Day 1 of 2024 National Girls Youth Tournament wrapped up

The long-awaited 2026 NRLW season kicks off this week, with 12 teams set to battle it out across 11 action-packed rounds before playoffs, which culminate in the NRLW and NRL Grand Final day in Sydney on Sunday 4 October.

With several Kiwi Ferns making the move to new clubs during the off-season, here's a complete guide of where every current and former Kiwi Fern is playing in 2026, so you can follow your favourite players throughout the season.

Once the NRLW season concludes, attention will quickly turn to the international stage as the Kiwi Ferns assemble for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup played across Australia and New Zealand.

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Kiwi Ferns 2026 NRLW teams

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Brisbane Broncos

• Brianna Clark

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Canberra Raiders

• Leianne Tufuga
• Mackenzie Wiki
• Madison Bartlett

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Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

• Alexis Tauaneai
• Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa
• Ashleigh Quinlan

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Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks

• Annessa Biddle
• Najvada George | moved from North Queensland Cowboys
• Tyla King

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Gold Coast Titans

• Georgia Hale
• Jasmine Solia

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Newcastle Knights

• Amelia Pasikala | moved from Canberra Raiders
• Cheyelle Robins-Reti | moved from Canberra Raiders
• Shanice Parker
• Tiana Davison

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North Queensland Cowboys

• Abigail Roache
• Hailee-Jay Ormond-Maunsell

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St. George Illawarra Dragons

• Brooke Anderson | moved from Cronulla Sharks
• Nita Maynard
• Trinity Tauaneai

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Sydney Roosters

• Amber Hall
• Otesa Pule

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New Zealand Warriors

• Annetta-Claudia Nu'uausala | moved from Brisbane Broncos
• Apii Nicholls
• Capri Paekau
• Harata Butler
• Gayle Broughton | moved from Brisbane Broncos
• Ivana Lauitiiti
• Laishon Albert-Jones
• Lavinia Tauhalaliku
• Mele Hufanga | moved from Brisbane Broncos
• Mya Hill-Moana
• Patricia Maliepo
• Shakira Baker
• Tysha Ikenasio

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Wests Tigers

• Brooke Talataina 
• Raecene McGregor | moved from St. George Dragons
• Shaniece Monschau | moved from Canterbury Bulldogs

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Former Kiwi Fern who has since changed allegiance

The NZRL 2026 AGM on Saturday 27 June marked the conclusion of the service of Patron Sir Anand Satyanand and Board Directors John Devonshire and Grant Stapleton, whose contributions to rugby league were recognised as they stepped down from their respective roles.

We pay tribute to Sir Anand Satyanand, who as NZRL Patron, was an exceptional advocate, ambassador, and supporter of rugby league. Sir Anand served the game with distinction and generosity throughout his time in the role. Alongside his wife, Lady Susan, he was a familiar and valued presence at matches and events, travelling throughout Aotearoa and internationally to support the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns. We sincerely thank Sir Anand and Lady Susan for their years of service, friendship, and unwavering support, and acknowledge their significant contribution to the growth and success of rugby league in New Zealand.

John Devonshire (JD) has also stepped down from the Aotearoa New Zealand Māori Rugby League (ANZMRL) seat on the NZRL Board following years of dedicated leadership. JD played a pivotal role in securing ANZMRL full voting membership within NZRL and a permanent seat on the NZRL Board in 2022, strengthening the voice of Māori across all levels of the game. His commitment to furthering rugby league while ensuring opportunities and pathways for Māori players has left a lasting legacy. JD will be succeeded by Titia Graham, former ANZMRL Board Secretary, who brings extensive experience, knowledge, and passion to the role as she continues to champion the growth of rugby league.

We also acknowledge Director Grant Stapleton, who retires after serving two four-year terms on the NZRL Board since 2018. We thank Grant for his commitment, leadership, and valued contribution to growing rugby league in Aotearoa.

Justin Leydesdorff was re-elected as Board Chairman for another year, and Honey Hireme-Smiler will also take up her place as Deputy Chair once again. At the end of 2025, Tim Kerr was co-opted to the Board and at the AGM was officially voted in as an Elected Director.

We welcome Siosaia Mataele who joins the Board as an Appointed Director. A Pacific leader born in Tonga and raised in South Auckland, Siosaia has held senior executive roles in economic development and digital transformation, complemented with strong governance experience including Chair of Moana Trust, Director of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce and Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA). He currently serves on the NZQA Board and advises on trade, investment, and technology across New Zealand, the Pacific and APAC region.

At the 2026 NZRL AGM on Saturday 27 June, Neville Diggs was inducted as the newest NZRL Life Member in recognition of his outstanding service to rugby league.

Neville Diggs epitomises the lifeblood of grassroots rugby league, dedicating over seven decades to the game. From playing his first game of rugby league as an eight-year-old with Christchurch’s Sydenham Swans in 1947, Neville went on to make an extraordinary contribution across club, District, Zone, and national levels as a player, coach, manager, selector and administrator through to the mid-1990s and beyond.

A highly respected and admired figure throughout Canterbury and the wider rugby league community, Neville has devoted a lifetime to serving the game. His outstanding contribution was recognised with Canterbury Rugby League Life Membership, and in 2021 he was appointed President of the organisation after decades of distinguished service.

A coach of Canterbury, South Island and New Zealand Schoolboys teams on numerous occasions, and a revered figure at the Marist-Western Suburbs club, Neville exemplifies the lasting impact of those who continue to give back long after their playing days have ended. His commitment to Marist-Western Suburbs is legendary, while his nine years as manager of the Canterbury representative team, extensive service on the Canterbury Rugby League Board of Control, and involvement across countless committees reflect a lifetime of selfless dedication.

Perhaps Neville's greatest legacy lies in his extraordinary service to schoolboy rugby league. From establishing the schoolboys section at Marist-Western Suburbs, coaching Canterbury teams at national tournaments, serving as a selector and convenor for both the Southern and Northern Zones, and ultimately becoming a long-serving selector and convenor for the New Zealand Schoolboys programme, few have contributed more to the development of young players over such a sustained period.

Today, Neville can still be found on the sidelines supporting the game he has devoted his life to. His unwavering commitment, humility and integrity have earned him universal respect at club, district, regional and national levels. Neville Diggs' lifelong service has helped shape generations of players, coaches and administrators, making his appointment as an NZRL Life Member a fitting and well- deserved recognition of one of the game's finest servants.

Young Kiwi rugby league players in Australia will once again have the opportunity to represent their New Zealand heritage, as the NZRL Taurahere programme returns in September.

Taurahere is the NZRL representative programme for selected emerging Kiwi youth residing in Australia. It returns this year to the Gold Coast’s Runaway Bay from 11-13 September, featuring an inaugural Under-19 Girls fixture alongside the traditional Under-19 Boys match.

Two Under-19 boys' squads and two Under-19 girls' squads selected from players residing in NSW and QLD will be chosen to attend a short training camp before facing off in their respective representative fixtures.

The programme provides Kiwis and now Kiwi Ferns-eligible players living in Australia with the opportunity to reconnect with Aotearoa and strengthen their cultural identity through rugby league.

The addition of the girls’ fixture marks an exciting milestone, creating a dedicated pathway for young female players in Australia to follow in the footsteps of current Kiwi Ferns stars, including captain Raecene McGregor, Brianna Clark, and Shanice Parker.

The Taurahere programme has a proud history of identifying future international talent, with current Kiwis captain James Fisher-Harris and teammate Jamayne Isaako among its alumni.

New Zealand Rugby League GM of Football and High Performance Motu Tony commented, “We’re excited to welcome back the Taurahere programme this year, and particularly to introduce the Under-19 Girls fixture which marks a step forward in our female player pathway.

“With many rangatahi living in Australia who could one day represent New Zealand, Taurahere plays an important role in identifying and developing emerging talent while strengthening their connection to Aotearoa.”

We are now accepting expressions of interest for staff roles across the NZRL NZ Resident Clubs Boys and Girls 16s & 18s programmes, as well as the NZ Secondary Schools Boys and Girls 18s teams.

We are seeking committed and capable individuals who can contribute positively to a high-performance youth environment and support the development of our next generation of national representative players.

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Available Roles

• Head Coach
• Assistant Coach
• Team Manager
• Head Trainer
• Assistant Trainer

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Applicant Requirements

All applicants must hold the appropriate current NZRL accreditation for the role they are applying for.

Applicants must also be currently performing in their role at Club, District or Zone level and be able to demonstrate the experience and standards required to contribute to a national youth campaign. Minimum accreditation requirements will apply across all appointed roles.

Head Coaches are required to be part of the selection process for their appointed teams.

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Campaign Information

The NZ Youth 18s teams will play NZ Secondary Schools during the campaign. The Youth 16s programme is currently being finalised, with further details to be confirmed.

The campaign will take place over Labour Weekend, with selected squads assembling a couple of days prior.

NZRL are encouraging suitably qualified and experienced applicants to express their interest in these important roles. This is a great opportunity to help shape the next generation of representative rugby league talent and contribute to a meaningful national youth programme.

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Please register your interest by completing the attached form, closing date 5 July 2026: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=N4xXvA6OsUaul4hFGG8Qa0uUtGAHpQJJkZy-4UovBJRUMFZQSkVBSDdNMFNFSFhJMlpMNlhJM1hPVS4u

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Additional Information

If you have any questions or would like further detail on the roles or campaign, please contact:

• National Coach Development Manager George Lajpold - george.lajpold@nzrl.co.nz (Coaching and Trainer enquiries)

• Kiwi Ferns Team Manager Gina Tuala - gina.cocker@nzrl.co.nz (Manager enquiries)

New Zealand-based health beverage and supplement company Ārepa have partnered with New Zealand Rugby League, as official brain health partner of NZRL and the Wheel Kiwis.

Ārepa’s range of natural and caffeine-free products are specially developed by neuroscientists and proven to support brain function, with benefits including improved mental clarity and cognitive function.  

David McMeeken, NZRL National Football Operations Manager said, “Ārepa are a well-respected New Zealand brand renowned for their innovative and science-backed products, we’re very excited for this partnership.

“We’re thankful for their support of the Wheel Kiwis, who will benefit greatly from using Ārepa’s products in their inaugural Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup campaign later this year.”

Co-founder of Ārepa Angus Brown shared, "Ārepa exists to make brains work better, and there are few better examples of brain and body working together than rugby league. It’s fast, physical and demands clarity, focus and resilience under pressure.

"As a New Zealand company built on brain health science, we’re incredibly proud to partner with NZRL and support the Wheel Kiwis as they take on the world. Their grit, ambition and team-first mindset perfectly reflect what Ārepa stands for."

Marking a significant shift in how rugby league is delivered throughout Aotearoa, a new framework for delivering our game – the Connected Game Plan – was voted in by New Zealand Rugby League’s members on Monday 15 June.  

The NZRL Connected Game Plan is a whole of game led project to inform how grassroots rugby league could be better organised, structured, and resourced. This will ensure that as a sport we can meet the future demands of growth and deliver a quality experience for every New Zealander that wants to play our game.

NZRL Chairman, Justin Leydesdorff said, “Moving to this new framework is a historic moment for rugby league in Aotearoa. It’s a move that we believe will provide more engagement with NZRL, enhance connection between organisations within the system, and encourage higher quality delivery of the game.  

“We want to make sure everyone playing and participating in our game has the best experience possible, both now and in the future. This requires everyone to be better connected and working together. This is what we think the Connected Game Plan will bring.”

The new framework sees a modernised District-based membership model replace the current Zone-based model, with six regions recognised and potentially 13 members of NZRL with voting rights, including three new Rōpū (pending final assessment). Included is also Aotearoa New Zealand Māori Rugby League, which maintain its status as a full voting member.

“We want to recognise the significant input from everyone at every level, especially the Districts, that have come together to shape what this new framework looks like. It’s never an easy task to tackle change, and not just the Connected Game Plan itself, but everything leading to it, showcases the passion and dedication of those at the heart of the game and their true desire to better it for everyone.”

Connected Game Plan’s flatter membership model is accompanied with a support structure in place for the regions that includes the likes of National Capability Managers, Development Officers and centralised administrative and funding support. This will deliver better connection, communication and alignment across Aotearoa.

The six regions are Northland, Auckland, Upper Central, Mid Central, Wellington and South Island. Final assessment of all Districts against the Connected Game Plan criteria is still to be undertaken however, potential voting members include:

NZRL’s Voting Members under the new framework:

1. Northland Rōpū - Whangārei City District Rugby League, Te Tai Tokerau Rugby League  
2. Auckland Rugby League
3. Counties Manukau Rugby League
4. Waikato Rugby League
5. Bay of Plenty Rugby League
6. Upper Central Rōpū - Coastline Rugby League, Tairāwhiti Rugby League, Hauraki District Rugby League
7. Rugby League Hawkes Bay
8. Manawatū Rugby League
9. Taranaki Rugby League
10. Wellington Rugby League
11. Canterbury Rugby League
12. Southern Rōpū - Tasman Rugby League, West Coast Rugby League, Otago Rugby League, Aoraki Rugby League, Southland District Rugby League
13. Aotearoa New Zealand Māori Rugby League

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NZRL associates continue under the framework to play a crucial role in our game and will remain unchanged, with Pasifika Aotearoa Collective set to apply to be an associate member.

NZRL associate members:

• Defence Forces Rugby League
• Masters of Rugby League
• New Zealand Rugby League Kiwis Association
• New Zealand Universities and Tertiary Students Rugby League Council
• Whutupōro Rīki Whaikaha o Aotearoa Physical Disability Rugby League

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The Wheel Kiwis return to the LCA NRL Wheelchair National Championship in 2026 in the Gold Coast from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 July, after being invited to compete by Wheelchair Rugby League Australia.

New Zealand competed in the inaugural championship in 2025, recording three wins from six matches, gaining valuable experience against some of Australia's best wheelchair rugby league players.  

The 2026 championship will feature representative teams from Central Queensland, South East Queensland, North Queensland, New South Wales, the ACT, Victoria, the Affiliated States and New Zealand. For the Wheel Kiwis, the tournament provides another important opportunity to develop and expose players to the game ahead of their historic debut at the 2026 Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup.

The New Zealand Residents squad will be made up of domestically based players, with several Kiwis-eligible players selected for the representative side of the state in which they currently reside. Boston Charles, Ryan Charles and Dan Scott have been named for South East Queensland, Jayson Hooker for North Queensland, and Mitch Stone for the ACT.

Preparation for the World Cup has been underway since early 2026, with a wider squad following a structured training programme. The management team remains largely unchanged, led by Head Coach Edie George and Assistant Coach Robert Graham, Korral Heremaia as Team Manager, and Lincoln Jefferson as Head Trainer.  

New additions to the management team include Megan Blair as Strength and Conditioning Coach and Physio, and Joseph Pouniu, who brings NRL experience from his role with the Gold Coast Titans, joining as Team Statistician.

Wheel Kiwis wider Squad:

Players:
Jack Brown*
Boston Charles
Ryan Charles
Hayden Delves*
Nikia Fa'atau*
Connor Gibbs*
Toshii Hakopa
Joshua Hirini-Barclay*
Jayson Hooker
Kauri Murray*
Slade O'Rourke St John
Yann Roux*
Dan Scott
Mitch Stone
Tosso Pele Sulusi
Jamie Tapp*

Management:
Edie George, Head Coach*
Robert Graham, Assistant Coach*
Korral Heremaia, Team Manager
Lincoln Jefferson, Head Trainer*
Megan Blair, Physiotherapist & Strength and Conditioning Coach*
Joseph Pouniu, Statistician*

*Denotes those selected for the New Zealand Residents squad attending the 2026 NRL Wheelchair National Championship.

The New Zealand Resident 16s and 18s boys and girls representative fixtures will return in October following a hiatus in 2025.

All matches will be played at Bruce Pulman Park on Monday 26 October, providing an exciting opportunity to showcase some of the country’s most promising young rugby league talent and the next generation of Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns.

The New Zealand Resident teams will be selected from players identified through the NZRL National Secondary Schools Tournament and National Youth Tournament. Following selection, players will assemble for a short camp beginning on Saturday 24 October to prepare for their respective fixtures.

NZRL’s national tournaments and these representative matches play an important role within the domestic pathway, providing aspiring players with a clear progression from club and school rugby league through to the National Secondary Schools and National Youth Tournaments, and ultimately towards New Zealand Resident representative honours. These events provide players with the opportunity to develop their skills, represent their communities with pride, and test themselves against the country’s top talent while pursuing higher honours.

The pathway extends beyond players, with coaches, managers, trainers, and match officials also given the opportunity to represent their region at a national level and further their development within the game.

With the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns set to play their second Rugby League World Cup matches at One NZ Stadium in Ōtautahi Christchurch on Sunday 25 October, the Resident fixtures in Auckland the following day will offer an exciting glimpse into the future stars who may one day pull on the black and white jersey on the international stage.

A number of current professional and international players have progressed through these fixtures in recent years, including 2025 NRL Premiership winner and Brisbane Broncos outside back Josiah Karapani, along with One New Zealand Warriors players Leka Halasima, Tanner Stowers-Smith, and Ali Leiataua. On the women’s side, current Kiwi Ferns squad members and NRLW players Alexis Tauaneai, Trinity Tauaneai, and Ivana Lauitiiti are among those who previously featured in the girls representative programme.

Ahead of the inaugural Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup this year, New Zealand Rugby League has partnered with RGK Wheelchairs as the official wheelchair supplier of the Wheel Kiwis.

Supplied in New Zealand by Medifab, RGK manufactures made-to-measure sport & everyday wheelchairs, with every RGK chair custom-built to suit the unique requirements of its rider.  

David McMeeken, NZRL National Football Operations Manager said,  

“We are incredibly grateful for RGK’s generous support of the Wheel Kiwis as we prepare for the first-ever Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup in Australia later this year.  

“Specialist rugby league wheelchairs will have significant benefits to our players both in training and on the world stage.

“This partnership will ensure our athletes have access to world-class equipment to represent New Zealand at this historic event for the growing and all-inclusive sport of wheelchair rugby league.”

Commercial Director of Sunrise Medical across Australia and New Zealand, Matt Butterworth shared, “We’re proud to support the Wheel Kiwis as they prepare for a landmark moment in the sport with the inaugural Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup. At RGK, we are passionate about empowering athletes through bespoke equipment that enhances performance and confidence.

"Partnering with New Zealand Rugby League to provide world-class, made-to-measure chairs ensures these athletes can compete at their very best on the international stage, and we’re excited to be part of their journey.”

The inaugural NZRL Wheelchair Rugby League Nationals are set to take place at the YMCA Auckland City on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September, showcasing and reflecting the growth of the sport in Aotearoa.

The exciting introduction of this national tournament follows the establishment of New Zealand's international wheelchair rugby league representative team, the Wheel Kiwis, who have qualified and are preparing for the 2026 Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup.

The tournament provides an important opportunity for players to compete, connect, and showcase their abilities, while also supporting the continued growth and development of wheelchair rugby league across the nation.

Much of the sport's recent growth over the past two years has been driven by community programmes delivered by Disability Sport Auckland, Parafed Bay of Plenty, and the Warriors Community Foundation.

Through activations, weekly participation sessions, and events such as the recent Healthvision Festival of Disability Sport, wheelchair rugby league has attracted strong interest from both experienced wheelchair athletes and able-bodied participants looking to try the sport.

The tournament has been scheduled to avoid key national wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby events, allowing athletes from other codes the opportunity to participate.

Team and individual registrations are now open. Individuals are encouraged to register, with tournament organisers available to assist in placing players into teams where required.

If you are interested in entering a team, registering as an individual, or would like to receive further information about the tournament, please complete the registration form below:

https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/390356?teamid=472962

Local nutrition and supplement company PURE Sports Nutrition join New Zealand Rugby League as official nutrition partner for the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns ahead of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.

Offering a wide range of products including energy gels, electrolyte hydration, protein powders, and creatine supplements, PURE manufactures its products in their purpose-built factory at headquarters in Christchurch, ensuring quality control throughout the entire production process.

NZRL GM of Football and High Performance Motu Tony said,  

“Nutrition and recovery play a vital role in high-performance sport, and PURE’s range of high-quality products will support our athletes well as they prepare for and compete in the World Cup this year.

“We look forward to working together with PURE Sports Nutrition, and providing the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns with products that will enhance their training, performance, and recovery."

PURE Sports Nutrition Managing Director Simon Kraak said the partnership reflects the company’s commitment to supporting New Zealand athletes at the highest level.

“We’re incredibly proud to partner with the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns – two teams that represent the very best of New Zealand sport on the world stage. At PURE, our mission is to provide athletes with high-quality, trusted nutrition that enables them to perform at their peak.

“As a New Zealand-owned and manufactured brand, there is a natural alignment between our values and those of these teams. We’re excited to support the players as they build towards the 2026 Rugby League World Cup and look forward to being part of their journey and success.”