NZRL History

The opening three rounds of the 2026 NRLW season have seen several grassroots products make their long-awaited debuts, while a host of other homegrown talents continue to cement their place in the competition.

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The New Zealand Warriors introduced Christabelle Onesemo-Tuilaepa and Ocean Tierney, who were initially signed as supplementary and development players before earning early opportunities following a run of injuries.

Richmond Rovers' Christabelle debuted off the bench in the Round 1 season opener against the Bulldogs, playing 40 minutes in the second row and recording six carries and 17 tackles. She has quickly established herself in the side, featuring in every match since, including starts in the second row in Round 2 and at lock in Round 3.

Christabelle was a member of the 2024 Ahi Kā Aotearoa under-21 girls representative side that travelled to the Gold Coast to compete in the NRL Harvey Norman Women's Championship.

Teammate Ocean made a memorable first appearance in Round 2 against the Canberra Raiders, scoring two of the Warriors' three tries. She also finished with seven carries, four tackle breaks, nine tackles, and an offload.

A Northland product, Ocean represented the Swords in the 2025 NZRL Women's Championship, where she was named Player of the Tournament after a standout campaign where she helped lead her side to the title. Ocean was signed by the Warriors after again impressing for Northland in this year's Auckland Rugby League Kath Wharton Cup.

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Māngere East Hawks juniors Mary-Jane (MJ) Taito, Giovanna Suani, and Evelyn Roberts have all made NRLW debuts for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs after progressing through the club's junior and development sides, all part of the 2024 NSWRL Lisa Fiaola Cup-winning team.

MJ and Giovanna both debuted off the bench in Round 1 against the Warriors at FMG Stadium Waikato, a fitting debut game at "home" with many of their whānau and supporters in the crowd.

MJ entered the game at hooker and played out the remaining 46 minutes, finishing with 31 tackles, four runs, a line break, an offload and a near try. The 18-year-old is a former Counties Manukau representative, and in 2023 was named MVP of the NZRL National Youth 16s Girls Tournament after captaining Counties to the national title. She was also selected in the 2024 NZRL NZ Clubs 18s Girls team.

Giovanna came off the bench and into the middle forwards, making an immediate impact with eight tackles and two carries. She was a member of the NZRL National Secondary Schools Girls team in both 2022 and 2023 after representing Auckland Girls Grammar School at the NZRL National Secondary Schools Tournament, the 2023 title-winners.

Evelyn followed in Round 2, making her debut as an interchange hooker, where she made eight tackles and two runs in 24 minutes against a strong Gold Coast Titans side.

After helping the Bulldogs win the 2024 Lisa Fiaola Cup, she captained the side in 2025 - a breakout year in which she also won the QRL BMD Women's Premiership with the Brisbane Tigers, earning BMD Rookie of the Year, Five-Eighth of the Year, and the Steph Hancock medal, all at 17-years-old. Before moving across the Tasman, Evelyn was part of the 2023 NZRL National Secondary Schools Girls team after representing McAuley High School at the NZRL National Secondary Schools Tournament.

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In the same Round 2 match-up between the Bulldogs and Titans, Wellington's Fanua Rimoni also made her first NRLW appearance for the Titans, starting at prop and playing 46 minutes. The 18-year-old produced an impressive performance, finishing with 10 carries for 104 metres and 28 tackles without zero missed.

A Wainuiomata Lions junior, Fanua represented the Wellington Orcas before earning selection in the 2023 Aotearoa Whaanui 16s Girls team. The following year, she played a key role in the Orcas winning the NZRL National Youth 18s Girls title and was selected in the NZRL NZ Clubs 18s Girls team.

Cronulla forward Briton Nikora has vowed to draw on the experience of a maiden Origin series as he looks to lead the Sharks back to the NRL finals.

The back rower made his Queensland debut in the interstate contest and impressed for the Maroons despite their loss to NSW in a tense Suncorp Stadium decider.

Nikora was handed a rest by Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon before returning for last week's tight win over the Knights. He will line up in the back-row for Sunday's clash with Manly at 4 Pines Park as the Sharks look to solidify their place in the top four.

Cronulla have progressed to the preliminary final in the past two seasons but have fallen short of a grand final berth and this season looms as the current squad's best chance to win a title before a host of players depart.

Having had a taste of the Origin furnace, Nikora is eager to draw on that experience throughout the upcoming finals series.

"It's exciting to be back with the Sharks after that experience," Nikora told NRL.com. "There's a lot there that I can draw upon leading into the finals. The atmosphere, the games, the intensity of the play.

"It's not just the physical side but mentally preparing myself for those games, it takes a lot to mentally prepare and there is a lot throughout the week leading into the game.

"I'll take those physical lessons and all the mental lessons with me if I play in those big games with the Sharks."

A mainstay in the Kiwis forward pack for the past few years, Nikora's Queensland debut came after eligibility rules were changed earlier this year to allow New Zealand and England players to contest State of Origin.

The forward was 10 when his family moved from New Zealand to the Gold Coast and playing for the Maroons quickly developed into a childhood goal.

After coming off the bench in Game One, the back-rower started in the second and third matches and was among the Maroons' best throughout the series.

While Queensland ultimately lost in the decider, Nikora said there were plenty of lessons learned from coach Billy Slater and his teammates that will hold him in good stead moving forward.

"It was a dream come true," Nikora said. "I never thought I'd see the day and I was so grateful for the opportunity that Billy gave me and the faith Billy and the coaching staff had in me to put that jersey on. I don't take it lightly and it was an honour to do it.

"I learned a lot off Billy and the coaching staff. The detail he shows with his coaching and the focus on the little effort areas. That's what I'm trying to bring back to the Sharks. I want to come back a better player than I was, I want to lift my game and do what I've got to do for the team."

Nikora was one of three Sharks to feature in the Origin series, with Blayke Brailey and Addin Fonua-Blake playing a key role in the Blues' victory.

Fonua-Blake has brushed off a pec concern to be named for this week's clash with the Sea Eagles, while Brailey has hit the ground running since returning from a broken arm midway through the campaign.

The trio are set to play a key role in Cronulla's run to the finals, with history suggesting Origin experience is a key indicator of premiership success.

It's an area the club has been lacking in recent years and coach Craig Fitzgibbon can already see the impact upon the group's return to the Shire.

"I really respect the way Addin, Blayke and Brit have come back and shown how much the club means to them, of wanting to play and play well," Fitzgibbon said.

As seen on nrl.com

Kiwi Fern #183 Mackenzie Wiki has spent her rugby league journey carrying a famous surname, but on a milestone day for the Canberra Raiders centre, she proved the green jersey belongs to her.

Playing her 25th NRLW match for the Raiders, Wiki crossed for two tries as Canberra secured a 42-16 victory against the Warriors in her milestone game.  

For Wiki, the occasion carried extra meaning. As the daughter of Raiders and New Zealand Kiwis great Ruben Wiki, she has grown up surrounded by the expectations that come with a legendary name.

But the 24-year-old said the advice from her father has always been simple... embrace the opportunity and make the jersey her own.

“It’s awesome wearing the same colours as my dad. But you know the message from him is to make your own name in the green jersey”, Wiki told NRL.com.

"I think we’ve both made a name for ourselves, and I’m just carrying on that tradition for the Wikis.”

Ruben Wiki played 224 games for the Green Machine from 1993 to 2004, including the Raiders' premiership-winning side in 1994, before finishing his illustrious career with four seasons at the Warriors.

"I’m very grateful to be in the same jersey and I hope I can make many more (memories) in the same jersey," Mackenzie said.

Born and raised in Queanbeyan, which borders the nation’s capital, Wiki has always called the ACT her second home.

“I’ve been here since the inaugural season so 25 games for the Raiders, it's just such a surreal thing," she said.

“I feel like we have such unity in the club and you know I just want to put my best out there for the club and what they’ve done for me over the four years.”

Raiders coach Darrin Borthwick praised not only Wiki’s performance but also her personal drive throughout her time at the club.

“To see her growth and development over the last three years, yeah really happy. I think she’s forged a name for herself now and I know that she will keep continuing to get better," Borthwick said.

“I’m glad she’s on our team and she’s doing a really good job at the moment with our back five and leading the charge with that, so I’m really happy for her.”

While Wiki’s dad has had a hand in shaping her playing career she wasn’t shy to mention the massive impact her mum has made as well.  

"I think my mum has been the biggest influence in my career. She is a strong woman. I just want to continue the way she lives life and do that on the field as well.”

As seen on nrl.com

Leading global technology company DJI (Da-Jiang Innovations) have officially partnered with New Zealand Rugby League, coming on board as technology partners for 2026.

DJI are renowned for their wide range of creative camera products including camera drones, handheld vlogging cameras, stabilising and filmmaking gear, accessories, and more.

NZRL General Manager of Communications and Marketing Amy Thomason shared, “We are thrilled to partner with DJI and look forward to incorporating their leading and innovative products into our technology suite.

“DJI’s products will help enhance our content capture across our grassroots tournaments and competitions, through to the Kiwis, Kiwi Ferns, and Wheel Kiwis World Cup campaigns.”

Deon Holgate, Field Sales Manager at Dicker Data New Zealand, distributor of DJI Consumer products in New Zealand, said on behalf of DJI:

"DJI is proud to partner with New Zealand Rugby League as the Official Technology Partner for 2026.

Innovation is at the heart of everything we do, and rugby league's speed, precision, and teamwork reflect the values that drive DJI. We're excited to support the Kiwis, Kiwi Ferns, and Wheel Kiwis throughout their World Cup campaigns by providing industry-leading imaging technology that captures the game from new perspectives.

Together with NZRL, we look forward to bringing fans closer to the game, taking them behind the moments that matter, and sharing the passion, pride, and journey of New Zealand rugby league with audiences around the world."

After a strong Day 2, it was all on the line on Day 3 of the 2026 LCA NRL Wheelchair Championship for the Wheel Kiwis as a win in Game 1 versus South East Queensland & Central Queensland would give them a chance of heading into the playoffs later in the day.

Game 1 vs South East Queensland & Central Queensland

It was a tight first few minutes with both teams testing and feeling each other out. Unfortunately for the Wheel Kiwis though it was SEQ that took early honours with two converted tries giving them the lead 12-0.

New Zealand was putting a lot of pressure on, looking close with a ball flicked right then back left putting them in a potential gap, only for it to go through the fingertips. SEQ were then able to capitalise almost instantly, kicking down court, recovering the ball to find open space ahead of them. Going under the goal posts, they were able to extend the lead to 18-0.

Some more pressure from New Zealand followed but the half time hooter went, the score still 18-0.

With the second half getting under way, the Wheel Kiwis came out firing. SEQ were able to break down the edge but desperate defence by Josh Hirini-Barclay meant the try was saved. However, SEQ were still able to capitalise straight after dotting down to take the lead to 24-0.

With heads still high, New Zealand was probing. Some good sets saw the pressure mount, and a pass out the back of the hand to Connor Gibbs saw him able to put the first points on the board for New Zealand. Unconverted it was 24-4.

That kickstarted the comeback, with Kauri Murray able to go over after some quick passing on the last tackle to give the Wheel Kiwis back-to-back tries and push their score to 24-10. Not long and it was three in a row, this time on the right edge with Nikia Fa’atau diving with everything he had to touch the ball down and get the team to 24-14.

With the clock ticking by, the team were strong but unable to put any more points on the board, the score ending 24-14 after a superb second half.

Unfortunately, that means the Wheel Kiwis don’t make the playoffs, but they put everything into the campaign and have plenty of positives to take into the World Cup at the end of the year.

Day 2 of the 2026 LCA NRL Wheelchair Championship and the vibes were high as the team were looking to take the positives out of Day 1, build and hopefully put some wins on the board. And that they did, with some dominating performances that saw them rack up the points.

Game 1 vs Affiliated States (NT, SA & WA)

An early start to the day but the Wheel Kiwis came out firing against the Affiliated States team. Good speed, strong sets in the early possessions culminating in them getting the first try through Nikia Fa’atau, going over in the left corner to put them ahead 4-0.

The Wheel Kiwis didn't stop there, some slick hands seeing Hayden Delves cross the try line to extend the lead to 8-0. While Affiliated States had a few chances, solid defence shut them out of the half. The Wheel Kiwis were able to dot down once more before the half ended, Fa’atau  evading defenders through some nimble work. The half ended 14-0, the Wheel Kiwis firing on all fronts.

It didn't take long in the second half for New Zealand to take the ascendancy again, Fa’atau sending Connor Gibbs through on the right side. Gibbs converted his own try to put them 20-0 ahead.

Once again, any attempt by Affiliated States was repelled by New Zealand, the pressure mounting but the Wheel Kiwis holding, hustling on defence, adamant they weren't letting the opposition over their line. With a much tighter middle period, Kauri Murray was able to pry the defence open, finding the gap before racing down court and dotting down. With the conversion over, the Wheel Kiwis finished the game 26-0.

Edie George, Wheel Kiwis Head Coach, happy with the performance, “Our first win of the tournament but won’t be our last. The energy was good, comms were good. A few things to work on but we’ll get there.”

Game 2 vs Victoria

The team were clearly high on confidence as they started the game against Victoria right where they left off. With a near try in the first minute, it was only a few passes later that Jack Brown was able to put first points on the board.

Showing their defence was just as good as their attack once again, they stopped any attempt from Victoria before piling on the points. Hayden Delves was once again on the scoreboard after a breakaway try, as was Kauri Murray who dotted down twice to put the Wheel Kiwis ahead 20-0 going into the break.

Getting straight into it, Gibbs opened the scoring in the second half for New Zealand after good hands saw him take the ball out wide. It wasn’t long till Delves got another, then Fa’atau, taking the lead out to 38-0.

Jamie Tapp was probing all game on the left edge, some strong carries setting the team up nicely. Josh Hirini-Barclay was next to put 4 points next to his name, with Fa’atau’s speed too good in the last minute, getting the final points for the team to finish up 50-0.

Game 3 vs ACT

Facing off in the final game of the day against the reigning champs, the Wheel Kiwis needed a win to secure their place in the playoffs.  

A bit of a slower start compared to the two earlier games, and unfortunately it was ACT that was able to get the first points, diving in the corner to take them to 6-0. From there the game got really tight, both teams probing but unable to make inroads.  

Giggs proved the differentiator, once again in the action diving under the goal posts to add 4 points before converting his own try to level it up 6-6. But ACT came back strongly, their line speed helping them secure good metres on the carries before they were able to take back the lead 10-6 as they went into half time.

The second half was tight once again with the first 8 mins still locked at the half time score. Again though ACT went on to score, extending their lead to 16-6. Despite best efforts from New Zealand that’s where the scoring ended, the full time score remaining at 16-6.

The Wheel Kiwis will be facing off against South East Queensland & Central Queensland in the morning, a win likely to put them into the playoffs.

The 2026 LCA NRL Wheelchair Championship has kicked off on the Gold Coast of Australia with the Wheel Kiwis squad taking to the court twice in the day. First up they faced off against New South Wales before heading back out later in the day to battle it out with North Queensland.

With numerous new faces to the team, as well as it being the first hit out in a while for many, the team were looking to build those on-court connections early on and lay the foundations for some strong performances from there.

Game 1 vs New South Wales

It was a tough first up opponent in New South Wales, the squad featuring numerous Australian Wheelaroos representatives. But New Zealand went into the match up with high spirits and a strong determination.  

Despite a first up try by NSW, the Wheel Kiwis were coming up strong in defence, led by co-captain Kauri Murray especially. With some quick line speed, NSW were able to challenge the Wheel Kiwis, crossing the line another two times to take the lead 16-0.  

New Zealand had their chances, getting some good territory and challenging the NSW line. An intercept try by NSW didn't help the cause however, with the team going into half time 22-0.

At half time Head Coach Edie George spoke of the team slowly building confidence with the message heading into the second half to play their natural style and stick to the game plan.

Three minutes into the second half NSW were able to score again to put them ahead by 28 by New Zealand were building, piling on some pressure and putting good phases together. After a solid set, Nikia Fa’atau was able to find the gap, reaching through to secure New Zealand’s first try. With the conversion going through the middle, it was 28-6.  

Despite two more tries, the final score 38-6, George was happy to see the team build in the second half.

“Definitely positive about how the team finished the game.

“Our completion rate went from 50 percent in the first half to 75 percent in the second half, and definitely better defensively as well. There was a lot more comms, more energy.

“We need to start every game the same way we finished the second half of the first game.”

Game 2 vs North Queensland

The Wheel Kiwis faced off against arguably the tournament favourites North Queensland in Game 2. Featuring the Wheel Kiwis inaugural captain, Jayson Hooker, North Queensland came out strong, the first few tries of the game going their way.  

With both teams finding it hard to penetrate the defence during the middle of the half, the game featured plenty of end-to-end kick chases, some of which coming nail bitingly close to being tries.  

Midway through the half, New Zealand’s Connor Gibbs saw the gap on the kick, weighting it perfectly. Nikia Fa’atau was able to scoop it up on the chase, evade the last remaining defenders and cross over for the Wheel Kiwis. With Gibbs converting, it was 18-6.

With the Wheel Kiwis holding out North Queensland with seconds to go, it was only a field goal that was added to the tally as both teams went into the break, the score at 19-6.

Both teams came into the second half with renewed energy, Fa’atau throwing everything into trying to unsuccessfully save a try in the corner. With plenty more long kicks, North Queensland were able to take advantage and exert their dominance on the score board, scoring multiple tries to end the game 46-6.

With a lot of heart shown, the Wheel Kiwis will go into Day 2 with even more energy, giving it everything as they face off against Affiliated States (NT, SA & WA), ACT and Victoria.  

Our Pirtek Volunteer of the Month award celebrates and recognises heroes from our grassroots rugby league community across Aotearoa for their hard mahi, dedicated to our game. This award is given to volunteers who display the core values of The Kiwi Way: being family first, innovative, inclusive, respectful, and humble.

We are proud to announce our third winner for 2026, the Pirtek Volunteer of the Month award for June goes to Jordan Mahara from the Tauranga Whalers.

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Jordan coaches both the Tauranga Whalers Under-14 Boys team and the Tapuika Waitaha Under-14 Tama Māori team. For Jordan, rugby league goes beyond the game and sport, he's passionate about helping young people grow, build confidence, develop life skills, and maintain healthy hauora.

After moving to Tauranga in 2025, Jordan joined the Whalers as a player, inspired by his son’s involvement in the sport. When he learned there was no Under-14 Boys team at the club, he stepped up and took on the coaching role and actively recruited players from across the community. He helped build this new team from the ground up, giving boys the opportunity to play who otherwise may have missed out.

Jordan has spent countless hours mentoring his players, including many who had little or no experience in rugby league. He has created a positive team environment where the rangatahi feel supported, valued, belonging, and encouraged to grow and succeed both on and off the field.

He has also been instrumental in revitalising the Tapuika Waitaha community in Te Puke after several years without a programme. With support from the Te Paamu Rugby League Club committee, he helped establish a new Under-14 team that will proudly represent Tapuika Waitaha at the Aotearoa New Zealand Māori Tama Teina Tournament. By bringing together players from different clubs, he has built a team and fostered a strong sense of unity, pride, and brotherhood.

In addition, he is the Head Coach for the Tapuika Waitaha Under-16 boys team travelling to the Gold Coast, Australia in October where they will compete in a tournament - an opportunity he has worked tirelessly to help create and prepare these boys for.

Beyond these commitments, he continues to give his time wherever it is needed. Jordan supports the Under-6 Papamoa Bulldogs team stepping in as a coach whenever needed, making sure the youngest players continue to receive guidance and encouragement. He also volunteers as a trainer for the Tapuika Waitaha Under-15 and Under-17 boys Māori rugby league teams, supporting players across multiple age groups.

Outside of training and game days, Jordan is always looking for ways to support his teams and the wider rugby league community. As a father of five, he somehow continues to find the time to plan, organise, mentor, and give back wherever he's needed.

Jordan leads by example, and his dedication, generosity, and genuine commitment to helping young people succeed make him an outstanding role model and a very deserving recipient of this recognition and award.

Pirtek CEO Chris Bourke shared, "We have selected Jordan Mahara as the winner for June. Congratulations to Jordan Mahara on being selected as the Pirtek Volunteer of the Month for June.

"Jordan's contribution to developing the next generation of rugby league players and supporting the wider community has made a real difference and he is thoroughly deserving of this recognition."

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Know a volunteer who does exceptional mahi? Help us celebrate these grassroots heroes by nominating them for the next Pirtek Volunteer of the Month award.

‍Each monthly winner will receive $200 worth of vouchers and have their story shared across our channels.

Make a nomination here: https://share.hsforms.com/2Lq4cbueQRVCRwqK8vsfK_Qsy1ug

Our Pirtek Volunteer of the Month award returns for 2026, celebrating and recognising heroes from our grassroots rugby league community across Aotearoa for their hard mahi, dedicated to our game. This award is given to volunteers who display the core values of The Kiwi Way: being family first, innovative, inclusive, respectful, and humble.

We are proud to announce our first winner for 2026, the Pirtek Volunteer of the Month award for April goes to Puti Muru from the Pikiao Warriors in Rotorua, Bay of Plenty.

Puti is known within Pikiao for consistently going above and beyond to support players and their whānau, especially the U10 boys team.

At a time when living costs such as fuel are high, Puti organises vans and transport for players to and from games, to ease the burden on families.

She is the first to arrive and last to leave on game days, often bringing her cooker to run a sausage sizzle so tamariki have kai without added cost to their whānau.

Behind the scenes, Puti works hard to keep the team connected, keeping clear communication with families around training schedules and game day timings.

Last season, she organised a team trip up to Auckland, where the players enjoyed an amazing day out at Rainbow's End, followed by a Warriors NRL game, rewarding them for all their effort and commitment throughout the season.

After the team weren't able to close off their 2025 season with a prize-giving ceremony, Puti is already determined to ensure the team will have one this year to celebrate not only the children, but also their parents and whānau as supporters.

Her big heart for the players, parents, and wider whānau, and her commitment to making sure the team runs smoothly and safely, does not go unnoticed.

Pirtek CEO Chris Bourke shared, "Congratulations Puti on being named Pirtek Volunteer of the Month!

"Your dedication to supporting your team and whānau truly reflects The Kiwi Way, consistently going above and beyond to support families, remove barriers, and put the kids first, making a real difference every week."

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Know a volunteer who does exceptional mahi? Help us celebrate these grassroots heroes by nominating them for the next Pirtek Volunteer of the Month award.

‍Each monthly winner will receive $200 worth of vouchers and have their story shared across our channels.

Make a nomination here: https://share.hsforms.com/2Lq4cbueQRVCRwqK8vsfK_Qsy1ug

Our Pirtek Volunteer of the Month award celebrates and recognises heroes from our grassroots rugby league community across Aotearoa for their hard mahi, dedicated to our game. This award is given to volunteers who display the core values of The Kiwi Way: being family first, innovative, inclusive, respectful, and humble.

We are proud to announce our second winner for 2026, the Pirtek Volunteer of the Month award for May goes to Tyson Salanoa from Linton Cobras in Palmerston North, Manawatū.

Tyson Salanoa, affectionately known by his players as "Coach Sole", is a proud coach at Linton Cobras Rugby League as well as a representative Manawatū Mustangs side.

Tyson, alongside his best friend and fellow coach “Coach Bugsy” (Kev), consistently draws enough players to field two full teams for Linton’s youth grade. As a coach, Tyson is reliable, dedicated, and unwavering in his commitment to his players and teams. He spends much of his spare time preparing for trainings and game days, arrives early to set up, and is often the last to leave, ensuring every child is safely collected or personally transporting them home when required. For Tyson, these rangatahi are far more than players - he prioritises their physical and emotional wellbeing and never places the game above their needs.

Tyson also established the first rugby league academy in Manawatū, the MAU (Mana Aso Uma, Mana Everyday) Sport Mentoring Academy, in partnership with the Youth Nu’u Trust. The programme brings together Pasifika and Māori values, rugby league, youth wellbeing, support, and community. This no-cost initiative provides wellbeing support to young men from intermediate age through to Year 11, using rugby league as a vehicle for personal development and connection.

He is deeply committed to ensuring local players can access opportunities outside the region, so they're able to experience different coaching environments, playing styles, and pathways while building confidence and their own player profiles. These opportunities include representative trials, One New Zealand Warriors clinics and games, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs clinics, cultural rugby league festivals, and more. Tyson often organises transport so groups of players can attend and not miss out.

Tyson finds ways to reduce barriers that may prevent young people from participating in rugby league, working closely with whānau to keep tamariki and rangatahi engaged in the sport and in physical activity. His approach is grounded in leadership, respect, trust, and genuine friendship, which has played a significant role in keeping many local young people and their families within the game.

He also draws strongly on the Te Whare Tapa Whā model, recognising that all dimensions of a young person’s hauora, wellbeing, are essential to helping them show up and thrive each day. Tyson’s impact is felt in the way the young men in his teams and community train, speak to one another, and carry themselves out in the wider community.

Chris Bourke, CEO of Pirtek shared, "Congratulations to Tyson Salanoa on being named the Pirtek Volunteer of the Month for May.

"Tyson's commitment to creating opportunities for young people, developing future leaders, and strengthening his community through rugby league perfectly reflects the values that Pirtek is proud to support."

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Know a volunteer who does exceptional mahi? Help us celebrate these grassroots heroes by nominating them for the next Pirtek Volunteer of the Month award.

‍Each monthly winner will receive $200 worth of vouchers and have their story shared across our channels.

Make a nomination here: https://share.hsforms.com/2Lq4cbueQRVCRwqK8vsfK_Qsy1ug

Kiwi Ferns players officially welcomed former Jillaroos stars Shannon Mato and Kennedy Cherrington into the fold as they began preparations for Rugby League World Cup 2026 ahead of the NRLW season.

New Zealand players and staff met in Auckland last Friday before staff crossed the Tasman to Sydney on Saturday to meet with Australia-based players. Led by Coach Ricky Henry, the group discussed plans for the World Cup and built connections with new members of the squad, including Mato and Cherrington, who have switched allegiances after the International Rugby League removed tiering for women’s teams.

“We want to be better this year, and I reckon that camp was a great start for us,” Warriors captain and star fullback Apii Nicholls said.

“It was good to connect with a lot of the Sydney-based players and some players that I'd never met before, to see where we are at and what our goals are heading into the World Cup.”

The Kiwi Ferns open their World Cup campaign against Fiji in Newcastle on October 18 before hosting France at Christchurch’s new indoor stadium on October 25 and taking on Papua New Guinea on the Gold Coast on October 31.

After featuring in every Women’s World Cup final but losing the last three to Australia, the Kiwi Ferns are aiming to lift the trophy at Suncorp Stadium on November 15.

“We had a connection camp on Saturday, and it was just really like a contact point before we head into the NRW season,” Titans and Kiwi Ferns captain Georgia Hale said.

“We're all at our respective clubs, and the Kiwi Ferns definitely give us space throughout the season, but as we all live abroad and away from home, to have the chance to connect with the girls has in itself has been cup filling.

“It just really brought a spark in me, and I’m very excited for the World Cup, but I’m also excited to have an NRLW season that can put the Kiwi Ferns in really good stead as we see so many girls at NRLW clubs and in really good systems.”

Hale, Nicholls and St George Illawarra’s Brooke Anderson are captains of their respective clubs and there are other New Zealand players in leadership positions across the NRLW, including Broncos prop Brianna Clark, who represented the premiers at Monday’s NRLW launch in Sydney.

Mato, who is making her return for the Broncos after missing last season while pregnant with son Charnze-Pati, and Cherrington also bring experience and an understanding of what it takes to be successful on the game’s biggest stage after being members of the 2022 World Cup winning Jillaroos side.

“I know that deep down inside, they've always wanted to represent their country and their family, so it was good to have them at our camp,” Nicholls said.

“They got an insight into who we are and what we do, and we just really welcomed them with open arms because they are family, they are from New Zealand.

“For us, it's exciting because obviously they used to play for the Jillaroos and they bring a lot of experience. They're very passionate and I think I think it's about more than just rugby league for them; it's about their family and where they come from.

“You could tell that everything they spoke about was from the heart and you know that this year is going to be a big one for them. They have got to earn their spots, and I know that they will because you can just tell from the way they speak that they are really invested and they want to be there.”

With more stars expected to put their hand up to represent their Kiwi heritage and the likes of Stacey Waaka, Sariah Paki and Madison Ashby, who have returned to the game from rugby sevens, also being eligible, the competition for places in Henry’s World Cup squad will be fierce.

“If you look across the game at how many girls are tied to New Zealand, there are contenders across the board so it's just going to be, ‘we're all Kiwi girls and we're all fighting for a spot’,” Hale said.

“We're all fighting for that end goal of winning the World Cup and that healthy competition is only going to make ourselves better and our sister next to us better, so I think it puts the game in New Zealand in really good stead.

“It adds competition for jerseys, it adds another layer of professionalism and experience, so it is really going to give Ricky a headache - and a nightmare at that - because he's got so many great candidates to choose from.”

Anderson, who played for Australia in rugby sevens but chose to represent her mother’s nation of birth after she joined the NRLW, backed the IRL’s decision to allow players who were eligible for New Zealand or England to switch from the Jillaroos.  

“The Australian squad is amazing and we are trying to bridge this gap, so I think that by opening up the rules it is only going to make the international game better,” Anderson said.

“We can really use players like Shannon and Kennedy in the Kiwi Ferns, so it is going to be really exciting to see how the squad for the World Cup turns out.

“This is what it should have been like from the start, let people represent where they come from and where they are passionate about representing and I think the game will go to the next level this year at the World Cup.”

As seen on rlwc2026.com

Canberra Raiders halfback Zahara Temara has pledged her international allegiance to the Kiwi Ferns as she chases a spot in the New Zealand World Cup squad.

The Rotorua-born playmaker grew up dreaming of representing her country before moving to Australia when she was 11.

While she always hoped to one day playing for New Zealand, Temara progressed through the Australian pathway and earned a Jillaroos debut in 2017.

That put a stop to her chances of turning out for the Kiwi Ferns until International Rugby League changed the women's eligibility rules earlier this year.

Suddenly, the door had reopened for Temara to play for New Zealand and she's desperate to use the upcoming NRLW season to put her name firmly in the frame for selection.

"If the opportunity came about I'd love to put on the black jersey," Temara told NRL.com. "It was always a goal of mine when I started to play rugby league but I never thought it would happen.

"The rule back then was you had to live in New Zealand to play for New Zealand. Then when I played for Australia, you couldn't switch allegiances. Now you can, so I'm keen to chuck on a black jersey if the opportunity came about."

Temara is the latest in a long line of stars to put her hand up for Kiwi Ferns selection following the changes to the eligibility rules and New Zealand players have already welcomed her into the fold.

At the NRLW season launch on Monday, Kiwi Ferns stars Apii Nicholls, Georgia Hale, Brooke Anderson, Georgia Hale and Brianna Clark were posing for a photo when they Temara to join them.

Parramatta star Kennedy Cherrington and Broncos prop Shannon Mato have also changed their allegiance to New Zealand ahead of this year's World Cup, with more likely to follow in the coming months.

With England the other big beneficiaries from the changes, the upcoming tournament shapes as the closest Women's World Cup since the event's inception in 2000.

An experienced playmaker who led the Roosters to the 2021 NRLW title and has played for Australia and Queensland, Temara is one of multiple halves in the mix for the Kiwi Ferns.

Tyla King and Raecene McGregor are the incumbents, while Ash Quinlan, Gayle Broughton and Patricia Maliepo have also played in the halves in the past couple of years.

Temara was one of five New Zealand eligible players at Monday's NRLW season launch, with the return of the Warriors also providing a clear pipeline from junior footy to the international arena.‍
Kiwi Ferns coaches are deep in their planning for the competition and have gathered groups of players together on both sides of the Tasman to outline their vision for the year.

While Temara is yet to meet with New Zealand coach Ricky Henry, the five-eighth would love to sit down with him after her Raiders play his Cowboys in Round 5.

"I have not had any chats with the coach but hopefully in the future I'll be able to," she said.

"We play the Cowboys in Magic Round, everyone will be together so maybe I'll run into him at a cafe and we can have a chat."

While the World Cup remains a lofty goal, Temara's immediate focus is on the Raiders NRLW campaign.

Canberra will open their season against the Dragons on Saturday, with the halfback leading an emerging Raiders squad.

Coach Darrin Borthwick has slowly built the side's depth since their introduction into the competition in 2023 and they have recruited well this season with the addition of fullback Sheridan Gallagher, centre Bobbi Law and five-eighth Krystal Blackwell.

Those factors have combined to give Temara confidence the Raiders can progress to the finals for the first time.

"When I came to the Raiders it was quite a young team," Temara said. "I've seen the different mindset from an experienced team to a young team and I've seen that change here this year.

"Everyone truly wants to win and is working hard to win. I'm not saying that they weren't, but you can see the experience coming through now. The mindset change has been huge and we have the mentality in how we approach the game that we can beat them."

As seen on rlwc2026.com