NZRL History

New Zealand Rugby League very sadly mourns the passing of sports stalwart Pat Spellman (Ngāti Maruwharanui, Mangaia), a renowned local sports journalist, broadcaster, administrator, and supporter.

Pat was a beloved and well-known member of the wider sports community in Aotearoa, and was an admired emcee of several NZRL national tournaments from 2017-2019.

He held a number of roles within media, including at Moana Radio, while being a major advocate for the sport of touch, working closely with Touch New Zealand and Māori Touch New Zealand for years. Pat co-founded the Pacific Cup Sports Trust with the purpose of growing Pasifika participation in touch, and worked for CLM Leisure Management.

Pat has left a lasting legacy in Aotearoa and beyond that will be remembered for years to come. We offer our sincerest condolences to Pat's whānau, friends, community, and all who knew and loved him. Moe mai rā e te rangatira.

Global sports fashion retailer JD Sports has partnered with New Zealand Rugby League, marking JD Sports' first sponsorship of a national team, coming on board as Major Partner & Official Sneaker Supplier of the Kiwis, Kiwi Ferns and Wheel Kiwis.

The partnership brings together two brands with a shared passion for sport, culture and style, with JD Sports set to put its mark on New Zealand's national rugby league teams as the Kiwis, Kiwi Ferns and Wheel Kiwis prepare to represent Aotearoa on the world stage.

As Major Partner & Official Sneaker Supplier, JD will fit out all players in exclusive Only at JD Sports product throughout the tournament and will be present at moments that matter during the World Cup, giving fans a different look at what the NZRL teams are getting up to.

NZRL General Manager of Communications and Marketing, Amy Thomason, said:

"JD Sports is a brand that understands the role sport plays in culture, particularly with younger audiences, and that makes this a really exciting partnership for us.

"We're looking forward to JD bringing great energy to the Rugby League World Cup, and together putting the Kiwis, Kiwi Ferns and Wheel Kiwis firmly in the spotlight not only on, but off the field."

Michael Weatherston, JD Sports APAC Marketing Director said:

"We're incredibly proud to partner with New Zealand Rugby League as our first ever national team sponsorship. Having the iconic JD roundel on the NZRL national jersey, and a presence at a World Cup is a special moment for us. We're continuing to strengthen our connection with fans through our sports partnerships we’ve built over the past nine years, meeting our audience in cultural moments that matter most.  

"As we expand our store base in New Zealand, we want to continue to show up for New Zealanders with the right partnerships that drive passion and engagement with our core audience. Leveraging each team off pitch through our range of exclusive sports lifestyle products gives us a unique and credible access point within the Rugby League World Cup, and we’re excited to partner with the NZRL to build some amazing moments throughout the tournament. Expect to see us show up in a way that only JD can - driving highly engaging content and providing athletes with the best products that you can find only at JD.”

Premiership-winning Brisbane Broncos winger Josiah Karapani has been brought into the New Zealand Kiwis’ squad as a replacement player ahead of their Pacific Championships final against Toa Sāmoa at CommBank Stadium in Sydney on Sunday (6.05pm kick-off NZT).

The 23-year-old Aucklander comes in for Canberra Raiders outside back Sebastian Kris who has been ruled out of the campaign with a calf injury picked up in training last week.

After making nine appearances in his rookie season last year, Karapani came back into the Broncos’ lineup midway through the 2025 campaign finishing with 11 tries in 13 games, averaging 162 metres a match with 14 line breaks and 43 tackle breaks.

An Ōtāhuhu Leopards junior, he was signed by the One New Zealand Warriors as a teenager, making five appearances – and scoring five tries – in the club’s first season in the SG Ball Cup in 2020 (which was shelved after six rounds due to the Covid pandemic).

The Pakuranga College product, who represented the New Zealand 18s Clubs, was then signed by South Sydney but ultimately found his way to Queensland before breaking into the NRL with the Broncos – and winning an NRL premiership ring last month.

While Kris has been replaced in the Kiwis’ Pacific Championships squad, no player has been added for prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona who has also been ruled out of the final with a calf injury.

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Injuries have forced late changes to the New Zealand Kiwis’ lineup for today’s Pacific Championships clash against Tonga at Eden Park (6.05pm kickoff).

Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Sebastian Kris have both been ruled out after picking up leg injuries in training this week.

Kris was named to make his second Test appearance replacing the injured Ronaldo Mulitalo on the left wing while Asofa-Solomona was listed in jersey #18 when the team was selected on Tuesday.

Their withdrawals leave the Kiwis with the bare game day complement of 19 players.

With Kris out, centre Casey McLean – who has scored six tries in first two Tests – has been shifted to the left wing where he made his Test debut against Papua New Guinea in Sydney last year.

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is moved from fullback into the centres and Keano Kini will start at fullback. Scott Sorensen has been confirmed as 18^th man with Zach Dockar-Clay 19^th man.

‍PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIPS 2025

NEW ZEALAND v TONGA

EDEN PARK

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND

SUNDAY 2 NOVEMBER 2025

20  Keano Kini
2  Jamayne Isaako
3  Matthew Timoko
1  Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
4  Casey McLean
6  Dylan Brown
7  Kieran Foran
8  James Fisher-Harris (C)
9  Phoenix Crossland
10  Moses Leota
11  Briton Nikora
12  Isaiah Papali’i
13  Joseph Tapine
14  Te Maire Martin
15  Naufahu Whyte
16  Erin Clark
17  Xavier Willison
19  Scott Sorensen
21  Zach Dockar-Clay

Coach: Stacey Jones

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The New Zealand Kiwis have delivered a statement performance at Eden Park, powering past Tonga XIII 40–14 in front of a roaring crowd of more than 38,000 – the largest attendance for a Kiwis Test in over a decade.

The atmosphere was electric from the opening whistle, with both nations’ colours flooding the stands. Tongan supporters brought their trademark passion and noise, met equally by black jerseys through out the crowd and flags from the Kiwi faithful. Every tackle, kick, and try was met with thunderous energy, turning Eden Park into a true celebration of Pacific rugby league.

The Kiwis were clinical from the outset, running in four tries before halftime to take a commanding 24–2 lead. Dylan Brown starred in the halves with a double, while Jamayne Isaako’s accurate boot kept the scoreboard ticking over. Captain James Fisher-Harris led from the front, setting the tone with his physicality and relentless effort through the middle.

Tonga battled bravely in the second half and found moments of spark through the likes of Daniel Tupou and Jason Taumalolo, but New Zealand’s defensive structure held firm. Each Kiwi interchange made an impact, with the bench adding energy and intent to close out the match in style.

For NZRL, the result marks more than just a win  it’s a reflection of the growing strength and pride in the national programme. The team’s professionalism, unity, and precision shone under pressure, reinforcing their status as one of international rugby league’s powerhouse nations.

Following the match, fans were treated to a special live performance by Josh Tatofi, who took the stage under the Eden Park lights. His soulful set capped off an unforgettable night that celebrated culture, competition, and connection — a true showcase of what rugby league means to Aotearoa and the Pacific.

The Kiwis will now shift focus to the Pacific Championships Final in Sydney, carrying momentum, belief, and the backing of an entire nation behind them.

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The Kiwis' Dylan Brown and Joseph Tapine, and Kiwi Ferns' Apii Nicholls have been named as finalists for the 2025 IRL Golden Boot awards following the Pacific Championships.

Dylan Brown, who will join Newcastle next season on a 10-year contract, was a standout for the Kiwis in their successful Pacific Cup campaign, winning the tournament for the second time in three years by beating Samoa in the final with Brown earning Player of the Match.

Tapine, the Canberra Raiders captain, was consistently one of the Kiwis' best forwards and has again made the Golden Boot shortlist after being narrowly edged out by team-mate James Fisher-Harris for the award in 2023 when the Kiwis inflicted a record 30-0 defeat of Australia in the final.

Kiwi Ferns fullback Apii Nicholls was one of the best female players on the international stage in 2025, leading the Kiwi Ferns from the back in a stunning comeback win over Fetū Samoa, and two losses to the current world-champion Jillaroos.

Kiwis Joseph Manu and James Fisher-Harris were consecutive Golden Boot winners in 2022 and 2023, alongside Kiwi Ferns co-captains Raecene McGregor in 2022 and Georgia Hale in 2023.

The IRL Golden Boot is awarded to the best player in sanctioned rugby league international matches each year.

As seen on intrl.sport/article

The Kiwi Ferns have named their star-studded side to battle the Jillaroos for the Pacific Cup this Sunday at Commbank Stadium.

The Kiwi Ferns are hungry for a win over the Australians after their recent close encounter at Eden Park, which had only a converted try in it. This sees versatile former Sevens athletes Tysha Ikenasio and Tyla King re-enter the lineup to inject further speed to the backline.

Head Coach Ricky Henry said: “We are glad to have another crack at the Jillaroos this week. That last match was a tough battle, but I was proud of how the team performed. We need to get those little things right to keep the pressure on in the final.

“It is unfortunate to have Lei [Tufuga] unavailable this week, but glad to have her with us supporting the team as she follows her HIA protocols.”

Henry has made a few changes to the team with Ikenasio replacing Leianne Tufuga on the wing, and five-eighth Ashleigh Quinlan earning a start after two strong impact performances off the bench. Shakira Baker will then return to take the 18 jersey as backup, whilst newly capped Shaniece Monschau gets another opportunity.

Head Coach Ricky Henry’s commitment to developing this squad since the last World Cup is apparent, with only four new faces in this team from the one that last defeated the Australians on their home soil in 2023: Ikenasio, Shanice Monschau, Ivana Lauitiiti, and Shakira Baker, who were standouts in NRLW this season.

This continuity and experience, which has been building for the last couple of years, may prove the difference in what is sure to be a tense final.

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Kiwi Ferns team to face the Jillaroos in the Pacific Cup Final:

1. Apii Nicholls
2. Tysha Ikenasio 
3. Mele Hufunga 
4. Abigail Roache
5. Shanice Parker
6. Ashleigh Quinlan
7. Raecene McGregor
8. Tiana Davison
9. Brooke Anderson
10. Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa
11. Annessa Biddle
12. Otesa Pule
13. Georgia Hale
14. Tyla King
15. Shaniece Monschau
16. Alexis Tauaneai
17. Ivana Lauitiiti
18. Shakira Baker

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Unavailable for selection: Leianna Tufuga (HIA protocols)

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The Kiwi Ferns have finished runners-up in the 2025 Pacific Championships, with a coveted win over the Jillaroos remaining elusive.

Support for the visiting New Zealanders was outstanding, with a crowd of 17,702 filling the stands at the Commbank Stadium in Sydney, many cheering on the women in black.

However, the support was not enough to swing the scoreline, which concluded 40-8 to the reigning champions, Australia.

Despite the score, the Kiwi Ferns stayed committed throughout, with many shining moments such as rookie Tysha Ikenasio crossing the white line for her first time in the Kiwi Ferns jersey. Also dotting down in the corner after some quick off-loads by the Kiwi Ferns middle was the tenacious Shanice Parker.

Co-Captain Georgia Hale led from the front with game-high tackles (38), and fullback Apii Nicholls was second on the leaderboard for run meters (117). The duo showed their class and experience throughout the game, which has seen them as regular starters for many years now.

Head Coach Ricky Henry said: “We’ve been building the last couple of weeks, and done a lot of good things around our culture, and our connection, that chemistry. All that stuff, I think we’ve done a great job of over those weeks in camp. 

“At the end of the day, you’ve got to turn up and be ready to play, that’s why we’re here. We had a lot of pressure on us right from the outset, and we talked about this; we need to be better at it… We just didn’t go out there with enough intent to match it or go with them, and turn it back our way. That’s the learning for us.”

Next year is the Rugby League World Cup, which Henry shifts the focus of the team to.

“If we can get a couple of things right, then we will be in a better space than what the scoreline showed today.”

New Zealand Kiwis head coach Stacey Jones has named a formidable 23-man squad for the Rugby League World Cup, with their campaign kicking off in a week across New Zealand and Australia.

The squad combines a strong core of players from the 2025 Pacific Championships-winning side, alongside equally impressive new talent in line to make their Kiwis debuts.

Captain James Fisher-Harris will lead the side once again after a standout NRL season that saw him named Dally M Captain of the Year and Prop of the Year. Fellow Prop of the Year Naufahu Whyte returns fresh from an NRL premiership victory with the Sydney Roosters on Sunday, while two-time Lock of the Year Erin Clark will again add strength to the forward pack.

“We’re very excited for this World Cup campaign. We’ve been building towards this over the past few years, and winning the Pacific Championships last year was a big step in that journey,” said Jones.

“I’m confident in this squad. We’ve got a good mix of experienced players who have been part of the team for a long time, and some new blood who all bring great talent.”

The 2026 NRL Top Point Scorer, Jamayne Isaako, retains his place alongside Dolphins teammates Jeremy Marshall-King and Kodi Nikorima, who returns after last featuring for the Kiwis in 2024.

Melbourne Storm star Jahrome Hughes also makes his return to the Kiwis after an international hiatus due to injury. Last representing the Kiwis in their 2023 Pacific Championships Grand Final victory over Australia, Hughes will bolster the New Zealand spine.

Headlining the four potential debutants is Kalyn Ponga, the 2023 Dally M Medallist and Queensland Maroons representative, who pledged his allegiance to New Zealand earlier this year following changes to State of Origin and international eligibility rules. Ponga's Newcastle Knights and Māori All Stars teammate Dane Gagai also joins the squad for the first time, with the IRL Board recently approving his switch to New Zealand after he last represented Australia eight years ago.

New Zealand Warriors duo Jacob Laban and Tanner Stowers-Smith are also in line to make their Kiwis debuts, having both featured for the last Kiwis A side in 2023. Christchurch’s Stowers-Smith will also carry on a proud family legacy as the great-grandson of former Kiwis captain and great Pat Smith.  

The Kiwis will open their World Cup campaign against Australia in Sydney in the RLWC competition opening match before returning to home soil to face the Cook Islands at Ōtautahi Christchurch’s One NZ Stadium. They will then travel to the Gold Coast for their final Pool match against Fiji.  

The Rugby League World Cup Grand Finals will be played at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Sunday, 15 November.

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New Zealand Kiwis 2026 Rugby League World Cup squad

Name, Heritage Number, NRLW club

1. Erin CLARK #842, New Zealand Warriors
2. James FISHER-HARRIS #801, New Zealand Warriors
3. Dane GAGAI, Newcastle Knights*
4. Jahrome HUGHES #819, Melbourne Storm
5. Jamayne ISAAKO #808, The Dolphins
6. Keano KINI #836, Gold Coast Titans
7. Jacob LABAN, New Zealand Warriors*
8. Moses LEOTA #827, Penrith Panthers
9. Jeremy MARSHALL-KING #830, The Dolphins
10. Te Maire MARTIN #802, New Zealand Warriors
11. Casey McLEAN #841, Penrith Panthers
12. Ronaldo MULITALO #824, Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
13. Charnze NICOLL-KLOKSTAD #820, New Zealand Warriors
14. Briton NIKORA #818, Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
15. Kodi NIKORIMA #793, The Dolphins
16. Isaiah PAPALI'I #817, Penrith Panthers
17. Kalyn PONGA, Newcastle Knights*
18. Scott SORENSEN #831, Penrith Panthers
19. Tanner STOWERS-SMITH, New Zealand Warriors*
20. Joseph TAPINE #800, Canberra Raiders
21. Leo THOMPSON #833, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
22. Naufahu WHYTE #839, Sydney Roosters
23. Xavier WILLISON #843, Brisbane Broncos

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*denotes potential debutant

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Kiwis Rugby League World Cup Fixtures:

Thursday 15 October 2026

Kiwis v Australia

Allianz Stadium, Sydney, Australia

Sunday 25 October 2026

Kiwis v Cook Islands

One NZ Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand

Saturday 31 October 2026

Kiwis v Fiji  

Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast, Australia

New Zealand Rugby League today announced a star-studded Kiwi Ferns squad to hunt their fourth Rugby League World Cup title in the Australasia-based tournament this October.

Head Coach Ricky Henry’s strong 23 boasts a range of talent and experience with players delivering virtuosic performances across their respective NRLW seasons.

Co-Captain Raecene McGregor led from the front throughout her season, earning her runner-up for the Dally M Medal (just two points behind Australia’s Tamika Upton), as well as being named Dally M Halfback of the Year, and the Wests Tigers Player of the Year.

McGregor, Alexis Tauaneai, Leianne Tufuga, and newcomers Kaiyah Atai and Tenika Willison all took out their respective clubs’ top honours for their impressive, consistent NRLW performances.

“We are really excited for this campaign. The depth of Kiwi talent we had to select from made this a tough decision, but we have absolute faith in these women we have named to pull on the jersey this year,” said Henry.

“The way our last World Cup ended has lit the fire and hunger to go one better this time, and I believe we have the team to do that.”

Named as part of the 2025 wider squad, Willison’s outstanding season earns her a certified place this year, where she is reunited with fellow cross-code star and former Black Fern Sevens teammate Stacey Waaka. The talented duo won an Olympic gold medal together at the Tokyo 2020 Games, and, showing their strong athletic ability, both made their successful switch to league following the last Sevens Olympics campaign.

Returning to their roots, Chantay Kiria-Ratu and Kaiyah Atai join the squad after switching their allegiance from the Cook Islands, as do Shannon Mato and Zahara Temara, who have previously represented Australia. After joining last year’s squad as a late replacement, Trinity Tauaneai, younger sister of Alexis, has earned her place in the 23 and returns with an opportunity to make her debut.

The Kiwi Ferns assemble this weekend in Newcastle to kick off their Rugby League World Cup campaign against Fiji. They will then face France in Christchurch, and Papua New Guinea on the Gold Coast to fight for their place in the playoffs.

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Kiwi Ferns 2026 Rugby League World Cup Squad:

Name, Heritage Number, NRLW club

1. Brooke Anderson #172, St. George Illawarra Dragons
2. Kaiyah Atai, New Zealand Warriors*
3. Annessa Biddle #169, Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
4. Brianna Clark #164, Brisbane Broncos
5. Georgia Hale #122, Gold Coast Titans
6. Mele Hufanga #166, New Zealand Warriors
7. Chantay Kiria-Ratu, Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks*
8. Ivana Lauitiiti #188, New Zealand Warriors
9. Shannon Mato, Brisbane Broncos*
10. Raecene McGregor #140, Wests Tigers
11. Shaniece Monschau #189, Wests Tigers
12. Apii Nicholls #134, New Zealand Warriors
13. Shanice Parker #163, Newcastle Knights
14. Otesa Pule #165, Sydney Roosters
15. Ashleigh Quinlan #171, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
16. Abigail Roache #168, North Queensland Cowboys
17. Alexis Tauaneai #182, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
18. Trinity Tauaneai, St. George Illawarra Dragons*
19. Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa #173, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
20. Zahara Temara, Canberra Raiders*
21. Leianne Tufuga #170, Canberra Raiders
22. Stacey Waaka, New Zealand Warriors*
23. Tenika Willison, Newcastle Knights*

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*denotes potential debutant

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Kiwi Ferns Rugby League World Cup Fixtures:

Sunday 18 October 2026

Kiwi Ferns v Fiji

McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle, Australia

Sunday 25 October 2026

Kiwi Ferns v France

One NZ Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand

Saturday 31 October 2026

Kiwi Ferns v Papua New Guinea  

Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast, Australia

History awaits as the New Zealand Wheel Kiwis squad is named to represent Aotearoa, in what will be their first-ever Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup campaign in Wollongong, Australia.

The milestone competition will be held from 30 October, with the Wheel Kiwis set to face Australia, France, and Scotland in Pool B.  

Preparation for the World Cup has been building since early 2026, with a wider squad following a dedicated training programme and competing in the 2026 LCA NRL Wheelchair Championships and the recent inaugural NZRL Wheelchair Nationals.

The selected Wheel Kiwis 10-man squad combines experience, strength, and emerging talent, with five returning members from the first-ever Test side that faced Australia in 2024.

Among those returning are Nikia Fa’atau, Kauri Murray, and Wheel Kiwi #1 Jayson Hooker, who will captain the team throughout their World Cup campaign.

The squad also features five debutants in Jack Brown, Hayden Delves, Joshua Hirini-Barclay, Pele Sulusi, and Mitch Stone. While yet to earn Test caps, all five have experience in the national programme, representing the New Zealand Resident Wheel Kiwis sides that competed in the 2025 and 2026 LCA NRL Wheelchair Championships.

Head Coach Edie George will also return to lead the team, having been instrumental in the Wheel Kiwis programme since their maiden 2024 campaign. George has continued to develop the side through the 2025 and 2026 LCA NRL Wheelchair Championships and the NZRL Wheelchair Nationals.

The team will continue their preparations in the coming weeks, with the squad set to come together in Auckland for a connection and training camp before travelling to Australia for the World Cup.

The competition will mark another significant milestone in the growth of wheelchair rugby league in Aotearoa, as the Wheel Kiwis take their place on the international stage at their first World Cup campaign.

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New Zealand Wheel Kiwis squad

1. Jack Brown*

2. Ryan Charles | Wheel Kiwi #6

3. Hayden Delves*

4. Nikia Fa’atau | Wheel Kiwi #2

5. Joshua Hirini-Barclay*

6. Jayson Hooker (Captain) | Wheel Kiwi #1

7. Kauri Murray (Vice-Captain) | Wheel Kiwi #4

8. Pele Sulusi*

9. Mitch Stone*

10. Jamie Tapp | Wheel Kiwi #7

*Denotes debutant

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New Zealand Wheel Kiwis Staff

Head Coach: Edie George

Assistant Coach: Robert Graham (Wheel Kiwi #3)

Head Trainer: Lincoln Jefferson

Team Manager: Korral Heremaia

Physio: Megan Blair

Wellbeing Manager: Kylie Leuluai

Media Manager: Jeremy Siulepa

Analyst: Joseph Pouniu

• Geely becomes NZRL’s first ever official vehicle partner in a three-year deal, supporting New Zealand Rugby League, the Kiwis and, from 2027, the Kiwi Ferns

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• A twelve-car fleet of Geely Starray EM-i’s will hit the road across NZRL head office and regional associations, backing the people growing the game from grassroots to senior level

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• Community connection sits at the centre of the partnership, helping NZRL reach and support rugby league communities across the country.

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Geely, part of NordEast Vehicle Distributors Ltd, has been named the first ever official vehicle partner of New Zealand Rugby League and the Kiwis in a three-year partnership, with the Kiwi Ferns to be included from 2027. The partnership brings together two organisations focused on innovation, connection and growing rugby league across Aotearoa.

Coming off the back of a record sale’s month in September for Geely, the brands partnership will see twelve new Geely’s on the road to help grow the game throughout New Zealand communities. The fleet will serve NZRL's head office and regional associations, from the CEO through to the regional representatives driving growth in the amateur game, supporting everyone from kids picking up a ball for the first time, through to senior club teams.

The fleet is made up of the Geely Starray EM-i, with Geely's Electric Hybrid technology helping NZRL's associations extend their reach into communities throughout New Zealand. The cars will be wrapped in a new design created to align with the team uniform, turning every vehicle into a moving flag for NZRL wherever it travels.

Geely's commitment goes all the way to the top of the game. The brand will feature on the Kiwis’ jersey when they compete on the world stage at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, putting Geely in front of the massive, passionate audience that follows one of the country's biggest sports, and underscoring its belief in New Zealand's national sides.

NZRL CEO Andrea Nelson shared, "We're very excited to welcome Geely to the NZRL whānau and look forward to working together, with a shared focus on innovation and performance. We're proud to partner with a company that understands the importance of helping people go further, as we continue to grow our game across Aotearoa."

Geely combines world-class safety through its associated factory brands – such as Volvo – and global automotive expertise and advanced in-car technology to deliver moments of Everyday Magic for New Zealand drivers.

NordEast Group General Manager, Dane Fisher says, "The values that sit behind rugby league in New Zealand, community, resilience and opportunity, closely mirror what we're building with Geely. We're proud to stand alongside NZRL and support the people growing the game across the country. Whether it’s helping regional associations get further into their communities or backing the Kiwis on the world stage, this partnership is about creating positive impact and helping people go further.”

It is an exciting time for New Zealand Rugby League, with momentum building across the game and the Kiwis preparing to represent Aotearoa on the world stage. Geely's support strengthens that momentum, and with three years ahead, both organisations are looking forward to growing the partnership as it evolves, giving NZRL a partner aligned with its ambition to grow the sport, deepen community connection and improve access to the game nationwide.