls

    Grand Final – Counties Manukau Stingrays v Wellington Orcas

    Final score: Counties Manukau 18-4

    The Counties Manukau side put points on the board first after the ball was excellently spread wide for their left winger #2 Tiare-Anne Leuaga to score. Leuaga crossed again shortly after for her second, to bring the score to a modest 8-0 at halftime. As the second half kicked off, the Wellingtonians fought hard to regain some momentum, producing some excellent defensive work followed by Kyla Pasene scoring to put them on the board. Not to be outdone, the Stingrays outfit replied with a try by winger Shafenior Lui, then successfully converted through Limilaiti Paea. To seal Counties’ second title and complete her hat trick, Leuaga scored again, bringing it to 18-4 full-time.

     

    18s Girls

    Grand Final – Akarana Falcons v Auckland Vulcans

    Final score: Auckland Vulcans 38-0

    In this battle of Tāmaki Makaurau, a formidable Vulcans side dominated 2022 champions the Akarana Falcons, who saw losses to their squad throughout the tournament due to injuries. The Vulcans lineup featured several seasoned players, including Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Seriah Palepale, and Latesha Mitchener, while Claudia Finau captained the Falcons. Winger Angelica Vahai opened up scoring for the Auckland Rugby League side, followed quickly by Gillian Fa’aumu, who put another four points on the board. The side was relentless, scoring twice more and keeping the Akarana girls scoreless, 20-0 at halftime. The second half saw courageous play by the Akarana Falcons, including multiple close scoring attempts and a line break by fullback Malita Tapu. Ultimately, the Vulcans proved too dominant, claiming the 18s Girls title and finishing the game 38-0.

     

    2023 NZRL Aotearoa Whaanui 16s Girls Squad:

    1. Celine Russell – South Island Scorpions
    2. Lei Sipaia – Wellington Orcas
    3. Te Maia Sweetman – Mid Central Vipers
    4. Courtney Tyrell – Wellington Orcas
    5. Prayer Playle – Mid Central Vipers
    6. Manaia Blake-Thompson – Mid Central Vipers
    7. Hera Maihi – Wellington Orcas
    8. Te Ngaroahiahi Rimoni – Wellington Orcas
    9. Riana Le’afa-Paki – Wellington Orcas
    10. Olive Connolly – South Island Scorpions
    11. Mihikorama Kerr – Waikato
    12. Lahnayah Daniel – Waikato
    13. Kayshana Rapana-Phillips – South Island Scorpions
    14. Charley Lahmert – Mid Central Vipers
    15. Dormay Laufiso – South Island Scorpions
    16. Sophie Parker-Cornelius – Mid Central Vipers
    17. Te Waikaukau Mathieson-Julian – Mid Central Vipers
    18. Bailey Edwards – Bay of Plenty
    19. Ava-Lea Maxwell-Ogilvy – South Island Scorpions

    Tournament MVP: Mary-Jane Taito – Counties Manukau Stingrays

     

    2023 NZRL New Zealand Resident Girls Clubs 18s Squad:

    1. Angelica Vahai – Auckland Vulcans
    2. Elenoa Havea – Auckland Vulcans
    3. Marewa Samson – Akarana Falcons
    4. Tiaane Tavita Fesolai – Akarana Falcons
    5. Danii Mafoe – Akarana Falcons
    6. Braxton Sorensen-McGee – Auckland Vulcans
    7. Maia Davis – Wellington Orcas
    8. Mele Kaufusi – Counties Manukau Stingrays
    9. Dallas Taupau – Wellington Orcas
    10. Leaony Macdonald Tuimauga – Counties Manukau Stingrays
    11. Ashlee Matapo – Akarana Falcons
    12. Claudia Finau – Akarana Falcons
    13. Tayla Masoe – Counties Manukau Stingrays
    14. Lialanie Muamua – South Island Scorpions
    15. Pasikalia Tuiatua – Wellington Orcas
    16. Dorothy Brunt – Akarana Falcons
    17. Jessica Patea – Wellington Orcas
    18. Milahn Ieremia – Akarana Falcons
    19. Amiria Ranapia – Wellington Orcas

    Tournament MVP: Claudia Finau – Akarana Falcons

     

    For past live streams, results of all Girls Youth Day 3 games, and all tournament content, visit linktr.ee/nzrlgrassroots.

    25th September

    The 16s Girls Grand Final match-up was set after a dominating victory by the Counties Manukau Stingrays and a late comeback by the Wellington Orcas girls. The Stingrays outfit put Mid Central to the sword, winning 22-6, while the Orcas were able to fight back and outlast the Scorpions 16-10. The 16s Grand Final will be played on Owen Delaney Park Field 1 at 11:00 am, also scheduled to be live-streamed on the NZRL YouTube page. In this match-up, players to watch out for include sisters Shanthie and Shafenior Lui, Billie Va’a, and Te Ngaroahiahi Rimoni. The final to determine 3rd place of the 16s Girls grade will be played prior between the Mid Central Vipers and South Island Scorpions at 9:00 am on Owen Delaney Park Field 5.

    The Grand Final in the 18s grade sees a rematch between the two Auckland sides, the Akarana Falcons and the Auckland Vulcans. The teams were in the same pool faced off earlier in the tournament, with the Vulcans side modestly winning 14-4. After significant losses to their squad from injury, the Falcons narrowly beat the Counties Manukau Stingrays in their semi-final 12-10. Vulcans secured their place in the final after beating a strong Wellington side 14-4. This Auckland derby Grand Final will be played at 12:30 pm on Owen Delaney Park Field 1, to be live-streamed on the NZRL YouTube page. This final will feature several formidable 2022 Tournament Team players, including Milahn Ieremia, Claudia Finau, and MVP Seriah Palepale. The 3rd place final will be played earlier between the Counties Manukau Stingrays and the Wellington Orcas 18s girls at 10:15 am on Owen Delaney Park Field 5.

     

    National Girls Youth Tournament Finals Draw  – Tuesday 26th September

    16s Girls

    Grand Final – Counties Manukau Stingrays v Wellington Orcas 11:00 am (Owen Delaney Park Field 1*)

    3rd/4th place final – Mid Central Vipers v South Island Scorpions 9:00 am (Owen Delaney Park Field 5)

     

    18s Girls

    Grand Final – Akarana Falcons v Auckland Vulcans 12:30 pm (Owen Delaney Park Field 1*)

    3rd/4th place final – Counties Manukau Stingrays v Wellington Orcas 10:15 am (Owen Delaney Park Field 5)

     

    *live-streamed game on youtube.com/@NZRugbyLeague

    For the entire National Girls Youth Tournament finals day draw and to keep up with all the action, visit linktr.ee/nzrlgrassroots

     

    25th September

    The much anticipated 2023 NZRL National Girls Youth Tournament has been jam-packed, as teams of the best young girls from throughout the country have battled for victory on the field. Day one saw some thrilling pool games, and day two produced intense semi-finals across both 16s and 18s age-grades, with Grand Finals now set to be played tomorrow.

     

    National Girls Youth Tournament Major Semi-Finals recap:

    16s Girls

    Semi-Final 1 – Counties Manukau Stingrays v Mid Central Vipers

    Final score: Counties Manukau Stingrays 22-6

    The first half of the match saw some outstanding attacking play from both sides, with the Vipers only narrowly down 12-6 at halftime. In the second half, the Stingrays kept the Vipers from scoring and eventually proved too dominant for the Mid Central Zone team, chalking up two more unanswered tries. The final whistle blew with the score at 22-6, five tries to one in favour of the Counties Manukau Stingrays girls.

     

    Semi-Final 2 – Wellington Orcas v South Island Scorpions

    Final score: Wellington Orcas 16-10

    In this close match-up, the Southern Zone girls got off to a strong start, leading by two tries to none with the score line at 10-0 at halftime. Upon the second-half kick-off, Watene of the Orcas quickly scored initiating a shift in momentum. The team from the Capital continued to fight back into the game, scoring twice more to take the lead 12-10. Another Orcas try by Maihi with only 6 minutes left on the clock sealed the win for the Wellingtonians, securing their place in the Grand Final.

     

    18s Girls

    Semi-Final 1 – Auckland Vulcans v Wellington Orcas

    Final score: Auckland Vulcans 14-4

    The first half of this match was a back-and-forth contest, with the halftime score tied up at only 4-4 in a physical game. In the second half, the Aucklanders kept the Orcas out and scored twice more, with one successful conversion by Sorensen-McGee, to take the win 14-4.

     

    Semi-Final 2 – Counties Manukau Stingrays v Akarana Falcons

    Final score: Akarana Falcons 12-10

    In a battle between the two Auckland sides, this semi-final came down to conversions. The Falcons did well to score first, but Counties were quick to reply with one of their own, followed shortly by another. The halftime score was 10-6 in favour of the Stingrays. An intense second half saw the reigning champions, Akarana, fight hard to keep Counties out, with the Falcons eventually scoring and successfully converting the try to take the win by two points.

     

    NZRL National Girls Youth Tournament Finals Draw  – Tuesday 26th September

    16s Girls

    Grand Final – Counties Manukau Stingrays v Wellington Orcas 11:00 am (Owen Delaney Park Field 1*)

    3rd/4th place final – Mid Central Vipers v South Island Scorpions 9:00 am (Owen Delaney Park Field 5)

     

    18s Girls

    Grand Final – Akarana Falcons v Auckland Vulcans 12:30 pm (Owen Delaney Park Field 1*)

    3rd/4th place final – Counties Manukau Stingrays v Wellington Orcas 10:15 am (Owen Delaney Park Field 5)

     

    *live-streamed game on youtube.com/@NZRugbyLeague

    For the entire National Girls Youth Tournament finals day draw and to keep up with all the action, visit linktr.ee/nzrlgrassroots

    September 22nd

    2022 saw one of the most significant events in the grassroots rugby league calendar introduce the inaugural National Girls Youth Tournament. Now back for 2023, the Boys and Girls National Youth Tournaments will each spread over three days, kicking off with the Girls Tournament at Taupo’s Owen Delaney Park. Both tournaments will feature 16s and 18s grades.

    Throughout the competition, the Aotearoa Whaanui and New Zealand Clubs teams will be chosen by selectors to play on October 23rd, at Bruce Pulman Park in Auckland. The Aotearoa Whaanui teams will be chosen from the 16s tournaments to face the Auckland Invitational sides. The New Zealand Clubs teams will be selected from the 18s tournaments to play against the New Zealand Schools teams.

     

    National Girls Youth Tournament

    Sunday 24 – Tuesday 26 September 

    Owen Delaney Park, Taupo

    Returning to Taupo, the National Girls Youth Tournament will see talented rugby league wāhine from throughout the country competing for their Districts and Zones over three days. The inaugural Girls Youth Tournament in 2022 had a spectacle ending with two narrow finals in both the 16s and 18s grades.

    This tournament continues to enhance NZ’s female game, with Alexis Tauaneai completing her journey from the inaugural 2022 National Youth Tournament to becoming a part of the St. George Illawarra Dragons NRLW team. Additionally, Taleenza Nelson secured a Development contract with the Cronulla Sharks. The 2023 tournament will undoubtedly feature wāhine looking to complete the same journey.

     

    National Boys Youth Tournament

    Wednesday 27 – Friday 29 September

    Puketawhero Park, Rotorua

    The National Boys Youth Tournament will close off grassroots footy for September, returning to Rotorua’s Puketawhero Park to be held over three days. This tournament will see the best young tama toa compete across the 16s and 18s grades from Zones and Districts, including; Northland, Auckland, Akarana, Counties, Waikato, Hauraki, Bay of Plenty, Coastline, Mid Central, Wellington, and South Island.

     

    Girls Youth Tournament Live Stream Schedule 

    Sunday 24/09

    10:00 am Wellington v Waikato 16 Girls (Pool B)

    11:00 am South Island v Wellington 18 Girls (Pool B)

    1:00 pm Counties Manukau v Akarana 16 Girls (Section A)

    2:00pm Akarana v Waikato 18 Girls (Pool A)

     

    Monday 25/09

    10:00 am Mid Central v Waikato 16 Girls (Pool B)

    11:00am Akarana v Auckland 18 Girls (Pool A)

    1:00 pm 16 Girls Semi-Final

    2:00 pm 18 Girls Semi-Final

     

    Tuesday 26/09

    11:00 am 16 Girls Finals

    12:30 pm 18 Girls Finals

     

     

    Boys Youth Tournament Live Stream Schedule

    Wednesday 27/09

    10:00 am Akarana v Wellington 16 Boys (Pool B & C)

    11:00 am South Island v Bay of Plenty 18 Boys (Pool B & C)

    12:00 pm Auckland v Waikato 18 Boys (Pool A)

    1:00 pm South Island v Mid Central 16 Boys (Pool B & C)

    2:00 pm Bay of Plenty v Mid Central 16 Boys (Pool B & C)

    3:00 pm Counties Manukau v Northland 16 Boys (Section A)

     

    Thursday 28/09

    10:00 am Counties Manukau v Auckland 16 Boys (Section A)

    11:00 am Wellington v Mid Central 18 Boys (Pool A)

    1:00 pm 16 Boys Semi-Final

    2:15 pm 18 Boys Semi-Final

     

    Friday 29/09

    11:00 am 16 Boys Finals

    12:30 pm 18 Boys Finals

     

    For the National Youth Competition live streams, complete draws, results, and to keep up with all the rugby league action visit linktr.ee/nzrlgrassroots.

    6 September 2023

     

    Members of the New Zealand grassroots rugby league community across the motu get the chance to see their hard mahi recognised through the Pirtek Volunteer of the Month award.

     

    This award is given to a volunteer who displays the core values of NZRL’s Kiwi Way: being family first, innovative, inclusive, respectful, and humble. NZRL is excited to announce that the winner of Volunteer of the Month for August 2023 is Nick Hennessy.

     

    Nick is a proud member and coach of the kōtiro (young girls) at the Raukawa Ki Runga club in Ōtaki where over the past 2 years he has encouraged new girls to join the club and become involved in rugby league. He has always made sure that players and their families feel warmly welcomed.

     

    Pirtek CEO Chris Bourke says, “Nick welcomes and appreciates new players regardless of their skill level”.

     

    As a coach Nick goes above and beyond to help the kōtiro and their whānau overcome any barriers to their participation in the team and rugby league. This includes 3-hour round trips transporting girls to and from training, providing financial assistance, offering individual training sessions for players in need, and bringing in others with special skill sets to assist with coaching.

     

    “Nick has also created an environment outside of league to help the girls form bonds with each other.”

     

    With the young Raukawa girls being involved in multiple sports teams, Nick communicates with other coaches regarding trainings and games to make sure his players aren’t becoming overloaded. He welcomes the opinions of parents to ensure the girl’s well-being and safety are at the forefront and will adjust player positions so the girls feel comfortable on the field.

     

    Behind every good man, is a great wife and that is Nick’s wife Taramea. They make a phenomenal team and the Raukawa whānau are extremely appreciative of everything they do, every opportunity they provide, and the overwhelming support they give to the kōtiro and whānau.

     

    “Congratulations Nick for being Pirtek Volunteer of the Month.”

     

    Pirtek Volunteer of the Month Submission Form

    Who is your Pirtek Volunteer of the Month?
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      3 September 2023

       

      The 2023 NZRL National Secondary School Tournament did not disappoint, as some of the best rugby league youth from around the country represented their schools over 3 days. Spectators were treated to some exhilarating football, as NZSST veterans alongside new up-and-comers left it all on the field. New champions were crowned across all 4 grades in this history-making year of the NZRL NZSS Tournament. The best of the best were then selected for the NZSS representative squads to play in October.

       

      NZRL NZSST 2023 Grand Finals recap:

       

      U15s Boys Carnival

      Grand Final – St. Paul’s College v Western Heights High School

      Final score: St. Paul’s College 26-10

      With 2023 being their inaugural year of entering a team in this grade, St. Paul’s College displayed their depth of rugby league talent as their U15 boys impressed all tournament. They opened up the scoring in this final match but Western Heights showed great defensive effort, keeping the score to only 10-4 to St. Paul’s at halftime. In the second half, St. Paul’s proved too strong for the Rotorua side with skilful ball-playing and speed, going on to claim the title of U15s Boys Carnival champions.

       

      Boys Championship

      Grand Final – Aorere College v Wesley College

      Final score: Aorere College 16-12

      This battle of South Auckland came down to the wire, with the scoreboard tied up until the last 5 minutes. Aorere were first to score crossing for 2 tries, but the Wesleyans replied with 2 of their own successfully converted, bringing the halftime score to 12-8 in their favour. In the second half, Aorere did well to score but were again unsuccessful in converting, bringing the game to 12-12. An intense half saw many close but unsuccessful attempts at scoring from both sides until Aorere scored the winning try with only 5 to go.

       

      Girls Championship

      Grand final – Auckland Girls Grammar School v Southern Cross Campus

      Final score: Auckland Girls Grammar School 30-12

      In this grand final between the two Auckland colleges, Southern Cross put up a valiant effort against the dominant Auckland champions, who entered the tournament finals undefeated. AGGS scored early down their left edge but Southern Cross quickly equalised with a try of their own. AGGS went on to score 3 more in the half and Southern Cross scored once more, bringing it to 18-8 at halftime. Although Southern Cross skilfully scored first in the opening minutes of the second half, AGGS hit back with a vengeance going on to score 3 more tries and comfortably win the game and title of NZSST Girls champions.

       

      Boys Premiership 

      Grand Final – St. Paul’s College v St. Thomas of Canterbury College

      Final score: St. Thomas of Canterbury College 12-6

      The final game of the day produced a large turnout of supporters who came down to Bruce Pulman Park to witness this contest for the Boys Premiership title. The young men from Canterbury came firing out of the gates to score first followed quickly by a second. Not to be dominated, St. Paul’s scored one of their own just before the halftime whistle bringing it to 10-6 to the Cantabrians. The second half featured heavy contact, tough carries, and nifty ball-play by both sides however neither were able to score as they both defended their lines fearlessly. A high tackle by St. Paul’s led to a successful St. Thomas penalty kick as the only points scored in the half, with this epic contest ending in a historic win for St. Thomas. The South Island team claimed their first-ever NZSST victory, in their first year of ever making the tournament finals.

       

       

      2023 NZRL National Secondary Schools Boys Squad:

       

      1. Sio Kali – St. Paul’s College

      2. Maretino Kaloudau – St. Thomas of Canterbury College

      3. Chelden Hayward – St. Thomas of Canterbury College

      4. Jackson Stewart – St. Thomas of Canterbury College

      5. Malakai Cama – Rotorua Boys’ High School

      6. Quiann Feterika-Mafoe – St. Paul’s College

      7. Meihana Pauling – St. Thomas of Canterbury College

      8. Malachi Filipo – St. Paul’s College

      9. Noah Harmer-Campbell – St. Thomas of Canterbury College

      10. Jason Salalilo – St. Thomas of Canterbury College

      11. Tepatasi Laumalili – De La Salle College

      12. Mikaele Ilaiu – Rotorua Boys’ High School

      13. Junior Sikuvea – De La Salle College

      14. Sosaia Latu – Otahuhu College

      15. Kalani Peyroux-Donaldson – De La Salle College

      16. Jeriko Filipi-Talisau – St. Paul’s College

      17. Zeke Faga-Ieti – St Thomas of Canterbury College

      18. Ezekiel Paulo – St. Thomas of Canterbury College

      19. Lennox Tuiloma – St. Thomas of Canterbury College

       

      Emerging Player of the Tournament: Phillip Lavakeiaho – Wesley College

      Tournament MVP: Sio Kali – St. Paul’s College

       

       

      2023 NZRL National Secondary Schools Girls Squad:

       

      1. Billie Va’a – St Mary’s College

      2. Shafenior Lui – Southern Cross Campus

      3. Faith Tavita – Auckland Girls Grammar School

      4. Jemma Tonu’u – McAuley High School

      5. Shanthie Lui – Southern Cross Campus

      6. Paea Uilou – Auckland Girls Grammar School

      7. Danii-Nicole Gray – Auckland Girls Grammar School

      8. Seriah Palepale – Auckland Girls Grammar School

      9. Evelyn Roberts – McAuley High School

      10. Indiana Russell-Lia – St Mary’s College

      11. Te Raukura Leafe – St Mary’s College

      12. Riley Fruean-Otineru – McAuley High School

      13. Alianna Tonu’u – McAuley High School

      14. Ivana Lauitiiti – McAuley High School

      15. Josinah Filisi Tauliiili – Southern Cross Campus

      16. Latesha Mitchener – Auckland Girls Grammar School

      17. Luca-Bella Ngatuere-Ongley – St Mary’s College

      18. Tonga Toutai – Southern Cross Campus

      19. Giovanna Suani – Auckland Girls Grammar School

       

      Emerging Player of the Tournament: Shakira Lui – Southern Cross Campus

      Tournament MVP: Seriah Palepale – Auckland Girls Grammar School

       

      For livestreams and results of all NZSST Day 3 games, and all tournament content, visit linktr.ee/nzrlgrassroots

      2 September 2023

      The much anticipated 2023 NZRL National Secondary School Tournament has been full-on as schools from throughout the country gathered at Bruce Pulman Park, for three days of rugby league action. Day 1 saw some thrilling pool games and Day 2 produced intense semi finals across all 4 grades, with finals set to be played tomorrow.

       

      NZSST Day 2 Major Semi Finals recap:

      Boys Premiership

      Semi Final 1 – St. Thomas of Canterbury College v Southern Cross Campus 

      Final score: St. Thomas of Canterbury College 30-6

      The Cantabrians showed dominance in the first half of the game, chalking up 4 unanswered tries to put them in the lead 20-0 at halftime. Southern Cross fought hard to stay in the game with Emosi Ravosai crossing the line to put the team on the board, followed by a successful conversion. Jackson Stewart of St. Thomas finished the game with a hat-trick as the team proved too strong for the Aucklanders, booking their ticket to the finals.

       

      Semi Final 2 – St. Paul’s College v De La Salle College

      Final score: St. Paul’s College 6-0

      In a re-match of the Auckland College Premier Boys finals, the two heavyweight rugby league schools battled for a spot in the NZSST finals. The game was a highly physical match-up with players putting their bodies on the line in an intense back-and-forth, all 40 minutes. Ultimately, a first-half try by John Matini successfully converted by Sio Kali was all the difference to put reigning St. Paul’s College, through to the finals.

       

      Girls Championship

      Semi Final 1 – Auckland Girls Grammar School v Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Kaikohe

      Final score: Auckland Girls Grammar School 32-0

      Reigning Auckland championships Auckland Girls Grammar School displayed their skill and strength, keeping the Kaikohe side from scoring. Seriah Palepale finished with a hat-trick, as the Aucklanders comfortably secured their place in the Girls Championship grand finals. 

       

      Semi Final 2 – Southern Cross Campus v McAuley High School

      Final score: Southern Cross Campus 26-10

      This game between the two Auckland girl’s schools featured heavy contact and speed to match, tying the score up to 10-all at halftime. An outstanding second half of rugby league was played by Southern Cross, with Shanthie Lui scoring a double and converting 3 tries as her team claimed the victory.

       

      In the Boys Championship grade, Aorere College and Wesley College topped the two pools qualifying them for grade’s grand finals. Also in Pool A, Ngā Kura ā Iwi o Aotearoa Taikura finished with equal total points to Aorere, however, Aorere finished the round robin games with a better points difference. Taikura will instead face Westlake Boys High School in contention for 3rd place.

       

      The U15s Boys Carnival grade will feature St. Paul’s College and Western Heights High School from Rotorua going head-to-head for 1st place. Tamaki College finished with equal total points to the Rotorua side but were beaten by points difference. Tamaki will instead see Manurewa High School in the 3rd place final.

       

      NZRL NZSST Major Finals – Sunday 3rd September

       

      U15s Boys Carnival

      Grand Final – St. Paul’s College v Western Heights High School 10:00 am (Pulman Park Field 1)

      3rd/4th place final – Tamaki College v Manurewa High School 9:00 am (Pulman Park Field 2)

      Boys Championship

      Grand Final – Aorere College v Wesley College 11:15 am (Pulman Park Field 1*)

      3rd/4th place final – Westlake Boys High School v Ngā Kura ā iwi o Aotearoa Taikura 10:15 am (Pulman Park Field 2)

      Girls Championship

      Grand final – Auckland Girls Grammar School v Southern Cross Campus 12:30 pm (Pulman Park Field 1*)

      3rd/4th place final – McAuley High School v Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Kaikohe 11:30am (Pulman Park Field 2)

      Boys Premiership 

      Grand Final – St. Paul’s College v St. Thomas of Canterbury College 1:45 pm (Pulman Park Field 1*

      3rd/4th place final – De La Salle College v Southern Cross Campus 11:30 am (Pulman Park Field 5)

       

      *live-streamed game on NZ Rugby League youtube.com/playlist

       

      For the entire NZSST finals day draw and to keep up with all the tournament action, visit linktr.ee/nzrlgrassroots

       

       

      25th August 2023

       

      The NZRL men’s and women’s National Premierships and Championships are set for another huge year, with all the action kicking off in the first weekend of September. The competitions will see the return of regular rivalries, newly-promoted teams, and new venues.

       

      National Men’s and Sky Sport Women’s Premierships

      Every weekend from Saturday 2nd September – Sunday 1st October 

       

      The National Men’s Premiership is scheduled to take place over five consecutive weekends, while the Sky Sport Women’s Premiership will span across six weekends, with various host venues located throughout the country.

       

      The upcoming season will see the Akarana Falcons, reigning champions in both the men’s and women’s divisions, defending their titles against familiar opponents as well as new entrants into the competition. These include the Auckland Vulcans in both the men’s and women’s divisions, the Otago Whalers in the men’s division, and the Wellington Orcas in the women’s division.

       

      Otago has been promoted to the 2023 National Premiership and will play their two home games at the prestigious Forsyth Barr Stadium. The Vulcans and Wellington Orcas women’s teams also aim to make a strong impact in the Premiership.

       

      National Men’s and Women’s Championship

      Every weekend from Saturday 2 – Saturday 7th October 

       

      The 2023 National Championship will be held over six weekends at different venues across New Zealand. With the promotion of last year’s finalists in both men’s and women’s categories, the remaining teams will battle it out to crown new champions and secure a place in the Premiership.

       

      This year’s competition will have two pools in the North Island and one in the South Island to determine the champions for both men and women. The finals will take place on Saturday, October 7th, when the North Island and South Island champions will compete to be crowned the winners of the 2023 National Championship.

       

      Refer to Sporty for full schedule and Kick-off times

       

      Catch all National Men’s and Women’s Premiership games broadcasted live on Sky Sport!

       

      NZRL will release broadcast and streaming information for the National Men’s and Women’s Championship games; keep an eye out for more details over the coming weeks to ensure you don’t miss out.

      August 9th 2023 

       

      Preparations for New Zealand’s most significant grassroots events are now well underway, with a jam-packed calendar throughout September and October that is not to be missed. The next generation of rangatahi will look to make their mark in the rugby league world.

       

      National Secondary Schools Tournament

      Friday 1 – Sunday 3rd September

      Bruce Pulman Park, Auckland 

       

      First up on the calendar, is the highly anticipated New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) National Secondary Schools tournament. 2022 saw this significant event in the rugby league calendar return after a three-year hiatus, with two new grades – the U15 Boys Carnival and the inaugural Girls Championship.

      As schools from across the motu converge on Auckland’s Bruce Pulman Park, 2023 brings a fresh look for several tournament regulars. Teams have anticipated the tournament’s return and will be excited to test themselves against the best rugby league talent nationwide.

      41 teams across all grades have been invited to attend this year’s tournament, which will span over three days, kicking off on Friday, 1st September, at Bruce Pulman Park. Schools have quailed through zonal and regional events or nomination.

       

      National Men’s and Sky Sport Women’s Premiership

      Every weekend from Saturday 2nd September – Sunday 1st October 

       

      Also kicking off in the first weekend of September, the National Men’s and Sky Sport Women’s Premiership competitions, playing over five weekends, across various host venues nationwide.

      The Akarana men’s and women’s teams will look to defend their 2022 titles with the exciting introduction of both the Auckland Vulcans men and women, Otago Whalers men and Wellington Orcas women teams being promoted into the premiership for 2023.

      The National Premiership sees the inclusion of the Auckland Vulcans for the first time in both the men’s and women’s competitions. Both teams won their respective National Championship tournaments in 2022, gaining long-sought-after promotion.

      With the new promotion in the premiership, Otago has secured a world-class facility in Forsyth Barr Stadium to play their two home games, whilst the Wellington Orcas women’s team looks to make their mark in the women’s premiership after lifting their game in 2022.

       

      National Men’s and Women’s Championship

      Every weekend from Saturday 2 – Saturday 7th October 

       

      The National Men’s and Women’s Championship kicks off with Southland taking on Aoraki at Elles Road in Invercargill on Saturday, 2nd September, in the South Island Men’s Championship. The Championship matches will be played nationwide in a new format over six weekends. The Men’s and Women’s Championships will conclude on Saturday, 7th October, with the North and South Island Champions meeting to be crowned the National Championship winners and for their chance to gain promotion to the Premiership for 2024.

      With last year’s tournament champions in both men’s and women’s grades now promoted to the Premiership, the remaining teams will battle it out to find new victors.

       

      National Girls Youth Tournament

      Sunday 24 – Tuesday 26th September

      Owen Delaney Park, Taupo

       

      Returning to Taupo, the National Girls Youth Tournament will see talented rugby league wāhine from throughout the country competing for their District and Zones over three days. The inaugural Girls Youth Tournament in 2022 had a spectacle ending with two narrow finals in both the 16s and 18s grades.

      This tournament continues to enhance NZ’s female game, with Alexis Tauaneai completing her journey from the inaugural 2022 National Youth Tournament to becoming a part of the St. George Illawarra Dragons NRLW team. Additionally, Taleenza Nelson has secured a Development contract with the Cronulla Sharks. The 2023 tournament will undoubtedly feature wāhine looking to complete the same journey.

       

      National Boys Youth Tournament

      Wednesday 27 – Friday 29th September

      Puketawhero Park, Rotorua

       

      Closing off grassroots footy for September is the National Boys Youth Tournament, returning to Rotorua’s Puketawhero Park to be held over three days. This tournament will see the best young tama toa compete across the 16s and 18s grades from both Zone and Districts, including; Northland, Auckland, Akarana, Counties, Waikato, Hauraki, Bay of Plenty, Coastline, Mid Central, Wellington and South Island.

       

      NZ 16s & 18s

      Monday 23rd October

      Bruce Pulman Park, Auckland

       

      Rounding off the grassroots football calendar for the year are the NZ 16s and NZ 18s representative games, all to be played on Monday, 23rd October (Labour Day). These games will all be played at Auckland’s Bruce Pulman Park and consist of the best young talent across the motu. Many young players are selected for these New Zealand representative teams from the NZRL National Secondary Schools and Youth Tournaments.

       

      NZ 16s 

      Aotearoa Whaanui v Auckland Invitational (Girls)

      Aotearoa Whaanui v Auckland Invitational (Boys)

       

      The 16s age group will feature the Auckland Invitational versus the Aotearoa Whaanui for both boys and girls. The 16s Auckland teams will consist of players from the ARL competition, Region of Origin development programme, and representative teams that include; Akarana, Counties-Manukau, and Auckland. The Aotearoa Whaanui’ Rest of New Zealand’ squads will be selected from Zonal teams that consist of Northland, Upper Central, Mid Central, Wellington, and South Island.

       

      NZ 18s

      New Zealand Schools v New Zealand Clubs (Girls)

      New Zealand Schools v New Zealand Clubs (Boys)

       

      For their 18s counterparts, the ‘Clubs vs Schools’ match-up returns, including a girl’s match after the highly successful inaugural game in 2022. NZRL General Manager of Football and High-Performance Motu Tony added;

      “A plethora of young talent have found homes in NRL and NRLW clubs from the previous contests, showing a genuine pathway rangatahi can take towards the professional game.

      We look forward to seeing more develop and take their game to the next level.”

       

      NZRL will release broadcast and streaming information for all the upcoming rugby league action in due course; keep an eye out for more details over the coming weeks to ensure you don’t miss out.

       

      08 August 2023

       

      Our rugby league community gets a chance to see their hard mahi recognised across the motu through the Pirtek Volunteer of the Month award.

       

      This award is gifted to a volunteer who displays the core values of NZRL’s Kiwi Way: being family first, innovative, inclusive, respectful, respectful, and humble. NZRL is excited to announce that couple Dylan and Ruscelle Rintoul are the winners of the 2023 Volunteer of the Month for July.

       

      Pirtek CEO Chris Bourke says, “It is refreshing to hear about an amazing husband and wife team that work tirelessly for their club and the game of Rugby League. ”

       

      Dylan and Ruscelle are proud members of the Ngaruawahia Panthers Rugby League Club and community, with Dylan taking on the role of club chairman this year, supported by his wife.

       

      The Panthers have been proudly established as a club for over 110 years, but due to COVID-19, the number of junior players and teams at the club took a hit. Since Dylan was appointed chairman, the club has welcomed over 100 new junior players due to hours of hard mahi by Dylan and Ruscelle.

       

      From sourcing sponsors to travelling to Auckland to purchase gear and equipment for the club and organising discos for the children, the couple has made all the difference in the revival of the Panthers club and community.

       

      The couple also coach and manage the Panthers U7 team, which they have nurtured through the grades for the last three years, with Ruscelle also managing three additional teams. Somehow Dylan also finds the time to fulfil his role as co-chair of the Waikato Junior Rugby League.

       

      Pirtek CEO Chris Bourke says, “Volunteering for Rugby League is what this award is about. Dylan and Ruscelle put in the effort and give up considerable time and resources to support the club. The increased number of kids registered at the club is an amazing result.”

       

      “Dylan and Ruscelle Rintoul are worthy winners of Pirtek Volunteer of the Month. Congratulations, Dylan and Ruscelle.”

       

      Pirtek Volunteer of the Month Submission Form

      Who is your Pirtek Volunteer of the Month?
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        July 12, 2023

        Canterbury Rugby League’s newly established partnership with Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs is set to provide players and coaches from the region with unprecedented development opportunities and pathways to progress to Australia’s elite age-group and senior men’s and women’s competitions.

        Rubberstamped in recent weeks, the agreement between the two organisations promises to be an invaluable and mutually beneficial initiative.

        CRL’s ongoing responsibility to player and coach development, combined with the Bulldogs’ commitment to provide support for local coaches – which in turn helps players’ ability to improve – and training camp opportunities for promising players, will potentially lead to positions with the Sydney-based club.

        “This is a substantial development for Canterbury Rugby League,” CRL CEO Malcolm Humm says.

        “As part of our 2023-26 Strategic Plan, a key goal is that ‘pathway opportunities are fostered through strategic partnerships’. We believe this agreement with Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs is going to have a significant impact on the development of players and coaches in Canterbury, as well as the wider South Island region.

        “To have access to the knowledge and experience of such a quality and successful club such as the Bulldogs is both exciting and one hell of a privilege.”

        Ultimately, Canterbury Rugby League’s aim is to support players that have been identified by Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs to transition to an Australian competition, whether it be their Harold Matthews Cup (under-17s), SG Ball Cup (under-19s), Jersey Flegg (under-21s) and Tarsha Gale Cup (women’s under-18s) teams, or their Harvey Norman Women’s, NSW Cup, NRL and future NRLW premiership squads.

        As well as winning eight premierships since joining the competition in 1935, Canterbury-Bankstown has an impressive reputation as a development club. The Bulldogs have won six NSW Cup titles since 1998 and were grand finalists in 2022, boast a record nine Jersey Flegg Cup titles, won the 2023 Harold Matthews Cup, reached the 2023 Tarsha Gale Cup and Harvey Norman Women’s grand finals and have their sights set on entering an NRLW team for the first time in 2025.

        “Although some of the detail is still to be worked through, we have agreed that Canterbury-based coaches and players will be recipients of coaching clinics led by Bulldogs coaching personnel, whilst both entities want to ensure that identified players and coaches from the Canterbury region have the opportunity to be immersed within the club’s environment in camp scenarios,” Humm explains.

        “There are numerous ways in which we can benefit each other, and we are just excited to get to this point and commence the operational plan.”

        Canterbury Rugby League harbours strong links with the Bulldogs stretching back more than half a century. Linwood, Canterbury and New Zealand Test prop Bill Noonan famously became the first major signing made by legendary Canterbury-Bankstown secretary Peter ‘Bullfrog’ Moore in 1970.

        Noonan was the first Kiwi (along with teammate Henry Tatana) to feature in a NSWRL premiership grand final – Canterbury-Bankstown’s loss to Eastern Suburbs in the 1974 decider – and played 161 games in the blue-and-white jersey before linking with Newtown in 1979.

        Hornby Kiwi Marty Crequer turned out for the Bulldogs in 1991, while elusive winger Jason Williams played in the 1994-95 grand finals – winning a premiership medal in the latter year – during a 73-game tenure with the club. More recently, former Hornby junior Fa’amanu Brown is currently enjoying his second NRL stint with the Bulldogs (he was also part of their NSW Cup-winning side in 2018), Halswell product Montel Lisala has played for their Jersey Flegg and Ron Massey Cup sides in 2023, and Northern’s Bronson Reuben and Hornby’s Sosaia Alatini starred in the Bulldogs’ recent Harold Matthews Cup title success in a team that was coached by former Halswell stalwart Shannon Rushworth.

        “The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs has long been known as a development club,” said Bulldogs General Manager of Pathways, Adam Hartigan.

        “We are committed to investing time into coach and player development through our growing satellite Academy programs – and partnerships such as this new venture with Canterbury Rugby League can only further benefit the game. We are extremely proud to be able to offer our support to the region.

        “CRL has a strong track record of development and by partnering together, we feel we can provide even more young talent with the skills and resources they need to unlock their potential, and flourish both on and off the field.”

        Linwood’s Chelden Hayward, a member of the Canterbury 18s team that competed in the recent South Island Boys Youth Tournament, is already benefiting from the Bulldogs’ pathways program while being able to remain in the region.

        “Importantly, kids can be afforded the opportunity to develop their talent without needing to be relocated at an early age, and away from their home, schooling life and families,” Hartigan explains.

        “Rather, this partnership will support coach development so that Canterbury junior league players can access premier coaching and programs at home, whilst still being afforded a clear and visible pathway to the NRL or NRLW.

        “Chelden Hayward is a great example of how this pathway model works. With the upskilling of CRL coaches Chelden can stay at home, complete his schooling, and mature before the need to move Australia.”

         

        30 June 2023

         

        The prestigious Pirtek Volunteer of the Month award returns this month, where our rugby league community gets a chance to see their hard mahi recognised across the motu.

        The winner chosen for this award displays the core values of NZRL’s Kiwi Way: being family first, innovative, inclusive, respectful, respectful and humble. NZRL is excited to announce that Scott Tulua is the 2023 Volunteer of the Month winner for June.

        People like Scott from the Papatoetoe Panthers are hard to find. He dedicates his time and effort to coaching the club’s U18 boys’ side and assisting with the Otahuhu Leopards Premier Women’s team. Somehow Scott also finds the time to help with the Tangaroa College U14 rugby team; those involved with these teams undoubtedly appreciate all that Scott does.

        From supplying team gear and equipment to washing uniforms and providing transport for young players, Scott selflessly serves however possible to ensure tamariki and rangatahi can enjoy playing Rugby League without obstacles.

        Outside of Rugby League, Scott is also a dedicated community member, committing his spare time to helping others by repairing bikes.

        Pirtek CEO says, “Having a person willing to dedicate so much of their time on a volunteer basis to the great game of Rugby League is rare.

        “Scott is a very deserving Pirtek Volunteer of the Month.

        “Thank you, Scott, for what you do for Rugby League.”

         

        Pirtek Volunteer of the Month Submission Form

        Who is your Pirtek Volunteer of the Month?
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          June 15 2023

          As seen on canterburyrugbyleague.co.nz

          Canterbury’s and South Island’s most promising youth players will get a rare opportunity to test themselves against top-quality Australian opposition next month, courtesy of a short tour by Canberra Raiders’ under-18s team.

          The Raiders’ squad – essentially the best talent coming through the club’s academy, including fringe SG Ball (under-19s) players from this year’s campaign and the players who will make up next season’s SG Ball line-up – will play two matches in four days in Christchurch.

          First up, the Raiders will face the Canterbury 19s team on Thursday, July 13, followed by a clash with South Island Scorpions 18s on Sunday, July 16.

          “There will be some very talented players in the Canberra team – many I’m sure who will go and eventually play in the NRL – so it’s very exciting,” Southern Zone Rugby League General Manager Liam Turner says.

          “Dean Souter, who runs the Junior Raiders High Performance Program, got in touch to see if we were interested in organising a game and it went from there.”

          The Scorpions 18s squad will be selected from the South Island youth tournament, which is being held the previous weekend in Oamaru.

          “It’s a short turnaround and puts a bit of pressure on us, but it’s too good an opportunity to turn down and we’re excited by it,” Turner explains.

          “It provides a great pathway for any 18s boys playing in our tournament to be selected in this team and is another great example that the pathway to the NRL is right at the doorstep of South Island-based players.”

          Having any junior team affiliated with an NRL club playing matches in Canterbury is an obvious coup, but Canberra has a massive reputation as a breeding ground of elite rugby league talent.

          All-time greats such as Bradley Clyde, Glenn Lazarus and Ricky Stuart came through the ACT junior system during the 1980s, while fellow icon Laurie Daley was developed by the Raiders after arriving from nearby Junee as a 17-year-old. The local products helped form the nucleus of the famed ‘Green Machine’ that won premierships in 1989-90 and ’94.

          More recent NRL stars such as Jarrod Croker, Josh Dugan, Josh Papalii, Anthony Milford, Jack Wighton and Hudson Young debuted for the Raiders after emerging through the club’s junior pathways and NYC (under-20s) team. Canberra’s SG Ball team was one game away from the SG Ball grand final in the 2023 competition, which wrapped up in April.

          Meanwhile, these upcoming fixtures in Christchurch provide another key chance for players to impress and potentially follow in the footsteps of the increasing number of South Island juniors who are progressing to the elite level.

          “There’s so many players who have gone through our system and our pathways that have gone on to a higher level – right at the top in the NRL with the likes of Jordan Riki and Griffin Neame, but also recent examples like Callum Donaldson from the West Coast going from the Scorpions earlier this year to a Melbourne Storm feeder club,” Turner enthuses.

          “It highlights that even though we are seemingly a bit isolated down here, the opportunities for our boys and girls at the moment are right there for them and it’s really exciting.

          “The Warriors have an under-17s (Harrold Matthews Cup) and under-21s (Jersey Flegg) entering the NSW competitions in 2024, to go with their recently reintroduced under-19s (SG Ball) team, so that’s also a big opportunity for our youth.”

          Team line-ups in the 2023 Harold Matthews, SG Ball and Jersey Flegg competitions this season have peppered with tyros who have come directly from Halswell Hornets, Hornby Panthers, Linwood Keas and Northern Bulldogs, as well as Scorpions age-group teams.

          Turner praises the dedication and hard work of coaches, volunteers and administrators – such as Canterbury’s and Eastern Eagles’ Archie Jacobs – for helping create the progressively clear pathway from junior club football, to South Island representative teams and eventually into the systems of NRL clubs.

          “Southern Zone may have limited resources compared to other regions, but it’s definitely a big focus for us.

          “People like Archie Jacobs, who has been a big part of the Scorpions system – nearly all of those players who have gone on to Australian clubs or the Warriors have been coached by him – so a lot of credit to him, along with many others.

          “It’s a small wee team that works hard to make sure these players get these opportunities.”

          With the only three weeks until the South Island youth tournament, Turner is encouraging players to put themselves in the frame for Scorpions selection in Oamaru.

          Canterbury’s youth teams for the trip south will be named later this week, but other teams are still looking to fill out their squads.

          “Our smaller districts looking for extra numbers, hopefully that’s a push for some of those players to put their hand up – come and play in this tournament and give yourself a chance to have a crack at the Raiders,” Turner says.

          30 May 2023

           

          2023 sees the return of the prestigious Pirtek Volunteer of the Month award, where our rugby league community gets a chance to see their hard mahi recognised across the motu.

          This award is gifted to a volunteer who displays the core values of NZRL’s Kiwi Way: being family first, innovative, inclusive, respectful, respectful and humble. NZRL is excited to announce that Phylis Latu is the first winner of the 2023 Volunteer of the Month.

          Phylis Latu is a proud member of the Manurewa Marlins rugby league club and community. Latu currently acts as the Marlin’s club secretary, sourcing funding and resources that benefit the club.

          In addition to working for the Manurewa Marlins, Latu provides wrap-around support and delivers food and medical support for whānau affected by Covid-19.

          She leads a group of local rangatahi who she’s helped develop and upskill to enable them to give back to their communities across Manurewa. Latu has used rugby league as a vehicle to support and transform lives.

          Pirtek GM of Sales & Operations says, “Congratulations Phylis Latu on being Pirtek’s Volunteer of the Month.”

          “At Pirtek, we love hearing inspiring stories about great people in the League whānau. It was clear that Phylis puts in the mahi daily, supporting her club in every way.

          “People like Phylis make our community clubs as great as they are. Manurewa is lucky to have her care, aroha and support.

          “Congratulations to a very worthy and well-deserving winner.”

           

          Each PVOTM winner receives $200 worth of vouchers.

          Nominations are now open for June; to enter fill out the form below.

          #TheKiwiWay #MoreThanAGame

           

          Pirtek Volunteer of the Month Submission Form

          Who is your Pirtek Volunteer of the Month?
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            As seen on odt.co.nz

             

            By Kayla Hodge

            Two former Kiwis will impart their wisdom to the next generation of Otago rugby league players this weekend.

            Jeff Lima and Shontayne Hape, and Otago Rugby League coaches, are hosting a development day at Logan Park on Sunday.

            Lima played 127 NRL games, 97 Super League games and seven tests for the Kiwis, while Hape played 28 games for the Warriors and made 125 Super League appearances and 14 tests for the Kiwis, before switching to rugby union, where he played internationally for England.

            The development day morning is designed for primary and intermediate aged players, while the afternoon is designed for players from the grades under-14 to under-18.

            Southern zone club capability and event manager Louis Carmine said players would run through various skills, drills, games and wellbeing sessions.

            Hape, who now works for New Zealand Rugby League, and Lima would also discuss NRL pathways for young athletes.

            Carmine said the development day, similar to one held in Invercargill recently, was a good opportunity for young athletes to learn from the best.

            “It’s cool to see sort of those pathways and realise that even for here in Otago there’s definitely still those opportunities for them,” Carmine said.

            Players can register on the Otago Rugby League website.

            18 May 2023

             

            In game one of the Harvey Norman Women’s Championship, Ahi kā Aotearoa suffered their first defeat to the First Nation Gems 14-8.

            The game started with a cultural salute as the First Nation Gems welcomed Ahi Kā onto the field with an indigenous welcome for their inaugural year.

            The game started in a classic arm wrestle match as both teams battled in the first half for possession and territory of the field. The First Nation Gems capitalised off their first opportunity as they forced an error in Ahi Kā’s half, using this to get the first try of the game.

            First Nation Gems quickly followed up with another try as they utilised the quick ruck speed they generated to catch the Ahi Kā Aotearoa team off guard to go right through the middle.

            Ahi Kā found their groove as they strung together solid runs to gain excellent field position right before halftime. A lovely cut-out ball to Marewa Samson, who delivered some beautiful quick hands to put Kyla Lynch-Brown in for a try, leaving the halftime score 10-4.

            Ahi Kā started the second half off firing as they managed to regather the kick restart. Great scrambling defence from the First Nation Gems robbed the NZ side of a try to even the score. Quick play of the balls and fast ruck speed would be the catalyst for the next First Nation Gems try, as the score would be 18-4 with five minutes to go.

            Vice-captain Monica Samita would scoot out at dummy half to crash over the line to give Ahi Kā a fighting chance in the game with three minutes to go. With the one minute left and NZ desperately trying to create opportunities, a shift on the final tackle put Marewa Samson in space, who would offload to Kyla Lynch-Brown, who managed to run 30 metres before she got run down by some great scrambling defence from the First Nation Gems to close the game out 14-8.

            18 May 2023

             

            The Harvey Norman Women’s Championship in the Gold Coast kicks off today as Ahi Kā Aoteroa takes on the First Nation Gems at Pizzey Park at 2.30 pm (NZT).

            Coach Frank Fuimaono has named a strong team to kick-start the competition announcing 2022 NZ Clubs representative Summer Van Gelder as captain for the 2023 campaign.

            Along with the Ahi Kā Aotearoa squad, several NZ girls are also competing today, as Alexis Tauaenai and Tatiana Finau, who were both a part of the 2022 NZ Clubs team, are playing for the NSW City squad. Keep an eye out for them throughout this week’s tournament.

             

            Today’s game is streamed live on NRL.com

             

            Ahi Kā Aotearoa vs First Nation Gems

             

            Pizzey Park, Gold Coast

            2.30 pm  

             

            1 Summer VAN GELDER (c)
            2 Kyla LYNCH-BROWN
            3 Manea WAAKA
            4 Amarnee SHEPHERD
            5 Marewa SAMSON
            6 Ronise MATINI
            7 Tamara RUAPORO
            8 Genesis SMITH-HURIWAI
            9 Monica SAMITA (vc)
            10 Nina FAAMAUSILI
            11 Ilaisaane TAUFA
            12 Monika FAKAOSILEA
            13 Sade SCHAUMKEL
            14 Sina TUITUPOU
            15 Tanaia-Aroha MERTIN-HERNIMAN
            16 Charlie-Kaige KAMUTEMU
            17 Destinee MEXTED
            18 Maia CRUTCHER
            19 Ana ALLEN
            20 Henilietta LOKOTUI

             

            11 May 2023

             

            New Zealand Rugby League is pleased to announce that the following players have been selected to represent the inaugural Ahi Kā Aotearoa in the Harvey Norman Women’s Championship in the Gold Coast from 18 May – 21 May.

            The Ahi Kā Aotearoa squad comprises players selected from last year’s inaugural National Girls’ Youth Tournament, who participated in the ‘RISE’ Talent Development Programme delivered in partnership with the NRL earlier in the year.

            An experienced management team accompanies the players to the Gold Coast, with former Kiwi Fern players Ake Pereira and Kath Keremete on board as an Assistant Coach and Trainer. Head Trainer Shannon Maclachlan was involved in the most recent Kiwi Ferns’ World Cup campaign, and team manager Mel Tukapua has previously managed NZ16s and NZ18s teams.

             

            NZRL congratulates the following players:

             

            Amarnee SHEPHERD Waikato
            Ana ALLEN Northland
            Charlie-Kaige KAMUHEMU Auckland
            Destinee MEXTED Northland
            Genesis SMITH-HURIWAI Bay of Plenty
            Henilietta LOKOTUI Auckland
            Ilaisaane TAUFA Auckland
            Kyla LYNCH-BROWN Canterbury
            Maia CRUTCHER Northland
            Manea WAAKA Canterbury
            Marewa SAMSON Waikato
            Monica SAMITI Auckland
            Monika FAKAOSILEA Auckland
            Nina FAAMAUSILI Auckland
            Ronise MATINI Auckland
            Sade SCHAUMKEL Auckland
            Sina TUITUPOU Auckland
            Summer VAN GELDER Auckland
            Tamara RUAPORO NGATUAKANA Wellington
            Tanaia-Aroha MERTIN-HERNIMAN Northland
            Head Coach Frank FUIMAONO Auckland
            Assistant Coach Ake PEREIRA Wellington
            Manager Mel TUKAPUA Canterbury
            Head Trainer Shannon MACLACHLAN
            Assistant Trainer Kath KEREMETE Northland
            Physio Melissa FALANI

             

            Ahi Kā Aotearoa schedule

             

            Ahi Kā Aotearoa vs First Nation’s Gems – 2.30pm NZT

            Ahi Kā Aotearoa vs Qld Ruby’s – 1.30pm NZT

            Ahi Kā Aotearoa vs NSW Country Women – 2.30pm NZT

             

            Follow NZRL’s social channels to keep up with their journey throughout the competition.

            May 10, 2023

             

            New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) proudly announces that the anticipated National Secondary Schools tournament is back for 2023.

            2022 saw one of the most significant events in the rugby league calendar return after a three-year hiatus, this time with two new grades – the U15 Boys Carnival and the inaugural Girls’ Championship.

            Last year’s tournaments were hotly contested as newcomers De La Salle took home the Premiership title for the first time in history. Manurewa High School enjoyed success as their boys’ and girls’ teams took out both the Boys’ Championship and the inaugural Girls Championship.

            This year’s competition will spread over three days, kicking off on Friday, 1st September, at Auckland’s Bruce Pulman Park. Schools can qualify through zonal and regional events. Each team entering the National Secondary Schools Tournament must have a referral from their respective zone contact.

            If you would like to receive more information, Register interest here: https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/198093

             

            National Secondary Schools Tournament. Grades to include:

             

            Junior / U15 Boys Carnival

            –      Up to 8 teams

            –      Composite schools permitted.

             

            Senior Boys Premiership

            –      Up to 8 teams

             

            Senior Boys Championship

            –      Up to 8 teams

            –      Composite schools permitted.

             

            Girls Championship

            –      Up to 16 teams

            –      Composite schools permitted.

            27 April 2023

            New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) is proud to announce that its inaugural Ahi kā Aotearoa under-19s girls team will compete in the Australian Harvey Norman Women’s National Championship in May.

            NZRL will select 20 players to represent Ahi kā Aotearoa off the back of the successful ‘RISE’ Talent Development Programme delivered in partnership with the NRL earlier in the year. The RISE programme better prepares young players for the rigours of high-performance environments such as the NRLW, targeting female players aged 17-19.

            The formation of Ahi kā Aotearoa follows a successful year of female participation in the rangatahi age group here in NZ, which saw the introduction of the first National 16 & 18 Girls 9s Tournament, National Secondary Schools Girls Tournament, National Youth Tournament and the first National Representative fixtures for 16s & 18s Girls age groups.

            The Harvey Norman Women’s National Championship is an elite pathways tournament allowing players across Australia and now New Zealand to showcase their skills in the representative arena.

            The tournament consists of 12 teams split into three pools across a four-day draw held in Pizzey Park, Burleigh, from May 18. Ahi kā Aotearoa will be one of three teams alongside NSW and Queensland that feature under-19s talent only, with the remaining nine sides set to be a mix of 19s and open players.

            GM of High-Performance and Football at NZRL Motu Tony says, “This is a really exciting opportunity for our young NZ wāhine to showcase their skills across the Tasman, which will hopefully lead to the NRLW and the Kiwi Ferns.

            “Thank you to the NRL for extending this invitation, this is an important aspect in the development of female rugby league in New Zealand. I look forward to seeing our game (female) maintain its tremendous growth.”

            A tournament draw and squad lists will be released in early May. Entry to the event is free across all four days.

            April 10 2023

            It was a dominant showing by Auckland in the 18s finals today as the 09 took home both Championship trophies in the Boys’ and Girls’ divisions.

            It was a battle between North and South in the 18s Boys’ final, where Auckland faced up against long-time rivals Canterbury.

            Canterbury dropped the ball straight from the kick-off, foreshadowing what would come in the boys’ final.

            Auckland were clinical capitalising off the Canterbury error to score back-to-back tries but the 09’s discipline wavered, allowing Canterbury to mount their first points.

            Auckland came out firing in the second half rolling 60 metres downfield to score their third try. Canterbury’s errors within their half continued to cost them as Auckland gained attacking momentum setting up their fourth four-pointer.

            Auckland’s kick chase placed Canterbury’s fullback under pressure as the 09 would scoop up the loose ball to score, claiming the 18s Boys’ Championship with a 24-4 victory.

            The Girls’ final shortly followed, and  Auckland Red were switched on from the whistle; an effective kick-off forced an error, setting Red up for their first try of the final.

            Some physical defensive sets by both sides kept the scoring at bay until late in the first half.

            A line break and excellent support play by Auckland White earned them a try, equalising the score to 4-4 at halftime.

            The second half saw Auckland Red come back firing, dominating possession and gameplay to score four unanswered tries.

            Auckland Red claimed victory with a final score of 20-4 over Auckland White, making them the 2023 U18 9s National Champions.

            10 April 2023

            The third and final day of the NZRL National 9s Tournament kicked off with the 18s boys’ semi-final clash between the North and South.

            Canterbury was first to put points on the board with a left edge overlap putting Ezekiel Petelo-Paulo over for their first four-pointer.

            Costly Northland errors gifted Canterbury more attacking possession as the Cantabrians quickly answered back with another try and an eight-point leading heading into the break.

            It was all the Southerners as they struck again seconds into the half off the back of another Northland error extending their lead.

            Canterbury dotted down three consecutive tries with momentum on their side, but a late consolation try to Northland wasn’t enough as Canterbury advanced to the final with a 26-4 victory.

            Auckland faced the Capital in the second boy’s semi-final shortly after.

            With accurate kicking and excellent pace, a strong start by the Auckland side saw them head to the sheds with a 10-0 lead at halftime. Wellington fought hard to come back in the second half with two well-earned tries and a conversion, narrowly putting them ahead 12-10.

            In a last-minute upset, Auckland utilised their swift right edge again to score and secure their place in the final with a 14-12 victory.

            Auckland will face Canterbury in the 18s Boys final live at 1:30pm.

            Top of the table Auckland White were first to mount points against Waikato in the first girls’ 18s semi-final.

            A line break from Auckland saw centre Gillian Fa’aumu run 100m downfield to score Auckland’s second try moments after.

            Waikato answered back with a lovely overlap on their right edge, scoring their first points of the day, and bringing the halftime deficit back to within one try.

            Waikato put themselves back into good attacking position after barging runs from their middle forwards, but a costly error saw a try go begging. Auckland bounced back, going over their third shortly after shifting momentum back in their favour.

            Waikato’s effort never wavered, getting themselves another four-pointer right before the final whistle; however it wasn’t to be as Auckland White head to the final with a 12-8 victory.

            The second girls’ semi-final clash was a battle of the ’09 as Auckland Red and Blue faced off.

            The match showcased great physicality and ball play between the two girls’ teams. However, it was Auckland Red that came out firing, scoring three unanswered tries within the first half. Following the break, Auckland Blue did well to score but were dominated by the Red side, who took the win 18-4, booking them a spot in the girls’ grand final.

            Auckland will face off against one another in the National 18s Girl’s final at 2:00pm today.

             

            Boys 18s FINAL Canterbury v Auckland 1:30pm

            Girls 18s FINAL Auckland Red v Auckland White 2:00pm

             

             

            09 April 2023

            The NZRL National District 9s continued at Bruce Pulman Park today, with the U18s grade kicking off their tournament weekend.

            Otago v Waikato
            After a close first half, the Waikato side pulled away in the second half, coming out on top 20-4.

            Northland v Auckland
            A dominant Auckland red side showed their strength, keeping Northland off the board to take the win 16-0.

            Canterbury v Waikato
            The Cantabrians opened the scoring, but Waikato matched them for every point. Both teams came to a draw 14-14.

            Manawatu v Auckland
            A close game going try-for-try, with Auckland narrowly taking the win 10-8 over the Manawatu side.

            Otago v Auckland
            Both sides were evenly matched and kept each other from crossing the try line, leaving the score at 0-0 full-time.

            Auckland v Auckland
            A very physical match-up between the two Auckland sides. Auckland White was tenacious to win 20-6 over Auckland Blue.

            Wellington v Canterbury
            An intense game between two strong teams, with the Wellingtonians coming out on top 8-0 at full-time.

            Northland v Wellington
            The Northlanders did well to get ahead by halftime, with Wellington only a try behind. The momentum shifted in favour of Wellington, with their strong left edge sealing an 18-12 win.

            Hauraki v Otago
            Some early errors from Hauraki put Otago just ahead by a try at halftime. The Hauraki team did well to come back and stay in the contest, drawing the game up at 12-12 full-time.

            Manawatu v Waikato
            The Waikato boys played a dominant 18 minutes, claiming a 26-8 victory over Manawatu.

            Canterbury v Auckland
            Canterbury 18s Boys had a strong performance against the Auckland Rugby League 18s. Canterbury completely outplayed the Auckland side, beating them easily 24 – 4.

            Auckland Blue v Wellington
            The two sides constantly battled for 18 minutes, with Auckland just winning by a conversion. Final score 6-4 to Auckland Blue.

            Auckland White v Canterbury
            A strong Auckland White team dispatched the Canterbury 18s girls with a dominant performance against the South Island team. Auckland White took the win 24 – 4.

            Northland v Waikato
            The two teams battled try-for-try, with the Waikato girls eventually emerging as the victors, 16-10.

            Hauraki v Wellington
            A strong Wellington side controlled possession and the game, finishing victorious with 22 points to Hauraki’s 4.

            Northland v Otago
            The Northland 18s boys came into their next match searching for their first win in the tournament against the Otago 18s boys. Tries came quickly and fast for both teams, but Northland ultimately ran away with the match 22 – 4.

            Waikato v Auckland Red
            Waikato 18s girls and Auckland Red girls came into the third round needing a win. The match-up was close, with nothing between either of the teams 6 – 6 at halftime. In the second half, Auckland Red kicked into high gear and ran away with the match 20 – 6.

            Otago v Northland
            Northland displayed their skill and speed to dominate this game, scoring 26 points for a 26-6 full-time score over Otago.

            Canterbury v Manawatu
            Canterbury 18s Boys came into their last match of the day against Manawatu 18s with confidence after winning their first two matches. The first half of the match was close, with Canterbury leading into halftime 12 – 4. Canterbury battled and kept their lead through the second half to take the win 16 – 8.

            Auckland v Waikato
            The Auckland side played a physical game to produce a 20-4 win over Waikato, who did well to get points on the board.

            Auckland White v Wellington
            The Auckland White 18s took on the Wellington 18s in a close matchup. Ultimately, the Auckland side took the win 10 – 8.

            Canterbury v Auckland Blue
            There was nothing between Canterbury and Auckland Blue. After 18 minutes, the match ended with a draw 8-8.

            Northern Swords v Hauraki
            After a close first half, the Northern Swords extended their lead over Hauraki to win 20 – 10.

            Otago v Wellington
            Wellington had by far the most dominant performance of the day, taking the game with ease 0 – 38.

             

            GIRLS 18s standings

            POOL A

            Auckland Red
            WRFL: Waikato
            RLN: Northland
            Otago Rugby League: Otago

            POOL B

            Auckland White
            Auckland Blue
            Wellington Rugby League
            Canterbury Rugby League

             

            BOYS 18s standings

            POOL A

            Wellington Rugby League
            Northern Swords
            Hauraki District RL
            Otago Rugby League

             

             POOL B 

            Canterbury Rugby League
            Auckland Rugby League
            Waikato
            Manawatu Rugby Football League

            9 April 2023

            Wellington played Northland in the Girls’ 16s Final, where the girls from the capital put on a dominant performance.

            Looking to avenge their finals loss last year, Wellington came out firing drawing first blood. Costly errors kept Northland under pressure in the first half as Wellington went into the sheds with a 10-0 lead.

            Wellington continued their momentum into the second half scoring two back-to-back tries. A last-ditch effort from the Northlanders wasn’t enough, as the Wellington Orcas were crowned U16s Girls’ Champions with a 20-6 win over Northland.

            Canterbury took on tournament dark horse Manawatu in the Boys’ 16s final.

            The Southern 9s Champions opened the scoring with a clever dummy half run as Ill-discipline would cost Manawatu.

            Brilliant individual skill gave Canterbury their second; however, Manawatu found their groove as quick play the balls scored them their first points of the game.

            Errors from Canterbury in their own half cost them as Manawatu scooped up a loose ball levelling the score right before half-time.

            The second half was an arm wrestle with both sides tight on defence. However, Canterbury took their chances with a lovely cut-out pass, putting their winger over to gain the lead.

            Manawatu, in a last-ditch effort pulled off a slick draw & pass evening the score at full-time.

            The final quickly turned into a golden point match.

            A costly error in Canterbury’s play the ball gave Manawatu possession 20 metres out from the Southerners’ line.

            Manawatu would use this to snatch the title running over to claim the U16s 9s Championship 18-14.

             

            9 April 2023

             

            The U16s playoffs kicked off day 2 of NZRL National 9s, where Wellington took on Auckland in the first girls’ semi-final.

            It was all Wellington in the first half as the Capital managed to keep Auckland in their own forty, scoring two unanswered tries. The Capital kept their momentum in the second stint running away with a convincing 20-4 win booking them a spot in the girls’ final.

            Canterbury then took on Northland in the second semi, where it was an even match-up between North and South with one try a piece heading into halftime.

            But it was the Northlanders that came out firing in the second stint, scoring two back-to-back tries to book themselves a spot in the U16s girls’ final against Wellington with a 12-10 victory.

            The boys’ playoffs followed shortly after, where Canterbury took on Otago in the first semi-final. The Cantabrians dominated, scoring four unanswered tries to book their spot in the final, 24-0.

            Wellington then took on Manawatu in the second semi. A clever barge through the middle saw Wellington open up the scoring, but Manawatu answered back with four unanswered tries to win 24-6

            Wellington will take on Northland in the Girls’ final at 1:30pm and Canterbury will face Manawatu in the Boys’ final at 2pm. Both games live on Sky Sport 4.

             

             

             

            08 April 2023

            The NZRL National District 9s kicked off at Bruce Pulman Park this Easter Saturday, with the U16s Girls’ grade beginning the tournament weekend.

            Wellington earned their first tournament points with an 18-4 victory over Hawkes Bay. A North v South battle soon followed when Northland took on Otago, where an early kick-off error by Northland saw Otago open up the scoring. Northland promptly responded with three tries in the first half, claiming a 24-12 win over the Southerners.

            The Otago Boys took on Coastline to kick off the U16s Boys’ tournament. A late comeback from Coastline wasn’t enough as the Southerners proved too strong, earning a 22-10 victory.  Manawatu then showed a dominant 24 – 4 display over the Northlanders.

            Girls’ U16s 2022 Champions Auckland took on Canterbury to kickstart their campaign. A close first half ended with Auckland narrowly leading at halftime. Reigning champions Canterbury came back with a show of dominance in the second half, scoring four unanswered tries to win the game 30-10.

            A close encounter between Waikato and Manawatu girls soon followed, where a strong Manawatu right edge scored two early back-to-back tries. Waikato answered back, but a very close second half eventually saw Manawatu come out on top 12 points to 10.

            A rematch of the 2022 Boys’ final saw reigning champions Canterbury take on runners-up Waikato. It was a tight affair, with nothing separating the teams at half-time; however, Canterbury picked up the pace in the second half, running away with it 12-4.

            Wellington boys then took on Auckland boys in a tight encounter. The boys from the Captial had the upper hand keeping the 09 scoreless, 8-0. Wellington girls then kept the winning momentum for the black and yellow, with a dominant 24-4 display over Otago.

            The Northland girls then showed up against Hawkes Bay, winning four tries to one; however, the Northland boys went down to Otago 12-4. The Manawatu men soon followed with an impressive 28-10 performance against Coastline.

            After losing to Canterbury, the Auckland girls redeemed with a two-point victory over Waikato, while Manawatu upset reigning champs Canterbury with a 26-18 win.

            Back to the boys’ grade, the Cantabrians got the win over Auckland three tries to one, while Wellington continued their dominance with a 22-4 victory over Waikato. In a tightly contested game, Wellington snatched victory over Northland girls 18-16, while Hawkes Bay ran away with a win over Otago 20-8.

            Manawatu kept Otago scoreless in the Boy’s Pool with a 14-point victory before Northland ran away with a 34-24 win over Coastline.

            Some great ball play by the Auckland girls saw them beat Manawatu 22-8 before Canterbury pipped Waikato at the post with a four-point victory in the final girls’ match of the day.

            The boys continued Canterbury’s dominance beating Wellington 16-14 in what was a top-of-the-table clash before Auckland claimed a 22 to 8 victory over Waikato in what was the final match of Day 1.

            Canterbury finished at the top of both Boys’ B and Girls’ B pools, with the Southerners stamping their mark on the U16s grade.

            Manawatu had a strong showing in the Boys’ grade finishing top of Pool A, while Wellington took out Girl’s Pool B.

             

            GIRLS 16s standings

            POOL A

            Wellington

            Northland

            Hawkes Bay

            Otago

             

            POOL B

            Canterbury

            Auckland

            Waikato

            Manawatu

             

            BOYS 16s standings

            POOL A

            Manawatu

            Otago

            Northland

            Coastline

             

             POOL B 

            Canterbury

            Wellington

            Auckland

            Waikato

            1 April 2023

             

            The Counties Manukau Stingrays have been crowned the 2023 NZRL National 20s Champions after upsetting South Island 28-16 in a finals match thriller.

            The South Island Scorpions were first to draw blood as Jaedon Wellington opened the scoring account in the first ten minutes of the encounter. Counties Manukau struck back as they were rewarded for their defensive pressure as winger Esau Meleisia would recover a loose ball and dot over the line.

            The first half continued to be an arm-wrestle as both teams would scramble to keep each other away from their own red zones. However Counties Manukau would benefit off South Island’s errors as Malachi Tony would score their second try to make the score 12-6 going into halftime.

            South Island came into the second half firing as they would build pressure completing their set deep into Counties half as the Scorpions centre, Izayah Hesp would collect Caleb Murphy’s grubber kick to even the score. South Island would quickly add to this shifting the ball out wide to set up winger Saki Loma to score in the corner.

            With South Island building momentum it looked as if they would step into a new gear much like their previous encounter. However, Counties Manukau would completely blindside South Island to string together three consecutive tries to complete an upset over the competition favourites and capture the National 20s Ruben Wiki Cup 28-16.

            31 March 2023

            New Zealand Rugby League is pleased to announce the National U20s Pirtek competition team for 2023, with South Island Scorpions second-rower Te Kaio Cranwell earning National 20s Pirtek Competition MVP.

            A standout in each game for the Scorpions, Cranwell has been instrumental in his side’s journey to the final. A large frame dominant on both sides of the ball, Cranwell has proved to be a handful for any side he has come up against.

            Cranwell a lethal ball-runner, rose to prominence through the competition navigating his way to the try line in every game played. Cranwell’s partnership with Scorpions halfback Caleb Murphy contributed to South Island’s success through the Ruben Wiki Cup. Cranwell led from the front as South Island advanced to the final as the only undefeated team.

            Te Kaio Cranwell is joined by an extremely talented pool of players, including fellow teammates Caleb Murphy, Jameson Wellington and Sakiusa Lamanikava, along with Counties Manukau fullback Robin Herbert and Akarana hooker Khalan Clyde.

             

            Congratulations to the following selected for the 2023 Pirtek Competition team:

             

            1. Robin Herbert (Counties Manukau Stingrays)
            2. Ariki Honetana (Akarana Falcons)
            3. Niu-linghi Peni (Counties Manukau Stingrays)
            4. Deijdre Siaki (South Island Scorpions)
            5. Toaiti Ramsay (Counties Manukau Stingrays)
            6. Felise Tau (Counties Manukau Stingrays)
            7. Caleb Murphy (South Island Scorpions)
            8. Jaedon Wellington (South Island Scorpions)
            9. Khalan Clyde (Akarana Falcons)
            10. Portman Paul (Waikato Mana)
            11. Te Kaio Cranwell (South Island Scorpions)
            12. Sakiusa Lomanikaya (South Island Scorpions)
            13. Daniel Smith (Akarana Falcons)

             

            Ruben Wiki Cup competition MVP: Te Kaio Cranwell (South Island Scorpions)

             

             

            30 March 2023

             

            New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) is proud to announce that 2023 will see the much-awaited return of the National District 9s. This will be the second instalment of the National District 9s after the inaugural event’s success.

            This year the National District 9s will be held at Bruce Pulman Park over the course of the Easter Weekend, with the 16s Boys and Girls competition being played on the 8th of April, the 18s Boys and Girls competition being played on the 9th of April and the finals of all four age group divisions culminating on the 10th of April.

            Ten districts will be represented at the Nationals spanning Northland, Auckland, Coastline, Hauraki, Manawatu, Hawkes Bay, Wellington, Canterbury and Otago.

            The top qualifying eight district teams (per age group) will compete in the National 9s Tournament. The National District 9s Tournament will collectively see 32 teams compete with a 16s Boys Champion, 16s Girls Champion, 18s Boys Champion and 18s Girls Champion, all crowned at the conclusion of the tournament.

            The National District 9s is one of the most significant events in rugby league calendar as David McMeeken, National Football Operations Manager at NZRL, says: “The 9s format is a proven successful entry point for rugby league as it nurtures and grows the game at a district level.”

            After a successful 2022 competition, districts will look to build momentum off the back of last season both in boys and girls’ age groups. One of the event’s initial intentions was to bring that competition back at a regional level while fostering and developing rangatahi talent throughout the country, something that was a proven success as many of the talent that played within last year’s competition went on to represent their districts in the girls and boys youth tournament held later that year.

            The growth in interest and participation in the girls game across the country is something to note as formats like the 9s help enable to push the girls game. Luisa Avaiki, Head of Women’s Rugby League at NZRL, says: “I’m beyond delighted that we can continue this momentum. It’s a significant event in our calendar and one that encourages girls from every district across New Zealand to get involved and fall in love with rugby league.”

            28 March 2023

             

            The National 20s Ruben Wiki Cup culminates this weekend at Navigation Homes Stadium in Pukekohe as the South Island Scorpions will meet the Counties Manukau Stingrays.

            South Island enter the contest as the only team unbeaten in the competition which included a tough victory over their finals competitors Counties Manukau along the way winning 38-24.

            South Island have looked dominant in every game that they have played, where they have looked sharped in defense creating defensive pressure to force errors whilst also dominating possession against their opponents.

            Big performances from the Scorpions key players such as Caleb Murphy and Jaedon Wellington will be crucial if South Island want to lift their first National 20’s Ruben Wiki Cup.

             

            Road to the final

             

            South Island Scorpions 46 vs Waikato Mana 8

             

            South Island Scorpions 58 vs Wellington Orcas 6

             

            South Island Scorpions 38 vs Counties Manukau Stingrays 24

             

            South Island Scorpions 0 vs Waikato Mana (Defaulted)

             

            However, although South Island have had a successful road to the finals. Do not count the Counties Manukau Stingrays out in any way. Off the back of an upset victory last week over the Akarana Falcons in the semi-finals, Counties will look to continue to build momentum heading into the finals.

            In their previous showdown against the South Island Scorpions, Counties had South Island scrambling at one point as they were leading in front only to let the game slip away in the final fifteen minutes of the game.

            An 80 minute effort will be needed if Counties Manukau are to come out victorious over their finals opponents. Huge efforts from key players such as Malachi Tony and Anthony Naitoko is crucial in order for Counties to pull of the big upset against South Island.

             

            Road to the Final

             

            Counties Manukau Stingrays 38 vs Wellington Orcas 4

             

            Counties Manukau Stingrays 54 vs Bay of Plenty 26

             

            Counties Manukau Stingrays 24 vs South Island Scorpions 38

             

            Counties Manukau Stingrays 28 vs Akarana Falcons 22

            25 March 2023

            In the semi final for the National 20s Ruben Wiki Cup. The Counties Manukau Stingrays met the Akarana Falcons at Navigation Homes stadium in Pukekohe.

            The game was a back and forth thriller with Counties Manukau capturing the win 22-28 with a late push in the final minutes.

            Akarana started out of the gate firing scoring couples tries early in the fold. However Counties Manukau’s persistent effort and constant pressure would keep them in the game as they would continue to answer back to Akarana’s points.

            The game would continue to be an arm wrestle as both teams would complete their sets. The conditions and pressure would eventually get to Akarana as Counties would capitalise on Akaran’s fatigue to scoop up a try to tie the game up 22 all.

            Akarana’s mistakes around the halfway line would cost them as Counties would use to get an early shift out the left edge. Quick play the balls and beautiful draw and pass action would see Counties Manukau’s winger Esau Meleisea in for the winning try to book Counties Manukau’s spot in the final against South Island next week.

            Sunday 19th, March

            In the third round of the Ruben Wiki Cup, the South Island Scorpions met the Counties Manukau Stingrays at Forsyth Barr stadium in Dunedin.

            South Island came out of the blocks firing on all cylinders as their execution on attacking and defensive plays were clinical. The Scorpions forced Counties Manukau to commit errors in their own half due to heavy defensive pressure as they scored two tries from centre Izyah Hesp and winger Saki Loma.

            Counties answered back with a try of their own as Malachi Tony scored with a nippy run out of dummy-half. South Island would go on to score another try before heading into halftime with the score at 18-6.

            Counties would come out of halftime determined as they were first to strike in the second half with fullback Robin Herbert scoring under the post. Counties would continue their momentum as they managed to score again gaining the lead for the first time in the game.

            The game would continue as an arm-wrestle as both teams would go back and forth however South Island would show their class as they slowly started to dominate possession and gain quick play the balls which converted into tries for the Scorpions.

            Counties Manukau would score a late try however it was too little too late as South Island would come away with the victory 38-24 as they advance into the semi-finals next week against Waikato.

            In the third round of the 2023 National 20s Competition, the Waikato Mana met Bay of Plenty in Rotorua at Puketawhero Park.

            It took almost 20 minutes of battling between the two teams before we saw the first points on the board. Waikato opened the match up with the first try to Cowan. Quickly followed by another try from teammate Sulusi. Connelly was the next Waikato player to score that pushed his team out to a comfortable lead to close out the scrappy first half.

            Bay of Plenty came into the second half firing with a first try within the first five minutes to Hebden-Penitoa. Jackson-Williams was next to score a try for Bay of Plenty closing the gap between the teams. Waikato hit back with a try of their own through Baretoka. Bay of Plenty scored under the posts with less than two minutes to go in the match through influential number twelve Pereira but it wasn’t enough to see his team through to the semi-finals.

            Waikato come away with the win over Bay of Plenty 20-18. The action continues next week as we move into the semi-finals stage of the competition.

            Saturday 18th, March 

            Akarana Falcons continued their winning streak with a 44-22 win over the Wellington Orcas in round 3 of the NZRL National 20s competition.

            Akarana opened the scoring account with a try from Nixon Leaso crashing over the line. Wellington quickly came up with their own points and saw prop Jahsiyah Tarrant Schuster off-load to Pharrell Gray, who broke through the Akarana defence line to score. Akarana managed to hit back with a try from Khalan Clyde, who dummied his way across the line.

            Wellington were determined to get even with the points and saw Gray sprinting down the left edge towards the try line to score his second in the game. The defending champs were unwilling to go down and saw their winger Micaiah Teleaga score on the left edge.

            Just before the whistle, Wellington’s centre, Gray, busted through the Akarana defence towards the try line. Scoring himself a hattrick and taking his team into the sheds with the lead, 18-16.

            A few minutes into the second stanza, Akarana opened the score account with number 22 stepping his way to the try line. Akarana’s barrage of tries continued after that. With more tries scored from Juelz Baker, Clyde with his second and Leaso scoring a hattrick for the game.

            With less than one minute to go, Wellington were determined for more points on the board and saw winger Laban Lealamisa over the line. After a tough back-and-forth contest in the first half, Akarana were too dominant in the second half. Wellington fought until the end, but the clock was not on their side this game. Akarana continues their winning streak ending the game 44-22.

            Akarana Falcons continues their winning streak into the Semi-Finals of the national 20s.

            12 March 2022

            In the second round of the Ruben Wiki Cup, the South Island Scorpions met the Wellington Orcas in Christchurch at Ngā Puna Wai. South Island came into the game as strong favourites after a dominant performance last week, adding to their winning streak by beating Wellington 58-6.

            From the first minute of the game, South Island dominated in all facets of the game as they would keep possession for the majority of the first half notching up tries in entertaining fashion. Strong defensive pressure from South Island forced Wellington to commit errors within their own half as the Scorpions would go into the second half 28-0.

            In the second half, South Island wasted no time as they continued to pile on the tries scoring most of them from forty meters out. Great pressure on the kick chase from South Island’s outside backs ensured that Wellington was always trapped deep inside their own half. Wellington however managed to score a consolation try.

            South Island looked clinical all game which will give them confidence heading into a tough matchup next week against Counties Manukau Stingrays.

             

            In the second round of the 2023 National 20s Competition, the Counties Manukau Stingrays met Bay of Plenty in Auckland at Navigation Homes Stadium. Counties came into the match as favourites again this week and continued their winning streak with a 54-26 win over Bay of Plenty.

            Within the first few minutes of the first half, Counties crashed over the line through Ben Fonotalaga with two back-to-back tries. Bay of Plenty was quick to come up with points of their own in the corner through Jayden Gilles. Bay of Plenty number 15 scored a try off the back of a Counties knock on to bring the score within a two-point margin. Bay of Plenty showed plenty of spirit with an excellent shift on the left to take the lead with a try to Christian Letoa. Counties not willing to go down scored another try through Sima Tau. The contest continued to heat up as Bay of Plenty scored a try through their Fullback Wairua Jackson-Williams to take his team into the sheds with the lead.

            The second half started with a bang, Stanley Hingano struck first with another set of back-to-back tries for Counties. The tries continued to roll in for Counties with another to Niu-Alinghi Peni, Jeroyme Pritchard and Harlem Te Namu. Bay of Plenty number 15 scored an excellent solo try with less than five minutes remaining in the match.  Counties closed out the match with a try to number nine Malachi Tony.

            Counties Manukau came away with their second win of the season over Bay of Plenty 54-26. The action continues next week as Counties take on the South Island Scorpions and Bay of Plenty come up against Waikato in Rotorua.

            Saturday 11 March 2023,

            Akarana Falcons win over Waikato Mana,  28-24, after a close battle in Round 2 of the NZRL National 20s competition.

            Akarana opened the scoring account with an impressive run down the right edge for Gordan-Amoroa to put Akarana in the lead. Minutes later, Leaso scored off an offload from his prop teammate down the left edge to add another four to Akarana’s scoring account.

            Waikato bounced back with back-to-back tries to even the game out. A superb tries from their half-back and winger, who both forced their way through the Akarana’s defence to secure points for Waikato.

            Just before the whistle, Akarana manages to secure another 4 to put them in front. Akarana led Waikato 14-8 into the sheds.

            Minutes into the second stanza, Akarana continued their dominance with back-to-back tries from Captain Smith and Teleaga. Waikato wasted no time to hit back with another four from their loose forward. Still, Akarana maintained the lead, with Teleaga scoring himself a hattrick and putting Akarana further in front.

            With under 10min to go, Waikato showed a glimmer of hope scoring impressive back-to-back tries to try and gain the lead.

            Waikato fought until the end, but the clock was not on their side this game. The Akarana Falcons continue their winning streak ending the game 28-24 to them.

            Saturday 4th March

            In the opening round of the Ruben Wiki Cup the South Island Scorpions battled against Waikato Mana at League Park in Ngaruwahia.

            South Island came in as heavy favourites and confirmed their dominance against the Orcas with a 46-8 victory to start their season.

            South Island started off in fine fashion as they scored early in the contest. Waikato struck back with a try of their own to even out the scores however, South Island continued to put pressure on Waikato dotting over the line another three times before half-time.

            As second the second half kick off, Waikato showed a glimmer of hope as centre Fale gathered a beautifully weighted chip kick to put their captain Tupou in for a try.

            However, that was the only glimpse of fight that Waikato showed as South Island continued where they left off in the first half. Great defensive pressure turned into offence as South Island continued to pile on the points against Waikato with the final score being 46-8.

            In the opening round of the 2023 National 20s Competition, the Counties Manukau Stingrays met the Wellington Orcas in Wellington at Wise Park. Counties came into the match as strong favourites and proved their dominance over the Orcas with a 4-38 win to kick off their campaign.

            After ten minutes of back and forth, Counties Manukau put the first points on the board with a try in the corner by Caleb Meleisea. Counties Manukau number 8 Stanley Hingano crashed over the line ten minutes later to extend the visitor’s lead. Counties Manukau’s Toaiti Ramsay had an excellent line break to set up another try from teammate Jeremiah Tamatimu. Twenty-five minutes into the match Counties Manukau’s Meleisea scored his second try to close out the first half.

            As the first half continued, Counties Manukau’s ruck speed was too much for the Orcas with an opening try from Niu-Alinghi Peni. The Wellington Orcas finally found their opportunity to score halfway through the second half of the match through number 14 Junior Telea. Counties Manukau’s ball retention continued to dominate as tries rolled in by Malachi Tony, Jeroyme Pritchard, and Ramsay.

            Counties Manukau came away with their first win of the season over the Wellington Orcas 4-38. The action continues next week as Counties take on Bay of Plenty and the Orcas come up against the South Island Scorpions in Christchurch.

            The defending champions Akarana Falcons, made a huge statement with a 74-06 win over Bay of Plenty in Round 1 of the NZRL National 20s Ruben Wiki Cup.

            The Bay of Plenty defence was under pressure for most of the first half. Akarana was relentless in pressure taking every opportunity to put points on the board.

            Khalan Clyde opened the scoring account for Akarana powering his way over the scoreline. After five minutes of play, Louis Dehar-Webster slid between the Bay of Plenty defence and found the half-back on the board.

            Desperation from the Bay of Plenty side saw winger Tiona Noora stretch over the line to claw the Bay of Plenty back into the contest.

            Akarana bounced back strong with three more tries from Andre Nu’uali’itia, Ariki Honetana, and Clyde to put Akarana further in front. Akarana entered the sheds with a significant early lead over Bay of Plenty 38-06.

            Akarana’s barrage of tries continued into the second half; more tries were scored from Akrana’s Axel-Ray Fine-Sietu, Juelz Baker, Waikare Ratima, and Carlos Davis.

            With less than ten minutes to go, Bob Iosefo scored his first for the game, and Clyde and Honetana scored a hattrick before the final whistle was blown. The final score was 74-06 to the Akarana Falcons.

             

            February 28 2023

             

            The premier 20’s competition, The Ruben Wiki Cup, is back this year, kicking off on Saturday, the 4th of March, with Bay of Plenty hosting Akarana.

             

            The Ruben Wiki Cup provided a level of competition not seen before in Aotearoa, culminating in a slew of grassroots players signing with professional NRL clubs.

            The cup consists of six teams across the motu, with Wellington and Bay of Plenty being the newest additions to the competition replacing upper Central. The six teams will be placed into two pools where they will battle it out over three weeks, where the top two teams from each pool will advance to the semi-finals, with the finals being played on March 4.

             

            All games will be televised on Sky.

             

            Week 1 draw: 

             

            Saturday 4th March

            Bay of Plenty v Akarana – 12pm – Puketawhero Park, Rotorua

             

            Counties Manukau v Wellington Orcas – 2pm – Wise Park, Wainuiomata

             

            Sunday 5th March

             

            Waikato v South Island – 12pm – League Park, Ngāruawāhia

            As seen on  https://www.stuff.co.nz

            They may be no-names now, but by the end of the season these players could transform into stars of the NRL. Here are the 10 rookies set to make their NRL debut in 2023, with the first three having Kiwi origins.

            1. Isaiya Katoa (Dolphins)

            Position: Halfback

            Age: 18

            Wellington-born Katoa was at the centre of a tug-of-war between Penrith and the Dolphins last year. With Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary blocking his path, he opted to join Wayne Bennett on a lucrative deal for a player without NRL experience.

            Katoa was banished from Penrith midway through last year after signing with the Dolphins, but returned in the finals series to lead the Panthers to premiership glory in the NSW Cup. Made his international debut for Tonga at the end of the year and showed that he has a long and bright future in the sport.

            2. Siua Wong (Sydney Roosters)

            Position: Back row

            Age: 19

            Almost got the chance to make his NRL debut last year, but the Roosters decided to hold him back. Wong was impressive in the lower grades in 2022 and showed he belongs on the big stage with an impressive outing for Fiji at the World Cup.

            Born in Auckland, Wong is a rugby union product of Sydney’s Scots College. Wong started last season in SG Ball, leading the team to a grand final. He finished the year as one of the best players for the Bears in a disappointing NSW Cup finals campaign before heading over to England for the World Cup.

            3. Karl Oloapu (Canterbury Bulldogs)

            Position: Halfback

            Age: 18

            Raised in Wellington and a former Randwick junior, Oloapu recently signed a four-year deal to link up with the Bulldogs this year following a messy exit from the Brisbane Broncos.

            Oloapu is so highly regarded that the Bulldogs forked out a reported $500,000 transfer fee to secure his services for this year. While Kyle Flanagan will be given first crack at the Canterbury No.7 jersey, the teen will join Khaled Rajab pushing for a spot later in the season.

            Oloapu, who had been part of Brisbane’s system from the age of 13, refused to train late last year after what he claimed was a series of “broken promises”. New Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo recently convinced him his future was at Belmore.

            4. Paul Alamoti (Canterbury Bulldogs)

            Position: Centre

            Age: 19

            Canterbury have big expectations of Alamoti, who turned 19 a fortnight ago. The powerful centre is expected to start the season in Ciraldo’s strongest 13.

            Alamoti graduated from Kogarah Marist, where he also excelled in basketball and athletics. The Bulldogs have struggled to produce local talent in recent seasons but Alamoti is straight out of local team the Milperra Colts. He’s been a star through all the lower grades, playing for NSW in the under 18’s Origin and also selected in the Australian Schoolboys merit team.

            5. Jonah Pezet (Melbourne Storm)

            Position: Halfback

            Age: 20

            This could be the one that got away for Newcastle. Jonah is the son of former NRL player Troy Pezet. He finished with four try assists for NSW in the under 19’s State of Origin game last year, playing a leading hand in the Blues’ 32-4 win.

            Could make his NRL debut during the representative window. A star in the making. Was already contracted to Melbourne for 2023 but recently extended his deal to commit his future to the Storm until the end of 2025.

            6. Blake Mozer (Brisbane Broncos)

            Position: Hooker

            Age: 20

            Another product of Queensland’s Keebra Park State High School. There are high hopes for Mozer to be the club’s long-term No 9. It’s a position the Broncos appear to be short on depth with Billy Walters tipped to start the season at dummy-half.

            Some say he’s a throwback to some of the game’s more creative hookers like Robbie Farah and Cameron Smith. While his footy IQ is at a high standard, he still has to improve his physicality. A work in progress but a player with a bright future. Played for Queensland in the under 19’s Origin last year.

            7. Jesse McLean (Penrith Panthers)

            Position: Fullback, centre, wing

            Age: 18

            The Australian Schoolboys star is expected to win one of Penrith’s last remaining top 30 spots in 2023. Everyone at Penrith is talking about the progression of the kid who can play fullback, wing or centre.

            He won Penrith’s SG Ball Emerging Talent award last year, scoring a double in the grand final victory over the Roosters. While no one at Penrith wanted to lose Stephen Crichton, they also knew that McLean was coming through the ranks and will be vying for a regular spot in 2024.

            His preferred position is fullback but he may have to wait a while judging by the performances of incumbent Dylan Edwards. McLean, a Blacktown and Doonside junior, is tipped to get his debut during the Origin period for the Panthers.

            8. Latu Fainu (Manly Sea Eagles)

            Position: Five-eighth

            Age: 17

            He won’t be able to play in the NRL until his 18th birthday on May 28, but the excitement around the younger brother of Manase Fainu is undeniable. While Josh Schuster will be given first crack at the No 6 jersey following the departure of Kieran Foran, there is pressure from underneath.

            Manly knew from a young age that Fainu was destined for the NRL. It’s why they handed him a lucrative four-year deal as a 16-year-old. The Guildford junior is another one from the crop of western Sydney talent the Sea Eagles have snared in recent years.

            9. Josh Feledy (Wests Tigers)

            Position: Centre

            Age: 18

            Feledy struck up a combination with Latu Fainu at Manly, but decided to join the Wests Tigers this year. The Tigers are short on quality outside backs and have identified Feledy as a star of the future.

            Unlikely to get time in the NRL the first half of the year, but we know coach Tim Sheens isn’t afraid to throw a teenager into the NRL.

            He did it with Chris Lawrence and Benji Marshall and could do it again with Feledy in 2023. Has speed to burn and an attacking game that will excite Tigers fans.

            10. Harrison Hassett (Penrith Panthers)

            Position: Back row

            Age: 19

            The Dolphins thought they had secured Hassett’s services in a major coup for the NRL’s newcomers. But at the 11th hour Hassett had a change of heart and decided to remain at the Panthers.

            Penrith came in late with a revised offer to keep him at the club. While the Panthers have plenty of depth in the forwards, Hassett could come into calculations during the Origin period.

            Hassett, a St Marys junior, was part of Penrith’s SG Ball-winning side last year, scoring six tries and racking up 29 tackle busts in 10 games.