NZRL History

In a first for the region, Rugby League Hawke’s Bay is set to host the NZRL Men’s Premiership North pool, alongside the National Women’s Premiership, and the National Men’s and Women’s Championship tournaments.  

The action will unfold across one historic weekend from September 12-13 at Mitre 10 Sports Park, which boasts eight fields, a grandstand, and additional world-class facilities in the heart of Hastings.

RLHB Chairman Anthony Taueki Chairman shared, “This landmark occasion marks the very first time Rugby League Hawke’s Bay has been entrusted to host an NZRL event of this scale and we are truly grateful for the opportunity, the partnership, and the belief shown in our region.  

“Hosting these prestigious national tournaments is more than just rugby league, it is a powerful opportunity to showcase Hawke’s Bay on a national stage, strengthen our local league community, boost regional economic growth through visitors and tourism and prove that our region is ready, capable, and deserving of future major tournaments.  

“We invite our entire region to stand with us, show up, support, and help make this unforgettable weekend a true celebration of rugby league excellence.”

David McMeeken, NZRL National Football Operations Manager said,  

“The work done by Rugby League Hawke’s Bay across the region has been outstanding, and the strong relationships formed by Rugby League Hawke’s Bay with Napier City Council, Hastings District Council and the Hawke’s Bay Sports Park team, have played a huge role in making these events possible.

“There’s real momentum building for rugby league in Hawke’s Bay. From growing participation at grassroots, through to the return of the Hawke’s Bay Men’s representative team at the 2025 North Island Championship, the District continues to show its commitment to developing and strengthening the game.

“NZRL are excited to bring our national tournaments to Hawke’s Bay and showcase the region on a national stage. These tournaments are about more than a game, they are an opportunity for Districts and Zones to share their pride and passion, and celebrate and represent their communities.”  

This year will introduce a revised Premiership structure, featuring a tournament format that replaces the previous weekly competition model. The Men’s Premiership will continue to operate across two (2) pools; North and South. The top two (2) teams from both the North Island and South Island tournaments will progress to the national semi-finals in Auckland on Saturday 26 September, before the Grand Final is played on Sunday 27 September.

The South Island Men’s Premiership tournament will be hosted at Ngā Puna Wai in Christchurch, an exceptional venue which previously hosted Premiership fixtures and the 2025 National Youth Tournament.  

The Women’s Premiership tournament will see all teams compete in Hawke’s Bay, with the top two (2) finishing teams advancing directly to the National Grand Final in Auckland on Sunday 27 September, alongside the men’s final.

APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED

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APPOINTED AND ELECTED DIRECTORS 2026
New Zealand Rugby League Inc

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Background

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 rugby league in Aotearoa New Zealand.

At its heart NZRL exists: “To transform lives and community Hauora through rugby league.”

Rugby League in Aotearoa is More Than a Game. It is a vehicle for connection, belonging, identity and wellbeing across communities. Guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi and tikanga Māori, NZRL operates with a strong cultural foundation grounded in:

·      Kotahitanga – United as One Whānau

·      Manaakitanga – Respectful and Inclusive

·      Kia Pono – Acting with Trust and Integrity

·      Te Pae Kahurangi – Striving for Innovation and Excellence

These values shape how we lead, how we serve and how we honour our communities. We are more than a sport, we are a movement deeply connected to the lives of our people and the communities we serve, played from the grassroots level to the international stage.

In 2025, NZRL developed a new strategic direction and envisioned future to guide the organisation forward to 2030. ‘More Than A Game’ is at the centre of this strategy.

Our Goals are anchored in four Pou:

·       Pou Tūhono – The joining of peoples with purpose:  More people participate in our game

·       Pou Tūturu – To be authentic: The way we play our game and win enhances mana

·       Pou Tupo – To grow, increase: Aotearoa and international fans are connected with game

·       Pou Hauora - Health, wellbeing and vitality: Individuals and communities increase their hauora

The Board comprises eight directors; four appointed, three elected and one permanent Director being the current Chair of Aotearoa New Zealand Māori Rugby League (ANZMRL). Of the seven appointed or elected Directors, at least three must be Independent Directors and three must be Rugby League Knowledgeable. A Board Appointments Panel, comprising of one independent Sport NZ appointee, a representative appointed by the Members and two appointees by the NZRL Board, one of whom must be an Elected, Rugby League Knowledgeable Director, is convening this appointment process.

For more information on the organisation, please visit www.nzrl.co.nz.

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Positions

The Panel is seeking applicants for two Appointed (Independent) Director and one Elected Director vacancies. One Appointed Director and the Elected Director are each 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 be able to work collaboratively within a high trust environment and have an understanding and appreciation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

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, Tangata 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. As a qualifying partner organisation of Sport NZ, NZRL is required to have 40% self-identified women on its board.

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The desirable skillset and experience the Panel is looking for in the Appointed Directors include:

Appointed Director (Two vacancies)

·       Experienced Director, ideally with commercial board exposure

·       Understanding of the New Zealand sport funding landscape/governance network

·       Strong network potential linked possibly to commercial experience and/or other sporting organisations

·       Experience in fundraising through commercialisation of assets

·       Connections to business and philanthropic networks

·       Currency and connectivity to the wider sporting world, especially in high performance sport

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The desirable skillset and experience the Panel is looking for in the Elected Director include:

Elected Director (One vacancy)

·       Zone, District, Affiliate or other Board governance experience is preferred

·       A strong connection to the game of rugby league at an elite level, either through playing, administration, management, coaching or other roles within the sport

·       Connections within sport at a governance level

·       Team focused with strong interpersonal and communication skills

Please note that applications for the Elected Director must be supported by a nomination letter from a NZRL member (Zone or Affiliate) and written acceptance of that nomination by the nominee. Nomination letter templates are available if required.

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Time commitment and term

As a guide, we expect an average time commitment around two days each month per Director. Full day board meetings are held every six weeks in Auckland or via audio visual link.  

We anticipate the roles starting immediately after the AGM which this year is being held on Saturday 27 June 2026.  Terms are four years and directors are eligible for re-appointment for one further term.

Remuneration
Directors fees are set at $12,000 per annum (with an annual CPI increase).

Interviews

All applicants should be available for interview by Zoom during the last two weeks of May 2026.

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To Apply

Applications for the Appointed Director vacancies should be emailed to: jane.moore@nzrl.co.nz please or apply online at https://www.appointbetterboards.co.nz/position/apt22635

Applications incorporating a Zone/ANZMRL nomination by way of completion of a Zone/ANZMRL nomination form should be emailed to: jane.moore@nzrl.co.nz please or apply online at https://www.appointbetterboards.co.nz/position/apt22635

Applications must be accompanied by the nominee’s full CV and his or her acceptance of the Zone/ANZMRL nomination in writing.

The closing date for applications is 5.00pm on Friday 15 May 2026.

We are deeply saddened that one of our rugby league whānau, Eugene Hanna of the Glenora Bears, has tragically passed away.  

First and foremost, we send our sincere condolences to his whānau, friends, teammates, and all who knew and loved Eugene in such a difficult time.  

This is truly heartbreaking and something we never want to see happen, and we are currently working alongside Auckland Rugby League, his club and other appropriate people.

NZRL places the utmost importance on player safety and welfare and work hard to prevent such tragic outcomes. We have rigorous head injury and concussion protocols in place and work with our rugby league community to ensure appropriate resources and education are provided year-round.  

We urge anyone who sustains a head injury or experiences any symptoms to follow the guidelines in place, seek the appropriate medical advice and treatment, and only return to play when advised and appropriate.  

You can find more concussion information and resources here: nzrl.co.nz/concussion

Ronald Griffiths has joined the Kiwi Ferns as an Assistant Coach ahead of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup campaign.

Widely regarded for his success in the women’s game, Griffiths brings extensive experience and achievement to Ricky Henry’s coaching staff.  

Henry shared his enthusiasm to have Griffiths join the team, “Ron brings a winning record, a wealth of experience and a strong understanding of the women’s game.  

“His leadership, authenticity, and football knowledge will build confidence within the group and enhance our culture and connection. I’m looking forward to working alongside him as we build towards the World Cup.”  

As Head Coach of the Newcastle Knights NRLW side from 2022 to 2023, Griffiths guided the club to back-to-back Premiership titles before moving into the Knights’ NSW Cup Head Coach role in 2024.  

Griffiths has called Aotearoa home since 2025, when he relocated with his whānau to take on the Warriors NRLW Head Coach role in their return to the competition.

Last year, he also coached the Indigenous All Stars men’s side before taking charge of the Cook Islands Moana women’s team during the Pacific Championships, and returning to All Stars duties earlier this year in Rotorua.

“The opportunity to represent New Zealand, it’s really important to me. I do it well and I do it with pride.

“Talking with Ricky around his philosophy, I think we’re going to be a great match because he’s got a certain skill set and I’ve got a different skill set. Being able to drive his vision, the Kiwi Fern vision, I think that's my strength and that’s going to help us at the back end of the year.”

The Kiwi Ferns will begin their World Cup campaign in Newcastle, Australia, on Sunday 18 October.  

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Kiwi Ferns Coaching Staff  

Head Coach: Ricky Henry  

Assistant Coaches: David Faiumu, Ana Fotu, Ronald Griffiths

We very sadly acknowledge and mourn the recent passing of Wayne Robertson, New Zealand Kiwi #508.

Wayne was a renowned and talented forward from Auckland who had an illustrious career, playing rugby league in Auckland, Brisbane, and Canterbury, in addition to playing three Tests for New Zealand.

A nephew of 1940s-50s Kiwis Maurice and Bruce Robertson, Wayne played for Brisbane Rugby League grand finalists Norths in 1967, earning selection in the Brisbane representative team before returning home to Auckland in 1968 to play for Ponsonby.

Venturing to the South Island, Robertson helped Hornby win the 1969 title and represented Canterbury. Returning home to Auckland in 1971, he toured Queensland with NZ Colts in 1973.

At age 27, Wayne went on to make his Test debut for the Kiwis, coming off the bench to replace Lindsay Proctor during the first Test win over Great Britain in 1974. Wayne would go on to play all three Tests against the Lions that year, starting in the second-row in the remaining two Tests, both won by the tourists.

Robertson was a standout at prop for Auckland against Australia in 1975 before being lured back to Hornby (along with fellow Auckland Kiwis Robert Jarvis and Murray Wright) in 1976. Despite making himself unavailable for Canterbury selection, he won the D.V. Syme Rosebowl as the 1976 CRL Sportsman of the Year winner, courageously playing on with a suspected broken arm later in the season.

Auckland’s best and fairest award winner in 1979 after joining Te Atatu, Robertson brought a long and distinguished top-level career to an end the following season.

Off the field, Wayne was a creative spirit. Operating out of his art studio in Howick, he became a celebrated painter, capturing the essence of the game’s spiritual home with his famed Carlaw Park prints. He was admired by many as a man of immense character, who gave back to the game after his playing days through coaching at Glenora and Richmond.

Wayne's contribution to the game was immense, and he leaves behind a lasting legacy of love and dedication to rugby league. We offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to the Robertson family, his beloved clubs and communities across, and all who were fortunate enough to know Wayne.

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.

New Zealand Rugby League today announces the appointment of Andrea Nelson MNZM as its new Chief Executive, ushering in a new chapter for one of the most iconic sporting organisations in Aotearoa.

Andrea brings more than two decades of senior leadership experience across national and international sport, major global events, governance and commercial strategy.

Her appointment comes at a time of significant momentum for rugby league in New Zealand – from record participation growth and expanding pathways for wāhine and rangatahi, through to packed stadiums, growing broadcast audiences and continued success on the international stage.

NZRL Chair, Justin Leydesdorff, says the appointment panel were thrilled by the calibre of candidates for the role. Andrea stood out as an exceptional leader with both world-class experience and a genuine connection to the game and its communities.

“Andrea brings an incredibly rare combination of strategic leadership, operational delivery and authentic passion for rugby league.

“She’s worked at the highest levels of governance and commercial sport, and understands what it takes to grow organisations in complex environments. But equally as important to the code, she demonstrated a deep understanding of community sport and people.

“We wanted a leader who could sit across the table from the biggest decision-makers in international rugby league, but who would also happily pick up a tea towel at a local club on the East Coast. Andrea is that person,” says Justin.

Andrea has led major international sporting events - as NZ General Manager for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup and helped lead the delivery and commercial development of the Oceania Cup, the precursor to the Pacific Championships.

She also held senior leadership roles across some of the world’s largest sporting organisations and events, including the London Olympic and Paralympic Games, FIFA U20 World Cup, ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, Chair NZ Events Association and CEO Gymnastics New Zealand.

New Zealand will head into this year’s Rugby League World Cup campaign with the Kiwis, Kiwi Ferns and Wheel Kiwis teams all strongly positioned on the world stage.

Nelson said returning to rugby league felt like a natural homecoming.

“I’m thrilled and honoured to be entrusted with the role of Chief Executive of NZRL.

“Being part of delivering the 2017 Rugby League World Cup in Aotearoa was a career highlight. While I’ve continued to work across sport since then, rugby league has always held a special place for me, so this in many ways feels like a homecoming,” she says.

“I am a huge believer in the power of sport to change lives for the better, and that sits at the heart of rugby league’s ‘More Than a Game’ kaupapa. Rugby league’s greatest strength has always been, and always will be, its people, and I look forward to working together to shape the future of the game.”

The appointment follows a sustained period of growth and transformation for rugby league in New Zealand under the leadership of exiting CEO, Greg Peters.

Participation numbers across the community game have continued to grow strongly in recent years, with wāhine and rangatahi participation more than doubling since 2021. In 2024, wāhine made up 20 percent of the national player base, while rangatahi accounted for 30 percent.

The sport’s premier youth tournaments have also experienced major growth, including more than 60 teams competing at the 2025 NZ Secondary Schools tournament – a 320 percent increase over seven years.

At the elite level, rugby league continues to thrive, with more than 38,000 fans attending last year’s Pacific Championships match at Eden Park – the largest rugby league crowd in Aotearoa in more than a decade – while television audiences for both the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns continue to climb.

Founded in 1910, NZRL remains one of New Zealand’s most storied sporting organisations, with rugby league continuing to play a vital role in communities across Aotearoa, particularly among Māori and Pasifika communities.

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Kiwi Ferns captain Georgia Hale will lead New Zealand into the World Cup with her long term- future confirmed after inking a fresh two-year extension with the Titans.

A foundation Warriors and Titans NRLW player, the 30-year-old has developed into an instrumental leader for her club and country.

A member of the Warriors inaugural squad in 2018, Hale joined the Titans in 2021 and has further become one of the most respected figures in the competition; leading from the front with incredible performances and unwavering commitment to her teammates.

A Golden Boot winner in 2023 as the Women's International Rugby League player of the year, Hale has played 23 Tests for the Kiwi Ferns and last year notched her 50th NRLW appearance during the finals.

Titans coach Karyn Murphy said the New Zealand forward has been instrumental in shaping the club’s NRLW program both on and off the field, setting the standard with her professionalism, work ethic and passion for the jersey.

"Georgia is the heart and soul of our team," Murphy said.

"Her leadership, experience and care for her teammates are second to none, and she sets the standard every single day.

"She’s not only a world-class player, but an incredible role model who drives the culture of our program.

"She embodies everything we stand for as a club and to have her commit long-term is a huge win for not just our team but for our entire community."

Hale was 19 years old when she first travelled to Australia with the Kiwi Ferns in 2014 and the players had to pay half of the costs for the trip.

She is now set to captain New Zealand at RLWC2026, as the Kiwi Ferns seek to regain the trophy they held from the inaugural Women's World Cup in 2000 until Murphy led the Jillaroos to victory against their trans-Tasman rivals for the first time in the 2013 final.  

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The Kiwi Ferns draw for RLWC2026 is:

• October 18 v Fiji at McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
• October 25 v France at One NZ Stadium, Christchurch
• October 31 v PNG at Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast

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The 2017 World Cup and the introduction of the NRLW in 2018 were game changers, and Hale has evolved from a playmaker to the protype lock at the Titans.

"From the moment I arrived, this club has felt like home," Hale said.

"We’ve built something really special here and I’m excited to continue that journey.

"There’s a strong connection between the players, staff and community and I’m proud to lead this group as we continue to grow and chase history together, winning that first premiership for the Gold Coast."

A Veronica White Medal winner in 2020, Hale grew up around rugby league because of her father Laurie’s involvement with the Warriors and Kiwis, and she developed a strong passion for a game.

She was a pioneer Warriors player in 2018 and joined the Titans when the club was forced to withdraw from the NRLW competition due to COVID. Hale has also played for Leeds in the Women’s Super League.  

While she is now committed to the Gold Coast until at least 2028, Hale welcomed the return of the Warriors to the NRLW last year as a boost for New Zealand rugby league.

“We're going to get two seasons with the Warriors leading into the World Cup in 2026, so that's obviously going to build more depth,” Hale told NRL.com.

“I think the Kiwi Ferns is in a really good space. We've welcomed in a new wave of players over last year and this year and I think we're really hitting straps.

“We're working towards that World Cup goal, so I'm really enjoying the footy I'm playing and the girls I'm playing alongside.”

Rugby League World Cup 2026 returns to Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. Where nations clash, heroes rise, and legends are forged. 3 World Cups. 26 Teams. The World’s Best. Tickets are now on sale from $19. Don’t miss the pinnacle of global Rugby League.  

As seen on rlwc2026.com

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

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have collected their second Westpac Lisa Fiaola Cup after a decisive 40-4 win over a gallant Central Coast Roosters in the Grand Final at Leichhardt Oval over the weekend.

The Lisa Fiaola Cup is the premier under-17 girls competition in New South Wales Rugby League, featuring pathway teams from NRL clubs across Sydney and wider Australia. The victorious Bulldogs side featured eight of Aotearoa's best young wāhine, most of whom have been living together in Sydney for the past few months to play for the club.

Akarana's Lala Vaea co-captained the Bulldogs side to their title win, and Counties Manukau representative Jada Breeze Gray was named Player of the Match.

All eight players have featured in NZRL national representative teams in the past two years, with twin sisters Caszius and Jaesynn-Ree Fatialofa, Jada Breeze Gray, Jayda Peo, and Shakira Lui part of the National Youth Tournament-winning Counties Manukau 16s and 18s sides in 2025, while Suraya Kingi was the 16s Girls National Youth Tournament MVP.

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Congratulations to:

Caszius Fatialofa (Counties Manukau)

Emacyn-Eden Ieremia (Akarana)

Jada Breeze Gray | Player of the Match (Counties Manukau)

Jaesynn-Ree Fatialofa (Counties Manukau)

Jayda Peo (Counties Manukau)

Lala Vaea | Co-Captain (Akarana)

Shakira Lui (Counties Manukau)

Suraya Kingi (Counties Manukau)

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The Bulldogs led the match at 12-0 at half-time before powering away after the break with their forwards proving too strong, with sisters Caszius and Jaesynn-Ree Fatialofa leading the charge.

Replacement hooker Jada-Breeze Gray was named a deserved Player of the Match after being injected into the match early in the first half when No.9 Jadia Taoai was forced from the field with an ankle injury and having a hand in several tries.

“We worked so hard this year, and we spoke about being in the moment off the back of being disappointed last year,” Bulldogs coach Vanessa Foliaki said.

“For us we spoke about the things that made us so good this year and that was going through the middle.

“Credit to the Roosters, they were outstanding last week, and we knew we had to turn up today and that’s what we did.”

Both teams had a point to prove in the decider. The Roosters were looking to go one better after missing out to Parramatta Eels in last year’s Grand Final, while the Bulldogs were looking to add another piece of silverware to their collection after winning the inaugural competition in 2024.

The Bulldogs suffered an early blow when hooker Jadia Taoai injured her ankle in a tackle. She tried to play on but eventually had to leave the field and was replaced by Gray.

“We spoke about next man up mentality and that’s what it is,” Foliaki said.

“We spoke about going through challenges and adversity, but we’ve got to stay in and keep our head up and keep moving for each other.”

Despite the setback, the Bulldogs forwards were proving a handful for the Roosters to contain. Fullback Emacyn-Eden Ieremia capitalised on the momentum when she threw a long ball for winger Meleane Hala to score in the corner for a 4-0 lead.

The Fatialofa sisters combined for the next try with Jaesynn-Ree falling just short of the line on the back of a powerful run, before Caszius crashed over from the very next play to extend the lead to 8-0.

“They’re cheeky, but they’ve been outstanding for us all season and are a big part of why we’re here today,” Foliaki said.

The Bulldogs also had a player sin binned, Jaesynn-Ree for a late tackle on kicker Lara Murray, but it hardly stopped their momentum.

The turning point came towards the end of the first half when the Roosters looked like they were going score through prop Keha Kahuroa, but some desperate goal line defence forced the ball free before she could plant it down.

The Bulldogs quickly turned defence into attack with five-eighth Lillyarna Sutupe putting a deft kick across field for Hala to grab a saloon bounce and race away to score for a 12-0 half-time lead.

The Bulldogs kept the momentum going after the break, Caszius grabbing her second for a rare double and Hala bagging one more for her hat-trick, to extend the lead to a commanding 40-0.

The Roosters never gave up and grabbed a consolation try through winger Silia Tuitufu at the end, after replacement Alissa McNair had intercepted a pass and gone a long run only to be pulled down just short of scoring one herself.

As seen on nswrl.com.au

The National Premiership kicks off this weekend and for the first time will run alongside the Sky Sports NZRL National Women’s Tournament. Before the action begins, take a look at some exciting talent to keep your eye on when they take the field this weekend.

Canterbury Bulls:

The Canterbury Bulls have seven rookies all under 21 preparing for their Premiership debut. The promising young players have worked through the South Island Scorpions Youth setup to finally reach pinnacle representative rugby league for their zone. Some of these boys include Sincere Harraway, Chanel Feala, Klayton Waikato alongside Caius Fa’atili who returns from Queensland due to COVID-19. The former NZ 16s and current 18s Representative Fa'atili is no stranger to New Zealand Rugby League, representing St Thomas, Hornby Panthers and made his debut as one of the youngest players in the competition in 2019 at 17 years old Fa'atili was a difference-maker for the Bulls during the 2019 national campaign.

Andrew Auimatagi has also selected Betham Champ, Nicholas Evans, Puia’I Patu-Vaega’au and Zac Riley as part of his 23-man squad.

The Bulls will have a new half combination from the previous two seasons, with 2019 New Zealand Resident players Brad Campbell having moved to Australia and Tevin Arona out injured.

Akarana Falcons:

New Zealand Resident 16s Head Coach Phil Gordon takes the reins from long standing Keith Hanley to Coach Akarana.

Setu Tu scored 15 tries out of 15 appearances in 2019 for Warriors New South Wales Cup team.

2019 New Zealand Resident

Eiden Akland joins Francis Ledger who topped the Premiership scoring table in 2019 with 38 points.

A raft of experience joins the team this year, players having been through the 20s NRL programmes or State Cup competitions in Australia. Most recently Preston Riki with 47 games for the Warriors at 20s and NSW Cup level. Isiah Vagana has 18 games under his belt for the Warriors 20s. Cole Waaka, Bostyn Hakaraia, Eiden Akland, Caleb Uele, Raymon-Ramoni Tuaimalo Vaega and Kalani Peahairangi-Charlie all with a mix of NRL 20s and NSW Cup experience.

Apirana Pewhairangi who moved back to New Zealand in 2019 from the English club London Broncos. Apirana made his professional debut in 2013 for Parramatta Eels and went on to gain international honours for Ireland earning 5 caps and went to compete in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.

Waikato:

Tumatauenga Te Koi at only 18 years old this year scored a hat-trick in Waikato Rugby League Grand Final playing for Turangawaewae. Turangawaewae went on to beat Taniwaharau 20 – 10.

Mikaere Beattie is expected to bring his experience playing for North Devils and Ipswich Jets in the Queensland competitions. He has returned to the Waikato team having played his 2019 season in Auckland.

Keanu Dawson a Backrow/Prop who has represented the NZ 18s as captain and has played under the New Zealand Maori Rugby League as well as reserve grade for NZ Warriors and 20s and for Titans in Australia.

Counties Manukau Stingrays:

Alfred Smalley will bring his experience from the NSW Cup and 20s with Manly Sea Eagles to the Stingrays.

Connor Purcell came off a solid 2019 season representing the NZMRL and NZ Residents against the English Community Rugby League Lions.

All National Premiership and Sky Sport NZRL National Women's Tournament matches will be live on Sky Sport throughout October.

September 3, 2020

New Zealand Rugby League is pleased to announce the NZRL National Competitions are back for 2020 and bigger than ever before with the inclusion of the inaugural Sky Sport NZRL National Women’s Premiership.

Thanks to the support of the NZ Government and Sport NZ, the NZRL Men’s and Sky Sport Women’s Premiership competitions will kick off October 3 and proceed over four weeks with both finals expected to take place the last weekend of October. Thanks to Sky Sport, all Premiership fixtures will be televised live on Sky Sport 4.

NZRL CEO, Greg Peters said this is an exciting milestone for New Zealand’s grassroots game.

“Firstly, thank you to Sport NZ and the NZ Government, as the return of our National Competitions for 2020 would not have been possible without their significant support through COVID-19.

“Seeing the inaugural Sky Sport NZRL Women’s Premiership come to light on top of this is also a momentous achievement for our game.

“Previously, the women’s competition has been held as a tournament weekend, so having a four-week Premiership parallel to the men’s competition is an exciting milestone. This reflects the positive growth we are seeing in our women’s space, and with all fixtures being televised live on Sky Sport, this will only continue.

“Thank you to Martin Stewart and the team at Sky Sport for their ongoing and invaluable support. We look forward to seeing the best of our grassroots talent on display come October.”

Martin Stewart Sky CEO says, “Sky has a firm commitment to promoting and developing women’s sport at every level in New Zealand. We are delighted our skilled and passionate team is able to bring the Sky Sport Women’s Premiership to rugby league fans throughout New Zealand. We are so looking forward to seeing the athleticism and skills of our leading players live on Sky Sport and streamed on Sky Sport Now.”

The NZRL Championship competition, which is a tier below the premiership, will for the first time also feature a women’s draw. Both North Island Men’s and Women’s Championship competitions will take place between the 17th and 18th of October at Auckland’s Pulman Park with the finals expected to be played the same weekend as the Premiership finals.

The South Island Championship will take place over Labour Weekend in Timaru to which the South Island Champion will come up to Auckland to play the North Island Champion on the Premiership finals weekend.

NZRL will release further information regarding the Premiership and Championship finals fixtures in due course.

Please see below the 2020 Premiership and Championship draws (subject to change)