Backrower Jordan Riki will make his NRL debut for the Brisbane Broncos against the Raiders in Canberra on Saturday night.
Riki, a former Junior Kiwis Captain, was impressive for the Maori All Stars earlier this year after being a surprise call-up for the 30-16 win over the Indigenous All Stars.
The 20-year-old from Christchurch is a physical and strong ball runner, with an offload and footwork. Riki started as a Hornby Panthers junior and a star player for St Thomas of Canterbury with a long list of NZRL honors including 2016 NZ 16s Player of the Year. Brisbane Broncos eventually signed Riki after immense competition in recruiting him after finishing school in 2017, Riki played a game of Intrust Super Cup for Norths Devils in 2018 before playing 15 games in 2019. Riki started at lock for the Devils in their only game this year, after an unexpected call up to the Aotearoa Maori team.
Riki joins Daejan Asi, Emry Pere, Asu Kepaoa, Connelly Lemuelu, Eliesa Katoa, Jaxson Paulo and Jackson Ferris as New Zealand NRL debutants this season.
Jordan Riki gets the call up to make his debut in #NRLRaidersBroncos – see our full side thanks to @ladbrokescomau https://t.co/4OZ0v6ez1o pic.twitter.com/bZRAeZGbuw— Brisbane Broncos (@brisbanebroncos) August 11, 2020
Jordan Riki gets the call up to make his debut in #NRLRaidersBroncos – see our full side thanks to @ladbrokescomau https://t.co/4OZ0v6ez1o pic.twitter.com/bZRAeZGbuw
Thanks to the support of Sky Sport, the Under 19 Junior Kiwis will take on the Australian School Boys Sunday, September 29th in Queensland.
The Junior Kiwis Under 19s will take on their Trans-Tasman rivals at Redcliffe’s Dolphin Stadium with kick-off scheduled for 1 pm NZT; the game will be televised live on SKY Sport.
Greg Peters, CEO of New Zealand Rugby League said: “We are extremely grateful for Sky’s ongoing support as this fixture would not have been possible otherwise.
“The Junior Kangaroos recently moved to an U23s structure as they are set to take on France U23s later in the year. We are looking at re-introducing an U23s team next year, however in the meantime, giving our U19 Junior Kiwis a run against high-quality competition like the Australian School Boys is great for the development of our young players.
“We have some undeniable Kiwi talent coming through and it’s exciting we get to see them take the field in what will be nothing short of a high class, entertaining game of rugby league.”
Sky Director of Sport, Tex Teixeira says: “We’re proud to be playing our part in supporting the Junior Kiwis Under 19s and we can’t wait to watch them take on the Aussies – go well team!”
New Zealand Rugby League is pleased to announce the following players have been selected for the Junior Kiwis U19 wider squad:
Bayleigh Bentley-Hape – Sydney Roosters
Dylan Brown – Parramatta Eels
Valance Harris – Parramatta Eels
Kayal Iro – NZ Warriors
Temple Kalepo – NZ Warriors
Asu Kepaoa – Sydney Roosters
Spencer Leniu – Penrith Panthers
Etu Vinny Lui – Parramatta Eels
Christian Ma’anaima – Newcastle Knights
Sione Moala – NZ Warriors
Griffin Neame – North Queensland Cowboys
Shalom O’ofou – St. George Illawarra Dragons
Junior Pua – NZ Warriors
Selestino Ravuataumada – NZ Warriors
Jordan Riki – Brisbane Broncos
Simi Sasagi – Newcastle Knights
Ioane Seiuli – Gold Coast Titans
Tyler Slade – NZ Warriors
Vito Tevaga – Cronulla Sharks
Matthew Timoko – Canberra Raiders
Starford Toa – Newcastle Knights
Emmanuel Tuimavave-Gerrard – NZ Warriors
Christian Tuipulotu – Sydney Roosters
Paul Turner – NZ Warriors
Isaiah Vagana – NZ Warriors
Junior Kiwis coaching staff are as follows:
Head Coach: Ezra Howe
Assistant Coaches: Moehewa Armstrong, Francis Meli
Head Strength & Conditioning Coach: Donny Singe
Head Trainer: Junior Mautairi
Physio: Simon Keepa
Manager: Jerry Seuseu
A stirring haka from the Junior Kiwis set the mark for what was to be a passionate test match between the Trans-Tasman rivals at Dolphin Oval.
A flying Habiso Tabuai-Fidow opened the scoring for the Australian Schoolboys, yet it was rugged early with Howarth put on report for a dangerous throw. Junior Kiwi prop Etuale Junior Lui Toeava was hard to handle with the Junior Kiwis side well led by Broncos-contracted lock Jordan Riki.
An error by Australian fullback Reece Walsh gave the Junior Kiwis possession and it was all too easy for star fullback Starford Toa from the ensuing scrum to score untouched to level the score.
A short kick in behind the line by Sydney Roosters bound Australian half, Sam Walker, found his fellow Queensland under 18s teammate Walsh racing through to score in the 29th minute to break the deadlock.
Walker then schemed down the left to almost put Mathew Feagai away to score. Minutes later Walsh injected himself and put the after burners on to find skipper Jackson Topine in support. Australia took an 18-6 lead into the break.
The Junior Kiwis started the second half full of running and centre Kayal Iro, son of former Kiwi legend, Kevin Iro, determinedly crashed over to reduce the margin to eight.
The Australian Schoolboys hit back after a burst by Tabuai-Fidow the ball went through the hands to wide-running Howarth whose one-handed overhead offload sent Feagai over. Howarth then reached out himself from a Walker grubber to give the Australian Schoolboys a 30-10 lead in the 53rd minute.
The Junior Kiwis soon gained momentum scoring back to back tries which looked like the beginnings of a hopeful comeback. Kiwi winger Selestino Ravutaumada scored wideout to cut the lead to 30-14 soon followed by an impressive length of the field try by Kiwi fullback Starford Toa to cut the margin to 10 points with 14 minutes to go.
However, the Junior Kiwis were unable to capitalise on their possession and it was Sam Walker who put the result beyond doubt with a try from close range for the Australian Schoolboys. Final score 36 – 20.
Adapted from NRL match report by Joel Gould
New Zealand Rugby League is pleased to announce the following players have been selected for the Junior Kiwis U19 team set to take on the Australian School Boys on September 29th in Queensland:
NAME CLUB
SKY Sport and New Zealand Rugby League have today announced a new partnership for 2019 that is set to further enhance the game of rugby league in New Zealand.
This partnership is in addition to the long-standing broadcast agreement that has showcased rugby league in New Zealand and abroad for many years.
The SKY Sport logo will be proudly displayed on the jerseys of the Kiwis, Kiwi Ferns and Junior Kiwis, as well as on the Kiwi Ferns’ shorts ahead of the Oceania Cup that kicks off this Saturday with the Kiwi Ferns taking on Fetu Samoa, followed by the much-anticipated rematch between Mate Ma‘a Tonga and the Kiwis.
NZRL CEO, Greg Peters, says this partnership with SKY Sport couldn’t have come at a better time.
“Like other codes, we are experiencing an explosion in the women’s game, and this high-profile partnership will shine a brighter spotlight on this.
“Their support will enable our Kiwi Ferns and Junior Kiwis to take the field in more fixtures this year than would have otherwise been possible. Our Kiwi Ferns will play in the upcoming inaugural World Nines in Sydney and take the field again against the Jillaroos at the doubleheader in Wollongong on October 25th. Our Junior Kiwis are also set to take on their Australian counterparts towards the back end of the year as well.
“We are very grateful to have SKY Sport on board to enable further momentum for these teams. We’re excited about what we can achieve this year as a result, as well as going forward, as we work towards a long-term partnership. Thank you SKY Sport for your ongoing and invaluable support.” Greg concludes.
SKY Director of Sport, Tex Teixeira says: “SKY Sport has been a long term supporter of rugby league in New Zealand and we’re thrilled to be able to help increase the number of Kiwi Ferns and Junior Kiwis matches being played in 2019, to have SKY Sport on the jerseys is a proud moment for us.”
NZRL are now open to receiving applications of interest for the roles of Head Coach, Assistant Coach and Head Trainer for the Kiwi Ferns and the Junior Kiwis.
Applications close at 5pm on Monday 25 February 2019.
Kiwi Ferns Head Coach Job Description, click here.
Kiwi Ferns Assistant Coach Job Description, click here.
Kiwi Ferns Head Trainer Job Description, click here.
Junior Kiwis Head Coach Job Description, click here.
Junior Kiwis Assistant Coach Job Description, click here.
Junior Kiwis Head Trainer Job Description, click here.
For any enquiries about the roles or if you are interested in applying, please send your covering letter and coaching CV to: motu.tony@nzrl.co.nz before the allocated time and date.
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Honey Hireme reign supreme at the 2018 New Zealand Rugby League Annual Awards announced on Sky Sport’s Kiwi League Show tonight.
Waerea-Hargreaves (Kiwi #755) had one of his best seasons in the black and white jersey, accumulating over 130 run metres for all four end-of-season Test matches in England, and proved crucial in the Kiwis historic 26-24 win over Australia.
Michael Maguire says: “As a senior player within the Kiwis camp, Jared put a lot of time into discussing the growth of the Kiwi team. He has immense passion towards where he wants to see the black and white jersey and this is a real quality of his,”
“Off the back of his brilliant season in club land, he was in a good position to play his best footy for the Kiwis and that’s exactly what he did. His experience has been invaluable in mentoring younger players to step up into international rugby league,” Maguire says.
The powerhouse prop capped off his 2018 NRL season with his second NRL premiership win, a title he was able to share with Kiwis teammate Joseph Manu (finalist for Kiwis Rookie of the Year).
In one of the biggest years to date for women’s rugby league, Honey Hireme was hard to go past when it came to crowning the Kiwi Ferns Player of the Year, an award she won back in 2012. As co-captain of the Kiwi Ferns alongside veteran teammate Laura Mariu, she crossed the ditch to play for the St George Illawarra Dragons in the inaugural NRL Women’s Premiership, an experience she says has benefitted her game.
“The addition of this year’s NRL competition was great for the women’s game. The fact that we could all come together in Kiwi Ferns camp following four weeks of competing in the elite space, was hugely beneficial when it came to pulling on the black and white jersey against the Jillaroos,”
“The more we can play at the top level, the better our game gets. I’m grateful for receiving this award but would also like to recognise the efforts of the other finalists (Kimiora Nati and Aieshaleigh Smalley) and our Kiwi Ferns teammates, my family for their undying support, management and coaching staff,” she says.
The Kiwis Rookie of the Year award was picked up by Kiwi #810 Ken Maumalo, a player who earnt his Kiwis call-up in June at Mile High Stadium before going on to play in all five 2018 Kiwis Test matches, scoring four tries. His impressive season with the Warriors and Kiwis attracted high praises from coach Michael Maguire and rightfully so, given he amassed 15 tackle breaks and 801 run metres over the three Tests he played against England.
“Both Ken and Jared are two players that are hungry for the Kiwis jersey to reach new heights and that’s pleasing,”
“It has been really enjoyable coaching Ken, the more he plays, the more he grows so I look forward to seeing what he does next year,” Maguire says.
Joining Maumalo in playing her first Test at international level, Onjeurlina Leiataua has been rewarded for her break out season with the Warriors women’s team, and the stellar part she played in the Kiwi Ferns narrow loss against the Jillaroos at Mt Smart Stadium this year. These achievements saw her pick up Kiwi Ferns Rookie of the Year.
Promising youngster, Isaiah Papali’i wins Junior Player of the Year for the second consecutive year, having been awarded Warriors Rookie of the Year and receiving his Kiwis debut in England after leading the Junior Kiwis in their match-up against the Junior Kangaroos in October.
This year’s award winners showcase players and match officials performing at the pinnacle of rugby league, as well as community representatives and volunteers who prove to be the backbone of grassroots rugby league in New Zealand.
New Zealand Rugby League wishes to congratulate the award winners from all 13 categories below:
Pirtek Female Volunteer – Karen Gibbons Karen Gibbons (Akarana, Auckland)
Pirtek Male Volunteer – Lawrence Erihe (Mid Central, Manawatu)
Grassroots Club of the Year – South Pacific Raiders (Southern, Otago)
Domestic Coach of the Year – Keith Hanley (Akarana, Auckland)
Match Official of the Year – Paki Parkinson (Upper Central, Bay of Plenty)
NZ 16s Player of the Year – Sione Moala (Counties Manukau, Auckland)
NZ 18s Player of the Year – Tyler Slade (NZ Warriors)
Domestic Premier Player of the Year – Francis Leger (Akarana, Auckland)
Kiwi Fern Rookie of the Year – Onjeurlina Leiataua (NZ Warriors)
Kiwis Rookie of the Year – Ken Maumalo (NZ Warriors)
Kiwis Fern Player of the Year – Honey Hireme (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Kiwis Player of the Year – Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Sydney Roosters)
NZ Kiwis skipper Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (Kiwi #794) is up against NRL Premiership winning forward, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Kiwi #755) and Kiwi #771 Kevin Proctor for the 2018 Kiwis Player of the Year Award.
Finalists have been selected in all 13 NZRL Awards categories, including Kiwi Ferns Player of the Year which will be hotly contested by Kiwi Ferns co-captain Honey Hireme, NRL Grand-Final Player of the Match Kimiora Nati and powerhouse prop Aieshaleigh Smalley.
Kiwis debutants Joseph Manu, Ken Maumalo and Dally M Rookie of the Year, Jamayne Isaako will face-off for the Kiwis Rookie of the Year award – all three having had outstanding seasons with their respective clubs and thriving in their Kiwis career debut seasons.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck took home the top Kiwis award last year but the 2018 Dally M Award winner was out of contention for this year’s Kiwis end of season campaign in New Zealand and England due to injury.
Last year’s Junior Player of the Year, Isaiah Papali’i won the award as a 19-year-old and is still eligible this year following a stellar season with the Warriors and as captain of the Junior Kiwis. He faces challenges from the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Taranaki-born Mawene Hiroti, as well as Warriors youngster Joseph Vuna.
The Pirtek Volunteer of the Year awards also shine light on the incredible efforts of grassroots volunteers from around the country. These finalists have contributed to their clubs and communities in ways that are invaluable to the game of rugby league in New Zealand.
Award winners will be announced on 12 December on a special edition of Sky Sport’s Kiwi League Show at 7.30pm and NZRL’s website & social media channels.
Below is the full list of NZRL Awards finalists:
Kiwis Player of the Year 2018
Finalists:
Kiwi Ferns Player of the Year 2018
Kiwis Rookie of the Year 2018
Kiwi Ferns Rookie of the Year 2018
Junior Player of the Year 2018
Pirtek Female Volunteer of the Year 2018
Debbie Neylon-Kennedy (Southern, Canterbury)
Michelle Harding (Southern, Canterbury)
Hana Kakoi (Southern, Canterbury)
Denise Proctor (Northland, Nga Tama Toa)
Junie Shelford (Northland, Takahiwai)
Sariah Matautia (Counties Manukau, Auckland)
Agnes Koti (Counties Manukau, Auckland)
Karen Gibbons (Akarana, Auckland)
Rose Nahu (Upper Central, Bay of Plenty)
Ally Tamihere (Mid Central, Gisborne Tairawhiti)
Pirtek Male Volunteer of the Year 2018
David Field (Southern, Canterbury)
Tony Grenfell (Southern, Canterbury)
Chris Perriam (Southern, Southland)
Peter Kerridge (Southern, West Coast)
Josh Cleaver (Mid Central, Taranaki)
Lawrence Erihe (Mid Central, Manawatu)
Frank Proctor (Northland, Nga Tama Toa)
Nick Waihi (Northland, Marist Brothers)
Tim Tapaki (Counties Manukau, Auckland)
Stephen Purcell (Counties Manukau, Auckland)
Carl Gribble (Akarana, Auckland)
Grassroots Club of the Year 2018
Wairau Taniwha (Southern, Tasman)
Lonestar Cowboys (Southern, Southland)
South Pacific Raiders (Southern, Otago)
Rolleston Warriors (Southern, Canterbury)
Takahiwai Warriors (Northland)
Otahuhu Rugby League Club (Counties Manukau, Auckland)
Manurewa Rugby League Football & Sports Club Inc (Counties Manukau, Auckland)
Domestic Coach of the Year 2018
Rusty Matua (Counties Manukau, Auckland)
Tusa Lafaele (Counties Manukau, Auckland)
Keith Hanley (Akarana, Auckland)
Match Official of the Year 2018
Gary Smallridge (Southern, Canterbury)
Owen Harvey (Southern, Canterbury)
Chris McMillan (Counties Manukau, Auckland)
Paki Parkinson (Upper Central, Bay of Plenty)
NZ 16s Player of the Year 2018
Sione Moala (Counties Manukau, Auckland)
Quinnlan Tupou (Counties Manukau, Auckland)
Lani Graham-Taufa (Akarana, Auckland)
NZ 18s Player of the Year 2018
Kayal Iro (NZ Warriors)
Tyler Slade (NZ Warriors)
Mahuta Ngataki-Matthews (Upper Central, Waikato)
NZRL Premier Player of the Year 2018
Drew Radich (Counties Manukau, Auckland)
James Baxendale (Southern, Canterbury)
Francis Leger (Akarana, Auckland)
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Every year NZRL recognises those who have gone above and beyond with awards for Volunteer of the Year and Grassroots Club plus awards for players, referees and coaches.
Complete your nomination form online to acknowledge someone you think has done an outstanding job for rugby league this year.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Apii Nicholls picked up the top two Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns awards last year, while 76-year-old Hornby Panthers legend, Jack Newson and Northland’s Chantez Connor were recognised for their stand-out voluntary contributions to rugby league. Who will be this year’s award winners?
Want to add your two cents? Submit your nominations by clicking here.
For all other information including awards criteria click here.
Nominations close 5pm Wednesday, 21 November, 2018.
North Queensland playmaker Jake Clifford led the Junior Kangaroos to a 40-24 defeat of the Junior Kangaroos in an entertaining start to the trans-Tasman triple header at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday.
Clifford, who played six NRL matches for the Cowboys at the end of this season, showed why is considered the long term replacement for Johnathan Thurston with a man-of-the-match performance as the Junior Kangaroos ran in seven tries.
The signs had looked ominous for a comfortable Australian win when Melbourne forward Louis Geraghty scored in just the second minute but the Junior Kiwis hit back through tries to North Queensland hooker Sean Mullany and Warriors second-rower Issiah Papali’i to take a 12-6 lead.
Papali’i’s 16th-minute try is certain to feature on highlights reels as the lead up by halfback Chanel Harris-Tavita was as spectacular as it was unique.
Running to the line on the last tackle, the 19-year-old Warriors halfback flicked the ball behind him and kicked back over his right shoulder with a backheel action that Ronaldinho would have been proud of before catching and passing to Papali’i.
Storm second-rower Tino Faasuamaleaui put the Junior Kangaroos ahead when he crossed in the 29th minute and Neil Henry’s team were in again three minutes later after Dragons centre Zac Lomax batted back a kick by Cowboys halfback Jack Lomax for South Sydney-bound fullback Corey Allen to score.
However, Cronulla centre Jackson Ferris narrowed the deficit for the Junior Kiwis to 24-16 at half-time when he swivelled out of a tackle by Lomax to score as the siren sounded after good lead up work by Chanel-Pavita.
Warriors second-rower Joseph Vuna scored his last try before going on a Mormon mission to keep the Junior Kiwis in the game and St George Illawarra winger Steven Marsters scored their fifth try in the 65th minute.
Faasuamaleaui and Tuala completed their try scoring doubles to secure the 40-24 win for the Junior Kangaroos.
Junior Kiwis 24 (Sean Mullany, Isaiah Papali’i, Jackson Ferris, Joseph Vuna, Steven Marsters tries; Chanel Harris-Tavita 2 goals) Junior Kangaroos 40 (Louis Geraghty, Thomas Flegler, Tino Faasuamaleaui 2, Corey Allan, Enari Tuala 2 tries; Zac Lomax 6 goals)
It’s time for the Trans-Tasman showdown you’ve been waiting for.
At Mt Smart Stadium this weekend (Saturday 13 October), you can be part of history as the Kiwis, Kiwi Ferns and Junior Kiwis take on their Aussie rivals at one blockbuster event.
It’s been four years since the Kiwis took on the Kangaroos and eight years since the Kiwi Ferns took on the Jillaroos on home turf , so don’t miss the chance to be there.
Tickets start from $35 for adults and $15 for kids – this is one you simply can’t miss.
3 Tests. 1 Day. It’s Time.
To buy tickets, click the Ticketek link here. Saturday, 13 October Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland Junior Kiwis v Junior Kangaroos 3.05pm Kiwi Ferns v Jillaroos 5.15pm Kiwis v Kangaroos 7.45pm
Junior Kiwis Coach Ezra Howe has named Warriors Rookie of the Year, Isaiah Papali’i to captain his side against the Junior Kangaroos at Mt Smart this Saturday.
Papali’i will start in the second row in his third game in the Junior Kiwis jumper, alongside second rower Warriors Instrust Super Premiership player, Joseph Vuna.
Following a grand final win with his Canterbury Bulldogs side in the Intrust Super State Championship last weekend, Morgan Harper will pull on the number three jersey.
The four returning Junior Kiwis players including Chanel Harris-Tavita (half), Isaiah Papali’i (second row), Emry Pere (prop) and Steven Marsters (wing) have been named in the starting line-up, as well as six players who ran out for the 2017 New Zealand 18s team including Hayze Perham, Jordan Riki, Mawene Hiroti, Peter Hola, Sean Mullany and Kelma Tuilagi.
1 HAYZE PERHAM
2 STEVEN MARSTERS
3 MORGAN HARPER
4 JACKSON FERRIS
5 MAWENE HIROTI
6 CHANEL HARRIS-TAVITA
7 DEAN BLORE
8 EMRY PERE
9 SEAN MULLANY
10 TOM ALE
11 ISAIAH PAPALI’I
12 JOSEPH VUNA
13 KELMA TULAGI
14 PAUL ROACHE
15 PETER HOLA
16 LUCKY TA’AVALE
17 JORDAN RIKI
18 KAYLEB MILNE
19 PAUL TURNER
Junior Kiwis Coach Ezra Howe has named his team ahead of the 13 October Trans-Tasman Triple-Header at Mt Smart Stadium when they will take on the Junior Kangaroos.
Morgan Harper comes into the team following a grand final win with his Canterbury Bulldogs side in the Intrust Super State Championship yesterday, while four players including Chanel Harris-Tavita, Isaiah Papali’I, Emry Pere and Steven Marsters return to the Junior Kiwis squad after their 2017 ANZAC Test stint.
“It’s great to have a lot of experienced players available, many of them having come through the New Zealand Rugby League pathways in New Zealand 16s and 18s teams as well as NRL teams recently,” Howe, who coached the New Zealand 18s side last year said.
“I’m looking forward to working alongside a fantastic management and coaching staff in a campaign which is extra special for these players being on home soil in Aotearoa,”
“Creating meaningful pathways for our Kiwi rugby league players is important and I look forward to ongoing involvement with Michael Maguire and Motu Tony in developing our future Kiwis talent,” Howe added.
To buy tickets, click the Ticketek link here. Adult ticket prices start from $35.
Saturday, 13 October
Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland
Junior Kiwis v Junior Kangaroos 3.05pm
Kiwi Ferns v Jillaroos 5.15pm
Kiwis v Kangaroos 7.45pm
Junior Kiwis team listed by NRL team:
North Queensland Cowboys: Emry Pere, Peter Hola, Sean Mullany; New Zealand Warriors: Joe Vuna, Isaiah Papali’i, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Hayze Perham, Tom Ale, Paul Turner; South Sydney Rabbitohs: Lucky Ta’avale, Mawene Hiroti; St George Illawarra Dragons: Steven Marsters; Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs: Morgan Harper; Melbourne Storm: Kelma Tuilagi, Kayleb Milne; Penrith Panthers: Dean Blore; Canberra Raiders: Paul Roache; Brisbane Broncos: Jordan Riki; Cronulla Sharks: Jackson Ferris
Today, both rookie and veteran New Zealand rugby league stars get recognition for their performances in the 2018 season with the announcement of the Kiwis and Junior Kiwis wider squads.
Kiwis Head Coach Michael Maguire and Junior Kiwis Head Coach Ezra Howe have collaborated in consultation with the Kiwis selection panel consisting of Mark Horo, Hugh McGahon and Tawera Nikau, to name the best New Zealand eligible players in the running to play in the Trans-Tasman Showdown next month.
On Saturday, 13 October the Kiwis, Kiwi Ferns and Junior Kiwis will come up against their Australian counterparts in a battle that will have the winner lift the Trans-Tasman Cup at Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland.
This triple-header marks the first time since 2014 that players from all three representative teams will get the opportunity to run out in front of a home crowd filled with family, friends and fans. For players such as Adam Blair, pulling on the black and white jumper compares to nothing else.
“I’d represent my country any day of the week. We love playing games here at home in front of our family and friends. To see the fans turn out and sing the national anthem alongside us is something special,” says Blair.
Ahead of Maguire’s second outing at the helm of the Kiwis, his first in New Zealand, he looks forward to working with the players who can’t wait to get into Kiwis camp. The Test earlier in the year against England provided him with insights into many of the players in the wider squad and he says he’s “looking forward to the re-introduction of senior players such as Shaun Johnson, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Tohu Harris who will inject years of experience and leadership back into the squad.”
Isaiah Papali’i also finds himself in both the Kiwis and Junior Kiwis wider squads at the age of 19. His announcement in both wider squads will be the cherry on top following last night’s awards where he also picked up Warriors Rookie Player of the Year.
Joining Papali’i in the Junior Kiwis wider squad, also 19-years-old is Manase Fainu who has been impressive as starting hooker for the Manly Sea Eagles in his first year in first grade.
The Kiwis, Junior Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns (announced earlier in May following the National Women’s Tournament – view here) wider squads will be narrowed down next month ahead of the Test matches on 13 October.
Tickets are on sale now from Ticketek – Adult ticket prices from $35 and children from $15. Special family and multi-ticket deals are available. Click here to view ticket deals.
Kiwis wider squad:
Brisbane Broncos: Jamayne Isaako, Jordan Kahu, Kodi Nikorima; Canberra Raiders: Jordan Rapana, Joseph Tapine; Canterbury Bulldogs: Raymond Faitala-Mariner, Reimis Smith; Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks: Sosaia Feki; Gold Coast Titans: Kevin Proctor; Manly Sea Eagles: Martin Taupau; Melbourne Storm: Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Jesse Bromwich, Kenneath Bromwich, Jahrome Hughes, Brandon Smith; Newcastle Knights: Herman Ese’ese, Danny Levi; North Queensland Cowboys: Te Maire Martin; Penrith Panthers: James Fisher-Harris, Corey Harawira-Naera, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Dean Whare; St George Illawarra Dragons: Leeson Ah Mau; Sydney Roosters: Isaac Liu, Joseph Manu, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves; New Zealand Warriors: Gerard Beale, Adam Blair, Tohu Harris, Peta Hiku, Shaun Johnson, Issac Luke, Ken Maumalo, Isaiah Papali’i, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck; Wests Tigers: Esan Marsters.
Junior Kiwis wider squad:
Brisbane Broncos: Rory Ferguson, Jordan Riki; Canberra Raiders: Paul Roache; Canterbury Bulldogs: Morgan Harper; Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks: Jackson Ferris, Cruz Topaz-Aveai; Gold Coast Titans: Darius Farmer, Moeaki Fotuaika, Jaxson Paulo, Kea Pere; Manly Sea Eagles: Manase Fainu, Tevita Funa, Moses Suli; Melbourne Storm: Kayleb Milne, Junior Rutava, Kelma Tuilagi; Newcastle Knights: Pasame Saulo; North Queensland Cowboys: Peter Hola, Sean Mullany, Emry Pere, Murray Taulagi; Parramattah Eels: Tui Afualo, Dylan Brown, Haze Dunstar, Oregon Kaufusi; Penrith Panthers: Dean Blore; St George Illawarra Dragons: Steven Marsters; Sydney Roosters: Bailey Bentley-Harper; South Sydney Rabbitohs: Jesse Arthars, Mawene Hiroti, Lucky Ta’avale; New Zealand Warriors: Tom Ale, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Hayze Perham, Preston Riki, Tyler Slade, Lewis Soosemea, Paul Turner, Joseph Vuna.
Rugby league superstars from New Zealand and Australia will face-off in a classic Trans-Tasman showdown of three back-to-back Test matches at Mt Smart stadium.
On Saturday 13 October, the Junior Kiwis will take on the Junior Kangaroos followed by the mighty Kiwi Ferns up against World Cup champions, the Jillaroos. The final clash of the night sees the Kiwis battle the Kangaroos for the first time on New Zealand soil since 2014.
This will be the first time new Kiwis Coach Michael Maguire will be at the helm in front of a home crowd and says it’s sure to be an unforgettable night.
“This is the start of a new journey with the Kiwi Rugby League team and we are looking forward to showing our families, the fans and our teammates what it means to represent the Kiwi jersey. Plus the fans have been waiting a long time to see this match-up on their home soil.”
For the Kiwi Ferns, the prospect of some fresh faces to compliment the several seasoned veterans is giving Head Coach Kelvin Wright plenty to ponder ahead of the final team selection.
“It’s a new beginning for the Kiwi Ferns and Women’s Rugby League, and what better way to start than at home in front of family, friends and future Ferns.
“It’s a great opportunity to bring our elite women players together after experiencing their first taste of the WNRL, where we will have some tremendous talent competing to wear the black jersey,” says Kiwi Ferns Head Coach Kelvin Wright.
“Sporting supremacy between neighbours is something both New Zealand and Australian sports fans thrive on. In one night at Mt Smart, the very best of men’s and women’s international rugby league is on offer between two great league nations for the first time in a long time,” says NZRL CEO, Greg Peters.
Six teams, three Test matches, one place – Mt Smart, the home of rugby league.
All three matches will be on Sky Sport: Junior Kiwis v Junior Kangaroos 3pm, Kiwi Ferns v Jillaroos 5pm and Kiwis v Kangaroos 7.45pm.
NZRL are now open to receiving applications of interest for the role of Team Manager for the Junior Kiwis.
Applications close at 5pm on Tuesday 17 July, 2018.
Junior Kiwis Team Manager Job Description – Click here.
If you are interested in the role please send your covering letter and coaching CV to: admin@nzrl.co.nz before the allocated time and date.
If you have any questions or queries please contact Gary Peacham: 021 274 6975 or email: gary.p@nzrl.co.nz
NZRL are now open to receiving applications of interest for the roles of Head Coach for the New Zealand Resident 18s and the Junior Kiwis.
Applications close for the NZ RESIDENT 18S HEAD COACH & JUNIOR KIWIS HEAD COACH roles at 5pm on Friday 29 June 2018.
Successful shortlisted applicants must be available to interview on Thursday 5 July or Friday 6 July 2018
Junior Kiwis Head Coach Job Description, click here
NZ Resident 18s Head Coach Job Description, click here
If you are interested in the roles please send your covering letter and coaching CV to: admin@nzrl.co.nz before the allocated time and date.
The Junior Kangaroos have made it back-to-back wins over the Junior Kiwis, with a convincing 34-20 victory at Pirtek Stadium to kick off Saturday’s festival of footy.
The game’s future looks in safe hands, as players from both teams combined to put on a highly entertaining spectacle in front of a colourful and noisy crowd.
Jaydn Sua was named man of the match, after running for a game high 212 metres, continuing his incredible start to the year for the Broncos.
Australia’s halves both produced solid kicking games, but they were slightly upstaged by Kiwis #7 Ata Hingano, who scored a double, while Brandon Smith made three line breaks from dummy half. A penalty for an ugly tackle on Kangaroos prop Tevita Pangai Jr in the 12th minute put the hosts on the attack and three plays later, front-row partner JJ Felise barrelled his way over from close range to open the scoring.
It was a solid opening for the big men with the try scorer running for 76 metres in just 20 minutes while the three Test veteran made 59 metres and produced two offloads.
The Kiwis had a chance to launch an attacking raid via their first penalty of the game but failed to find touch thanks to some unbelievable work by Brian Kelly who showed incredible awareness to keep the ball in play.
It was a moment the Kiwis would regret as a penalty to Australia put them straight back on the attack, allowing the Panthers pairing of Nathan Cleary and Dylan Edwards to combine to send winger Curtis Scott over in the right corner.
The Junior Roos had hardly been tested in the opening exchanges but were soon put under the pump after a couple of misdemeanours helped march the Kiwis downfield.
It was an opportunity the visitors would take with both hands as Bulldogs Intrust Super Premiership fullback Brad Abbey showed off his ball-playing skills with a gem of a pass to send Newcastle’s Ken Tofilau in to score out wide.
The New Zealanders had suddenly found their feet and were nearly in again as back-up hooker Nathaniel Roache sliced straight through some tiring Australian defence.
His terrific build-up play wouldn’t go to waste as Hingano threw a dummy close to the line before carrying three would-be defenders over to narrow the margin just before half-time.
Nathan Cleary’s boot was the only thing that separated the sides at the break, with the Penrith halfback lamenting his team’s sloppy end to the half.
“We tried to get a bit too fancy,” Cleary conceded to Fox Sports commentator Andy Raymond as he left the field at half-time.
Kangaroos coach Justin Holbrook wouldn’t have been pleased with his side’s start to the second 40 as they coughed up the ball from a 20 metre tap, but his mood would have improved considerably seven minutes later as a fortuitous try helped extend the lead.
A kick from Roosters NRL rookie Connor Watson ricocheted off Abbey straight into the arms of late inclusion Brian Kelly who spun through an attempted tackle to get his name on the scoreboard.
Watson then did it all himself three minutes later with a hit-and-spin to show just why the Tricolours promoted him to the first grade squad to make it 22-8.
Keen to drive home the advantage, Holbrook sent Pangai back out to cause more damage, and the move almost worked with the Broncos powerhouse breaking the line with his first touch before turning over possession with a forced offload.
It would proved to be a costly error as a kick from Hingano wasn’t handled by Kangaroos fullback Dylan Edwards, allowing the Kiwis halfback to regather and score his second. Third choice kicker Jamayne Isaako stepped up to make it an eight-point game with 23 minutes to play.
The comeback looked on as No.9 Brandon Smith broke clear for the second time only for his pass to be put down by a flying Roache. It would be yet another turning point as the Aussies took full advantage to score their fifth try through classy five-eighth Nathan Cleary.
Controversy then struck as the Kiwis were denied what would have been the try of the afternoon.
An inside ball to Abbey put the No.1 in space before he somehow wedged the ball behind his back, offloaded to Hingano who passed while falling to the ground to send Isaako over only for the bunker to rule obstruction in the lead up.
The game was finally put to bed seven minutes from time as a break instigated by a Kelly kick return ended up with his inside man Robert Jennings doing a 360 spin to score his second try in as many years for the Junior Roos.
Pangai was denied what would have been a fairytale try in his third and final Test for the Roos before Siosifa Talakai barged over to end the scoring.
The only concern for the Junior Roos was late injuries to Edwards and Felise who were both forced off in the 68th minute.
Junior Kangaroos 34 (JJ Felise, Curtis Scott, Brian Kelly, Connor Watson, Nathan Cleary, Robert Jennings tries; Nathan Cleary 5 goals) Junior Kiwis 20(Ata Hingano 2, Ken Tofilau, Siosifa Talakai tries; Jamayne Isaako 2 goals); Half-time: 10-8
Canberra-based Ezra Howe will return to the Junior Kiwis programme this year as assistant coach to Kelvin Wright.
And former Kiwis prop Jerry Seuseu will make his staff debut with the NZ Rugby League international programme as manager.
Howe, the Canberra Raiders junior recruitment manager, filled the assistant role behind Wright for the JKs’ 2015 clash with the Junior Kangaroos at Gold Coast, won by the Australians 22-20.
Seuseu (Kiwi #692) played 11 tests for New Zealand between 2001-04 and, before that, four for Samoa at the 2000 World Cup.
He took the field 132 times for the Auckland Warriors between 1997-2004, including the 2002 Grand Final, and currently serves as welfare and education manager for the club.
He also played 40 times for Wigan Warriors in England.
The 2016 Junior Kiwis v Junior Kangaroos is scheduled for May 7 at Parramatta’s Pirtek Stadium, the day after the senior national teams meet at Newcastle.
The full Junior Kiwis staff is:
Head coach – Kelvin Wright
Assistant coach – Ezra Howe
Team manager – Jerry Seuseu
Trainer – Troy Herewini
Physio – Simon Keepa
New Zealand Rugby League has confirmed a 2016 national high performance calendar that includes a camp for NSW and Queensland-based 18s.
The Taurahere programme is designed to identify NZ-eligible players living in Australia and strengthen their loyalty to the black jersey.
Two years ago, a New South Wales-based side swept a two-game series against the NZ 18s in Rotorua.
This year, NZRL will bring the expats into a five-day camp on the Gold Coast in July, culminating in a trial game between the two states.
Other features of the calendar include the Kiwis defence of their Four Nations crown, national tournaments for schools, youth and women and the new-look district-based national senior competition.
At the culmination of the national competition, an NZ Residents side will be selected for a possible encounter with NZ Maori.
Still unconfirmed are fixtures for NZ 16s, NZ 18s and Secondary Schools national sides.
The 2016 NZRL national high performance calendar includes:
Tickets for the 2016 Anzac Test are available to the general public from noon NZ today through Ticketmaster.
The annual NZ Kiwis v Australia fixture will be staged for the second-to-last time at Newcastle’s Hunter Stadium on May 6, with a women’s curtainraiser between NZ Kiwi Ferns and Australian Jillaroos.
Individual general admission tickets cost just $35, with family passes at $95.
Pre-sale tickets to Knights club members opened Monday, while Anzac and Pacific Test seats were offered to NRL members yesterday.
Hunter Stadium has a standard capacity of 33,000 spectators.
The Pacific doubleheader at Parramatta, May 7, will see Tonga v Samoa and Fiji v Papa New Guinea, with an NZ Junior Kiwis v Australian Junior Kangaroos curtainraiser.
Adult ticket prices for this event start at $20, with a $60 family package also offered.
The Anzac Test will see the Kiwis defend the Bill Kelly Cup and the world #1 ranking against a Kangaroos outfit guided by Aussie legend Mal Meninga for the first time.
“The representative round will showcase some of the game’s best players, across our juniors, our women and of course our seniors,” says NRL head of football Todd Greenberg.
“In his time, so far, as part of the Kangaroos programme, Mal Meninga has brought some real passion to the jersey and I’m sure that will be replicated against the Kiwis.
“The Kiwis, on the other hand, have had some real success against the Kangaroos in recent times and will be looking to continue that dominance.”
Don’t delay … be among the first to claim your tickets here.
Incumbent Kelvin Wright has been confirmed for another term as head coach of the Junior Kiwis.
Wright headed off a field of eight applicants and a high-class short list of four to keep the role that he filled in 2015, when he steered the national 20s side to a narrow 22-20 loss to the Junior Kangaroos at the Gold Coast.
He had previously been assistant coach under now-NZRL high performance manager Brent Gemmell and coaches the Junior Warriors in the NRL’s National Youth Competition.
Wright has also benefitted greatly from filling an analyst role with the Kiwis, under head coach Stephen Kearney.
“Kelvin was well prepared and showed a high degree of planning in his interview,” says Gemmell. “His previous campaign experience and his full-time involvement with this age group at the Warriors gave him an edge over his rivals for this job.”
Wright’s term is for 2016, with an option for another year. He will now assist in the process for appointing further JK coaching staff and team management.
The Junior Kiwis are scheduled to face the Junior Kangaroos in their annual fixture at Parramatta’s Pirtek Stadium on Saturday, May 7.
New Zealand Rugby League is seeking applicants for NZ Junior Kiwis staff – head coach, assistant coach, manager, trainer and physio.
All appointments will be for the 2016 season, with a right of renewal for a second year based on performance.
This year’s campaign consists of one scheduled fixture against Junior Kangaroos at Parramatta on May 7, but is also an important stepping stone for players aspiring to the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.
Applications to NZRL high performance manager Brent Gemmell (brent@nzrl.co.nz) by Friday, February 19.
