Celebrating 25 Years of the Kiwi Ferns
5 November 2020
Just six months ago, there was a very real prospect that no women’s rugby league would be played in New Zealand or Australia in 2020.
Since then, however, the inaugural Sky Sport NZRL National Women’s Premiership – with matches played alongside the men’s provincial fixtures for the first time – and the third NRLW Premiership have unfolded, while the season is set to conclude this Saturday with a clash between the Kiwi Ferns and Fetu Samoa at Mt Smart Stadium.
It’s appropriate that the only major rugby league international to be played in this part of the world in a heavily disrupted, ultra-challenging year for all sports involves the New Zealand women’s team. The Kiwi Ferns are celebrating the 25th anniversary of their trailblazing tour of Australia – and a quarter century of resilience, selflessness, perseverance, pride and passion integral to elevating the women’s game to its current standing.
The New Zealand Women’s Rugby League Federation was officially registered and accepted by NZRL in February 1995. Just four months later, a 23-strong squad of pioneers – captained by Juanita Hall and coached by Janie Thompson – set off on a 21-day, seven-match tour of Australia.
“It was an absolute honour and privilege to be selected for the inaugural Kiwi Ferns alongside my peers, and to captain the team was extremely priceless,” Hall says.
“I remember clearly standing on the stage in Nelson (after the National Tournament), shocked to be selected – and I didn't initially hear that I was captain. I think I was the last to be named.”
By the time they returned home, the New Zealand team had won all seven games and scored 204 points (including 42 tries) while conceding only 30 (including just six tries).
Four days after a hard-fought 16-6 win over a President’s XIII at North Sydney Oval in their opening assignment – fighting back from 6-2 down at halftime – New Zealand backed up for the first-ever international against Australia.
New Zealand’s line-up for that historic encounter at Lidcombe Oval was (Auckland unless otherwise stated): Tammi Wilson, Lynley Tierney, Eva Epiha, Zavana Aranga (Wellington), Debbie Syme (West Coast), Therese Mangos, Leah Witehira, Juanita Hall (c), Maria Auega (Wellington), Luisa Avaiki, Eileen Rankin, Nadene Conlon, Rachel White. Interchange: Nicole Presland, Golly Baker, Wendy Cunningham, Sharlene Hannah (West Coast).
The tourists overcame another four-point halftime deficit to carve out an 18-14 victory. Wellington hooker Maria Auega had the honour of scoring the maiden try in women’s rugby league internationals, while halfback Leah Witehira, prop Luisa Avaiki and winger Lynley Tierney dotted down in the second half to drive New Zealand to the win.
“Putting on the black-and-white jersey for the first time, and standing proud and emotional with hand over heart at our first international in Sydney, singing the national anthem, and thinking to cherish that moment in history, thanking God, my parents and family, and the pride of representing my country – I will never will forget it,” Halls recalls of that illustrious occasion.
Despite playing two more midweek matches – a 26-4 defeat of Sydney and a 46-0 rout of Canberra – before the second Test the following weekend, New Zealand overwhelmed Australia 14-6 in Canberra to complete a series whitewash. Wingers Tania Martin (Auckland) and Laura Waretini (Canterbury), and interchange Sara White (Auckland) were the new faces in the Test team.
The tour wrapped up with a pair of shutouts of Queensland, winning 48-0 and 36-0. Although she missed opening two games, Waretini finished as the top try-scorer on tour with nine, while Zavana Aranga led the pointscoring charts with 44 (3 tries, 16 goals).
Michelle Driscoll (Auckland), Kaylene Ihaia (Wellington) and Megan Tahapeehi (West Coast) were the tourists who did not feature in the Test matches.
The undefeated side cemented their status as fledgling women’s rugby league’s benchmark, which would go unchallenged for almost two decades.
“No one can ever take the black-and-white jersey from you, always treasured. Being the first New Zealand rugby league team to win a Test series against Australia, on Australian soil, since the 1950s is a great honour,” Hall beams.
“I would like to pay tribute and honour the wonderful late Bernie Wood, NZRL Life Member and Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for his vision and passion, for making it possible for the creation of the inaugural Kiwi Ferns of 1995. One could say he is the 'father' of the Kiwi Ferns.”
But the tour was unmistakably challenging – for Hall personally and for the squad as a whole – for a variety of reasons.
“Being captain of a new national team and not having someone to seek advice from for help to handle all that the role entailed (was difficult). I personally sought out the great Kiwi legend Fred Ah Kuoi for his advice which was extremely helpful, invaluable and encouraging.
“The financial side of having to pay over $2000 each was extremely hard on all players, in addition to working full-time, being stay-at-home mums, and young university students.
“Additionally, the youth and vitality of our team and management, not familiar with our newly-held status as ambassadors of New Zealand women in league, and finding our feet during our tour. There was no media training or support for us on how to handle certain situations.
“Then I was injured due to a hotel mishap in the bathroom – I should have sued them! – and was unable to play our end-of-tour games in Queensland.”
Australia made its first trip across the Tasman in 1997, losing both internationals in Wellington (34-26) and Auckland (40-16). Great Britain was swept 3-0 on its three-Test tour to New Zealand in 1998. New Zealand suffered its first loss in 1999, in the second Test against Australia, but still won the series 2-1.
The Kiwi Ferns – co-captained by ’95 originals Nadene Conlon and Nicole Presland – powered to a commanding triumph in the inaugural Women’s Rugby League World Cup in 2000, beating hosts Great Britain 26-4 in the Warrington-hosted final.
The Ferns defended their world champions crown in devastating style on home soil in 2003, scoring 372 points and conceding just four in six games. They overwhelmed NZ Māori 58-0 in the final. Captain Luisa Avaiki was named Player of the Tournament, while Honey Hireme – in the second season of a Kiwi Ferns tenure that now spans 19 years – scored 10 tries.
The New Zealand side had just three matches from that emphatic success until the next World Cup in 2008, but they were no less convincing in retaining the title. The Kiwi Ferns, again led by Avaiki, thrashed Australia 34-0 in the final at Suncorp Stadium. Veteran centre Trish Hina starred with two tries and three goals in the decider – almost matching her effort in the 2000 final, when she bagged two tries and two goals.
But their decade-long, 20-Test unbeaten run came to an end via an 18-16 loss to Australia in 2009. The Kiwi Ferns had just two more internationals – comfortably accounting for England 2-0 at home in 2010 – prior to the 2013 World Cup, where the Hireme-led team lost their title to the Jillaroos 22-12 in the Headingley final.
While a tough result to swallow for the traditional top dogs, it saw the Kiwi Ferns-Jillaroos rivalry step up a notch: The trans-Tasman adversaries have faced each at least once every season since until 2020. Women’s rugby league made a significant step forward in 2014 when Australia and New Zealand squared off prior to the Australia-Samoa men’s Four Nations encounter in Wollongong, the Ferns prevailing 12-8.
Of equal importance was the staging of a three-match series between the Kiwi Ferns and Jillaroos at the 2015 NRL Auckland Nines. The high-quality clashes in an abbreviated format – marked by thrilling tries and ferocious tackles that turned several Kiwi Ferns players into viral sensations – showcased women’s rugby league to a wider audience and was regarded as a highlight of the Nines weekend, as it would be again in 2016-17.
Meanwhile, a women’s fixture became part of an Anzac Test double-header bill from 2015, with international matches belatedly broadcast live on TV and receiving long overdue media coverage.
The 2017 Women’s Rugby League World Cup was the first to be held parallel to the men’s tournament, with the Jillaroos outlasting the Kiwi Ferns, captained by Laura Mariu, 23-16 in an epic final in Brisbane. Hireme crossed for an astounding 13 tries at the tournament.
Following the first NRLW premiership in 2018 – which featured a healthy contingent of Kiwi Ferns throughout the Warriors (coached by New Zealand great Avaiki), Broncos, Roosters and Dragons squads – the Jillaroos and Kiwi Ferns produced out an equally enthralling post-season contest at Mt Smart Stadium, the Australians notching three straight victories over their archrivals for the first time in a 26-24 nail-biter.
In 2019, the Kiwi Ferns recorded a 46-8 win over Fetu Samoa in Auckland and a 28-8 loss to the Jillaroos in Wollongong at Test level either side of their triumph in the inaugural World Nines tournament.
COVID-19 put paid to any hope of a New Zealand-Australia Test in 2020, but the Kiwi Ferns’ showdown with Samoa is nevertheless a fitting way to mark the team’s 25-year milestone. A host of debutants will accompany captain Krystal Rota, fellow stalwart Maitua Feterika and 39-year-old Kiwi Ferns legend Honey Hireme-Smiler.
Acknowledging the players, coaches, administrators and volunteers who ‘dug the well’ for women’s rugby league in New Zealand will undoubtedly play a key role in the Kiwi Ferns’ build-up to this week’s match. Kiwis & National Teams Manager Conlon and Head of Women’s Rugby League Avaiki continue to fly the flag for the 1995 originals on the NZRL staff, while Conlon’s exhaustive research has this week culminated in the assigning of Kiwi Ferns numbers for all 147 New Zealand women’s internationals.
“It has been good to see how far the Kiwi Ferns and women’s rugby league has come, with all the great achievements of the past, present and for future Kiwi Ferns,” foundation skipper Hall says.
“The progress and been slow and steady – compared to the Australian competitions of both local club and NRLW, we a slightly behind. The lack of teams in grassroots club level is evident.
“With the Warriors’ team entry into the NRLW competition, it has given a huge boost for women in rugby league. This has been enthralling and fabulous to watch, and for the next generation to aspire to.
“However, kudos to NZRL for their efforts in progressing and improving New Zealand women in league.
“I have to mention also the amazing stalwarts and hardworking former Kiwi Ferns – the likes of Luisa Avaiki Nadene Conlon, Tammy Wilson, Lynley Tierney and many others – who have continued to promote, support and do a fabulous job within in their roles in NZRL.”
KIWI FERNS INTERNATIONAL RECORD – 1995-2019
| OPPONENT | PLAYED | WON | LOST |
| Australia | 24 | 16 | 8 |
| Great Britain | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| Cook Islands | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Tokelau | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Samoa | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| England | 6 | 6 | 0 |
| NZ Māori | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| Pacific Islands | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Tonga | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| France | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Papua New Guinea | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Canada | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 51 | 43 | 8 |
Authored by Will Evans
All the NEWS. All the VIEWS.
All the ACTION.
Team staff expressions of interest now open: NZ Resident Clubs 16s & 18s and NZ Secondary Schools 18s
We are now accepting expressions of interest for staff roles across the NZRL NZ Resident Clubs Boys and Girls 16s & 18s programmes, as well as the NZ Secondary Schools Boys and Girls 18s teams.
We are seeking committed and capable individuals who can contribute positively to a high-performance youth environment and support the development of our next generation of national representative players.
Available Roles
- Head Coach
- Assistant Coach
- Team Manager
- Head Trainer
- Assistant Trainer
Applicant Requirements
All applicants must hold the appropriate current NZRL accreditation for the role they are applying for.
Applicants must also be currently performing in their role at Club, District or Zone level and be able to demonstrate the experience and standards required to contribute to a national youth campaign. Minimum accreditation requirements will apply across all appointed roles.
Head Coaches are required to be part of the selection process for their appointed teams.
Campaign Information
The NZ Youth 18s teams will play NZ Secondary Schools during the campaign. The Youth 16s programme is currently being finalised, with further details to be confirmed.
The campaign will take place over Labour Weekend, with selected squads assembling a couple of days prior.
NZRL are encouraging suitably qualified and experienced applicants to express their interest in these important roles. This is a great opportunity to help shape the next generation of representative rugby league talent and contribute to a meaningful national youth programme.
Please register your interest by completing the attached form, closing date 5 July 2026: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=N4xXvA6OsUaul4hFGG8Qa0uUtGAHpQJJkZy-4UovBJRUMFZQSkVBSDdNMFNFSFhJMlpMNlhJM1hPVS4u
Additional Information
If you have any questions or would like further detail on the roles or campaign, please contact:
• National Coach Development Manager George Lajpold - george.lajpold@nzrl.co.nz (Coaching and Trainer enquiries)
• Kiwi Ferns Team Manager Gina Tuala - gina.cocker@nzrl.co.nz (Manager enquiries)
Ārepa joins NZRL and the Wheel Kiwis as official brain health partner
New Zealand-based health beverage and supplement company Ārepa have partnered with New Zealand Rugby League, as official brain health partner of NZRL and the Wheel Kiwis.
Ārepa’s range of natural and caffeine-free products are specially developed by neuroscientists and proven to support brain function, with benefits including improved mental clarity and cognitive function.
David McMeeken, NZRL National Football Operations Manager said, “Ārepa are a well-respected New Zealand brand renowned for their innovative and science-backed products, we’re very excited for this partnership.
“We’re thankful for their support of the Wheel Kiwis, who will benefit greatly from using Ārepa’s products in their inaugural Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup campaign later this year.”
Co-founder of Ārepa Angus Brown shared, "Ārepa exists to make brains work better, and there are few better examples of brain and body working together than rugby league. It’s fast, physical and demands clarity, focus and resilience under pressure.
"As a New Zealand company built on brain health science, we’re incredibly proud to partner with NZRL and support the Wheel Kiwis as they take on the world. Their grit, ambition and team-first mindset perfectly reflect what Ārepa stands for."
A historic shift as NZRL moves to modernised membership and delivery model
Marking a significant shift in how rugby league is delivered throughout Aotearoa, a new framework for delivering our game – the Connected Game Plan – was voted in by New Zealand Rugby League’s members on Monday 15 June.
The NZRL Connected Game Plan is a whole of game led project to inform how grassroots rugby league could be better organised, structured, and resourced. This will ensure that as a sport we can meet the future demands of growth and deliver a quality experience for every New Zealander that wants to play our game.
NZRL Chairman, Justin Leydesdorff said, “Moving to this new framework is a historic moment for rugby league in Aotearoa. It’s a move that we believe will provide more engagement with NZRL, enhance connection between organisations within the system, and encourage higher quality delivery of the game.
“We want to make sure everyone playing and participating in our game has the best experience possible, both now and in the future. This requires everyone to be better connected and working together. This is what we think the Connected Game Plan will bring.”
The new framework sees a modernised District-based membership model replace the current Zone-based model, with six regions recognised and potentially 13 members of NZRL with voting rights, including three new Rōpū (pending final assessment). Included is also Aotearoa New Zealand Māori Rugby League, which maintain its status as a full voting member.
“We want to recognise the significant input from everyone at every level, especially the Districts, that have come together to shape what this new framework looks like. It’s never an easy task to tackle change, and not just the Connected Game Plan itself, but everything leading to it, showcases the passion and dedication of those at the heart of the game and their true desire to better it for everyone.”
Connected Game Plan’s flatter membership model is accompanied with a support structure in place for the regions that includes the likes of National Capability Managers, Development Officers and centralised administrative and funding support. This will deliver better connection, communication and alignment across Aotearoa.
The six regions are Northland, Auckland, Upper Central, Mid Central, Wellington and South Island. Final assessment of all Districts against the Connected Game Plan criteria is still to be undertaken however, potential voting members include:
NZRL’s Voting Members under the new framework:
- Northland Rōpū - Whangārei City District Rugby League, Te Tai Tokerau Rugby League
- Auckland Rugby League
- Counties Manukau Rugby League
- Waikato Rugby League
- Bay of Plenty Rugby League
- Upper Central Rōpū - Coastline Rugby League, Tairāwhiti Rugby League, Hauraki District Rugby League
- Rugby League Hawkes Bay
- Manawatū Rugby League
- Taranaki Rugby League
- Wellington Rugby League
- Canterbury Rugby League
- Southern Rōpū - Tasman Rugby League, West Coast Rugby League, Otago Rugby League, Aoraki Rugby League, Southland District Rugby League
- Aotearoa New Zealand Māori Rugby League
NZRL associates continue under the framework to play a crucial role in our game and will remain unchanged, with Pasifika Aotearoa Collective set to apply to be an associate member.
NZRL associate members:
- Defence Forces Rugby League
- Masters of Rugby League
- New Zealand Rugby League Kiwis Association
- New Zealand Universities and Tertiary Students Rugby League Council
- Whutupōro Rīki Whaikaha o Aotearoa Physical Disability Rugby League
Wheel Kiwis squad confirmed for Gold Coast LCA NRL Wheelchair National Championships
The Wheel Kiwis return to the LCA NRL Wheelchair National Championship in 2026 in the Gold Coast from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 July, after being invited to compete by Wheelchair Rugby League Australia.
New Zealand competed in the inaugural championship in 2025, recording three wins from six matches, gaining valuable experience against some of Australia's best wheelchair rugby league players.
The 2026 championship will feature representative teams from Central Queensland, South East Queensland, North Queensland, New South Wales, the ACT, Victoria, the Affiliated States and New Zealand. For the Wheel Kiwis, the tournament provides another important opportunity to develop and expose players to the game ahead of their historic debut at the 2026 Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup.
The New Zealand Residents squad will be made up of domestically based players, with several Kiwis-eligible players selected for the representative side of the state in which they currently reside. Boston Charles, Ryan Charles and Dan Scott have been named for South East Queensland, Jayson Hooker for North Queensland, and Mitch Stone for the ACT.
Preparation for the World Cup has been underway since early 2026, with a wider squad following a structured training programme. The management team remains largely unchanged, led by Head Coach Edie George and Assistant Coach Robert Graham, Korral Heremaia as Team Manager, and Lincoln Jefferson as Head Trainer.
New additions to the management team include Megan Blair as Strength and Conditioning Coach and Physio, and Joseph Pouniu, who brings NRL experience from his role with the Gold Coast Titans, joining as Team Statistician.
Wheel Kiwis wider Squad:
Players:
Jack Brown*
Boston Charles
Ryan Charles
Hayden Delves*
Nikia Fa'atau*
Connor Gibbs*
Toshii Hakopa
Joshua Hirini-Barclay*
Jayson Hooker
Kauri Murray*
Slade O'Rourke St John
Yann Roux*
Dan Scott
Mitch Stone
Tosso Pele Sulusi
Jamie Tapp*
Management:
Edie George, Head Coach*
Robert Graham, Assistant Coach*
Korral Heremaia, Team Manager
Lincoln Jefferson, Head Trainer*
Megan Blair, Physiotherapist & Strength and Conditioning Coach*
Joseph Pouniu, Statistician*
*Denotes those selected for the New Zealand Residents squad attending the 2026 NRL Wheelchair National Championship.
New Zealand Resident 16s and 18s boys and girls representative matches return in October
The New Zealand Resident 16s and 18s boys and girls representative fixtures will return in October following a hiatus in 2025.
All matches will be played at Bruce Pulman Park on Monday 26 October, providing an exciting opportunity to showcase some of the country’s most promising young rugby league talent and the next generation of Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns.
The New Zealand Resident teams will be selected from players identified through the NZRL National Secondary Schools Tournament and National Youth Tournament. Following selection, players will assemble for a short camp beginning on Saturday 24 October to prepare for their respective fixtures.
NZRL’s national tournaments and these representative matches play an important role within the domestic pathway, providing aspiring players with a clear progression from club and school rugby league through to the National Secondary Schools and National Youth Tournaments, and ultimately towards New Zealand Resident representative honours. These events provide players with the opportunity to develop their skills, represent their communities with pride, and test themselves against the country’s top talent while pursuing higher honours.
The pathway extends beyond players, with coaches, managers, trainers, and match officials also given the opportunity to represent their region at a national level and further their development within the game.
With the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns set to play their second Rugby League World Cup matches at One NZ Stadium in Ōtautahi Christchurch on Sunday 25 October, the Resident fixtures in Auckland the following day will offer an exciting glimpse into the future stars who may one day pull on the black and white jersey on the international stage.
A number of current professional and international players have progressed through these fixtures in recent years, including 2025 NRL Premiership winner and Brisbane Broncos outside back Josiah Karapani, along with One New Zealand Warriors players Leka Halasima, Tanner Stowers-Smith, and Ali Leiataua. On the women’s side, current Kiwi Ferns squad members and NRLW players Alexis Tauaneai, Trinity Tauaneai, and Ivana Lauitiiti are among those who previously featured in the girls representative programme.
RGK Wheelchairs partner with Wheel Kiwis ahead of historic World Cup
Ahead of the inaugural Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup this year, New Zealand Rugby League has partnered with RGK Wheelchairs as the official wheelchair supplier of the Wheel Kiwis.
Supplied in New Zealand by Medifab, RGK manufactures made-to-measure sport & everyday wheelchairs, with every RGK chair custom-built to suit the unique requirements of its rider.
David McMeeken, NZRL National Football Operations Manager said,
“We are incredibly grateful for RGK’s generous support of the Wheel Kiwis as we prepare for the first-ever Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup in Australia later this year.
“Specialist rugby league wheelchairs will have significant benefits to our players both in training and on the world stage.
“This partnership will ensure our athletes have access to world-class equipment to represent New Zealand at this historic event for the growing and all-inclusive sport of wheelchair rugby league.”
Commercial Director of Sunrise Medical across Australia and New Zealand, Matt Butterworth shared, “We’re proud to support the Wheel Kiwis as they prepare for a landmark moment in the sport with the inaugural Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup. At RGK, we are passionate about empowering athletes through bespoke equipment that enhances performance and confidence.
"Partnering with New Zealand Rugby League to provide world-class, made-to-measure chairs ensures these athletes can compete at their very best on the international stage, and we’re excited to be part of their journey.”
.jpeg)
First-ever NZRL Wheelchair Rugby League Nationals set for September
The inaugural NZRL Wheelchair Rugby League Nationals are set to take place at the YMCA Auckland City on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September, showcasing and reflecting the growth of the sport in Aotearoa.
The exciting introduction of this national tournament follows the establishment of New Zealand's international wheelchair rugby league representative team, the Wheel Kiwis, who have qualified and are preparing for the 2026 Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup.
The tournament provides an important opportunity for players to compete, connect, and showcase their abilities, while also supporting the continued growth and development of wheelchair rugby league across the nation.
Much of the sport's recent growth over the past two years has been driven by community programmes delivered by Disability Sport Auckland, Parafed Bay of Plenty, and the Warriors Community Foundation.
Through activations, weekly participation sessions, and events such as the recent Healthvision Festival of Disability Sport, wheelchair rugby league has attracted strong interest from both experienced wheelchair athletes and able-bodied participants looking to try the sport.
The tournament has been scheduled to avoid key national wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby events, allowing athletes from other codes the opportunity to participate.
Team and individual registrations are now open. Individuals are encouraged to register, with tournament organisers available to assist in placing players into teams where required.
If you are interested in entering a team, registering as an individual, or would like to receive further information about the tournament, please complete the registration form below:
PURE Sports Nutrition partners with the New Zealand Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns
Local nutrition and supplement company PURE Sports Nutrition join New Zealand Rugby League as official nutrition partner for the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns ahead of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
Offering a wide range of products including energy gels, electrolyte hydration, protein powders, and creatine supplements, PURE manufactures its products in their purpose-built factory at headquarters in Christchurch, ensuring quality control throughout the entire production process.
NZRL GM of Football and High Performance Motu Tony said,
“Nutrition and recovery play a vital role in high-performance sport, and PURE’s range of high-quality products will support our athletes well as they prepare for and compete in the World Cup this year.
“We look forward to working together with PURE Sports Nutrition, and providing the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns with products that will enhance their training, performance, and recovery."
PURE Sports Nutrition Managing Director Simon Kraak said the partnership reflects the company’s commitment to supporting New Zealand athletes at the highest level.
“We’re incredibly proud to partner with the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns – two teams that represent the very best of New Zealand sport on the world stage. At PURE, our mission is to provide athletes with high-quality, trusted nutrition that enables them to perform at their peak.
“As a New Zealand-owned and manufactured brand, there is a natural alignment between our values and those of these teams. We’re excited to support the players as they build towards the 2026 Rugby League World Cup and look forward to being part of their journey and success.”
.png)
NZRL's Pirtek Volunteer of the Month: May 2026
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."
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
Wheel Kiwis players and staff recognised at the Healthvision Festival of Disability Sport Awards
Members of the Wheel Kiwis squad were recognised at the recent Healthvision Festival of Disability Sport Awards, with players and staff acknowledged for their achievements both on and off the court.
Wheel Kiwis wider squad member Jack Brown received the Emerging Talent Award, which recognises athletes who are new to their sport and have demonstrated significant promise, commitment, dedication, and sportsmanship. Jack is a highly talented wheelchair athlete who has made an immediate impact in wheelchair rugby league. Prior to November 2025, he had no experience in the sport, yet he was selected for the Wheel Kiwis squad to compete in the inaugural NRL Wheelchair Rugby League Championship on the Gold Coast. During the campaign, the Wheel Kiwis secured three victories and finished mid-table against strong and experienced state opposition in just their second appearance as a representative side.
Jack played an important role in the team's success, proving to be an outstanding addition to the squad. Since the tournament, he has continued to apply himself and has been invited into the wider Wheel Kiwis squad as preparations continue for the 2026 Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup in Australia. Although new to the sport, Jack has adapted quickly and consistently demonstrates energy, enthusiasm, and a genuine commitment to improving his game. He is one of the most proactive members of the wider squad, regularly engaging with teammates, sharing his training sessions, and encouraging others to do the same.
Wheel Kiwis Assistant Coach Robert ‘Tiny’ Graham was awarded Coach & Volunteer of the Year in recognition of his outstanding contribution to disability sport and wheelchair rugby league. A New Zealand Army veteran, Tiny served nearly 27 years as a Warrant Officer Class One, during which he was deployed on three operational tours to Bosnia, Bougainville and East Timor, and was posted to Tonga as the NZDF Technical Advisor to His Majesty’s Armed Forces, Tonga and Military Advisor to the NZ High Commissioner.
Tiny has been heavily involved in sport since young playing rugby league for Taniwharau among other codes, including rugby union for which he featured in a number of representative sides. Since 2017, he has been a member of the New Zealand Defence Force Invictus Team, representing New Zealand at the international Invictus Games, which brings together wounded, injured, and sick serving and former service personnel.
Tiny competed at Prince Harry's Invictus Games in Toronto (2017) and Sydney (2018). Since 2019, he has coached the New Zealand Invictus Team's wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby sides at the Düsseldorf 2023 and Vancouver 2025 Games and will continue in the role for Birmingham 2027. Wheel Kiwi #3, Tiny represented New Zealand against Australia in 2024 before taking on the role of Wheel Kiwis Assistant Coach in 2025. He has been instrumental in the growth and success of wheelchair rugby league in New Zealand and is highly respected by his colleagues. As a coach, volunteer, administrator, and advocate, he continues to be a driving force behind the sport's development.
Wheel Kiwis wider squad members Kauri Murray and Nikia Fa'atau were also nominated for Male Sportsman of the Year in recognition of their achievements and contributions through wheelchair basketball. Their nominations highlight the depth of talent within the wider Wheel Kiwis programme and the strong connections across New Zealand's adaptive sports community.
We congratulate Jack, Tiny, Kauri, and Nikia on their well-deserved recognition and nominations.
.JPG)
A stage for every school: NZRL National Secondary Schools Tournament returns this September
The biggest event on the secondary school rugby league calendar is back as the NZRL National Secondary Schools Tournament returns to Auckland this September. The 2025 tournament was the biggest in the event’s history with 60 teams from across Aotearoa taking part, and the 2026 edition is on track to surpass that milestone.
Currently, 71 teams from across the motu have expressed interest in participating in this year’s tournament, with 50% of those teams travelling from outside of Auckland as the game continues to grow outside of the rugby league hub.
Following continued growth and strong participation numbers, the U15 Boys Tournament will be held as a standalone event from Tuesday 1 September to Thursday 3 September at Walter Massey Park in Mangere.
The Senior Secondary Schools Tournament will follow, taking place from Friday 4 September to Sunday 6 September at Bruce Pulman Park, Papakura, featuring three grades:
• Open Girls Championship
• Boys Championship
• Boys Premiership
The expanded format will allow more teams to participate while enhancing the overall tournament experience for players, coaches, and supporters. Sanctioned by New Zealand School Sport, the tournament is open to all secondary schools, including composite teams. It aims to provide an inclusive and accessible environment for all students, from established rugby league schools, to developing schools, and those new to the sport.
While offering rangatahi the opportunity to showcase their talents on the field, the tournament also uses rugby league as a vehicle to build school pride. It provides students with the chance to play alongside their mates and represent their school and community, while reinforcing the importance of balancing education, wellbeing, and sport.
Since the return of the tournament following COVID-19 disruptions, it has seen over 150% growth. This significant increase reflects the rising popularity of rugby league within secondary schools and the commitment of schools to providing rugby league opportunities, supported by the growing visibility and accessibility of the game across Aotearoa.
With rugby league at an all-time high in New Zealand, rangatahi now have more opportunities than ever to progress through the game. NZRL representative tournaments and competitions complement those offered by the New Zealand Warriors, creating clear development opportunities for aspiring players.
Limited spaces remain available across all grades and entries are open to all secondary schools, including composite schools. Schools wishing to participate are encouraged to complete the Expression of Interest form as soon as possible to secure a spot before capacity is reached.
Must be completed by a member of school staff, entries close on Monday 15 June 2026: sporty.co.nz
Kennedy Cherrington switches allegiance to Kiwi Ferns ahead of RLWC 2026
State of Origin champion and NRLW Grand Finalist Kennedy Cherrington has officially pledged allegiance to the Kiwi Ferns for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup and beyond.
This follows the IRL’s decision to remove the tier system for women’s nations and the modernisation of Origin eligibility rules, now allowing Cherrington to represent New Zealand, while still being eligible for New South Wales.
Widely regarded as one of the best forwards in the women’s game, Cherrington has made six Test appearances for the Jillaroos since 2022, and is a five-time Māori All Star.
Although Australian-born, Cherrington spoke on her deep connection to Aotearoa through her Māori whakapapa, with ties to Northland’s Ngāti Hine and Ngāpuhi on her father’s side, and Ngāti Tūwharetoa from Korohe, and the East Coast-based Ngāti Ruapani ki Waikaremoana, on her mother’s side.
“My connection to Aotearoa has always been a big part of who I am. This decision is about honouring my whakapapa, my whānau, and my culture.
“As soon as the rules changed, I was on the phone to (coach) Ricky Henry straight away and I wanted to let him know that I would love to be in the selection pool for the Rugby League World Cup.
“Earning a Kiwi Ferns jersey is something I’ll work hard for, and it would mean the world to me to represent New Zealand”, she said.
New Zealand Rugby League GM of Football and High Performance Motu Tony commented, “Kennedy is a highly talented player with deep pride in her Māori heritage and excellent experience, making her a valuable addition to our current player pool.
“As with all players, Kennedy will progress through the standard selection process, but we’re excited she has committed her international future to New Zealand, and to potentially see her in the Kiwi Ferns jersey at the World Cup this year.”
The Kiwi Ferns open their World Cup campaign against Fiji Bulikula at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium on October 18 before meeting France at Christchurch’s new indoor venue, One NZ Stadium, on October 25 and the Papua New Guinea Orchids at Cbus Super Stadium on October 31.