15 July 2021
The Auckland Rugby League will work alongside the Vodafone Warriors and New Zealand Rugby League to deliver a two-day coaching programme, utilising the collective knowledge and resources of all three organisations.
The WNA Coach Development Programme will be hosted at the home of the Vodafone Warriors at Mount Smart Stadium on Sunday, July 25 and Sunday, August 1.
The programme is open to anyone currently coaching an international grade (U13-U20) side, with spots limited and restricted to those who express their interest and confirm they are available to attend both days.
Click here to express interest in attending
ARL coaching and development manager Viggo Rasmussen said it’s a unique opportunity for attendees.
“Between the three organisations there is a wealth of coaching experience and knowledge that will be hugely beneficial to local coaches,” Rasmussen said.
“In addition to the other courses and workshops the ARL have in place, this is another initiative which strengthens our coaching pathway in Auckland.
“We are excited to be working alongside the NZRL and Vodafone Warriors on this programme.”
Vodafone Warriors pathways and development coach Tony Iro said the club was looking forward to working with the New Zealand Rugby League and the Auckland Rugby League on the joint initiative.
“Stacey (Jones) and I will present the football fundamental side of it while Dan and Viggo will do the coach planning, philosophy, coaching styles and so on,” he said.
“The idea is to expand this next year to include more footy knowledge sessions for coaches who are keen and can potentially deliver back to junior coaches at their home clubs.
“We will also be producing a video coaching package for the coaches to use as a resource.”
Dan Keepa, the NZRL national coaching and development manager, added: “The content we have designed for this programme will extend on the coaches growth mindset and rugby league knowledge to complement the up-and-coming talent in the Auckland region,” he said.
“All three organisations share a very similar coach development philosophy that will help nurture our community coaches to ensure the players have positive experiences in rugby league. The next step will be to take this programme nationally.
“It is an exciting time to be a rugby league coach.”
12th July 2021 as seen on stuff.co.nz
Manawatū’s senior club rugby league competition has been resurrected after a four-year hiatus.
The senior competition fell over in 2018 due to a lack of teams, but work behind the scenes and a decision to shift the schedule until after the rugby season has meant a six-team contest will start this weekend.
There are two new teams: the Takaro Taniwha and Feilding Stags, which has a link to players from the Feilding Old Boys-Ōroua rugby club.
Regular contenders the Kia Ora Warriors, Linton Cobras and Whanganui Boxon all return, while rugby club the Levin Wanderers, has entered a side.
Manawatū Rugby League’s Lawrence Erihe has been working since the competition stopped to get it back up and running. He said he threw it back to the clubs to start again.
“I put it back to the clubs to say if you want it you need to do it with actions. Instead of talking about it, actually do it.”
Rugby league has good junior numbers in the region and Erihe wanted to ensure there was something for players to go on to as they got older.
Previously rugby and rugby league competitions were held at the same time, but shifting rugby league to later in the year, so it didn’t clash with rugby, should allow players to play both codes.
A lack of player numbers was a problem when the senior grade was last played in 2017.
The health of rosters for this season would indicate whether rugby league in Manawatū needed to be played earlier or later.
There was no women’s competition because there had been no-one to push it, Erihe said.
He hoped to start an under-20 grade next year.
All games will this weekend be played at Coronation Park, which is the home ground for Takaro, Linton, and Kia Ora. The other sides will host games.
Erihe said the Dannevirke Tigers had intended to join the Manawatū competition, but because they won the Hawke’s Bay grade last year, they decided to defend that title. They could rejoin Manawatū in the future.
Manawatū Rugby League’s base is now at Coronation Park and no games will be played at Fitzherbert Park.
After the club season there is likely to be a rep tri-series in August between Manawatū, Taranaki and Hawke’s Bay. From there a Midcentral team will be selected to qualify for the national tournament.
Manawatū Rugby League chairman Barrie Law received a distinguished service awards at New Zealand Rugby League’s recent annual meeting, having been involved with the sport since 1985
2021 sees the return of Pirtek’s prestigious Volunteer of the Month, where our rugby league community have the chance to see their hard mahi showcased and recognised. This award is given to a volunteer who displays the core values of NZRL’s Kiwi Way, which are being family first, innovative, inclusive, respectful and humble. We are excited to announce June’s Pirtek Volunteer of the Month is William McGlade.
McGlade is a member of the Pirate Panthers Rugby League Club in Napier, serving as a referee, coach, volunteer and player. William has recently coached the Ngati Kahungunu mixed 11s team that travelled away to the NZMRL Tamariki Tournament in Rotorua in April. William has a strong passion for grassroots rugby league, aiming to develop rangatahi not just as players of the game but into strong young men of the region.
McGlade has been instrumental in the development of rugby league in the Hawkes Bay area, and the region recognises his hard work in the community.
Pirtek CEO Chris Bourke commented, “Coach Willy as he is better known, is a perfect example of the volunteers we have and need in our great game of Rugby League. “At the sacrifice of his own family time, Willy donates his time to the Napier Pirate Panthers Rugby League Club to ensure he is nurturing the game for the future. “He further stated, “Once the passion for Rugby League is in the blood, it is tough to remove, and that’s why William McGlade is a well-deserving Pirtek Volunteer of the Month.”
Volunteers will be chosen based off how well they demonstrate our Kiwi Way values:
We are family first – stronger together.
Innovative and Courageous – punch above our weight.
We are responsible.
We are inclusive, respectful and humble.
Each winner receives $200 worth of vouchers.
#TheKiwiWay #MoreThanAGame
Position: Director, Akarana Rugby LeagueLocation: Auckland | Tamaki MakaurauKō wai mātou |About usAkarana Rugby League (ARL) is an Incorporated Society responsible for the sport in one of two zones in the Auckland region. It is responsible for pathways, representative teams and ensuring coaches, managers, trainers, refs and volunteers are supported.Akarana has local and representative competition, masters, premier and junior teams and 22 clubs. Akarana are seeking to appoint two directors, which will see the board at 6 members. One director retiring and one vacant position.Akarana has in place a general manager based in AucklandHei whakahere | What we offerAppointment term: the term is four years with the possibility of reappointment, subject to effective performance and rotation, up to a maximum of two terms.Location: to ensure regional connection it is desirable for the director to live in the Auckland area.Commitment: Board meetings are held monthly except January, start around 3.30 and end by 5pm. Virtual meetings, AGM and events supporting the development of the sport Akarana are expected.The role is voluntary but could be a stepping-stone to the national board or a host of other governance opportunities.It is important the successful candidate has the time available to undertake the role effectively, taking note of the director’s duty to act with due care, diligence and skill in the best interests of ARL.He korero mōu | About youWe are looking for:
30 June 2021
Rugby league has this week lost a precious taonga.
Cathy Friend QSM, the first woman to receive an NZRL Life Membership passed away on Tuesday, June 29
A loved and respected kuia and a stalwart of the game, Cathy’s time in rugby league stretched over seven decades and saw her awarded Life Membership to the Auckland Rugby League, Auckland Māori Rugby League, New Zealand Māori Rugby League and New Zealand Rugby League, becoming the first female inductee of the latter organisation.
A veteran of the Manukau and Otahuhu clubs, Friend started her rugby league career as a teenager working in administration.
She was a driving force behind NZ Maori participation in the 2000 Rugby League World Cup earning the Maori Sports Administrator of the Year.
She has also been awarded a Queen’s Service Medal for her contribution to the game, and in 2017 she became the first-ever kaumātua kuia of the ARL. As of 2019, the award for Auckland’s best female player each year carries her name.
In more recent years, despite struggles with her health, Cathy remained a valued mentor and sounding board for people across the rugby league landscape and regularly still attended ARL events and club functions.
Much loved wife of the late Ivan Lionel Friend and dearly loved Mother and Mother-in-law of Andrew (Deceased), Carmen and Whetu, Clayton and Joanne, Tony and Gus, Jackie & Neil plus Nana ‘Bubbles’ to many moko.
Bub will be laying in state at Kokako Lodge, 235 Falls Rd, Hunua.
A service for Cathy will be held at the Otahuhu Rugby League Club on Friday 2nd July 2021 at 11am. Then burial at Mangere Lawn Cemetery to follow.”
29 June 2021
Congratulations to the following who received Distinguished Service Awards at the recent 2021 NZRL AGM
George Tuata Tahapehi has been involved in the game since 1978, coaching the Putaruru Dragons, Ngongotaha, Pacific Sharks and the Tokoroa Devils. Tahapehi also coached Tokoroa High School and won the final of the Telecom Cup. George, a founding Life Member of Midland Masters Rugby League Tokoroa, is still playing at 73 and received Gold Shorts Kiwi Player in Australia in 2016.
Tahapehi enjoyed a spell as Midland Rugby League President from 1980-90 and has been a vital figure in the club. He served as a Junior Schoolboy Co-ordinator, youth representative coach and administrator for most of the Senior Grades. He coached the u15s, became a premier referee and an Honorary Member of Midlands Rugby League Club. George Tahapehi has had an enormous influence on the district and fabric of the club.
On a national level, the Midlands man has been involved in the NZRL Schoolboys Council, the New Zealand Schools u15 council, Kiwis Schoolboys coach in 1991 and North Island Rugby League coach in 1980.
George has served the game he loves for 43 years and did the mileage that has allowed the rugby league community in Tokoroa to survive. Tahapehi continues to serve the community holding barbecues for the annual Children’s Day in Tokoroa and also collecting boots that he can provide tamariki and rangatahi to which they often wouldn’t have been able to afford.
Alana Lockhorst has been a significant member of the Southland rugby league community. She has been a key person for Cooks Rugby League Club in Invercargill for the past ten years and has divided her time into making sure the club is well resourced, active in recruiting and retaining players and undertakes a majority of key roles in organising the club.
Alana has been the heart of Southland Rugby League for the past ten years. She has held various roles in the district, including secretary, treasurer, and at times has led the organisation and managed the Premier representative team, the Southland Rams.
She has almost single-handedly promoted and created opportunities for rangatahi in the game. She runs competitions and organises funding and resourcing for 14s, 15s, 17s, and girls representative teams.
She currently organises and manages the senior competition and is always involved in any events and activities hosted by Southland Rugby League.
She works closely with the managers of club and representative teams to upskill them whilst also managing age-grade teams where required.
Without her contribution operationally, Southland Rugby League would not have provided the level of rugby league that they do to their community.
Alana managed the NZ Secondary Schools Team in 2017 and the NZ Residents Team in 2017 and 2019.
An NZRL historian and long-serving member of the Wellington Rugby League Referees Association, William “Bill” Mann has been serving the rugby league community since 1943. Mann began coaching in 1957 before moving to Porirua and co-founding the Western Suburbs RLC, which later changed their name to Porirua City.
He joined the WRL Referees Association in 1963, working his way up to a senior referee and then treasurer of the association between 1969 and 1972, rules critic from 1975-80 and referee’s delegate on the WRL Board of Control and Chairman in 1980-81. Mann retired from his position in 1981 and was made a Life Member of the WRLRA in 1985.
Bill Mann was a pioneer in the rugby league and referee’s space in Wellington and created a better game in the region. His efforts will not go unnoticed and are still felt to this day.
Desmond O’Sullivan is also a member of the Wellington Rugby League Referees Association, beginning his relationship with the game more than 50 years ago as a coach of junior side Marist-St Joseph’s school in Auckland – picking up the whistle in 1967 at age 17.
Between 1967 and 1993, O’Sullivan officiated 95 representative games, had 16 international appointments and refereed two Wellington club grand finals in 1986 and 1988. He officiated the Tusk Cup, Rugby League Cup, National Tournament and other representative honours also.
In 1972, Des moved to Wellington and was voted into the association in September of that year; after fixtures as a touch judge, O’Sullivan had his first provincial refereeing appointment on September 11th, 1976. In 1978, Des was made an Assistant Rules Critic of the WRLRA before becoming Deputy Chairman in 1981. The following year O’Sullivan was elected Chairman, of which he served until 1990.
During this period, Desmond was a part of the NZRL Test Panel for two years and ran numerous lines and the reserve referee. A year before he stood down from refereeing in 1993, Des was made a Life Member of the Wellington Referees Association. He later got involved in writing and running the first level three referee’s course at Hopuhopu in 1997 and even received a Queen’s Service Medal for his contribution to rugby league, rotary and to the New Zealand Police.
His last honour came in 2011 when he was made a life member of the Wellington Rugby League and has been a patron of the WRLRA since 2010.
Barrie first got involved in Rugby League in 1985. He became a member of the Korodale Rugby League Club, becoming the assistant manager in 1986, for the Trentham Camp Rugby League Club, which at the time was affiliated to the Korodale Rugby League as the Trentham Army Team or Korodale Army. Barrie held the position of manager in 1987.
Upon posting to Burnham, Barrie relinquished his roles and simply supported the Burnham camp team in the Canterbury competition.
When Barrie returned to Trentham, on Army posting, he again took over as the Trentham Team manager and club chairman (1993 – 1996). The club was known as the Upper Hutt Army or occasionally as Trentham Tigers and was affiliated to the Upper Hutt Rugby League Club, fielding the club’s senior second’s team. The club went from strength to strength over this period where the Trentham Camp team under the Upper Hutt Tigers colours won 2 grand finals, 1994 and 1996 and were semi-finalists in 1995.
For a short period, Barrie was also Vice Chairman of Upper Hutt (six months) just before posting to Waiouru in November 1996.
On posting to Waiouru, Barrie took up the reigns of the Waiouru “Bobcats” Rugby League Club, where he again was the manager and club chairman. During his tenure, and with assistance from rugby league enthusiasts in the Waimarino district established a small junior rugby league group where games were played on a turn-up and play basis. Many weekends were spent travelling with the premiers on Saturday and with the juniors on a Sunday. During this period, the Waiouru Bobcats went through many structures and eventually settled on a Premier Reserve Team where they won 2 grand finals in the Manawatu competition.
Barrie relinquished these roles when he posted to Linton in 2002. Barrie supported the Linton Army Rugby league club, Linton “Cobra’s”, from 2002 and remains an avid supporter. During his time with the club, he held the role of Chairman over the period 2013 To 2019.
Under Barrie’s guidance and with assistance from other military rugby league enthusiasts incorporated the women’s game into the fold at Linton with a strong contingent of army and community members joining the team to participate in the Wellington Women’s Rugby league Competition. The club also grew to include junior playing teams during his time as Chairperson.
Law held the position of Chairman NZ Defence Forces Rugby League and, when not hosting, has been an executive committee member. Barrie has been referred to within Army and NZ Defence Force as Mr Rugby League.
Barrie was instrumental in producing the first strategic plan for NZ Defence Forces Rugby League, which approved two matches a year, something no other sports code in Defence had at the time. He was also instrumental in having the NZ Defence Forces Rugby League approved by NZRL as an official NZ representative side.
Barrie was awarded the NZ Army Colour for Sport in November 2004.
Congratulations to all of the above who received Distinguished Service Awards at the recent 2021 NZRL AGM. We thank you for your years of service and dedication to the great game of rugby league.
28 June 2021
New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) held its annual general meeting on Saturday, 26th June.
The AGM reflected on an encouraging financial performance and a strong rebuild post the initial impact of Covid, as NZRL (parent) announced a $750,000 profit and $1m when consolidated with the seven Zones.
CEO Greg Peters said, “We are finally in a stabilised financial position following significant losses in 2017/18 and 2018/19 and after an improved performance in 2019/20.
“The recent announcement regarding our renewed and improved partnership with Sky combined with other new revenue lines will see significantly increased investment into the grassroots game via our Zones. This is the first substantial increase for many years.”
However, Peters was quick to note the Covid risk is still very present.
“Although positive we aren’t out of the woods yet. There are ongoing risks, and we know how quickly things can change; nevertheless, we are now in a position where we can better grow the game and its opportunities throughout the country.”
The 2021 AGM also saw Reon Edwards retire from his role as NZRL Chairman while long-serving Director Hugh Martyn was appointed as the new chair of NZRL.
Newly elected Chairman, Hugh Martyn, had served on the NZRL board for three years as deputy chair and as Acting CEO for six months in 2018; he brings significant governance experience coupled with a dedication to rugby league and an admiration for its impact.
“Firstly, I’d like to congratulate Reon on the huge contribution and leadership he’s provided during his time as Chair and Director,” says Martyn.
“His outstanding service and dedication over the last six years have seen him guide and lead the organisation successfully through some trying times. It’s an honour to be given this opportunity; however, Reon will be sorely missed, I wish him all the best with his future endeavours.”
Martyn adds, “In my three years, I have learnt so much about what a difference rugby league can make. The rugby league community has inspired me with the passion and heart that they bring to the game and the good the game does.
“I’m grateful to be able to play an ongoing part in the direction and growth of rugby league in New Zealand, as collectively, we look to achieve great things for our game, communities and people. It is a privilege to be appointed as NZRL’s Chairman.”
Natasha Tere was elected as Deputy Chair of NZRL. She boasts over 15 years of strategic and operational management experience and is passionate about sports administration.
Tere was on the Board of Canterbury Netball for eight years and Chairperson of the Canterbury Tactix. She brings rugby league knowledge at a grassroots level, sitting on the Southern Zone board since 2017 and is driven to improve stakeholder engagement and cultural and social diversity.
The AGM also welcomed two new director appointments in Jeni Pearce MNZM (Independent) and Justin Leydesdorff (Knowledgeable).
Jeni Pearce is an internationally recognised New Zealand sports scientist who has worked in the high-performance environment in both New Zealand and England for the past 13 years.
Pearce is also a well-respected published author, authoring 12 books and selling over 170,000 copies. She doubled as a university and public lecturer and was awarded a Member of the New Zealand of Merit in the 2015 Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to Sports Nutrition.
Justin Leydesdorff brings with him over 20 years of experience in governance and senior leadership positions surrounding the delivery of sport and recreation in New Zealand.
Leydesdorff worked as an independent Board member and Chairperson for Counties Manukau Rugby League from April 2015 to July 2020 and joined the Zone’s Risk and Audit Committee from July 2020 until April 2021.
NZRL Chairman Hugh Martyn says, “Jeni brings with her an abundance of governance experience, and her accolades and honours are a testament to the value she provides.
“Justin is well respected in the rugby league community, and his experience, passion and connection to our game make him a valuable addition. We are very fortunate to have two candidates of this calibre join our team.”
To conclude the AGM, NZRL awarded the following with Distinguished Service Awards: Des Michael O’Sullivan, William ‘Bill’ Mann, George Tuata Tahapehi, Alana Lockhorst and Barrie Robert James Law.
The NZRL Board is Hugh Martyn (Chair), Natasha Tere (Deputy Chair), Tawera Nikau, Grant Stapleton, Paula Kearns, Jeni Pearce, and Justin Leydesdorff.
In the spirit of National Volunteer Week in Aotearoa, New Zealand Rugby League will showcase the hard mahi that goes unnoticed around the motu. From coaches to administration, volunteers are naturally a huge part of the foundation of rugby league and thus deserve to be highlighted.
Through NZRL’s More Than A Game philosophy, we are committed to transforming lives and community wellbeing through rugby league, this is achieved by the hard-working volunteers that make up our many communities.
In 2021, a plethora of the game’s servants have already given back to their communities, and this article will highlight the efforts of Jade Wylde, Jess Bijl-Kakoi and Ally Tamihere.
Ally Tamihere has been committed to the game in Tairawhiti for over 15 years. She has helped host the National Women’s Tournament in 2012, bringing the Warriors and the Sharks to Tairawhiti, co-ordinating the local senior competition while also supporting rangatahi and the premier men at the National Maori Tournaments.
Tamihere has also had influence in implementing hauora kaupapa, such as suicide awareness and prevention in the Tairawhiti region. In 2021, Ally has been focused on developing the grassroots game providing mini-mod competitions and also the annual Trish Hina Tournament.
Graham Edmonds of Te Tairawhiti spoke on Tamihere, “The passion and drive she has for the game is second to none. Her energy and mahi can be felt all of the Gisborne area, and we appreciate all her hard work and dedication towards the game.”
–
Taranaki’s Jade Wylde has been instrumental in introducing a new rugby league club named Stratford Toa, as well as coaching its under 6’s team.
Acquaintance Jamie Lee Davis had this to say about Wylde, “He is the first to arrive and last to leave, he goes above and beyond for the youth, and it is never a chore for him. Stratford Toa appreciates him and his efforts in creating and developing our new rugby league club.”
Jess Bijl-Kakoi has helped keep the Canterbury under 14s competition alive, entering a team (EE Sports Tuna) and ensuring there are sufficient pathways for players in that age bracket.
“Jess, alongside husband Sam, work tirelessly to ensure players are registered, playing and healthy. She is a fantastic support person for the young people while also getting dirty with pick-ups and drop-offs.” Clubmate, Te Iwingaro Wairau states.
Bijl-Kakoi invests tremendously into the rangatahi of the area and will continue to find avenues to develop them both on and off the field.
An article can do no justice to all the mahi these individuals do for rugby league around the country. Still, it is essential to highlight and showcase some of the volunteers that drive the game in Aotearoa.
Kiwi #726 David Faalogo has been working in tandem with Springboard to help school students transition from secondary school into employment or tertiary education. The former Souths, Huddersfield Giants and Newcastle forward has been working exclusively with Long Bay College and Kristin School, being a vital support person.
Springboard is an organisation created in 2002 that aims to work with youth (8-24yrs) and their families to provide support programmes and create opportunities for young people to achieve positive outcomes. They focus on personal wellbeing by creating a place of belonging and celebrating intimate connections.
Faalogo invited NZRL’s Wellbeing manager Jerry Seuseu, Ali Lauiti’iti and the Warriors Wellbeing manager Ben Henry to present alongside himself at Long Bay College. They presented to the year 13 cohorts about transitioning from school into tertiary education or the workforce and the challenges it may present.
“I want to give back, there are young adults that need some guidance and experienced advice, and it is a priority of mine to be this person for young people,” said Fa’alogo.
“Growing up, I had advice and guidance from mentors in sport teams, and so I know the importance it can have. I made mistakes at a younger age, but we live and learn, and we make sure we do our best not to make those same mistakes.”
The presentation infused both advice from the former NRL starlets as well as personal stories that could help relate these tips to the lives of the students.
NZRL Wellbeing Manager Jerry Seuseu commented, “David told us about this presentation and we jumped right on board to see a former Kiwi such as himself focused on making a difference in the wellbeing of youth in Auckland is an inspiration.
“We are proud to be a part of something like this and are excited to see the growth of rangatahi in Tamaki Makaurau.”
23 June 2021
New Zealand Rugby League and NRL action will be live on Sky for many years to come. Today Sky confirmed an exciting partnership with NZRL and it’s so much more than a broadcast deal.
Sky will continue to bring sports fans every fantastic match of the NRL and State of Origin, and all the NZRL-run matches involving the Kiwis and the Kiwi Ferns. But it’s more than this.
Through this partnership, Sky have committed to working even more closely with the NRL and NZRL to grow the game of Rugby League in New Zealand.
Sky will promote and support wāhine toa, and do everything to engage with and develop the next generation of League fans and players from grassroots to high performance. Together there is a keen focus on the future of the game.
This digital partnership means together all entities can deliver great fan moments and experiences to all New Zealanders in ways that work for them.
Sky have also committed to making some important matches available free-to-access, to ensure as many Kiwis as possible can enjoy the wonderful game of Rugby League.
Andrew Abdo, NRL Chief Executive says: “This is an exciting deal for rugby league fans in New Zealand and highlights Sky’s ongoing commitment to growing our game. It ensures every Premiership and NRLW game will continue to be broadcast live, along with the Finals Series and State of Origin.
“Sky’s increased commitment for the duration of this deal will assist in expanding our reach in New Zealand including coverage of our emerging development competitions. There’s around 1 million Kiwis who follow rugby league and partnerships like this play a vital role in growing our fan base and ensuring even more coverage of the one of the world’s most entertaining and exciting competitions. We have some of the best athletes in the world and a growing number of those players are from New Zealand.
“This deal also highlights the importance of the New Zealand Warriors. Despite the Warriors not having played in Auckland for over a year, Sky were committed to not only extending their deal, but significantly broadening it.”
Greg Peters, NZRL CEO says: “Sky has been a long-term supporter of Rugby League for over 25 years now, and the nature of this renewed partnership enhances and deepens this to a new level.
“Against the backdrop of our current sponsorship agreement, coupled with added value over the next seven years, this enables us to support the game in ways we haven’t seen before, from grassroots to high performance.
“This kind of partnership signifies a new era and is a real milestone for Rugby League. Thank you to Sky Sport for sharing our vision and supporting us in such a significant capacity.”
More than 1.1 million[1] New Zealand fans have tuned into the NRL this year alone. In 2020, League lovers and occasional sport fans alike enjoyed 276 matches, across NRL, the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns, State of Origin, the NSW and QLD Cups and the National Premiership Men’s and Women’s.
Sky, NZRL and the NRL will continue to support the game in New Zealand – together we can do great things.
[1] Source Nielsen TAM, 2021 Year To Date 22/06/21, AP5+ including Prime
Kō wai mātou |About usRugby League Northland Zone (RLN) is an Incorporated Society responsible for the sport in the Northland area. It is responsible for club competitions, representative teams and ensuring coaches, managers, trainers, refs and volunteers are supported. RLN supports local and representative competitions, premier and junior teams, and clubs within the Northland area.
RLN also works with schools in the region delivering ‘Leadership through League’, ‘Adam Blair’, ‘Kiwi Tag’, ‘Lightning League (Girls only)’, ‘League 9’s’ and ‘League Festivals’ in primary, intermediate and secondary schools.
RLN are seeking to appoint three directors, which will see the board at seven members. Two directors retire by rotation and are standing again. A succession plan for the Chair is also in play.
RLN has in place a Community Manager and supporting roles including a Development Manager, a Development Officer and a Competition, Communication and Administration Manager. The supporting roles report to the Community Manager.
Hei whakahere | What we offerAppointment term: the term is four years with the possibility of reappointment, subject to effective performance and rotation, up to a maximum of two further terms.
Location: to ensure regional connection it is desirable for the director to live in the north or the Auckland area or have a meaningful connection.
Commitment: Board meetings are held monthly except January, starting at 5.30pm. Virtual meetings, AGM and events supporting the development of the sport in the region are expected. The role is voluntary but could be a stepping-stone to the national board or a host of other governance opportunities.
It is important the successful candidate has the time available to undertake the role effectively, taking note of the director’s duty to act with due care, diligence, and skill in the best interests of RLN.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
He korero mōu | About youWe are looking for:1. Strong community development links and network2. Can provide an example or examples of community development outcomes they have led3. Desire to build the sport in the region4. Governance experience (in a sports or voluntary organisation desirable but not preferable)5. Management experience6. Financial focus within a modest budget7. Strategic and innovative thinker8. Gender diversity and inclusion is a focus
10 June 2021
New Zealand Rugby League is saddened to hear of the passing of Shane Dowsett Kiwi #495.
The Auckland Rugby League and Otahuhu Leopards legend, Shane Dowsett, spent over 25 years in the game, playing in five Fox Memorial finals and three as captain. He then reached the pinnacle of league success by touring with the Kiwis in 1971, earning his Test debut.
He was renowned for his fierce defence, toughness and lack of fear.
Condolences are with the Dowsett family during this time.
Peter Butler, Kaihautū (Captain of the Waka) of Palmerston North’s Highbury Whānau Centre, has been working with rangatahi for more than two decades, in both the community and on the rugby league field.
Peter, alongside his team, have developed the W.A.R Programme (Work readiness, attitude, and reliability) to tackle the transition from school to work for young people, In a bid to capture those falling through the cracks.
The W.A.R Programme is designed for rangatahi aged 17 – 20 to transition into the workplace with confidence and the skills to begin and maintain employment.
Butler also coaches in several different spaces, including the NZRL U16s Residents, Viper’s Men’s Championship team, and the victorious U20’s Central Districts squad.
Peter has found success in both areas he operates, helping young people become employed and rugby league youth grow into fantastic young men.
Butler commented, “It is more than a game for us; it’s about connecting and building relationships with young people.”
Besides the outstanding mahi Butler does in the Palmerston North community, he transfers his skills from the community space to grow rangtahi participation in rugby league.
“Whether it is teaching them skills for the workplace or coaching our U20’s boys the fundamentals of the game, we aim to work alongside youth and unlock their potential.”
“Majority of our boys are Maori/Pasifika in the rugby league space. Our people have so much untapped potential due to the lack of support some of them get, our mission is to be that support. To be that backbone they can find solace in.”
Be part of a team at the New Zealand Universities and Tertiary Students Rugby League 9s Tournament!
Monday 24th May, 2021.
Rugby League has seen a decline in participation for the Wellington region, but Game Developer Anya Hape has put plans in place to see a revival in the area.
Hape is a former player in the grassroots space as well as a Wellington Orca’s representative and has a burning desire to grow rugby league in her hometown.
“I am passionate and about rangatahi having the opportunity to play rugby league, as well as developing our men’s and women’s pathways.” Hape commented.
The former Orca attended NZRL’s Aspiring Her conference seeking the skills needed to further push the game and acquire valuable advice from women in rugby league across the nation.
From this conference, she has taken action in regards to reintroducing the women’s competition and rangatahi pathways for the region.
“I have been in the rugby league space for numerous years, as a player, coach and referee.”
Hape continues, “The confidence and resources I received from the conference allowed for us to implement plans for an inaugural youth tournament. This to be played in tandem with the first women’s grade competition in Wellington since 2016. We are also nurturing a team to enter NZRL’s Secondary Schools competition. Another first for the region.”
“Wellington Rugby League will also be looking to grow the 13-17 year old competitions. The Aspiring Her conference was beneficial for me and is something that needs to continue if we are to grow our rugby league Wāhine.”
The Aspiring Her programme aims to strengthen and widen female development in rugby league, both on and off the field. NZRL and Head of Women’s Rugby League, Luisa Avaiki, held the conference from the 9th to the 11th of April to help women implement a support plan for their respective rugby league regions.
For more on Aspiring Her, visit our Facebook page.
Over 25 years Nadene Conlon has achieved numerous milestones in rugby league. But the Kiwi Fern tells Ashley Stanley it’s the impact off the field that truly matters.
Nadene Conlon has broken through many glass ceilings in her sport.
The Kiwi Fern original was the first women’s captain to win the inaugural rugby league World Cup in 2000, and also the first woman to get the full-time role of managing the Kiwi men’s team in 2016.
But the 36-test veteran believes it’s the impact the sport provides off the field that truly matters.
“You can never really underestimate or undervalue the impact that you can make through sport on some people’s lives,” says Conlon. “There’s nothing better than being able to do that. And sometimes we have to remind ourselves of it.”
In a career spanning over 25 years, as a player and administrator, Conlon is a clear example of just how powerful it can be when people influence others through sport – sometimes without even realising.
A gesture from a former New Zealand Warriors U20’s player who Conlon used to manage during her time at the NRL franchise, has shown how much of an impact she had on him and rugby league in general.
Since retiring from the sport through injuries, Alamoti Finau has taken up a coaching role with the Marist women’s rugby league team – the club Conlon used to play for, after starting in the game in 1993.
To have former players give back through the women’s space is invaluable. But Finau went one step further. He created the first Auckland Rugby League inter-club trophy honouring a female in recognition of Conlon and her services to the game.
The Nadene Conlon trophy will be up for grabs each year when the Marist Saints and Glenora Bears take the field in the Farrelly Photos Women’s Championship competition. Their first encounter is scheduled for Sunday June 20 at Glenora – Conlon’s family club in West Auckland where she spent most of her weekends helping out as a youngster.
Conlon admits her initial thoughts were mixed when she found out a trophy was named after her.
“It didn’t really sink in at first, I was sort of like ‘Oh yeah, that’s great’. And then I went through a bit of mixed emotions,” she says.
“Even now, it’s still just sinking in. But I think for me, one of the greatest things is that someone even thought of it for a start. And then when they told me why they actually made the trophy, I thought ‘Oh, ok, thank you, that’s amazing.
“It was really touching for me, that he was the one that came up with the idea.”
In a career littered with many ‘firsts’, the back-rower says a stand out moment was captaining the Kiwi Ferns to a World Cup title in 2000.
“That was a real highlight but every moment that I wore the black and white jersey was really special and meant so much,” she says. In her 10 years representing New Zealand from 1995 to 2005, she only experienced one defeat. Conlon was also the first full-time woman in a coaching and development role at ARL in the same year.
Travelling for rugby league and meeting different people, “superstars” not only in the 13-man code but other sports as well, has been another highlight.
But breaking a few barriers being a woman in league and sport is up there, too, for Conlon when reflecting on her career.
“Being given opportunities but also working hard to get those opportunities to hopefully pave the way for others in the game,” she says. “Whereas perhaps in past times, women probably wouldn’t have been given those opportunities like our male counterparts.”
Conlon was also the first female to manage the Warriors teams during Ivan Cleary’s era, and the first full-time team manager for New Zealand’s international teams including the Kiwis in 2016.
Being a part of the New Zealand Warriors when they had all three top sides make the finals in 2011 is another career moment she cherishes.
Things have definitely progressed in her time, says Conlon.
“I think to be fair rugby league has always been pretty good at acknowledging women in the game,” she says. “But probably more on the peripheral rather than in football or high performance areas. So I think that’s come a long way.”
She credits New Zealand Rugby League for giving her the Kiwis manager’s role when it went from a contract basis into a full-time position.
“It was quite the process I have to say, but they obviously had the confidence in me. And I have to back myself a little bit, I was and am qualified for the role,” Conlon says.
“I just think at the time those perceptions of women in roles, and particularly in football roles, were probably very few and far between. But I do think things are changing.”
On the field, things are evolving too. “Even though we did extremely well in the period that I played, I think it was still very much thought of as a hobby,” says the mother-of-one.
“Even though we had to work full-time, train ourselves, and be mothers, and all that sort of stuff, and still go and win World Cups around that.
“Whereas now, I think people understand and can see that it can be a viable option to play rugby league as a career, which is really cool.” Conlon was still in the Kiwi Ferns when they won the 2003 rugby league World Cup.
She says success for her as a manager comes down to having a good understanding of the game and being able to carry out the administrative side of things well.
“I think they both compliment each other. And it’s not always easy to find those people who can tick off all those boxes, I guess. I think that’s definitely what’s helped me,” she says.
Conlon’s league nous comes from being raised in a rugby league family. The Conlons have four generations of involvement at Glenora.
Her grandad was heavily involved on the committee, and was the treasurer. Her father, Pat, played and coached. And her brother, Aron, followed suit and served as chairman for a while.
Aron also played for and captained the Junior Kiwis. In an uncanny occurrence, when Aron toured Australia and Papua New Guinea with the Junior Kiwis, they played and won seven matches. In the very first year of the Kiwi Ferns, Nadene toured Australia and played and won seven games too. “So that’s pretty cool as a whanau,” she says.
But Conlon didn’t actually play the sport as a youngster. “It wasn’t very common for girls to play in those days, although I very much wanted to,” she says.
So she took to a number of other sports. Gymnastics, netball and trampolining, which she managed to get to a reasonable competitive level.
Conlon carried on to play representative touch and got the opportunity to lace up in league boots during her late teens. “And the rest is history.”
“I just loved it. I loved the contact of it and everything about it,” Conlon says. “So, that was me, I was sold after one game. Although I did come away with a few battle wounds. But it didn’t scare me off.”
Throughout her career the biggest lesson Conlon has taken away is to enjoy the moments.
“I know it’s a little bit of a cliché, but I think New Zealanders are really humble and modest as a culture,” she says. “And I think it’s not until you get older, that you realise how amazing, and how awesome some of the things we’ve had the opportunity to do are.
“So it’s important that you really enjoy those moments and obviously take every opportunity that comes your way.”
Conlon says she’s also learnt a lot about what not to do and what to keep doing more of in each role.
“As long as you’re always learning and looking at more effective ways at doing things to create success, that’s the aim.”
Having achieved most accolades as a player, Conlon still has goals she wants to achieve in the sport.
“I want to see both our men and women win a World Cup in the same year. That would be really cool,” she says. “And I also want to win a World Cup as the Kiwis manager.”
14th May, 2021.
as seen on healthy families.
Wellbeing and putting the person first is high up on the agenda for Wellington Rugby League. The philosophy runs deep and was evident last weekend during the delivery of the Kiwi League Senior Coaching course, part of New Zealand Rugby League’s ‘The Kiwi Way’ Coach Education pathway.
Coaches are encouraged to put the player first and the course focuses on building current knowledge as well as strengthening the framework under which coaching is provided through the game of rugby league.
The concept is coaching for character. It shines a light on the important role a coach can play in having conversations and supporting individual players during difficult and challenging times. Sporting coaches are in an invaluable position to be able to provide strong leadership to our children and young people, shaping them and equipping them with important skills to be able to navigate their way through life.
Alongside Healthy Families Hutt Valley the Kiwi League Senior Coaching programme brought together 17 coaches from across the Wellington region, the largest number of senior coaches to have undertaken this programme at any one time.
The emergence of women in sport at this level is inspiring. Three of the newly accredited coaches are Pasifika women, a milestone for Wellington Rugby League and recognition of the rise in leadership by women involved in the sport.
New Zealand Rugby League Director of Coaching, Dan Keepa highlighted over the weekend that as a result of the coaching programme and the national and local commitment to the ongoing development of coaches, that within the next two or three years we will see a significant shift in how the game of rugby league is played.
Going beyond the game to put wellbeing at the forefront by developing rugby league coaches, we can reach players and whānau where they spend their time and collectively support our people to be well.
Rugby league is a sport for all New Zealanders, played from the grassroots level to the international stage. The sport is ‘More Than A Game’; it is part of our country’s social fabric and has a critical role in developing young men and women in our communities.
Through the ‘More Than A Game’ philosophy NZRL aspires to transform lives and community wellbeing through rugby league.
Underpinning this philosophy is ‘The Kiwi Way’ – our organisational ethos representing the culture instilled within all those involved in rugby league.• We are diverse, we call New Zealand home, and we are all Kiwis.• We are inclusive, respectful and humble• We are responsible• We are innovative and courageous• We are family first• We live and play The Kiwi Way every day.
In 2019, NZRL developed a new strategic blueprint to take it forward to 2025. More Than A Game is central to the new strategy.
Our Goals• Rugby league enjoyed by more people• A financially sustainable NZ Game• Women’s game thriving and enhanced opportunities for women in the game• Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns inspirational & aspirational• NZRL to be a model modern sports organisationThe Board comprises seven directors; four appointed and three elected. Of the seven, there must be three Rugby League Knowledgeable and three Independent Directors. A Board Appointment Panel, comprising of two independent Sport NZ representatives, an individual nominated from the Zones and a nominee of the NZRL board, is convening this appointment process.For more information on the organisation, please visit www.nzrl.co.nz
PositionsThe Panel is seeking applicants for two Appointed (Independent) Director vacancies and one Elected Director vacancy. One of the incumbent Appointed Directors is standing again for a second term.All board members need to: demonstrate governance knowledge and leadership, apply a future-focused mindset, understand confidentiality, contribute to highly functional board dynamics and be able to work collaboratively within a high trust environment.
The board is continually seeking to appoint people who bring diversity of thought and perspective to enhance board decision making. Accordingly, the board encourages applications from Women, Taangata Whenua, Pasifika, Other ethnicities, Individuals with a disability, The LGBTIQ community, and Provincially based individuals.Candidates who have the skill sets set out below and who can bring an element of diversity and strategic thinking to the current board mix will be looked upon favourably by the Appointments Panel.The desirable skill set and experience the Panel is looking for the Appointed Directors are as follows:
Appointed Director (Vacancy 1)• Experienced Director, ideally with commercial board exposure• Previous experience as Chair – necessary• Strong legal background – necessary
Appointed Director (Vacancy 2)• Experienced Director, ideally with commercial board exposure• Connections to philanthropic networks• Experience in digital media and broadcasting• Previous experience on an Audit & Risk sub-committeeThe desirable skill set and experience the Panel is looking for in the Elected Director include:• A connection with disability sports• Zone, District, Affiliate or other board governance experience is preferred• A strong connection to the game of rugby league either through playing at an elite level, administration, management, coaching or other roles within the sport.• Able to distinguish between the separate but complementary roles of governance and management, and the need to act in the best interests of the NZRL at all times
Applications for the Elected Director need to be supported by a nomination letter from an NZRL member (Zone or Affiliate) and written acceptance of that nomination by the nominee. Nomination letter templates are available if required.
Time commitment and term As a guide, we expect an average time commitment around 2 days each month per Director. Full day board meetings are held monthly in Auckland or via audio visual.We anticipate the roles starting immediately after the AGM on 26 June 2021. Terms are four years and directors are eligible for re-appointment or re-election for one further term.Remuneration Directors fees are set at $12,000 per annum.Interviews
All applicants should be available for interview by Zoom on the morning of 31 May 2021.To Apply To apply for this role please do so online at www.appointbetterboards.co.nzThe closing date for applications is 5.00pm Friday 21st May 2021.
3rd May, 2021.
As seen on loverugbyleague.com
Former New Zealand international Lance Hohaia has joined the North American Rugby League competition as a coach.
Hohaia, 38, made more than 270 career appearances across spells with New Zealand Warriors and St Helens, while also representing Exiles during his time in Super League.
A statement said: “The NARL West has introduced a top level coach to the league that any team would be lucky to have on the sideline.
“Lance has shown to be a proven champion winning the Super League championship & bringing home the World Cup in 2008 as he represented his country New Zealand.
“His former club the Taniwharau Rugby League club has went as far as naming him their great player of all time!”
April 29 2021
The Warriors have secured two of New Zealand’s hottest young prospects Zyon Maiuu and Jacob Laban on three-year contracts to add more quality to the club’s playing depth for the future.
The 17-year-old Kelston Boys’ High School students are regarded by Warriors recruitment manager Peter O’Sullivan as New Zealand’s best young second rowers.
“We are very excited to lock up Zyon and Jacob for the next three years,” O’Sullivan said.
“Both boys complement each other beautifully, Zyon with his competitiveness, skill and toughness and ability to play edge and middle equally as well as the other while Jacob is a gifted, athletic edge back rower with a huge motor.”
Laban, a Randwick Kingfishers junior, moved to Auckland from Wellington this year to complete his year 13 studies and prepare for the next step of his rugby league career with the Warriors.
Maiuu was named the MVP after the recent NZRL National 20s competition.
“Both boys live together as we wanted a good family home for Jacob and can’t thank Paula and Tooma (Zyon’s mum and dad) enough for taking Jacob in and giving him a great environment to live in,” said O’Sullivan.
“They are thriving and pushing each other in their training, playing and general life skills. It’s also a great story for Kelston Boys’ High School and our working relationship with the school.
“Both boys made a huge impression on the staff when they joined the New Zealand-based top squad in the preseason last year.
“They both looked very much at home and despite their age mixed it with the big boys.
“I can’t wait for them to join the top squad in November and get their NRL dreams into action as I have no doubt the boys will go on and become Warriors in the next few years.”
Maiuu, a Te Atatu Roosters product, played for the Warriors in last year’s Covid-shortened SG Ball Cup competition while he has also played for Kelston’s First XV rugby union side. He was named in the New Zealand Under-18 Schools team last year.
Laban, who attended St Bernard’s College before moving to Auckland, was named College Sport Wellington’s rugby league player of the year in 2019. He was selected in the New Zealand Resident 16s squad last year.
29 April 2021
New Zealand Rugby League would like to congratulate the following New Zealanders; Anthony Eliott, Chris McMillan, Paki Parkinson and Rochelle Tamarua for being appointed to the newly formed International Match Officials Squad (IMOS).
The International Rugby League (IRL) has announced the International Match Officials Squad (IMOS) will operate underneath the Elite Match Officials Squad (EMOS) and will generally officiate games that do not involve the top four ranked countries.
IMOS has officials from eight different countries which reflects the development of match officials around the world and is the only way to be considered for EMOS in the future is to have officiated as a member of IMOS, there is every incentive for the match officials in this group to perform.
Rugby League is leading the way by identifying a pathway for match officials which is fully inclusive, with the first three women being selected for IMOS. As a sign of strategic intent to accelerate the opportunities for and development of women officials in international rugby league, IMOS can be expanded to 24 referees, no more than 16 of whom will be men.
On announcing the make-up of the squad, IRL Match Officials Manager Stuart Cummings said:
“This has been a very difficult selection process with a number of candidates just missing out. The squad reflects the level of competitions around the world and the continued improvement in the performance and training of match officials. It is also important that we recognise the great strides made in the development and performance of our female officials by starting to develop their pathway and create more opportunities for them. The squad size will grow as we receive more nominations.”
The IRL International Match Officials Squad is:
28th April, 2021.
De La Salle in Auckland’s south has seen their fair share of professional Rugby League talent over the years, despite the absence of a senior First XIII.
Alumni and former NRL players, Motu Tony and George Carmont looked to rectify this by re-establishing the league programme after last being active in 1999 with Tony and Carmont in Rugby League Director and Head Coach roles respectively.
De La Salle is an all-boys Catholic School in Mangere’s East, a melting pot for South Auckland talent that boasts the likes of Jason Taumalolo, Jeff Lima, and Leeson Ah Mau to go alongside the aforementioned Carmont and Tony.
“The talent is there; what we aim to do is re-create the pathway that was laid for us so that current and future players have every opportunity to succeed, not only on the field but in the classroom also.” Tony says.
New Zealand Rugby League General Manager of Football and High-Performance Motu Tony wants to give back to a programme that heavily impacted his life.
“It changed my life,” Tony stated, “I believe it can change the lives of the students right now. It is more than just a game for us, De La Salle and its rugby league initiative taught us values, resilience, and perseverance which can heavily impact the direction you take in life.”
When asked why, Tony commented, “we want to give back to a programme and institution that guided us. Giving back to the youth that are in similar positions we were in is a priority for me and George.”
Tony added, “we haven’t had a rugby league program in over 20 years but thankfully, the Principal, Myles Hogarty and the Board of Trustees, have given us an opportunity to help our young men using rugby league.”
Coach Carmont has selected a 25-man squad to compete in the Senior A grade in the Auckland Secondary Schools (Rugby League) competition. De La Salle’s First XIII will also be entering New Zealand Rugby league’s Secondary Schools Competition in late August.
27 April 2021 – As seen on stuff.co.nz
A heart condition has prompted Auckland-born NRL referee Henry Perenara to retire at the age of 40.
Perenara, who played one test for the Kiwis in 2001, has been an NRL referee since 2011, after playing 72 first grade matches in the NRL for five clubs.
He is a cousin of All Blacks TJ Perenara and Sonny Bill Williams.
Perenara has been diagnosed with supraventricular tachycardia, an abnormally fast heartbeat that causes shortness of breath, dizziness sweating or fainting, The Daily Telegraph reported.
He almost collapsed at training a week ago, Perenara told the newspaper. At times his heart raced to about 230 beats per minute.
A normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute, but a fit athlete might be closer to 40 beats per minute.
“I nearly blacked out,” he said. “I don’t remember much of it, but that’s when I had to make the decision to give it away. You certainly don’t want to risk it happening in a game.”
He said he had battled the disease for almost 15 years. At times it struck during games.
“I just kept pushing through it. It’s not life-threatening, but it’s not good either. It feels like your heart is beating out of your chest. It’s happened in games, but I’ve just tried to mask it.”
A cardiologist diagnosed him in February and put him on medication, which made him lethargic. He quit after two months.
He made his international refereeing debut in 2011 when New Zealand played the Cook Islands in a one-off test match in Rarotonga.
He had made his NRL first grade debut as a referee in the Roosters-Raiders match earlier that year.
He will still work in the bunker and help coach junior refs.
Upper Central Zone has implemented a system to eradicate unnecessary pressure from their school rugby league events, and feedback from the community suggests that it is working.
Every August, Upper Central Zone (UC) and Sport Bay of Plenty run nine-a-side, one-day, rugby league tournaments for schools to participate in. The tournaments feature 20 teams in the Western Bay of Plenty (WBOP) and 16 teams in the Central Bay of Plenty (CBOP) ranging from years five to eight.
This year’s competition saw a twist in priority, with participation and behavioural standards being the prominent focus. Feedback from coaches, teachers and staff proposed that in past years, youth have felt under extreme pressure to perform for multiple reasons and this has discouraged them from taking part.
This sentiment is supported by Sport NZ’s Balance is Better philosophy where it is encouraged to place fun over competitiveness. Balance is Better is an evidence-based approach and research has suggested that the competitive structure can dishearten youth from playing sport.
Tony Lajpold, from Upper Central reiterates that the way to release this pressure is to emphasise participation over competition.
“The kids look forward to the tournament every year, but underlying pressures from coaches or parents have had a big impact on them wanting to compete. This time around, you could see the players genuinely enjoying themselves knowing they were not expected to win every match.”
Teams were awarded points not only on results but also their behaviour both on and off the field. After seeing the positive impact it’s had on the students, it’s encouraged staff to continue in with the “family” orientated environment achieved during the competition.
“As a Zone, we work closely with Sport NZ to provide an equal and enjoyable sporting experience for our schools, in line with their Balance is Better strategy,” Tony added.
“The wellbeing of our rangatahi, both physical and mental will always be a priority. It is great to see smiles back on the faces of the students and our next steps will be to ensure these smiles remain permanent.”
New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) is the governing body for the sport of rugby league in New Zealand. Through its “More Than A Game” philosophy, NZRL aspires to transform lives and community wellbeing through Rugby League.
Ngā Ringa Āwhina is an initiative designed to increase capability across the rugby league network at all levels in New Zealand. A team of trained and supported specialists will be deployed into regions across New Zealand. Alongside and supporting personnel in the regions they will upskill and develop existing personnel, make immediate improvements where possible, and better support the Zones, Districts and Clubs for the future.
This initiative is aligned to Sport NZ’s objectives for Strengthen and Adapt (i.e. fit for purpose, supporting the needs of participants, driving increased participation and addressing inclusion and diversity gaps) and priority focus areas, in particular integrity, disability, women and girls, governance.
The kaupapa of the project comes from the translation of Ngā Ringa Āwhina meaning ‘helping or supportive hands’ and encapsulates the concept of working alongside Zones, Districts, Clubs and communities, as a partner, enabling them to retain and enhance their mana and independence.
You will work in conjunction with Zones and Districts to develop, implement and promote the delivery of programmes that maximise the participation of players and coaches throughout Zones, Districts and Clubs across New Zealand with a particular emphasis on rangatahi and to help ensure delivery of a quality experience for all participants.
You will deliver participation goals through collaborating with Zones, Districts, Clubs and Schools, promoting benefits to participation and driving registration campaigns. This will be carried out in a culturally safe manner and with the participant’s wellbeing to the fore.
This is an awesome opportunity to help develop & promote the delivery of Rugby League programmes that grows the participation of players & coaches throughout New Zealand!
APPLICATIONS CLOSE – Friday 7th May, 2021
Download National Game Development Officers (x4) – Ngā Ringa Āwhina – Job Description
To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to: richard@globalelitesports.com. Global Elite Sports (www.globalelitesports.com) have been contracted on behalf of New Zealand Rugby League to manage the recruitment for this position.
The National Capability Officers will work to build the capability of New Zealand Rugby League’s (NZRL) Zones, Districts and Clubs through providing resources, best practice processes, thought leadership, guidance and support. You will be the key point of contact for Zones, Districts and Clubs to ensure they have the right tools and resources to help develop capability, build sustainability and optimise facility/club usage.
You will ensure they have sound financial management and governance practices, assist them to understand the process required to apply for trust / grant funding, ensure their player database and club registration information is up to date as well as promoting professional development opportunities through courses or forums.
This is a rare opportunity to help develop capability, build sustainability and optimize facility/club usage for Rugby League Zones, Districts and Clubs throughout New Zealand!
Download National Capability Officer (x2) – Ngā Ringa Āwhina – Job Description
Using ambassadors/champions, in conjunction with specialist local providers, the Community Wellbeing Officer will look to support the local community, through Zones, Districts and Clubs, in areas such as physical & mental health, wellbeing, nutrition, injury prevention & safety, safeguarding of vulnerable people as well as providing vocational and education guidance initiatives.
You will play a key role in ensuring rugby league Zones, Districts and Clubs throughout the country feel supported and cared for by New Zealand Rugby League.
This is a fantastic opportunity to embed wellbeing in the hearts & minds of grassroot rugby league throughout New Zealand by providing better education & support to communities.
Download Community Wellbeing Officer – Ngā Ringa Āwhina – Job Description
21 April 2021
Concussion numbers in grassroots rugby and league are growing year on year in New Zealand but unlike professional teams, local clubs don’t have the same resources for around-the-clock testing and medical care.
However, one Kiwi company is changing the way clubs can help monitor the long-term effects of concussion with a new tool that takes just three minutes to deliver results.
Between 2010 and 2019, the number of ACC claims for concussion in rugby increased by 60 per cent, which former NRL player David Bhana said can be partly attributed to the approach to them at grassroots level.
“There’s a massive difference in attitude towards concussions in local football,” Bhana said.
“It’s more like, I’ll be right.”
Another issue though is monitoring concussions when they happen.
At club level, when a player suffers a head knock, they undergo a Scat-5 test which includes a series of questions like the date and where the concussed person is.
Some say the test is too repetitive and many already know what is going to be asked so other solutions are needed.
“There is an unmitted need for accurate and timely diagnosis of concussion head injury,” Dr Brian Jong told 1 NEWS.
The ones leading the way in that department are Northcote Rugby League Club, who are investing in a first-of-its-kind eye box by Kiwi company TBI Diagnostics.
The box is designed to help prevent long-term concussions and only takes three minutes with those under a concussion cloud asked to simply follow a moving picture for the duration to determine a baseline of their injury.
“The best solution we have is an educated guess so I guess we are trying to take away any guess work,” Vasco Kovacevic from TBI Diagnostics said.
After the test, the machine stores the data so the next time an athlete suffers a knock, they can monitor how serious it is.
“We previously would put a blanket on someone, saying 30 day suspension or six day suspension, but now we can now actually shorten some of them or sadly, in most cases, prolong them.”
Sad news for some but a great result for grassroots sport.
19 April 2021
New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) has been given a once in a generation opportunity to improve and transform the code as part of the Government’s COVID-19 Sport Recovery Package.
Of this recovery package, Sport NZ’s ‘Strengthen and Adapt’ phase aims to help sector organisations make changes necessary to ensure they are future-proofed in order to operate successfully in the post-pandemic environment.
NZRL completed an in-depth research process involving key rugby league stakeholder groups to determine the code’s current positioning, gaps and pressure points.
Using the feedback and insights gained, NZRL created its ‘Strengthen and Adapt’ response plan, ‘Ngā Ringa Āwhina’ – an initiative designed to support increased capability across the rugby league network at all levels in New Zealand.
Sport NZ will contribute $750,000 towards NZRL’s Ngā Ringa Āwhina project over 18 months (April 2021 – June 2022). NZRL will be supplementing this amount to ensure the programme is sustainable and also can continue to exist past the initial Sport NZ funding period.
The kaupapa of Ngā Ringa Āwhina is ‘the helping or supportive hands’ and encapsulates the concept of working alongside Zones, Districts, Clubs and communities, as a partner, in a mana enhancing way.
In short, Ngā Ringa Āwhina aims to establish initiatives of trained (and externally supported) specialists deployed into regions as agreed with Zones, Districts and Clubs following an analysis of needs, to support their existing personnel in making improvements, and leave resources in place for long term sustainability.
The four main components of Ngā Ringa Āwhina are as follows:
NZRL CEO Greg Peters says this is a massive opportunity for rugby league.
“The desired outcome of Ngā Ringa Āwhina is a rugby league network that is consistent, confident, credible, and professional. A safe, supportive environment reflective of and integral to our communities. This has the potential to have a significant long-term impact on the game in New Zealand.”
Sport New Zealand CEO, Raelene Castle says, “We have worked alongside Greg and the NZRL team in the development of Ngā Ringa Āwhina and we are excited about the opportunity this represents for the Rugby League community.
“Sport New Zealand’s strengthen and adapt programme aims to support our National Partners to rebuild post-Covid-19 and make changes to operate successfully post-pandemic, strengthening their capability and capacity and creating a better future for the communities they serve. We look forward to seeing the programme hit the ground.”
10 April 2021
Despite the pouring rain at Opaheke Park, the 2021 National 20s Grand Final was one to remember. Central Districts were crowned 2021 NZRL National 20s Champions after upsetting Auckland Blue 18-14 in a dramatic final showdown.
Auckland Blue were dominant throughout the first half as Viliami Finau opened the scoring after just five minutes with a try in the corner. Central Districts hit back but Auckland’s Jeremiah Schuster’s scored before the break giving the home side a 10-4 lead at half-time.
Minutes into the second half Central Districts scored through Lennix Tovo and for the following half hour dominated most of the match, aided by Auckland wing Albert Fifita being sent to the sin bin with 25 to go for a professional foul.
Further tries to Wyatt So’otaga and Herman Seumanufagai, both of which were converted by Brooklyn Herewini, stretched the Central Districts lead to 18-10.
The late try to Taufa gave Auckland a chance at a dramatic comeback with less than one minute remaining, but Central Districts held on handing Auckland Blue their first loss of the competition.
Congratulations to Central Districts the 2021 NZRL National 20s Champions.
09 April 2021
Aspiring Her Game Developer 2021 is the first female-only game developers programme created and implemented by Head of Women’s Rugby League at NZRL, Luisa Avaiki.
Aspiring Her has been created to strengthen and widen the female talent pool in rugby league both on and off the field.
The development programme looks to call on current wahine in the game carrying out various roles and connect them with a wider community of aspiring women.
NZRL in liaison with Zone General Managers and Development Officers, have identified a pool of influential females and volunteers throughout the regions to work as Aspiring Her Game Developers.
These Aspiring Her Game Developers consist of female coaches, administrators, managers, leaders, match officials, trainers, and board member. Their task is to mentor and empower females in their respective regions, both on and off the field, to reach their full potential.
In its pilot year, the programme will run for 12 months and will provide support at all levels, all-female lead and facilitated. This includes regular zoom workshops, mentoring sessions as well as an annual conference, coupled with ongoing Zone and Regional support, NZRL Game Developer support and the facilitation of individualised personal development plans.
The inaugural Aspiring Her Game Development Conference is taking place in Auckland this weekend (9-11 April) which is designed for the newly identified Aspiring Her Game Developers and trainers to implement a support plan for the year.
Ultimately the programme’s objective is to see a well-established National Female Developer Network that strengthens the female game through increased opportunities that empower female participants in rugby league associated roles.
Going forward, Aspiring Her Game Developers will also look to identify other females capable of stepping into mentorship roles, further widening the influence pool and support network.
Programme Founder and Head of Women’s Rugby League at NZRL, Luisa Avaiki, says this is one of the first female led game development programmes of its kind.
“This kind of development network for our women has never been seen in rugby league. We are making exciting progress in our female space regarding growing playing numbers and new women’s competitions, so it is essential to capitalise on this by enhancing the capability and opportunities for women across the board, both in a football and administration capacity.
“The Aspiring Her Programme will look to implement a system that enables regions to strengthen and develop their people, so the momentum is felt across all levels and in all districts throughout New Zealand.
“The power of our programme comes from women inspiring women. It’s a privilege to have such influential wahine in our game who are willing to share their skills and expertise and ultimately pave the way for generations of successful women in rugby league.”
April 8, 2021.
The final of NZRL’s inaugural National 20’s competition will kick off on this coming Saturday 10th of April at Opaheke reserve. Unbeaten Auckland Blue and competition dark horse Central Districts will battle it out for the top spot at 2pm following the Fox Memorial opener between Mt Albert and Pt Chevalier at 12pm.
This highly anticipated round one rematch has all the signs of a classic, as the underdogs come into this clash off the back of a stellar cinderella run.
After going down in their first game against the Auckland side, Central Districts have won five straight en route to the final including a late comeback against third-place South Island and a gritty two-point victory against heavily favoured Auckland White.
Wingers Herman Seumanufagai and Pose Tuilaepa will look to continue their blinding run of form and with 12 amount of tries between them, they’ll certainly be a focal point of the final game.
Auckland Blue have shown their dominance throughout, having yet to suffer a loss and will look to remain undefeated in the final showdown. The Auckland side have been involved in plenty of one-sided games this season but that was not the case in their first battle only pulling away late to win 34-18 against the Central Districts team.
Zyon Maiu’u will look to lead his side as he has done all competition, the barnstorming second-rower will be a must-watch as he’s picked to come out on top in the highly-contested National 20s MVP ladder.
This year’s Auckland Rugby League SAS Fox Memorial Premiership Qualifiers will kick off as the curtain raiser on Saturday with a classic rivalry match between Mt Albert Lions and Pt Chevalier Pirates with the Stormont Shield on the line.
With no competition winner declared last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the first division season-opener sees the top two sides at the time of the season’s forced cancellation battle it out.
Mt Albert vs Pt Chevalier and the Auckland Blue vs Central Districts Final will be televised live on Sky Sport 4, as well as Fox League, Kayo and Watch NRL for our Australian viewers.
Mt Albert vs. Pt Chevalier.
Opaheke Reserve.
Saturday 10th April, 12pm.
Auckland Blue vs. Central Districts.
Saturday 10th April, 2pm.
8th April, 2021 – as seen in rnz.
His brother was a New Zealand and Wellington rugby league legend but Andre Whittaker hopes to transform the sport from outside the white lines of the field.
John Whittaker played 73 games for the capital and represented the Kiwis 26 times throughout the 70s and 80s, including at four world cups and played for the Cook Islands.
Now younger brother Andre was making waves of his own, but in the back-offices and boardrooms of the sport.
Both were children of a Tahitian father and Rarotongan mother and it was this background which drove Andre, who was this year named CEO of Wellington Rugby League, the first Pasifika person to hold the position.
“[It is] a very humbling feeling to know that is actually the case but also go into it knowing that part of our background, our heritage helps us take up those challenges so always mindful of that, of where I’ve come from, whose behind me and who I’m representing.”
Whittaker said his background meant he had empathy for many of the those who took part in the game.
“If we look at the statistics of make-up of people who take part on the game, there is a high percentage of Māori and Pasifika, so firstly, coming from my Pacific background, that helps me understand I guess some of the things and values that are important to Pasifika and Māori.”
Whittaker said those values included family, a sense of spirituality and connection to community.
“So you need to understand that when you’re working with Pasifika stakeholders, that you’re not engaging that person that’s in front of you, but their family and their community.”
Whittaker was an accomplished senior player and former Chairman of the Randwick club, while outside of rugby league he worked in the area of youth development and sport for the United Nations’ children’s agency, UNICEF.
But he said it was at his Lower Hutt-based club where his passion for the sport and his culture overlapped.
Over the years there was a strong base of Cook Islanders at the club and presently there are many Tokelauans who play there.
“So if you look at rugby league in New Zealand compared to say other sports, we’ve been one of the first sports where Pacific people were national representatives, so if I think back to people like Roy Christian who was in the 60s in the Kiwis and then players like Dennis Williams, my brother John Whittaker as of late, we saw players like Fred Ah Kuoi, James Leuluai, Olsen Filipaina, and the right through to now we’ve had players like Ben Matulino from here in Lower Hutt. I guess the person that’s out there right at the moment is Nelson Asofa-Solomona.”
Whittaker said this showed the strong thread of history of Pasifika people in the game.
“Pacific people are attracted to the game of rugby league because of the communities that we come from…we’re always strong on history and looking at whose gone before us and when we see people like Roy Christian like Dennis Williams, like Fred Ah Kuoi, representing us, it inspires us to want follow in their footsteps.”
Whittaker was on the record as saying the future of rugby league lay with Māori and Pasifika. He said this wasn’t to exclude others, as all were welcomed to the sport.
“The fact is the numbers of participants and the game of Pacific people is around 86 percent. If there is a strong stakeholder group, then the future of the game needs to understand, engaging those communities around values, and around systems that resonate with them so that they continue to grow and flourish on the game.”
So what exactly were these values Whittaker kept referring to?
“We talk about things using the Māori term, whakapapa, history and links to people. So working with a Pacific community and stakeholders in rugby league, we need to continually reference who are the people that have gone before us because that’s important. We need to continually reference our families and ensure that our families have a place and a voice within the game.”
He said this was where Māori and Pasifika where important to the future of the game.
Whittaker said in the past former All Black captain and one time Wainui rugby league star Tana Umaga had highlighted the need to get Pasifika more involved in sports administration.
“I remember him saying, ‘well we’re always in the game, but it’s about how do we take part from the sideline and be more meaningfully engaged, not only as coaches and managers, but in governance?'”
He said one of the things that needed to happen was to give validity and credibility to the values that Māori and Pasifika brought to the game and putting them on par with other pillars of the game.
“If we’re talking about things like governance, for example, things around, finance and audit and risk committees or things around bylaws, well, equally, you need to hold in the same frame values that resonate with specific people.
“If you have values, and I’m using Māori terms here like manaakitanga, like whanaungatanga, then they need to hold the same same weight and same value in how you run the organisation.”
So as much as the late John Whittaker turned opposition defences inside out in his heyday, Andre was flipping boardroom values, models and mindsets on their head.
A true champion of the Pacific.
April 2, 2021
Opaheke reserve hosted a second-half scoring blitz that saw Auckland Blue secure a big win over Wai-Coa-Bay on Friday afternoon in the final regular season match of the NZRL National 20s.
Knowing Blue had qualified for the Grand Final, Wai-Coa came to play and the Auckland side met their energy.
The home side trailed the impressive Wai-Coa-Bay at one point in the first half and led just 18-10 at the break, before piling on 28 points in the second stanza to ensure they remain unbeaten in the competition ahead of facing Central Districts in the decider next Saturday.
The game was just minutes old when Ali Leiataua got on the end of a kick to open the scoring, but the joy proved short lived for Auckland with Wai-Coa-Bay skipper Dayna Bidois quickly hitting back with a try of his own.
Wing Caleb Tane then gave the visitors the lead, before powerhouse Auckland back Albert Fifita busted through the line for a 60-metre try.
A converted try to Mt Albert forward Wiremu Kaire on the siren, at the end of an exciting passage of hot-potato footy, gave the hosts an 18-10 advantage at the half.
Despite Wai-Coa Bays best efforts, the Auckland side proved too strong in the games second act.
A Johnson Murray try directly off a close-range scrum, another strike from Albert Fifita and a barging effort from the other Fifita on the park – Otahuhu prop Tupou Fifita – stretched Auckland’s lead out to 34-14.
Middle forwards Sione Pule and Feao Tongia powered over late for tries which made it 46-14 at full time.
Auckland 46 (Ali Leiataua, Albert Fifita x2, Wiremu Kaire, Johnson Murray, Tupou Fifita, Sione Pule, Feao Tongia tries; Caleb Laiman x3, Johnson Murray x2, Stanley Iongi x2 goals) def. Wai-Coa-Bay 14 (Dayna Bidois, Caleb Tane x2 tries; Bidois x1 goal) at Opaheke Reserve, Auckland.
A valiant Good Friday effort from Northland was not enough as they went down to Auckland White 40-32 to finish their NZRL National 20s campaign at Opaheke Reserve.
A strong start from Northland had them in the lead for parts of the first half, but they were unable to hold on in the second stanza despite Eroni Biukoto’s clinical hat trick.
The two sides went score for score through the opening half hour, with the superior kicking of Northland’s Kiles Kaiarake proving the only difference.
Biukoto’s second try late in the half looked to have given his side the lead at the break, before Patelo scored and Doux Kauhiva converted to lock the game at 22-all.
Manurewa half Teariki Ford took the game by the scruff of the neck, grubbering for himself to score, putting the Auckland side ahead – Julius Patelo then added another four-pointer soon after to increase the advantage.
Biukoto scored his third on 52 minutes bringing Northland back into the game, but this was countered by Oscar Amosa’s try out wide a few moments later.
Northland’s Dilano Henry Turner crossed under the posts with less than a minute to play to make the final score 40-32.
Auckland White 40 (Maddison Tekeu, Leon Marsters, Teariki Ford x2, Julius Patelo x2, Oscar Amosa tries; Doux Kauhiva x4, Teariki Ford x2 goals) def. Northland 32 (Jacob Hollobon, Kiles Kaiarake, Eroni Biukoto x3, Dilano Henry Turner tries; Kiles Kaiarake x4 goals) at Opaheke Reserve.
1st April, 2021.
Both Auckland Blue and Central Districts secured their places in the competition final with round 5 victories over Northland and WaiCoa Bay respectively. This week the Auckland-based teams play their catch-up games that were postponed due to the Covid-19 Alert level 3 lockdown. Northland and Auckland White will look to finish their seasons off strongly in their final outings while a win for Auckland Blue against a gritty WaiCoa Bay side could see them go into the final with plenty of momentum. Both games will be played at Opaheke, with Auckland White vs. Northland kicking off at 12 pm, followed by Auckland Blue vs. WaiCoa Bay at 2 pm.
All games are televised live on Sky Sport 4, as well as Fox League, Kayo and Watch NRL for our Australian viewers.
Northland vs. Auckland White.
Opaheke Reserve, Auckland
Friday 2nd April 2021 – 12:00pm
WaiCoa Bay vs. Auckland Blue
Opaheke Reserve, Auckland.
Friday 2nd April, 2021 – 02:00pm.
New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) has launched a new Swim School initiative in association with Swimsation through its NZRL Playgroup programme. NZRL is now offering complimentary swimming lessons to pēpi and tamariki in an effort to continue prioritising our communities in need.
Swimming and especially water safety are essential life skills for Kiwi kids. Aquatic facilities exist in almost all major towns; coupled with the endless access to coastal beaches, lakes and rivers; New Zealand kids are exposed to water dangers from a young age.
Despite swimming competency being crucial for our tamariki, many existing swim school programmes are too expensive for those in our communities. With the cost of living continuously on the rise, many families can not financially prioritise swimming safety.
Water Safety New Zealand reported in 2020 alone, New Zealand had a total of 74 drownings; out of these 74 fatalities, 28 were Maori/Pasifika.
Because of this, we have recognised the need to support our tamariki better when it comes to water safety, ensuring these skills are more easily attained and water safety education is more accessible to our communities.
These new Playgroup Swim Schools offer pēpi and tamariki free swimming lessons during the day and weekends at select Swimsation pools. At this level, parents or guardians are required to be in the pool with their children.
A Playgroup mother said she enjoys being able to learn beside her child and grow together. “I am more confident with taking him to the pools now, and the fact my son is learning to swim makes me feel better knowing he will be safer around water.”
An NZRL Playgroup father of five said due to financial restrictions, he has never had the opportunity to take his older children for a swimming lesson. Now thanks to Playgroup, his younger two tamariki have the chance to learn these essential life skills.
To find out more information on where you can enrol your child into an NZRL Playgroup, please contact;
Toyah Brooking | Playgroups@nzrl.co.nz
Confident using hip hold
Confident using up-right hold
Confident using front prone hold
Confident using side prone hold
Confident using cradle hold
Confident using supported back hold
Knows the Swimsation submersion cue
Show signs of readiness for submersion
Confident being submerged (Assisted by parent) – Level goal to move up
Safe entry
Safe exit
Standing jump with submersion assisted
Assisted submersion and pick up a toy
Assisted submersion with a release
Confident using extended back hold
Back float with supported back hold
Back float with supported extended back hold
Submersion with release and grip – Level goal to move up
Submerge and pick up toy
Assisted back kick
Unassisted back kick
Assisted front kick
Unassisted front kick
Assisted front to back rotation
Unassisted front to back rotation
Assisted front to back rotation – Kicking
Unassisted front to back rotation – Kicking
Jump into pool and roll onto back assisted
Jump into pool and roll onto back unassisted
Seated jump and u-turn to wall
Submerge, float and u-turn to table – Level Goal to move into our preschool level class
28 March 2021
A high shot gifted Central Districts with first points of the match as they opted for the two-pointer to get on the front foot early at Cooks Garden. However, Waicoa answered back with a try to centre Caleb Lepaio Gamlen giving the away team a four-point lead.
Waicoa were on the front foot until a quick right foot step from Central Districts centre Lennix Tovo gave Central Districts their first try of the game edging them in front by two.
Central Districts lost fullback Jayden Andrade-Kingi to the bin which saw Waicoa capitalise on the penalty to even the scores 8 – 8.
Despite being a man down, Wyatt Sootaga barged over for a try as Central Districts had the last say, heading into the break with 14 – 8 lead.
Errors from Waicoa saw them unable to capitalise on their attacking momentum early in the second half gifting Central Districts with good field position.
Jayden Andrade-Kingi returned from 10 in the bin to score Central Districts third try of the match. An impressive run from Karaitiana Hamilton saw him extend Central Districts lead to 24-8 shortly after.
Central Districts continued their momentum as Junior Te Foto barged over for another four-pointer. Andrade-Kingi then dived in the corner off the back of an impressive run to claim his second of the game extending the home sides lead to 36-8.
Herman Seumanufagai took advantage of a tired Waicoa defensive line adding another four points, as did winger Pose Teuilaepa before the full-time hooter sounded.
Central Districts with a clinical second-half performance earn themselves a spot in the NZRL National 20s final with a 46 – 8 win over Waicoa Bay.
Auckland Blue have qualified through to the NZRL National 20s Grand Final with a game to spare, after beating Northland 48-8 on Saturday to remain unbeaten in the competition so far.
Four tries, three of which were converted by debutant Johnson Murray, saw Auckland take a 22-8 lead into the break and come the second stanza they found another gear.
The Auckland left edge was outstanding, with centre Ben Kosi scoring twice and back-rower Wiremu Kaire enjoying a strong outing despite a stint in the sin bin late in the game.
Mt Albert playmaker Murray marked his first outing in the competition with a try and five conversions, while Howick’s Lonnie Papani made the most of his chance to start at dummy-half by scoring a try and causing countless issues for the Northland defence.
Auckland Blue have a catch up game next Saturday against Waicoa Bay – to make up for the game they missed during the region’s COVID-19 lockdown last month – before they face Central Districts, South Island or Waicoa Bay in the decider on April 10 at Opaheke Park.
Auckland 48 (Viliami Finau, Ben Kosi x2, Izaac Anitelea, Anthony Naitoko, Lonnie Papani, Albert Fifita, Johnson Murray, Jeremiah Schuster tries; Johnson Murray x5, Izaac Anitelea x1 conversions) def. Northland 8 (Tytan Semenoff, Nigel Iro tries) at Whangarei Stadium. HT: 22-8.
South Island keep their hopes of a finals appearance alive with an impressive win over Auckland White
Auckland White led on two separate occasions but couldn’t hold the South Island team out defensively.
A late Mapu Uasi try, along with his accurate boot throughout the game, proved the difference in the end and means the South Island remain in the race for a spot in the decider, pending the result of Sunday’s match between Central Districts and Waicoa Bay.
Earlier at Opaheke Park Auckland White raced out of the gate and had scored a point a minute by the time the game was 10 minutes old, thanks to efforts from Tolomanila Saumamao-Watts and Navajo Doyle, along with a Doux Kauhiva conversion.
But the next 40 minutes proved fruitless for the Francis Meli-coached outfit and they quickly surrendered momentum to the South Island, leaking tries in quick succession to Eli Ellison, Kiarn Wilson and Sincere Harraway.
Uasi converted all three efforts to give the South Island team an 18-10 lead at the break.
Auckland gave up another four-pointer immediately in the second half, before Howick wing Peter Uelese brought them back into the contest with two tries in the space of five minutes, one of which was converted by Kauhiva to reduce the deficit to two points.
A brilliant passage of play minutes later saw Auckland travel the full length of the field and cross again through Saumamao-Watts to lead 24-22.
But Uasi’s strike with minutes to go confirmed the result for the southerners, leaving Auckland White to play for pride next week against Northland at Opaheke Park.
South Island 26 (Eli Ellison, Kiarn Wilson, Sincere Harraway, Kyle Amer, Mapu Uasi tries; Mapu Uasi x3 goals) def. Auckland 24 (Tolomanila Saumamao-Watts x2, Navajo Doyle, Peter Uelese x2 tries; Doux Kauhiva x2 goals) at Opaheke Park. HT: 18-10
26th March 2021
Round 4 saw big wins for Central Districts and South Island while Auckland Blue won the local derby over Auckland White 30-14. This weekend’s clashes start on Saturday the 27th, as Opaheke plays host to Auckland White vs South Island, who are still in the race for the final. Northland welcomes Auckland Blue to Whangarei’s Trigg Arena and lastly, Central Districts will be looking to secure second place against WaiCoa Bay in Whanganui on Sunday, kicking off at 12pm.
Opaheke, Auckland.
Saturday 27th March, 12:30pm
Trigg Arena, Kensington Sports Park, Whangarei.
Saturday 27th March, 2:30pm
Cooks Garden, Whanganui.
Sunday 28th March, 12:30pm
Central Districts have emerged 54-6 winners over Northland in round four of the NZRL National 20s competition at Jerry Collins Stadium in Porirua.
Central districts on the left edge open the scoring with a double from number five Herman Seumanufagai off the back of two strong runs. Northland came close to scoring early but lack of completion meant they couldn’t get the ball over the line. Seumanufagai followed up to score a his hat trick, again exposing Northland on the left edge. Northland finally put points on the board with ten minutes left in the first half through number nine, Dilano Henry-Turner. A late penalty kick for Northland by number fourteen Tangaroa Pireoa, secured them two more points before the whistle, Central Districts lead Northland 14 – 6 at half time.
An aggressive start to the second half saw a focussed Central District’s put the foot down, scoring back to back tries. Jayden Andrade-Kingi barge over the Northland defence followed up with a try from fellow team mate Junior Tefoto. Central District’s Andrade-Kingi scored his second right in the corner. At the line, Kayin Katene ran through the defence to score his second followed by a fourth and fifth try from Seumanufagai with less than ten minutes to go in the match. To close out the match, a very enthusiastic Central Districts team lead Andrade-Kingi to score his hat trick diving for the corner.
Central districts will face Wai-Coa-Bay next Saturday in Whanganui, while Northland meet the top of table Auckland Blue in Whangarei.
23/03/21
The much loved Sky Sport NZRL Rugby League Roadshows are back for 2021!
In association with the Vodafone Warriors and Sky Sport, New Zealand Rugby League is bringing rugby league to the regions to showcase our great game and encourage new registrations.
The Roadshows provide local league clubs with the opportunity to have a presence at each activation to connect more directly with members of the community and find their future players.
There will be plenty of giveaways and spot prizes on the day for participants.
In addition to this, Kiwi League Kids (12 and under) who register with a club will later receive a Sky Sport starter pack which includes a brand new OPRO mouthguard, Kiwis/Ferns poster, rugby league ball, and ball bag.
NZRL General Manager of Community Ani Cherrington, says: “We are excited to see the Roadshows return for 2021 as they were really well received by our communities last year.
“Although further Covid-19 lockdowns cut our initial planned schedule short, we are grateful that we can still visit both Taupo and Whanganui, especially alongside the scheduled National 20’s game at Cooks Garden.
“These Roadshows are an important way for us to showcase and grow our game. It’s great we are able to do this in partnership with Sky Sport and the Warriors, and we to hope see our communities turn out in force this weekend.”
The Roadshows are a free event and open to all members of the community.
Upcoming Roadshows
Taupo | Hickling Park | Friday 26th March | 5pm – 7pm.
Whanganui | Cooks Garden | Sunday 28th March | 9am – 11am.
22/03/21
New Zealand Rugby League is saddened to hear about the passing of Kiwi #397 Reginald Cooke.
Cooke played seven Tests for the Kiwis initially being selected in the 1960 Rugby League World Cup team. He kicked 10 goals between 1960-64, playing in both the centre and fullback positions.
During this time Cooke toured Great Britain and France, he also played against touring Australian teams.
Cooke began his career in 1958 playing for Huntly South, he then went on to represent Waikato, Auckland Eastern Districts, Brisbane South, and Queanbeyan Kangaroos. In 1967 Cooke toured New Zealand as a Queensland representative.
New Zealand Rugby League would like to share their condolences with the Cooke whānau at this time.
22 March 2021
Earlier this month 18-year-old Christian Pese suffered a stroke while playing for the South Island against Auckland Blue in the NZRL National 20s, and right now continues to fight for his life in hospital in Christchurch.
Most of Christian’s immediate family are from Auckland, while his older brother Caleb is currently working to get home from Australia to be by his side.
A Givealittle fundraising page has been set up to help support the Pese family through this time.
CLICK HERE TO DONATE
20 March, 2021 | ARL
Auckland Blue remain unbeaten at the top of the NZRL National 20s ladder after beating Auckland White 30-14 on Saturday afternoon.
The Blue side trailed 10-8 at the break before producing a dominant second half showing which saw them cross for four tries and concede just one, to ensure the local derby went their way.
Fullback Ali Leiataua was among the stars for Blue, scoring the first and last try of the match and shutting down countless opposition raids with his defensive play at the back, while in the pack skipper Zyon Maiu’u was immense once again.
After Leiataua opened the scoring around the 20-minute mark, Auckland White hit back via Maddison Tekeu before both sides traded tries, first through Maiu’u and then White centre Julius Patelo.
The boot of Doux Kauhiva was the difference at the break, with his conversion of Patelo’s try giving White a two-point lead going into the sheds.
But it didn’t last long into the second stanza, with Howick’s Lonnie Papani scoring minutes after the game resumed and Soakai Taufa converting for a 14-8 lead.
Peter Uelese then scored to tie the game at 14-all, but from that point on it was all Auckland Blue.
Albert Fifita broke free down the left edge before looping around to score under the posts, with Taufa again converting, before Marist hooker Stanley Iongi burrowed over and Leiataua got his second to push the scoreline out.
Auckland Blue 30 (Ali Leiataua x2, Zyon Maiu’u, Lonnie Papani, Albert Fifita, Stanley Iongi tries; Soakai Taufa x3 conversions) def. Auckland White 14 (Maddison Tekeu, Julius Patelo, Peter Uelese tries; Doux Kauhiva 1 conversion) at Opaheke Park.
19 March 2021
After a fiery Round 3 of the National 20s, Central Districts’ upset victory over Auckland White has moved them into second place on the ladder. This weekend they will be looking to continue their dominance with a victory over Northland come Sunday in Wellington. This Saturday, the South Island team will be looking to redeem their loss against Auckland with a victory over Waicoa, while the much anticipated City of Sails clash between Auckland Blue v Auckland White follows at 2pm at Opaheke Park.
Forsyth Stadium, Dunedin
Saturday 20th March, 12:00pm
Opaheke, Auckland
Saturday 20th March, 2:00pm
Jerry Collins, Wellington
Sunday 21st March, 12:00pm
March 14, 2021 / Will Evans
A dominant second-half display underpinned Auckland Blue’s commanding 34-4 victory over South Island in the NZRL National 20-year competition match in Christchurch on Sunday.
A vocal Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub crowd enjoyed an absorbing first-half tussle, with Auckland taking an 8-4 lead into the break. But the visitors stepped up a couple of gears in the second stanza, scoring four unanswered tries to run away convincing winners.
South Island tryscoring chances went begging either side of Auckland Blue’s sixth-minute opener, with centre Benjamin Kosi powering over from close range.
Kosi’s pace and footwork proved too hard to handle again five minutes later, leaving South Island defenders strewn in his wake on the way to an early double.
But the hosts struck back almost immediately, fullback Mapu Uasi continuing his magnificent National 20s campaign by brilliantly latching onto a grubber from halfback Jesse Wihongi and diving in for the try.
After a lengthy injury break as Auckland fullback Nehumi Teu was stretchered off, Uasi went agonisingly close to scoring in the corner and livewire hooker Sincere Harraway was held up under the posts in the same set. South Island was able to keep their line intact under heavy fire in the lead-up to halftime, heading to the sheds four points down.
But the home side sent the second-half kick-off out on the full, providing Auckland with a gilt-edged chance. Big interchange forward Tupou Fifita reached a long arm out to score their third try.
The visitors took an iron grip on the game with a stunning try 10 minutes into the second stanza. After right-edge second-rower Salesi Ataata put Kosi into the clear, Auckland swept back to the left for skipper and back-rower Zyon Maiu’u to storm over.
The imposing Maiu’u busted the South Island defence again five minutes later to make it a double.
Auckland Blue hooker Stanley Iongi capped a strong running game by darting over for his side’s sixth try with 12 minutes to go.
Caleb Laiman iced the 30-point win with a penalty – his fifth goal of the day – after the siren.
Auckland Blue 34 (Benjamin Kosi 2, Zyon Maiu’u 2, Tupou Fifita, Stanley Iongi tries; Caleb Laiman 5 goals) South Island 4 (Mapu Uasi try) at Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub, Christchurch, Sunday 14th March.
WHEN THEY SCORED
First half
7 min: Auckland Blue 4-0 (Kosi try)
13 min: Auckland Blue 8-0 (Kosi try)
16 min: Auckland Blue 8-4 (Uasi try)
Second half
38 min: Auckland Blue 14-4 (Fifita try, Laiman goal)
45 min: Auckland Blue 20-4 (Maiu’u try, Laiman goal)
50 min: Auckland Blue 26-4 (Maiu’u try, Laiman goal)
63 min: Auckland Blue 32-4 (Iongi try, Laiman goal)
70 min: Auckland Blue 34-4 (Laiman goal)
Wai-Coa-Bay emerged 56-12 winners over Northland in Rd 3 of the NZRL National 20s competition at Opaheke Sports Park.
Captain of Wai-Coa-Bay, Dayna Bidios drew first blood strolling over the try line within the first five minutes of the match. Northland quickly answered back with points of their own through Charme Henry Turner. Wai-Coa-bay number eight Aamon Dean scores minutes later, followed by two tries from Caleb Gamlin and one from Dylan Rogers Pourau.
Wai-Coa-Bay’s Taylor Leef scored a four-pointer to open the second half, followed by winger Caleb Tane scoring a try off a perfect grubber to give his team a 36-4 lead.
Gamlen went on to score his hat trick on the right edge after an excellent pass from his center, Wai-Coa-Bay’s Xavier Mitchell-Winsor made it look easy, running through the Northland defense scoring four more points for his team. Possesion proved to be a problem for Northland as another try was scored by Wai-Coa-Bay’s Leef,
Northland were determined not to give up and scored on the 63rd minute with Klies Kaiarake barging over the line, followed by team mate Toi Munroe scoring in the corner for a late try of his own.
Wai-Coa-Bay will face South Island next Saturday, March 20 at Forsyth Stadium, while Northland meet the formidable Central Districts in Porirua on Sunday, March 21.
Wai-Coa-Bay 56 (Gamlen x3, Leef x2, Bidios, Dean, Rogers Pourau, Tane, Mitchell-Winsor) def. Northland 12 (Henry Turner, Kaiarake, Munroe) at Opaheke Sports Park.
As seen at aucklandleague.co.nz
Auckland White suffered their first loss of the NZRL National 20s on Saturday, going down to Central Districts 26-24 at Opaheke Sports Park.
Auckland had led by two at the break, but a second half full of errors – coupled with two players being sent to the sin bin – saw the hosts unable to kick on and get the result.
An Oscar Amosa try with two minutes left in the game did hand Francis Meli’s side a chance to tie things up at 26-all, but Doux Kauhiva’s conversion was wide.
The loss leaves Auckland White now facing an uphill battle to qualify through to the April 10 grand final ahead of taking on Auckland Blue in Round 4.
In a losing effort Manurewa half Teariki Ford was a standout, scoring the first try and setting the second up to give Auckland an early 10-0 lead, while in the engine room captain Victor Afoa worked hard all day.
But despite the promising start a glut of penalties and dropped ball – which would become a habit over the next 50 minutes – assisted the visitors in getting back into the contest and they scored twice to trail just 14-12 at the break.
Central Districts then scored the next three tries in the second stanza, the last of which came while Auckland had only 11 on the park due to a scuffle which saw Navajo Doyle and Viliami Kuli binned along with a CD player.
Late tries to Marist big man Elam Payne and Amosa gave Auckland a chance, but they couldn’t complete the dramatic comeback.
Central Districts 26 (Herman Seumanufagai x2, Lennix Tovo, Hiraka Wanakore, Carlos Kemp tries; Brooklyn Herewini x3 goals). def. Auckland White 24 (Teariki Ford, Te Napi Waipouri, Kaufana Lasa, Elam Payne, Oscar Amosa tries; Doux Kauhiva x2 goals). HT: 12-14 at Opaheke Sports Park.
12 March 2021
A full round of rugby league actions returns this weekend where all teams will face off in Round 3 of the NZRL National 20s Competition.
Central Districts, coming off an impressive 32-20 comeback win last weekend, will be looking to continue that momentum when they face Auckland White on Saturday, 12pm at Opaheke. This will be followed by Northland v Waicoa Bay at 2pm, two teams both hungry for their first victory.
Sunday will see Auckland Blue come up against South Island at Nga Puna Wai, a team that will be hungry for redemption as they look to put last week’s defeat against Central Districts behind them and maintain the top of the table momentum.
Saturday 13th March
Nga Puna Wai, Christchurch
Sunday 14th March
With the Auckland region moving to Alert to Level 1 at midday today, crowds are now permitted at all NZRL National 20s games.
NZRL is encouraging clubs and all involved in the game to continue to maintain a high level of awareness and hygiene at all rugby league activities, including trainings and games.
While the mandatory Government requirements are significantly reduced under Level 1, clubs are still required to display NZ COVID Tracer QR posters and should have a manual tracing log available too.
All rugby league participants are encouraged to keep track of where they have been.
Good handwashing practices and coughing and sneezing into elbows, not hands, remain important.
Any person feeling unwell should stay home and avoid rugby league activities, and if they present with cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms should contact their doctor or Healthline on 0800 358 5453 to see if they need a test.
11 March 2021
The New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) is proud to announce that 2021 will see the much-awaited return of one of our most significant calendar events – the NZRL National Secondary Schools Tournament.
After a two year hiatus, the five-day tournament returns to Auckland’s Pulman Park bigger and better than ever before.
Sixteen schools from across the country will battle it out for the ultimate Secondary Schools Premiership title alongside the Senior Boys Championship and an inaugural Girls Championship involving eight women’s teams for the first time in the competition’s history.
The tournament will commence on Monday 30 August, with the Finals taking place Friday 3 September at Pulman Park.
The competition is a Senior Secondary School Tournament with competing teams entering through their respective Zones / Regional qualifiers. Teams entering the National Secondary Schools Tournament must have a referral from their respective Zone contact.
In conjunction with this tournament and in succession to the inaugural fixture in 2020, New Zealand Rugby League will be selecting a New Zealand Schools (Boys 18s) team to play against New Zealand Clubs (18s) on Sunday 17 October 2021.
Venue – Pulman Park, AucklandCompetition dates: Monday 30 August – Friday 3 September 2021
Senior Boys Premiership– 16 Premier teams – 2 places per Zone (14), plus an additional 2 for Auckland.
Senior Boys Championship– 8 Championship teams – 1 place per Zone (7), plus an additional Auckland School.– Composite schools can also qualify for the Championship tier.
Senior Girls Championship– 8 Women’s teams – 1 place per Zone (7), plus an additional Auckland School.– Composite schools can also qualify for the Championship tier.
If you would like to receive more information, please register your interest here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2021NZRLEOI
07 March 2021
The only game of the round was a 13 try spectacle where the home team came away with a hard-fought win.
Central Districts opened the scoring with a try to winger Herman Seumanufagai on the two-minute mark before the South Island hit back via fullback Mapu Uasi.
Central Districts were next to answer through centre Carlos Kemp as he dotted over for their second four-pointer, but the South Island hit back straight away through powerhouse front-rower George Faaiva.
The Southlanders found their momentum as they steamrolled down the field before Captain Sincere Harraway dotted through the defence to set up the South Island’s third through winger Jack Skipper.
An unlucky error from Central Districts then saw loose forward Kyle Amer barge over for the South Island’s fourth.
Central Districts hit back 30 seconds before half time through Moses Galuvao shortening the half time deficit to six as the South Island went to the sheds with a 20 -14 lead.
Central Districts entered the second forty with all the momentum as centre Carlos Kemp earned his second try of the day reducing the deficit to just two. Winger Pose Tuilaepa then capitalised on a highball, skilfully planting it down to put Central Districts in the lead 22 – 20.
The momentum continued as winger Herman Seumanufagai went over for his second after a clinical offload from fullback Tipene Reweti. However, an error on their line gifted South Island winger Levi Collins with a try under the posts reducing it back to a two-point game.
Central District’s Malachi Ti’a soon spotted a gap and a powerhouse run saw him barge over for his first of the game, extending Central Districts lead 32-26.
South Island fullback Mapu Uasi reduced the deficit to two but Central Districts held on as the final hooter sounded 32-30.
05 March 2021
Rugby league activity in Auckland may resume as of 6.00am on Sunday, March 7, provided the Level 2 requirements set in place by the New Zealand Government can be followed.
Although the remainder of the country will move to Alert Level 1 on Sunday, where gathering restrictions are eased, please note there are still NO CROWDS permitted at this weekend’s NZRL National 20s match between Central Districts vs. South Island at Jerry Collins Stadium in Wellington.
NZRL will provide a further update on the National 20s crowd restrictions for the remaining rounds next week.
Under Alert Level 2 restrictions, which Auckland will move to from 6am on Sunday, gatherings for sport are permitted if limited to groups of 100 or less and physical distancing of two metres for those not on the field is observed.
This applies to any form of rugby league activity, including trainings, games and other gatherings.
At all Alert Levels, electronic and manual contact tracing must be available and placed prominently at the entry point to any facility (indoor and outdoor). Click here to download and learn more about the NZ Covid Tracer app.
Anybody displaying symptoms of sickness, awaiting COVID-19 test results or linked to locations of interest for recent COVID-19 cases of sickness should not participate (or leave home).
High standards of hygiene must be adhered to at any rugby league activity or training, including regular and thorough washing and drying of hands, with hand sanitiser made readily available and used at regular intervals.
If any club, team or individual is not able to comply with the requirements listed below they must not resume rugby league activity.
Click here for full Ministry of Health guidelines and advice.
NZRL is monitoring the situation closely and will continue to update you with the latest information, subject to ongoing Government updates.
4 March 2021
This Sunday 7 March clash between Central Districts and the South Island is the only game for Round Two due to the Covid-19 reschedule.
Central Districts are coming off a second half comeback loss to Auckland in which they will be looking to prove themselves against the South Island team. The South Island team will be looking to follow on from their convincing 56 to 14 victory over Northland.
PLEASE NOTE – This game will have NO CROWDS due to Covid-19 restrictions while the remaining Round Two games (Northland vs. Auckland White and Waicoa Bay vs. Auckland Blue) have been rescheduled to take place on Friday, 2 April in Opaheke, Auckland.
All National 20s games are available live on Sky Sport 4 and Fox League, Kayo and Watch NRL for our Australian viewers.
Jerry Collins Stadium, Wellington
Sunday 7th March 2021
09 March 2021
Due to Auckland being in Alert Level 3, where all rugby league activity (playing, contact and non-contact training) remains postponed for the remainder of the week (pending Government update), the NZRL National 20s competition schedule has been rearranged.
This Sunday, 7 March, the 12 pm match between Central Districts vs. South Island at Jerry Collins Stadium in Wellington will go ahead as planned WITHOUT CROWDS.
The two other Round Two games (Northland vs. Auckland White and Waicoa Bay vs. Auckland Blue) have been rescheduled to take place on Friday, 2 April in Opaheke, Auckland.
As a result of the reschedule, the grand final has now been moved to Saturday 10April, 12:30 pm at Opaheke, Auckland.
Unfortunately, Takahiwai will no longer host any 20s games for the year; however, Northland will get a home game at Trigg Arena (Whangarei Stadium) on Saturday 27 March, 2:30 pm vs. Auckland Blue.
All of the NZRL National 20s games can be viewed live on Sky Sport 4, as well as Fox League, Kayo and Watch NRL for Australian viewers.
For those OUTSIDE AUCKLAND, rugby league activity is permitted ONLY if clubs and facilities can abide by all of the below health requirements:
NZRL will provide further guidance regarding return to rugby league activity for Auckland and any further update on the National 20s competition when possible (subject to Government updates).
The health and wellbeing of our communities remain the priority. Please wear a mandatory face mask if taking public transport and continue to abide by the above health and safety requirements.
Thank you for your ongoing co-operation and understanding during this time.
February 28, 2021 / Will Evans
South Island made a huge statement in Round 1 of the New Zealand Rugby League National 20s competition, defeating Northland 56-14 with a blistering attacking performance at Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub in Christchurch.
Level 2 restrictions coming into effect on Sunday morning prevented spectators from attending the match – a shame given the perfect conditions on the last day of summer and the 13-try exhibition the combatants delivered.
A dominant performance from the South Island forwards laid the platform for the big victory, with lock Kyle Amer and props Junior Tuliakono and George Faavai partcularly strong. The likes of hooker Sincere Harraway, halfback Mesiah Asi and fullback Mapu Uasi – who scored a hat-trick among a 28-point individual haul – provided the polish, and centres Sala Faifale and Jack Skipper were a constant handful out wide.
After withstanding an early Northland assault on their line, South Island grabbed the ascendancy via a break from Uasi and a clever kick from Harraway to force a line dropout.
From the resultant possession, captain Harraway darted from dummy-half and stepped through the Northland defence for the first try.
Both sides were guilty of a spate of errors in the ensuing period, but South Island capitalised when they were able to hang onto the ball. Harraway’s threat from acting half again troubled Northland, combining with towering prop Tuliakiono, who reached out to score.
Uasi’s second conversion made 12-0 to the hosts in even time.
Northland hit back after being piggybacked downfield by a penalty. Interchange forward Dilano Henry Turner muscled over out wide despite the attention of three South Island defenders.
But allowing the subsequent kick-off to bounce dead proved costly for the visitors. South Island halfback Mesiah Asi’s beautiful sleight of hand served up a try for powerhouse centre Sala Faifale, restoring a 12-point advantage.
Faifale did it all himself five minutes later, receiving the ball in space from a Northland error and spearing through gap to bag his second four-pointer.
Northland managed to stem the flow of points until halftime but the South Island assault continued immediately after the resumption. Kiarn Wilson scored in the first set of the second half after toeing the ball ahead twice, Uasi scored a 50-metre runaway try in South Island’s next possession, and bruising lock Kyle Amer powered over for a richly-deserved touchdown soon afterwards.
The scoreline ballooned to 46-6 as Uasi flashed over for his second in the right-hand corner – South Island’s fourth try in just 13 minutes of second-half action. The Linwood Keas CRL premiership winner completed a 10-minute hat-trick a couple of sets later – and brought up the half-century for the home side – scorching down the sideline and dotting down under the posts for another half-field try.
Left winger Vaione Saki was the beneficiary of quick hands from his inside men, diving over for a simple try and a 56-6 lead.
Some respite finally arrived for Northland during the last 10 minutes. Impressive fullback and captain Eroni Biukoto broke through South Island’s right-edge defence and outsprinted the cover defence to score out wide, before making another bust and combining with halfback Ioane Loto’atu to lay on a try for front-rower Nigel Iro.
South Island (Mapu Uasi 3, Sala Faifale 2, Sincere Harraway, Junior Tuilakiono, Kiarn Wilson, Kyle Amer, Vaione Saki tries; Uasi 8 goals) defeated Northland (D. Henry Turner, Biukoto, Iro tries; Biukoto goal) at Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub, Christchurch, Sunday 28th February.
Auckland White emerged 30-16 winners over Wai-Coa-Bay in Rd 1 of the NZRL National 20s competition at Rotorua International Stadium.
The Auckland side were strong through the first half, scoring three tries via Kyson Kingi, Viliami Kuli and Corey Cassidy-Natano, with two conversions from halfback Doux Kauhiva giving them a 16-4 lead at halftime.
Kingi opened the scoring on the right edge after eight minutes of play, followed by Kauhiva slicing through Wai-Coa-Bay’s defence to find Kuli.
On the 25th minute Wai-Coa-Bay’s second rower Rawiri Mathews put points on the board – following a 10 minute delay due to an injury – before Cassidy-Natano dotted down in the left corner.
Wai-Coa-Bay hit first in the second spell, before Kuli made a huge break to give Te Napi Waipouri a four-pointer under the posts, followed by prop Tony Tafa crashing over to give the visitors a 26-10 lead.
Off the back of two penalties, Wai-Coa-Bay prop Aamon Dean burrowed over to reduce the deficit to 26-16, but Auckland’s Elam Payne hit back quickly to end any chance of a comeback.
Auckland White will play Northland on Saturday, March 6 at Takahiwai Rugby League Club.
Auckland White 30 (Kyson Kingi, Viliami Kuli, Corey Cassidy-Natano, Te Napi Waipouri, Tony Tafa, Elam Payne tries; Doux Kauhiva x3 conversions) def. Wai-Coa-Bay 16 (Rawiri Mathews, Te Ohomauri Rapana, Aamon Dean tries; Xavier Mitchell x2 conversions) at Rotorua International Stadium.
28 February 2021
As of 6am this morning the Auckland region is back at Alert Level 3 for the next seven days meaning all rugby league activity (training and playing) in the region is suspended.
The remainder of New Zealand is at Alert Level 2 where gatherings are restricted to groups of 100 and physical distancing of two metres for those not on the field is observed.
As result, the NZRL National 20s game between Northland and the South Island scheduled for 2pm at Nga Puna Wai today will have no crowds.
NZRL will provide an update regarding the remainder of the National 20s schedule in the next 24 hours.
Any person feeling unwell should stay home and if they present with cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms should contact their doctor or Healthline on 0800 358 5453 to see if they need a test.
27 February 2021
A late surge saw Auckland Blue beat Central Districts 34-18 in the opening round of the NZRL National 20s at Opaheke Sports Park.
After trailing 18-12 at the break, Auckland Blue fought back with four second-half tries to record victory.
Earlier Central Districts prop Memphis Hennessy opened the scoring after just two minutes, before Auckland hit back via Stanley Iongi and Samuel Hansen.
But Central Districts didn’t go away and hooker Wyatt So-otaga sliced through defence to score on the 26th minute followed by another four-pointer to Kayin Katene to give them an 18-12 lead at half time.
In the second spell the momentum shifted when co-captain Zyon Maiu’u burrowed over on the 46th minute, before Iongi crossed for his second to extend the lead to 24-18.
Minutes later Maiu’u crashed over again, followed by a try to Mangere East’s Junior Moli to secure victory.
Halfback Caleb Laiman was excellent off the boot, converting all but one try.
Auckland Blue will play Wai-Coa-Bay at Rotorua International Stadium in Rd 2 next Saturday.
Auckland Blue 34 (Stanley Iongi x2, Samuel Hansen, Zyon Maiu’u x2, Junior Moli tries; Caleb Laiman x5 conversions) def. Central Districts 18 (Memphis Hennessy, Wyatt So-otaga, Kayin Katene tries; Brooklyn Herewini x3 conversions) at Opaheke Sports Park.
26 February 2021
New Zealand Rugby League and Auckland Rugby League have collaborated to design a new approach to junior rugby league, which will see significant changes come into effect from this year.
After working alongside the NZRL to set out the vision for junior league in the country, the ARL will rollout the new Junior Development Framework (JDF) in full for all mini/mod (U6-U12) grades in 2021.
Supported by the NZRL, the ARL has piloted aspects of the framework in various children’s grades in Auckland since 2017, seeking consultation from local coaches, players, managers and club chairs along the way.
While the ARL will implement the new JDF immediately, the NZRL will be adopting a staggered approach with their regions in the rollout of the new framework.
The biggest changes are in the U6 grade where children have their first experience of organised rugby league.
Under the JDF the first eight weeks of the U6 season will be played under League Tag (non-contact) rules, while come the second half of the season teams will have the choice of continuing to play League Tag or to switch to traditional contact rugby league.
For that grade it will be mandatory for coaches to deliver a six-week tackle confidence programme through the opening two months of the season, regardless of which form of the game they choose for the second part of the year.
In relation to skill development and encouraging decision making in the formative years, a crucial aspect is the introduction of first-receiver bibs for the U8-U12 grades, with dummy-half bibs also being used from the U9-U12 grades.
Both bibs allow the player wearing it to run, score and be tackled without two passes being required or a change of possession being triggered (normal mini-mod rules state that two passes must be achieved to retain possession).
ARL game development and participation manager Sam Cawdron said the framework was about evolving the game to suit the attitudes and needs of those involved at junior levels.
“The JDF is heavily geared towards teaching safer tackling and giving kids confidence in contact, along with encouraging skill development, decision making and a learning and play-orientated approach for our youngest players,” Cawdron said. “The move to introduce League Tag for the first half of the season for the U6 grade means teams can be put through a tackle confidence programme and then decide whether they are ready to move to contact or want to continue to play League Tag.
“This is to help build confidence and gives kids a chance to learn and be introduced to tackling.
“Providing kids with the option on when to switch over to contact allows them to be develop at their own pace, keeping in mind that current NRL stars such as Shaun Johnson, Benji Marshall and Ryan Papenhuyzen all come from non-contact backgrounds.
“League Tag is going to help open up rugby league to a larger group of the population who are interested in a non-contact activity.”
NZRL general manager of high performance and football, Motu Tony, said the changes are a positive for the game.
“Extensive research and collaboration have gone into this project to ensure that our participants at the Kiwi League Kids level (formerly mini/mod) have a rugby league programme that is enjoyable, safe and helps develop them on and off the field,” Tony said.
“I would particularly like to thank the ARL for their partnership and fantastic work during the three-year pilot programme, which has resulted in an offering that I am sure will be enjoyed by all our KLK participants.”
For further information and coaching resources click here.
Junior Development Framework features outlined:
24 February 2021
New Zealand Rugby League will kick off its inaugural National 20s Competition this Saturday 27 February when Auckland Blue take on Central Districts at 2pm Opaheke Auckland, followed by Waicoa Bay v Auckland White at Rotorua International Stadium 4pm.
Sunday 28th will see the South Island take on Northland at 12pm down at Nga Puna Wai Stadium in Christchurch.
All games will be televised live on Sky Sport 4, and for Australian viewers games available on Fox League, Kayo and Watch NRL.
NZRL GM of High Performance and Football, Motu Tony says: “We have been working hard to improve the pathways we provide for our young rugby league players in New Zealand.”
“Our rangatahi are vital to the domestic and professional success of the code, the average age of an NRL debutant is now 21, so it’s crucial we are developing and strengthening this age group as much as we can at home. This competition also allows coaches, managers, trainers and match officials to gain further development and experience.
“The 20s Competition allows us to foster budding rugby league talent from up and down the country and the potential NZRL 2022 SG Ball team adds another layer of incentive for our young players.”
Saturday 27th FebAuckland Blue v Central Districts – 2pm Opaheke Auckland Waicoa Bay v Auckland White – 4pm Rotorua International Stadium Sunday 28th FebSouth Island v Northland – 12pm Nga Puna Wai Christchurch
As seen on aucklandleague.co.nz
There is nothing quite like a Ruben Wiki workout on a muggy Auckland evening to help you drop a few kilograms.
Just ask Auckland U20 squad member Jacob Leung-Wai Milo.
In his first month of training with Wiki – who is working with Leung-Wai Milo’s Otara Scorpions this year – the 19-year-old has already lost 8kgs and believes there’s plenty more to drop yet.
“It’s been a killer with Ruben, but he’s been helping me heaps,” Leung-Wai Milo said.
“I’ve got heaps more to go I think. My goal weight is 110kg and right now I’m 120kg.
“I buzz out sometimes when I look at Ruben when he’s talking to us.
“I was too young to have watched him play, but I watch clips of his runs off kick-offs, so I know a bit about him.”
Efforts to slim down come after a few years of adversity for Leung-Wai Milo, who had to forfeit his final year at Gold Coast league nursery Keebra Park State High School – famed for helping to develop NRL superstars such as Benji Marshall and Payne Haas – last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
There were also back-to-back serious knee injuries in 2018 and 2019, resulting in two surgeries, one of which was a reconstruction.
“I was pretty gutted for a few months there, but I’m over it now and have moved past it,” he said.
“Keebra was a good experience. It was tough, the trainings were something else, especially the fitness.
“While I was there I played against (current Queensland State of Origin player) Xavier Coates and played with guys like (2021 Brisbane Broncos trialist) Reece Walsh.
“I’m thankful to the people at my homestay in Aus who always pushed me to train and not sit there and feel sorry for myself with my knee problems.
“One of their children did their knee at the same time so we were rehabbing and training together which helped.”
Ahead of his Auckland White side kicking off their NZRL National 20s campaign this Saturday against Wai-Coa-Bay in Rotorua, Leung-Wai Milo said preparations are tracking well.
“Trainings have been going well and we’ve been focussing a lot on the game plan we want to use for the competition,” he said.
“It’s good to be gelling with guys my age.
“Everyone is training really well and we are excited for the first game.”
When former rugby league superstar Ali Lauititi is your uncle and you happen to also be named after him, you’d better be handy with a rugby league ball.
Luckily that’s the case for Papatoetoe Panthers product Ali Leiataua, with the talented fullback set to take the next step in his own promising league career by representing Auckland in the NZRL National 20s competition which kicks off this weekend.
As the first boy in his family, Leiataua was named after his mum Tala’s brother Ali, who at the time of his nephew’s birth in January 2003 had just come off a spectacular NRL campaign with the New Zealand Warriors in which he was named the competition’s best second-rower.
“We talk heaps of footy. He comes over most days and we chat,” Leiataua said of his relationship with his uncle.
“I’d just been born in his last few years at the Warriors, so I was too young to remember, but I’ve seen lots of clips of him playing and he was a pretty damaging ball runner.
“A few times we have had a game in the backyard… he’s still got it, he’s a bit unfit now but you can tell he still has it in him!
“We are different builds, but he still thinks he can beat me in a race.
“He’s very competitive and I think that’s where I get it from.”
In good news for the Auckland Blue side, Leiataua’s tip sheet includes ideas on replicating uncle Ali’s renowed offload game.
“He’s told me to always try and get that ball free when I run and to always keep the ball in two hands to keep the opposition in two minds, and that way you always have an option for a fend,” Leiataua said.
“When he’s not busy he comes and watches, or if it’s on TV he watches, and he’s like a little game review guy for me.
“He’ll come over and sit me down for a chat and tell me what I did do well and what I didn’t do well.”https://cdn.iframe.ly/api/iframe?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DdDW5nqUMCLQ&key=bab6e08fa25761f5368580a846bae5ea
Linking up with the Auckland U20s marks Leiataua’s return to league, after spending last season playing school rugby union.
“I missed league, it’s my bread and butter. It’s good to get back into it,” Leiataua said.
“It’s been good to play league again, it had been a while.
“When I turned up at the trial there were a few familiar faces I played with and against.
“It’s something new playing with the older boys – there’s guys in the team who are two years older than me – so physically it’s a little bit harder, but with training so consistently it’s been good so far.”
February 23 2021
With the Auckland region having moved to Level 1 as of February 23, NZRL is encouraging clubs and all involved in the game to continue to maintain a high level of awareness and hygiene at all rugby league activities, including trainings and games.
February 19th 2021.
In partnership with ACC, LeagueSmart aims to better prepare and educate our volunteers, staff and players around different health, safety and wellbeing practise to ensure our game is a safe space for all involved.
To encourage our rugby league communities to complete the training and stay on top of their rugby league knowledge, NZRL is giving away a BLK / NZRL supporters prize which will include: A 2017 RLWC Kiwis jersey, polo, hoodie and trackies, training gear and assorted headwear!
Anyone who completes the LeagueSmart programme (10 – 15 minutes) will instantly go in the draw to win. To complete LeagueSmart, please visit https://nzrl.co.nz/get-involved/leaguesmart/.
The competition will run from the 19th of February to the 19th of March with the winner being announced on the 26th of March.
Follow NZRL social media platforms for regular updates!
17 February 2021
Rugby league activity in Auckland may resume as of February 18 provided the strict Level 2 requirements set in place by the New Zealand Government can be followed.
Under Level 2 restrictions, which Auckland will move to from midnight on February 17, gatherings for sport are permitted if limited to groups of 100 or less and physical distancing of two metres for those not on the field is observed.
The requirements outlined here apply to any form of rugby league activity, including trainings, games and other gatherings.
Both electronic and manual contact tracing must be available and placed prominently at the entry point to any facility (indoor and outdoor). Click here to download and learn more about the NZ Covid Tracer app.
Please refer to your appropriate District and Club for more specific information on upcoming competitions and fixtures.
14 February 2021
In the wake of Auckland moving to COVID-19 Level 3 for the next three days, all rugby league activity in the region is suspended until midnight on Wednesday, February 17.
This includes all club trainings and activities.
The Auckland Rugby League office will be closed on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, but staff will be working from home and be available. Click here to contact.
Visit www.covid19.covt.nz for more Government information.
If you enjoy sport and engaging with the community, an exciting employment opportunity has arisen with Counties Manukau Rugby League.
CMRL is now open to receiving applications of interest for the role of Development Officer.
Click here for the application form.
Applications close on the 19th of February 2021.
3rd February 2021
Benji Marshall is set to represent his Māori culture for the first time as he was yesterday named in the NZ Māori All-Stars squad.
Marshall has been named on the bench for the Māori All-Stars with coach David Kidwell unveiling a 20-man squad looking to make it two in a row after a 30-16 win over their Indigenous counterparts last year.
Marshall has been included alongside close relative Jeremy Marshall-King who are both in line to come off the bench at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on February 20.
“When I phoned Benji and asked if he would like to represent the Indigenous Māori, you could just hear the excitement that came across the line from him,” Kidwell told NRL.com.
“And to also be able to play with Jeremy, which he’s never been able to do before, I think that’s really important and something we did well last year.
“He’s looking forward to getting into camp and using his experience.”
Kidwell said he’ll work with the clubs to determine the amount of game time the likes of Marshall will play in the match.
Penrith playmaker Jarome Luai and premiership-winning halfback Jahrome Hughes, who faced off against each other in the grand final last year, will start in the halves.
“We’re always trying to work with NRL clubs because we understand coming from clubland,” Kidwell said.
“We’ll figure all that out but sometimes it’s hard to stop players who want to spend a lot of time on the field.
“Marshall, Luai, Raiders fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Roosters centre Joseph Manu are among 11 changes made to the Māori All-Stars squad following last year’s win.
Nicoll-Klokstad replaces Knights superstar Kalyn Ponga at the back, who underwent shoulder surgery in the off-season.
Storm recruit Reimis Smith is another bolter in the starting line-up with Raiders winger Bailey Simonsson included on the unlimited interchange bench.
Prominent Kiwi Ferns front a strong Māori All-Stars wahine squad including the likes of Raecene McGregor and Nita Maynard who missed the end of year Kiwi Ferns campaign due to Covid-19 restrictions. Former Kiwi Ferns veteran Rona Peters also makes her return to the side.
Coach Rusty Matua is unable to travel to Australia to steer the side so Keith Hanley and assistant Lisa Fiaola will take over the duties.
Despite the disruptions, Hanley has named a host of familiar personnel with NSW representatives Botille Vette-Welsh, Corban McGregor and Kennedy Cherrington included in the Māori All-Stars wahine squad.
The blockbuster doubleheader will kick off on Saturday the 20th of February at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, 10:00 pm NZDT.
27 January 2021
New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) has announced a major technology upgrade for the administration of the sport of rugby league throughout the country.
NZRL has partnered with Sportsground Ltd, a New Zealand based digital technology company, to utilise the ‘Sporty’ platform to help organise its sport.
The decision to use Sporty to upgrade its systems, including all player, coach, referee and volunteer registrations, member management, and game competition management was not made lightly according to NZRL CEO, Greg Peters.
“We used 2020 to review and evaluate a number of options both domestically and abroad. We’re pleased to have identified a local sports technology company with proven capability to meet the demanding requirements of organising our sport nationally,” Peters said.
Mike Purchas, CEO of Sportsground Ltd says they are pleased to have been selected to deliver the solution.
“We’re thrilled. We already provide web services for a number of rugby league organisations and we are excited to be increasing their functionality and rolling it out nationally for 2021,” Purchas said.
Boasting a clientele that includes NZ Rugby, Netball NZ, Football NZ, Touch NZ and many other national bodies, Sportsground Ltd has been servicing the New Zealand sports sector for over a decade. The Sporty platform is modular and provides an integrated, hierarchal system designed to meet the differing needs at each level of a sport, from the participant to the team, club/school, regional organisation and national body.
“It requires boldness to undertake a digital upgrade. The easy option is to retain status quo, but that’s not necessarily the best outcome for a sport. We applaud the decision from NZRL to implement transformational change that will future-proof it for years to come,” stated Purchas.
Peters added, “The global pandemic has emphasised the importance of timely communication and robust digital solutions that help administer our sport. Our technology upgrade with Sporty puts rugby league in good stead.”
January 16 2021
One-test Kiwis fullback Tony Smith never lost his love of sport despite missing out on a rugby league test jersey and team photograph and being banned from playing rugby union for life.
The retired North Canterbury farmer died last Monday, aged 81, after a short illness.
Smith – aided by his late wife Chris – devoted himself to sport and community affairs in the Waiau district despite being refused reinstatement to rugby union after a short, successful league career.
He played his one and only test for the Kiwis in 1962, kicking a goal in a record 19-0 win over Great Britain at Auckland’s Carlaw Park. But Smith suffered a shoulder injury and missed selection for the second Test.
“Because the players were allowed to keep their jerseys only at the second Test, when the team photo was also taken, Tony missed out on both,’’ New Zealand Rugby League historian John Coffey said.
The Kiwis test proved his last game of rugby league in New Zealand. He married in 1963 and went to farm at Waiau, where the local rugby club’s case to have him reinstated was flatly refused by higher authorities.
Back then, any player deemed to have been a rugby professional was automatically denied a rugby union return.
Smith’s case was in a different league, however, to most code switchers. Some former union players had made a handsome living from playing for big English league clubs – ex-All Black and Empire Games relay bronze medallist Peter Henderson funded a Waikato farm from his Huddersfield tenure.
Smith, however, played domestically and once told a Press reporter that his league expenses scarcely covered his petrol costs to Christchurch from Waikari.
Waiau, where he moved at the age of 23, was 120km from the nearest rugby league competition in Christchurch – too far to drive to practices and games for a busy young farmer.
Former Linwood and Canterbury forward John Flanagan said Smith decided to put a halt to his league career, despite having a potentially long representative tenure ahead of him in an era when the Kiwis won the Courtney Goodwill Trophy as the world’s leading league nation.
“We were at his wedding on May 3, 1963 on the day they announced the Kiwis team to tour Australia. If he had still been playing league, he would have gone on that tour for sure,” Flanagan said.
“In his last two years with Linwood, he was back working on a farm at Waikari, and he used to come in for training on Thursday, play the game and stay over, when he needed to, with the owners of His Lordship’s Hotel, free of charge.
“But when he moved to Waiau, he decided it was too far to drive in.”
Flanagan felt Smith’s rugby union exclusion was “a big loss for them” because his friend would have been a major asset to the 15-man code in Canterbury Country.
“The only rugby he played afterwards was the [Waiau club’s] Married v Singles game.”
Coffey said: “Banned from the only sport played in his area, Tony nevertheless was the lifeblood of the local rugby union club for the next few decades. He could not play again but that did not stop him from coaching junior teams and doing more than anyone to keep the club going, off the field.
“He was held in high regard by his former Linwood and Canterbury team-mates and by those in north Canterbury who knew of his selfless work for a sport which had blacklisted him.”
Smith’s son, Peter, said his father “never showed any bitterness” to rugby union officialdom and simply got on with living a long and happy life.
That included coaching junior rugby teams in Waiau, and a long spell playing and coaching tennis, which became his main sporting outlet.
Anthony Andrew Smith was born in 1939, and grew up in the Waikari district where he was a promising rugby union player, who became a Hurunui representative.
Flanagan said Smith switched to league after being spotted playing union by Neville Atkinson, a Linwood stalwart then living in Waikari.
Aged 19, he was invited to move to Christchurch, where he lived in a boarding house in Stanmore Road, and worked as a drainlayer’s assistant for Linwood captain Bob Pounsford.
“Tony made an impact the first game he played for us,” Flanagan said. “Some of the Papanui guys said, ‘where did he come from’?’’
Smith proved a quick learner in his new code. He helped Linwood share the Canterbury title with Papanui in 1960 and become outright champions the following year.
“He was a reliable last line of defence, a great handler of the ball and an outstanding goalkicker,” said Flanagan, who likened Smith’s skills to those of his Linwood and Canterbury rugby union contemporary Fergie McCormick.
“Pat White – who became a Kiwi with his brother, Jim – was our goalkicker, but he missed a couple of conversions in a game. Tony took over and landed them from everywhere, and kept the job.”
Smith was the top points scorer in the Canterbury competition for two years running.
He once broke in a brand-new pair of boots by kicking nine goals from 11 attempts against Marist – eight from eight in the second half.
“He was a great tackler, and good on attack, as well. He had very strong hips, from working on the farm since he left school,’’ Flanagan said.
Smith made firm friendships with his Linwood teammates, often taking them home to his parents’ Waikari farm for a weekend of hunting and socialising.
“We couldn’t drink at [Waikari’s] Star and Garter because the publican, who must have been on the rugby union, wouldn’t serve us because were only 19 at the time, yet he used to serve Tony when he was playing [rugby] for Waikari,’’ Flanagan said. Undeterred, the Linwood lads switched their custom to the Great Northern Hotel “down the road.’’
After standing out for Linwood, Smith was selected for Canterbury and became a South Island representative in 1960 – only his second season in league – and again in 1962.
He starred in Canterbury’s first Northern Union Cup home victory over Auckland in 1962, kicking four goals in a 16-13 win over an Auckland team featuring 12 Kiwis.
That display helped Smith earn a Kiwis call up for the first test against Great Britain at Carlaw Park. He slotted a goal before suffering an injury, which curtailed his 1962 season.
“He never played rugby league in New Zealand again,” Flanagan said. “But he did play for us when we had an overseas tour to Sydney, where we went to the 1962 grand final between St George and Wests, and then had games against Manly-Waringah, a selection picked from four Wollongong clubs, and the Mittagong District.”
Tim Bond, a standoff half who played alongside Smith for Canterbury, the South Island and the Kiwis, said the fullback deserved a Kiwis jersey and was ” a real, thorough team man”.
“He was the hardest fullback I ever struck. He knocked you backwards, and you always felt it. If you got past Tony Smith, you were lucky. He was such a reliable player; he was really a sportsman who did his best every game. He was really friendly with everyone, a real good fella.”
After rugby league, Smith turned his attention to farming, retiring when he was close to 70 and passing on a property once owned by wife Chris’ family, to his second son, Gary.
Peter Smith said his father and mother were actively involved in the Waiau community, with tennis proving a particular passion for Tony, who was still coaching kids at the Waiau club until he became ill.
“He loved all sports – he liked rugby, and rugby league,” Peter said. “He couldn’t wait for the NRL season to start.”
Anthony Andrew Smith. Born: September 15, 1939. Died: January 11, 2021. Pre-deceased by wife Christine. Survived by sons Gary, Paul and Peter. – Tony Smith (Stuff sports reporter).
The Canterbury Rugby League community is mourning the loss of Bill Whitehead QSM, who passed away on Friday, aged 89. To say the game farewells one of its hardest-working and dedicated servants would almost be to undersell his colossal contribution to rugby league locally and nationally.
Whitehead has been described as the most decorated man in New Zealand rugby league – and as the holder of life memberships with nine different rugby league bodies (and another in Bowls), a Queen’s Service Medal, a Sport Canterbury Lifetime Achievement award and a string of other honours, it’s fairly safe to say there’s no hyperbole in that statement.
Christchurch-based Whitehead, known affectionately as ‘Rugby League Bill’, gave up thousands upon thousands of hours of his own time in over 60 years of service to the game as a manager and administrator, along with some notable cameos as a player and referee.
William Albert Whitehead was born in Reefton in 1931 and lived in the West Coast town of Inangahua until 1947. He was a keen follower of rugby league as a youngster – he revelled in telling the tales of his uncle, Bill Clark, outsprinting All Blacks and Kiwis legend George Nepia to score a try for Inangahua against Canterbury in 1937, and watching a Ray Nuttall-inspired West Coast side defeat the touring Great Britain ‘Indomitables’ in ’46 – but it was a familiar example of bureaucracy from the then-amateur rugby union that permanently pushed him towards the 13-a-side code.
“We didn’t have schoolboy rugby league on the Coast, but I played rugby union in Nelson after we shifted there in 1947,” Whitehead recalled in a 2015 interview.
“I played two years for them in ’47-48, but I ran a professional mile in 1949, and I got given (the equivalent of) two dollars and a ribbon. That made me a ‘professional’, so I couldn’t play rugby union anymore. I had to wait until I moved to Christchurch in 1951 and the following year I played rugby league for Papanui reserves.”
Marist (known as Marist-Western Suburbs from 1968) formed in 1952. Whitehead began a long association with the club soon afterwards, firstly as a player for the reserves side, then as a team manager, vice-president, secretary and – from 1982 to ’85 – president.
He was made a life member of the club in 1981 and became a life member of the New Zealand Marist Rugby League Association in ’97 after holding several high-ranking posts for that organisation.
“I managed the premiers for three years, and in my first year I told Jim Amos, the famous coach, about a player in reserves he should have a look at. Jim said, ‘just make sure you’ve got the jerseys’. So I quickly learned my place,” he laughed.
Whitehead managed one appearance for the club’s premier side – as an emergency replacement in 1965.
“We got to Hornby and we were one player short. (Coach) Father Pearce said, ‘I’ll have to find a pair of boots’; he was going to play himself. I said, ‘I’m ahead of you!’. So I got to play my one and only premier game.
“We got beaten 20-0, and I remember it like it was yesterday. They had three Kiwis in their side – Ian Drayton, John Bray and Brian Langton. I went into the Hornby rooms and said to (Test winger) Langton, ‘you won’t get any tries today’. He said, ‘why not?’, and I said, ‘because I’m marking ya!’”
Whitehead was also the manager or local manager for over 300 teams. He was twice the local manager for Australia, Great Britain and France, and Wales once, during the national sides’ visits to Christchurch, a role he fulfilled for countless touring New Zealand and Australian representative teams. He was local manager for Kiwis sides in 1971, ’77 and ’80, while he managed the Kiwi Schoolboys four times during the 1980s – including on a tour of Australia in ’86.
But his most lasting association was as the local manager for every visiting West Coast team from 1964-89, an enduring and amicable partnership that led to a genuine career highlight in 1987, when he was awarded the Queen’s Service Medal by then-Governor-General Sir Paul Reeves.
“I was on tour in Australia managing the Kiwi Schoolboys side when I got word of that. It’s funny that, because I wrote to the Canterbury Rugby League to thank them for the nomination but I found out later it was the West Coast that nominated me.
“I was chatting away to (Reeves), and he said, ‘another rugby league man’ – he’d just given (a QSM) to Johnny Lloyd, my old mate from Hornby. I said, ‘I wanted to ask you, where do the workers go for a beer after the ceremony? We don’t drink champagne and that kind of stuff. He said, ‘as a matter of fact, neither do I – I usually have a keg out the back, and if you hang back I’ll have one with you.’ So me and Johnny had a couple of beers with Sir Paul Reeves.”
A life membership nod from the New Zealand Rugby League followed in 1998.
“That meant a lot, of course; there was the odd person – mainly from Auckland – that said I didn’t deserve it, but that didn’t worry me a hell of a lot,” he said with a hearty chuckle.
He received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Canterbury Sports Awards in 2019, which Sir Peter Leitch presented Whitehead with during a visit to his Christchurch rest home soon afterwards.
Whitehead had significant involvement with other sports, including his role as the media manager of weightlifting at the 1974 Commonwealth Games, coordinating the Rugby League Night in conjunction with the Canterbury Park Trotting Club for 30 years, and being tournament convenor for the Canterbury Licensed Trade Bowls Club, the latter earning him a 10th life membership.
But his heart lay with rugby league, and Whitehead’s enormous contribution to the code at junior levels brought him just as much pride and enjoyment as rubbing shoulders with some of the game’s greats.
Among many, many stories of his tireless efforts was the time when he organised raffles and sponsors (including Air New Zealand) to get a Canterbury 8-year-old side to Auckland, where they played against Ellerslie and Mt Albert.
He also displayed a sharp eye for talent-spotting on occasion.
“I was invited to pick five or six up-and-coming players from Canterbury to take to Cromwell to play the Kawarau Bears, with the rest of the team coming from Mosgiel. Future Kiwis Esene Faimalo and Logan Edwards were among them, as were two New Zealand Marist reps, and Russell Tuuta, who later played for New Zealand Maori.
“I was quite pleased with the five I picked, with all of them ending up with New Zealand in front of their names within five years.”
Whitehead remained a passionate follower of rugby league in his later years, delighting in the Kiwis’ regular successes and riding the Warriors’ rollercoaster. But he had no hesitation in nominating a hero of yesteryear as his all-time favourite.
“My idol was Mel Cooke, who was the best footballer I’ve seen in the South Island and the best forward without any doubt; the second would probably be Charlie McBride.
“I used to pass Mel on the roads all the time – he did a hell of a lot of running. I used to say they named Pound Road after him, because he was always pounding (the pavement).”
There are very few significant elements of Canterbury Rugby League’s post-WWII history Whitehead did not have some big or small role in: “The Pat Smith Trophy that they play for now (in the CRL premiership grand final), I actually bought out of the petty cash at Tattersall Hotel,” he revealed in 2015.
A remarkable milestone was celebrated during a South Island Kiwis reunion at Gary Clarke’s museum in Woolston in December 2014, when Sir Peter Leitch took it upon himself to recognise Whitehead’s 60 years of service to rugby league. In a typically generous gesture, Sir Peter presented Whitehead with an engraved trophy and a voucher to take his family out to Christmas dinner – an indication of the esteem some of the game’s finest servants hold ‘Rugby League Bill’ in.
NZRL chief executive Phil Holden also sent a letter thanking Whitehead for his six decades of service.
“You don’t go looking for recognition, but it’s nice when it happens,” Whitehead said matter-of-factly, while adding that “friendship” was his main motivator for selflessly giving so much of his time for the benefit of others.
It’s obvious the future of rugby league remained very close to his heart, however, and that Whitehead was loath to see the foundations he and others have laid for junior and grassroots football go to waste, concluding our 2015 interview with this pointed reminder:
“I keep telling the clubs, that’s where the Mel Cookes come from. Grassroots are the most important part of our game. I’ll always appreciate my involvement with schoolboy football, and that’s where the great players come from.”
Canterbury Rugby League extends its sympathies to ‘Rugby League Bill’s’ family and friends.
11 November 2020
Rugby League World Cup 2021 (RLWC2021) has today confirmed of details regarding the first-ever Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) World Cup, an exhibition event, which will be held during next year’s showpiece tournament.
The five-team tournament will be hosted in Warrington from 1 November 2021 and will be a festival of exciting and competitive international PDRL. The event will culminate with the final at the Halliwell Jones Stadium ahead of France v Samoa in the final men’s group A match, on 7 November 2021.
The PDRL event was originally planned under the banner of the Festival of World Cups, which was due to take place in the summer of 2021, but the Festival was recently postponed because of the impact of COVID-19. RLWC2021 have today (28 October) announced delivering the PDRL World Cup as part of the wider programme of the tournament, adding to the commitment of being the most inclusive Rugby League World Cup ever.
The PDRL World Cup, which will run alongside RLWC2021, comprises teams from five nations who will take part in a mini-tournament format. England, New Zealand, Australia, Scotland and Wales are all set to compete for the first ever PDRLWorld Cup title.
PDRL is an adapted version of rugby league aimed at facilitating those with physical disabilities the opportunity to play.
RLWC2021 Chief Executive Jon Dutton said: “We are delighted that we can still deliver this first-ever PDRL World Cup alongside the Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair competitions in what will certainly be the biggest, best and importantly most inclusive Rugby League World Cup in history.
“The action will be intense, and the final being staged at Warrington’s Halliwell Jones Stadium before the France v Samoa game ensures not only a big crowd but also a fitting finale to this tournament. Although we are sad that the Festival of World Cups has understandably been postponed, we are proud that we can stage the PDRL World Cup.”
Professor Steven Broomhead MBE, Warrington Borough Council Chief Executive and Vice Chair of Warrington Wolves said: “We’re incredibly proud to be hosting the PDRL event at our prized Halliwell Jones Stadium, as part of the biggest and most inclusive Rugby League World Cup yet.
“We’re excited to be part of PDRL story and to be able to encourage more people to get involved with and watch these games. Everyone working within PDRL is determined to make next year a monumental event and we hope that the games inspire more teams to join the PDRL in the years to come.”
Sandra Hickey, Chairperson of Physical Disability Rugby League NZ said: “We are really excited about the opportunity to see our athletes shine on the global stage. This will be the first time our athletes will get to play in such a grand event as the Rugby League World Cup, wearing the Kiwi jersey with pride, right alongside their able-bodied peers. Our focus now is on training, fundraising and doing all we need to bring that cup back home with us.”
The PDRL World Cup schedule will be released in due course for more information visit: rlwc2021.com
To view a special message regarding the PDRL World Cup from RLWC2021 ambassador and Warrington Wolves PDRLplayer Adam Hills visit: https://youtu.be/DFanTONqjGo
8 November 2020
A haka showdown with the support of the NZ18 players set the scene for what would be a passionate affair between the Residents and NZ Maori.
It took 14 minutes to see the opening try and it didn’t disappoint, a left edge set play finished with Residents winger Sam Fa’apito going over untouched. Captain Francis Leger converted to make it a 6-0 lead over the Maori Residents.
The Maori Residents hit back instantly as they won their own short kick-off, and off that set James Waterson latched onto a grubber in behind to score. Josiah Afu added the extra two to level up the score.
After constant pressure, Maori Resident front rower Trent Schaumakal twisted his way over the line as repeat sets proved detrimental to the Residents outfit. Josiah Afu again added the extras to take their first lead of the evening.
Number 17 Keanu Dawson made an instant impact coming on for the Residents side, as he crashed over to bridge the gap. Leger converted to level the scores again with seven remaining in the first half.
Patrick Sipley grabbed the first points, six minutes into the second stanza as he put the Residents back into the lead. Leger converted to take the score to 18-12.
A sublime kick from Sam Nati ended with some magic from Matti Tuitama putting Sam Fa’apito over for his second. Leger unable to convert as the Residents went up 22 points to 12 with just over 20 minutes to go.
Three minutes later Sam Fa’apito claimed his hat trick when he picked off a pass from Jordan Bunce and took it 90 metres to score. Leger was unable to convert Fa’apito’s scintillating effort as the score remained 26-12. All the momentum was with the NZ Residents as they looked to close the game out with 10 remaining,
However a penalty on the Residents’ line saw momentum shift as the mistake afforded an opportunity for the Maori’s and they turned it into points. Cole Waaka’s cut out ball put James Waterson over for his second of the evening. Conversion unsuccessful as the Maori side reduced the margin to 10.
James Waterson grabbed himself a hat trick of his own to pull the game within one score, Josiah Afu converted from the left side line which created a grandstand finish. 26-22 with only three minutes left in the match.
The NZ Maori then completed the stunning 14 point comeback with only six remaining. Mikaere Beattie capped off an impressive 50-metre move as he crashed over for a try right under the post, stealing the win from the NZ Residents and pulling off an impressive 28-26 upset.
7 November 2020
Mt Smart hosted its first game of the calendar year as Niue Rugby League and Hakula Tonga went head to head as part of NZRL’s Clash of the Pacific Women’s Double Header.
It didn’t take long for Tonga to break the deadlock as number 23 Alice Vailea took advantage of a great first set to bundle over from dummy half. Tonga took a 4-0 lead early as the conversion was unsuccessful.
Four minutes later Mele Hufanga doubled the lead beating two defenders on her way to the line. Hufanga converting her own score to make it 10-0.
Tongan fullback Malie Taulaga sliced her way through to score her first of the afternoon, as the Hakula woman begin to show their dominance. 14-0 after 11 minutes.
Manutala’aho Huni grabbed her first, crashing over after a superb offload from Taulaga put her in open space. Hufanga added the extras to make the lead 20-0 after 16 minutes.
A Niue mistake close to the line was again made to pay as Tongan captain Lilieta Mamau-Pinomi bulldozed her way over the line. Hufanga added the conversion to take the lead to 26-0 after 22 minutes.
From the kickoff set, winger Sarah Filimoe’atu finished off a clinical move from their own half, going 50 metres to score under the post. Hufanga converts. 32-0 with 15 minutes remaining in the first stanza.
Nancy Sikei Mafile’o then went over for her first of the afternoon. Conversion successful as Tonga lead 38-0.
Niue received their first penalty and did not fail to convert that into points as Niue captain Bobbie Kamutoa fought her way over the line. Conversion unsuccessful as the score remained 38-4.
Both teams went into the sheds at half time, Tonga leading Niue 38 points to four.
After a battling eight minutes, it was Niue who capitalised first as Holly Hiko received a lovely cut out pass to go over for the first try of the second period. Niue again unable to kick the conversion attempt as they stay on eight points.
Danger woman Mele Hufanga again weaved her way out of trouble, and went on a scintillating 80 metre effort, crushing any sort of comeback from the Niuean side. She was unable to convert her second try. Tonga lead 42-8 after 56 minutes.
A minute later Nancy Sikei Mafile’o scored her second of the game as Hakula woman broaden the lead further. Hufanga converts from right in front as Tonga create a 40-point buffer. 48-8.
A left foot-step by the Tongan number 1 put her right through as Taulaga added another try of her own. Hufanga converted to widen the gap to 54 points to eight.
The number 21, Mele Hufanga achieved her hat trick with 12 minutes to go, again showing her rampant strength and footwork. She converted from in front to take the lead to 60 points to eight.
With 7 minutes remaining, Hakula winger Sarah Filimoe’atu grabbed her second in similar vein as her first, breaking the line and going 50 metres to score under the post, Hufanga again converted to make the lead 66-8.
A late red card seemed consolation for Niue as Tonga go out 66-8 winners in what was an exciting and quality way to usher International Rugby League back.
2 November 2020
New Zealand Rugby League is pleased to announce the following players have been selected to represent the New Zealand Residents who will take on the NZ Māori Residents this Sunday, 4 pm at Mt Smart Stadium.
The last time the two met was in 2017 where the NZ Māori Residents came away with a 22 – 16 victory.
The NZ Residents squad consists of the best players from the NZRL National Men’s competition; many who have already achieved professional or international rugby league success.
NZRL congratulates the following players:
NZRL National Men’s Premiers Akarana Falcons, front 10 of the 18 Residents players after convincingly defending their title with a 64-18 win over Counties Manukau over the weekend.
Akarana captain and NZ Resident veteran Francis Leger took home MVP of the Men’s Premiership competition and MVP of the final.
2018 Sonny Fai medallist and Warriors player of the year (Flegg and Intrust) Preston Riki gets the call up alongside teammate and former Wynnum Manly Sea Eagle, Patrick Sipley.
Canterbury and Linwood teammates Penitito Ilalio and Alex Todd return to the side after featuring in last year’s Residents campaign.
“We have some undeniable talent across the park,” says NZRL CEO Greg Peters.
“It’s exciting we are able to showcase this with the much-anticipated clash against the NZ Māori Residents come Sunday, especially with all that’s happened with Covid, it’s great to see this come to light.
“The talent on display across the Men’s Premiership competition this year was quality and it’s evident by the calibre named in this team. I have no doubt this will be a tough and passionate affair! Congratulations to our NZ Residents.”
The NZ Residents face the NZ Māori Residents this Sunday 4 pm following the NZ Schools v Clubs match at Mt Smart Stadium.
It is a gold coin entry donation to Mt Smart on the day; otherwise both games will be televised live on Sky Sport 4.
1 November 2020
Fetu Samoa Invitational coach Ross Uele has unveiled his test squad, naming a considerable number of uncapped players in his 20 strong team.
The new players to the test arena currently play at a provincial level in the NZRL competition with eight of the named squad involved in the women’s NZRL grand final over the weekend. The other six players have just completed their duties in Farah Palmer Cup in Rugby union and a few key candidates come off injuries and fully cleared to play.
We are excited at the combinations assembled for this Fetu Samoa Invitational squad of 2020,” said Uele. “It’s not an easy process especially with the disruption of the regular footy season but I’m excited about the opportunity to see these woman represent their families and heritage in a Samoan jersey.
“As always there are players who will be really disappointed at missing out, unfortunate due to Covid-19 restrictions and the international travel band. Last year many of the Fetu Samoa girls were based out of Australia and we also have woman in Samoa that could be selected for this squad too.”
“I look forward to the week in Fetu Samoa camp and participating in this Pacific Clash with all the other nations involved, says Uele.”
20 women Fetu Samoa Invitational squad: Masuisui Pauaraisa, Aieshaleigh Smalley, Nina Foaese, Ricshay Lemanu, Vaanessa Molia-Fraser, Cassie Siataga, Onjeurlina Leiataua, Rowena Koonwaiyou Meleisea, Ruth Vae, Lani Latoa-Williams, Shannon Laamauga Leota, Summer Kapsin, Clementine Varea, Leianne Tufuga, Jhana Magele, Pauline Hunt, Makayla Eli, Mela Maxine-Vili, Glory Aiono, Keilamarita Pouri-Lane.
Old foes Akarana Falcons and the Counties Manukau Stingrays took the field today for the final of the NZRL National Premiership at Trust Stadium.
Preston Riki put first points on the board for the Falcons, pushing his way over the defence in the opening minutes of the match.
Enthusiastic defence from the Stingrays forced an error on the Akarana Falcons just 10 meters from their try line allowing the Stingrays to launch an attack of their own. After a mistake from the Stingrays, the Falcons took advantage and forced their way downfield, Riki scoring his second try of the match in the same spot within the first 11 minutes.
Counties Manukau’s Penehuro Toai came short of scoring the first try for his team, handing the ball over on the fifth tackle. Akarana immediately put the foot down and took the ball to the other end of the park after a perfectly timed kick from Api Pewhairangi. Francis ledger helped himself to four points, scoring an impressive try just short of the dead ball line. Sam Faapito showed his skill on the wing showing extraordinary pace to score a follow up try, increasing the lead over their opponents by 24 points in a matter of minutes.
An energy shift for the Stingrays saw Richard Holani score his team a much-needed try with only 6 minutes to go in the first half.
Counties Manukau their own worst enemy awarded the Flacons a try off an intercept. Ray Tuimalo-Vaega ran 80 meters to score an excellent solo try to increase the Falcons lead at half time 30 – 6.
Points came quickly in the second half for the Akarana Falcons. A dominant attacking line saw Faapito stroll over the try line twice within 10 minutes for his hattrick. Akarana took advantage of mistakes the Stingrays didn’t learn from.
Facing an uphill climb, the Stingrays weren’t ready to back down just yet. Toai crashed over to score his first try. The try coming a little to late to change the outcome of the match.
Dominance continued for the Akarana Falcons as tries kept rolling in. It started with Chase Bernard slipping off 2 defenders to score the 8th try for the Falcons. Off another excellent kick from Falcons teammate Pewhairangi, Casey Smith quickly followed up with a try of his own. A deflated Stingrays team allowed yet another untouched try to the Falcons through Matiu Stone Dunn. An excellent 11th team try for the Flacons saw Pewhairangi score after weaving around the defence.
Cole Waaka would close out the match for the Akarana Falcons scoring a try in the last minute of the match. The Falcons finish the season in convincing fashion, winning their fifth consecutive Premiership title with the final score over the Counties Manukau Stingrays 64 – 18.
31 October 2020
A scrappy affair at the Trust’s Stadium saw the Upper Central Stallions look to end their undefeated season with a final win over rivals Auckland Vulcans. Defence was the meta in this game, as both sides showed heart and effort, forcing the opposition into mistakes.
An early mistake from Auckland Fullback Keri Ratima allowed the first opportunity for Upper Central but the defence stood firm, taking Upper Central captain Dorta Adams over the side-line.
A mistake off the next set from Auckland gave another chance for the Stallions and this time they made them pay. A sharp left-side shift saw Niu Milo put through fullback Autumn Stephens, who is arguably the most in-form player of the competition, untouched for the first points of the game. Trisha Tarsau-Hina unable to convert as the score remains 4-0 in the 3rd minute.
Opportunities were abundant for both sides throughout the half, but ball security and lack of discipline halted any side from crossing the line. Edge defence kept play through the middle and the aggressive nature of the game took over, with big hits causing many dropped balls.
Upper Central go into the sheds with the upper hand with a four-point lead over Auckland.
A great solo try from Kiwi Fern Honey Hireme-Smiler increased the Stallions advantage in the second forty. Honey showed her class and veteran savvy to take the game by the scruff of the neck and give her team an eight-point buffer. Tiria Anderson unable to convert, Stallions remained up by eight at the 42nd-minute mark.
Auckland marched down the field and received a penalty late in the set and after peppering the Stallions line were finally able to crack the stout defence. Half Kaylarnee Murray utilised her brilliant footwork to swerve through on the last and score next to the left upright. Hooker Jhana Magele slotted her conversion kick over to tighten the deficit to two.
The Vulcans then took their first lead of the game after a barnstorming break from Shontelle Woodman. Off the back of the break, a right side swing saw Tanika Noble take her chance as she went over to put the Vulcans in front with 20 to go. Conversion unsuccessful from Magele, score stood at 10-6 in favour of Auckland.
A mistake and crucial penalty in favour of the Stallions put them in ideal attacking position with five minutes to go. Stallion forward, Jayde August then bulldozed her way from the tap restart to put Upper Central back in the lead with only four minutes remaining. Stallions again unable to convert as they take a 12-10 lead going into the last phases of the game.
After a tantalising finish, The Upper Central Stallions did enough hold off a late surge from Auckland to capture their first National Women’s Championship trophy, the final score Upper Central Stallions 12 – Auckland Vulcans 10.
23 October 2020
New Zealand Rugby League wishes to congratulate those selected for the Kiwi Ferns wider squad ahead of their Test against Fetū Samoa Invitational on Saturday November 7th at 4pm.
In celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Kiwi Ferns, the Clash of the Pacific Women’s Double Header is the ONLY New Zealand International Rugby League Test for 2020.
Tonga will face Niue women at 2pm and the World Nines Champion Kiwi Ferns will take on Pacific rivals Fetū Samoa Invitational at 4pm.
The Kiwi Ferns last faced Fetū Samoa in June 2019 where they came away with a convincing 34 -14 victory. The Ferns will be looking to assert further dominance heading towards the 2021 World Cup while the fiery Fetū Samoa will be hungry for redemption.
The wider squad includes returning NRLW Warriors players Crystal Tamarua, Madison Bartlett, Hilda Peters and Kanyon Paul, seasoned Kiwi Fern veterans Honey Hireme-Smiler and Krystal Rota as well some fresh development prospects as a result of the inaugural Sky Sport NZRL Women’s Premiership.
The squad will be narrowed to 19 following the Sky Sport NZRL Women’s Premiership final between the Akarana Falcons and Counties Manukau Stingrays at 2:05pm on October 31st at Trusts Stadium.
Congratulations to the following:
October 17 2020
Your wrap up of the first day of the NZRL Men’s Championship action at Bruce Pulman Park.
Upper Central dominated the first half scoring three unanswered tries yet the second forty saw the Vipers mount their comeback. It was a four point game until a reverse penalty went the way of the Stallions shifting momentum in Upper Central’s favour putting the game out of reach for the Vipers.
Upper Central (30)
Try scores: James Leavai (2), Joshua Tupou, Aritaku Robens, Dylan Clark (2)
Conversions: Jayden Andrade-Kingi (2), Jordan Magee (1)
Mid Central Vipers (10)
Try scorers: Awatere Kiwara, Damien Le-Noel Ngatai
Conversions: Jahlon Governor
Wellington dominated early and were first to mount points but three back to back tries to the Swords had them in front majority of the half. A late try to Orcas’ Winger Pelei Moimoi before the half time siren kept Wellington within a converted try. However it was the Swords that kept their nose in front in the second forty, scoring two unanswered tries and sealing the win 28-12.
Northland Swords (28)
Try scores: Matthew Kahle, Eroni Biukoto, Charme Henry-Turner, Levita Levita, James Witehira.
Conversions: Levita Levita (4)
Wellington Orcas (12)
Try scorers: Pelei Moimoi, Mose Tuifao-Papalii
Conversions: Bronson Marino (2)
JOB TITLE: NZRL Residents Assistant Coach
HOURS OF WORK: This is a voluntary role that requires a commitment of a camp for the campaign.
APPOINTMENT TERM: 2020 Campaign vs NZ Maori
REPORT TO: General Manager of High Performance and National Coach Education Manager
New Zealand Rugby League:
Rugby league has played a significant part in New Zealand sport for over 100 years. Formed in 1910, New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) is the governing body for the sport of rugby league in New Zealand
New Zealand Rugby League goals:
• Rugby league enjoyed by more people
• A financially sustainable NZ Game
• Women’s game thriving and enhanced opportunities for women in the game
• Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns inspirational & aspirational
• NZRL to be a model modern sports organisation
Through our “More Than A Game” philosophy, NZRL aspires to transform lives and community wellbeing through Rugby League.
Underpinning this philosophy is The Kiwi Way.
We are diverse, we call New Zealand home, and therefore we are all Kiwis.
We are inclusive, respectful and humble
We are responsible
We are innovative and courageous
We are family first
We live and play The Kiwi Way every day
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
An NZRL Assistant Coach will perform their role with both professionalism and integrity while supporting the agreed direction for the campaign. They will support the Head Coach through the analysis of team strengths and areas to develop, that will contribute to the implementation of game strategies. An NZRL Assistant Coach is someone who has sound rugby league knowledge and can work collaboratively with the Head Coach to achieve successful outcomes. It is important to remember that the rugby league community is diverse, so a variety of coaching methods are essential to meet the needs of each player.
The Assistant Coach shall support and complement the Head Coach in achieving the following:
KEY DATES:
Campaign dates:
Thursday 5th – Sunday 8th November; Auckland based
Fixture date:
Sunday 8th November 2020; Auckland
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:
Skills and Qualifications:
Planning and Reporting:
Personal Attributes:
Key Responsibilities:
Application process:
To register your interest for the above position, please email your Coaching C.V and a Cover Letter to the National Coach Education Manager (Dan Keepa) dan.keepa@nzrl.co.nz no later than EOB Wednesday 21st October 2020.
APPOINTMENT TERM: 2020 Campaign vs New Zealand Maori
The trainer is required to facilitate sessions in a manner that minimises the risk of injury and promotes athlete wellbeing. The trainer will also be required to mentor the players under their supervision regarding the nutrition, training and general lifestyle decisions of their athletic careers and beyond.
Thursday 5th – Sunday 8th November 2020; Auckland based
To register your interest for the above position, please email your Trainers C.V and a Cover Letter to the National Coach Education Manager (Dan Keepa) dan.keepa@nzrl.co.nz no later than EOB Wednesday 21st October 2020.
JOB TITLE: NZRL Residents Manager
REPORT TO: General Manager of High Performance and Kiwis and National Teams Manager
We are diverse, we call New Zealand home and therefore we are all Kiwis.
Team Manager will be the key person responsible for liaising between the team and NZRL. As part of the management team you will be a role model for the players and other management staff members. There is an expectation that all management staff will adhere to the NZRL pledge and live these values.
Application process: To register interest for the above position, please email your team management C.V and a Cover Letter to the Kiwis & National Teams Manager (Nadene Conlon) Nadene@nzrl.co.nz no later than EOB Wednesday 21st October 2020.
JOB TITLE: NZRL New Zealand Resident 18s Schools Assistant Coach
HOURS OF WORK: This is a voluntary role that requires a commitment of some weekend work and a camp for the campaign.
APPOINTMENT TERM: One (1) year plus an additional one (1) year pending campaign review.
Rugby league has played a significant part in New Zealand sport for over 100 years. Formed in 1910, New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) is the governing body for the sport of rugby league in New Zealand. With the recent COVID – 19 Pandemic, the New Zealand Border restrictions have hindered the opportunity for our NZRL New Zealand Resident teams to travel or invite international teams to play here. The New Zealand Schools team will be comprised of identified players from the Auckland Rugby League Secondary Schools competition as well as those who meet the age restrictions and are registered in full-time study.
An NZRL Assistant Coach will perform their role with both professionalism and integrity while supporting the agreed direction for the campaign. They will support the Head Coach through the analysis of team strengths and areas to develop, that will contribute to the implementation of game strategies. An NZRL Assistant Coach is someone who has sound rugby league knowledge and can work collaboratively with the Head Coach to achieve successful outcomes. It is important to remember that this age group are making the transition from adolescents to adulthood, so a variety of coaching methods are essential to meet the needs of each player.
Camp dates:
Fixture date
• Senior Club Coach qualified, no earlier than 2015• Experience of coaching a representative team• Has had experience coaching in representative teams U18’s or above• The ability to plan and prioritise their own tasks and activities• Strong communication and organisation skills• Thorough knowledge of different coaching styles, approaches and techniques• A sound understanding of Rugby League at a National & International level (NZ)• Understand the characteristics and needs of the athletes being coached in relation to their current stage of rugby league developmentSunday 8th November 2020; Auckland
Planning and Reporting:• In consultation with the Head coach develop a pre-campaign training and team schedule• Prepare a report in NZRL prescribed format to be completed within the agreed deadline
Personal Attributes:• Highly motivated and determined• Consultative and collaborative• Are able to coach the Kiwi Way by possessing positive relational and performance character strengths• Team focused• Enables others to perform their roles to the best of their ability
• Assist in the development of the team schedule and undertake any set tasks associated with the team schedule in consultation with the Head Coach, NZRL and Team personnel• Advise and assist the Head Coach on cataloguing gear and equipment requirements specified in relation to training, conditioning and game day• Support delivery of football programme• Support and contribute with the Head Coach to ensure training sessions are well structured, and maximises the usage of time and resources available and provides drills and practices that enhance the player’s skill development and understanding of the game• In conjunction with the Head Coach provide regular, accurate and meaningful feedback to players on areas for improvement and monitors progress during the campaign• Develop and maintain relationships with all other members of the management team and NZRL staff• Participate in any research or data-gathering exercise requested by NZRL?
To register your interest for the above position, please email your Coaching C.V and a Cover Letter to the National Coach Education Manager (Dan Keepa) dan.keepa@nzrl.co.nz no later than EOB Wedensday 21st October 2020.
JOB TITLE: NZRL New Zealand Resident 18s School Manager
Rugby league has played a significant part in New Zealand sport for over 100 years. Formed in 1910, New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) is the governing body for the sport of rugby league in New Zealand. With the recent COVID – 19 Pandemic, the New Zealand Border restrictions have hindered the opportunity for our NZRL NZ Resident teams to travel or invite international teams to play here. The New Zealand Schools team will be comprised of identified players from the Auckland Rugby League Secondary Schools competition as well as those who meet the age restrictions and are registered in full-time study
Team Manager will be the key person responsible for liaising between the team and NZRL. As part of the management team, you will be a role model for the players and other management staff members. There is an expectation that all management staff will adhere to the NZRL pledge and live these values.
To register interest for the above position, please email your team management C.V and a Cover Letter to the Kiwis & National Teams Manager (Nadene Conlon) Nadene@nzrl.co.nz no later than EOB Wednesday 21st October 2020.
While the NRL playoffs have no room for NZ Warriors this season, plenty of Kiwis remain in contention for the championship title on October 25.
More than 30 players of NZ heritage are scattered throughout the eight teams still standing.
Here are some to watch out for over the next four weeks:
The Northland-born prop has notched up 100 appearances for the Panthers and become a key contributor to a pack that has dominated the 2020 competition.
He finished among league leaders in post-contact metres (1347) and decoy runs (150), while finishing fourth in run metres (3659) and second in runs (394), just behind Warriors skipper Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
Fisher-Harris was the only forward in the top eight for that last category – the rest were fullbacks and wings.
With only half a dozen international caps to his name, the 24-year-old looms as a must-have selection for Michael Maguire’s Kiwis World Cup roster next year.
Another hailing from the Far North, Harawira-Naera was headed for the NRL wilderness, after he and then-Bulldogs teammate Jayden Okunbor lured schoolgirls to their Port Macquarie hotel room during the pre-season.
He found a new lease of life when he left the club mid-season and headed for the Aussie capital, hooking up with the Raiders.
The 25-year-old second rower has proved a valuable asset off the bench for last year’s beaten finalists and a ready-made successor to English star John Bateman, who has already signalled he’s not coming back next season.
The rise of Wellington-native Hughes has gone under the radar this year, due to all the drama in the NRL, but the 24-year-old has established himself as a premier halfback in the competition.
After playing most of his career at fullback, Hughes switched to halfback to cater for the emerging Ryan Papenhuyzen late last year and hasn’t looked back.
A recent NRL.com fan survey had Hughes as the equal second-best halfback this year, behind Nathn Cleary, while he beat the Panthers playmaker in the most improved category.
In just 16 games, he finished with 13 try assists, which was more than any Warriors player.
Hughes played three tests last year, although all his appearances were off the bench as a utility.
If the Eels are to make a run in the playoffs, young Northlander Brown will be at the forefront of their attack.
Brown seemed unlikely to play any further role in Parramatta’s 2020 campaign, when he suffered a syndesmosis injury against South Sydney in September, but he’s recovered in time for the post-season.
The 19-year-old has stepped out of his shell this year and become the perfect sidekick for Mitchell Moses in the halves.
Brown hasn’t represented NZ at international level, but with some top halves ending their careers, Maguire will pay close attention to the man who could lead the Kiwis for the next 15 years.
The North Shore-born wing has made the most of his opportunity, with injuries to the South Sydney Rabbitohs’ outside backs paving the way for Paulo’s NRL debut this season.
He has played 10 games to date and scored two tries, although one of them was controversial, as his foot touched the sideline before grounding the ball.
On the field, he’s averaged more than 100 metres and 1.5 tackle breaks per game.
Original Source – Newshub by Grant Chapman and Ben Francis
The Counties Manukau Stingrays Women’s team kick off the inaugural Sky Sport NZRL National Women’s Tournament at Nga Puna Wai Sports Hub in Christchurch.
After a shaky start to the match exchanging penalties between teams, Counties Manukau’s Amber Kani stepped her way through the Canterbury side to take the first points of the match. Pahu Kani quickly followed her cousin to score her own try in the corner just three minutes later.
Platinum Marsters scored her first try on debut for Counties Manukau, the third try scored in just 11 minutes taking the lead over Canterbury 14 points to nil.
Kerehitina Matua stormed through the opposition with her own 70-meter run to score an excellent solo try for the Stingrays but was unable to convert her own try through the windy conditions.
Stingray’s dominance on the left edge continued with a second try for Pahu Kani.
Charlotte Butler crashed through the Canterbury defence to set up teammate Krystal Rota to score a try on the 28th minute. Butler then followed through scoring a try for herself a few minutes later to close out the first half of the match 30 – 0.
Counties Manukau started the second half with a barrage of tries. NRLW premiership winner and Kiwi Fern Maitua Feterika scored back to back tries within two minutes for the Stingrays. Canterbury were given opportunities to change the tone of the match but ill-discipline, some excellent defence from the Stingrays, and a try from Kararina Wira-Kohu shut down any momentum Canterbury were able to create.
With only 20 minutes to go in the match, Feterika scored her hat-trick for the Stingrays after an exemplary set. Points for the Stingrays kept ticking over through the remainder of the match, tries going to Alexis Thompson, another for Feterika, Rota, and Pahu Kani scoring another two tries.
The Counties Manukau Stingrays ease their way into the second round of the competition taking the win over Canterbury with a total of 16 tries for the Stingrays. The final score was 66 – 0.
The Stingrays will face the Akarana Falcons and Canterbury take on Mid Central Vipers in round 2 next weekend.
