Dolphins debutant Valynce Te Whare becomes instant cult hero

The New Zealand Wheel Kiwis have travelled to the Gold Coast and set up camp to participate in the Inaugural Leagues Clubs Australia NRL Wheelchair Championships. The invitation, extended by the NRL Wheelchair Rugby League, provides a valuable opportunity for the side to gain experience and further prepare for the 2026 Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup.

The Wheel Kiwis will be without several key players with Jamie Tapp (#8), Kauri Murray (#6) and Nikia Fa’atau (#2) scheduled for international duty with the Roller Blacks. We wish Jamie, Kauri, Nikia, and the Roller Blacks all the best for their upcoming Asia Oceania Championship. Charles Joyce (#5) and Boston Charles will line up against New Zealand having been selected to represent Queensland for the Tournament.

New Zealand will introduce several new players into the squad; Pele Sulusi, Mitch Stone, Jack Brown, and Wayne Chase all selected to be part of the Wheel Kiwis for the Championship with the tournament providing an important opportunity for the Wheel Kiwis to build depth and expand the player base ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

“We appreciate the opportunity presented by NRL Wheelchair Rugby League and Wheelchair Rugby League Australia to be part of this Championship. Our inclusion provides valuable experience for our players as we build towards the 2026 World Cup. We would also like to acknowledge the continued efforts of the Warriors Community Foundation and Disability Sport Auckland for their ongoing work in promoting and supporting Wheelchair Rugby League initiatives here in New Zealand”, shared David McMeeken, New Zealand Rugby League National Football Operations Manager.

Two referees, Jordan Chand and Maxine Godinet have been selected to be part of the tournament. They will be involved in upskilling and the opportunity to officiate throughout the Championship. This opportunity presents an exciting step forward for Wheelchair Rugby League in New Zealand, where we currently have no qualified officials. The experience and knowledge they gain will be shared with referees back in New Zealand providing an invaluable boost to the development and growth of the Wheelchair game.

“We’re really excited to be part of the National Championships and grateful for the chance to test ourselves against some quality teams. It’s a great opportunity for our players to gain experience and for us to keep building towards the 2026 Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup. The energy in the group is awesome, and everyone’s keen to learn, grow, and represent the Wheel Kiwis with pride.” Edie George, New Zealand Wheel Kiwis Head Coach.

The Wheel Kiwis schedule of games:

Round 1: Friday 31 October, 11am –  Wheel Kiwis vs. Queensland White

Round 2: Friday 31 October, 1:15pm – Wheel Kiwis vs. Queensland Maroon

Round 3: Saturday 1 November, 10am – Wheel Kiwis vs. New South Wales

Round 4: Saturday 1 November, 12:15pm – Wheel Kiwis vs. ACT

Round 5: Saturday 1 November, 2:15pm – Wheel Kiwis vs. Victoria

Round 6: Sunday 2 November, 11am – Wheel Kiwis vs. Affiliated States

Final: Sunday 2 November, 1pm – 1^st v 2^nd

New Zealand Wheel Kiwis Squad

Inaugural LCA NRL Wheelchair Championships

1

Jack Brown

2

Wayne Chase

3

Ryan Charles (1)

4

Jayson Hooker (4)

5

Danial Scott (7)

6

Pele Sulusi

7

Slade St. John (8)

8

Mitchell Stone

Head Coach

Edie George

Assistant Coach

Robert (Tiny) Graham (3)

Manager

Korral Heremaia

Trainer

Lincoln Jefferson

Mechanic

Josh Hirini-Barclays

Media

Wes Osman

‍

Four changes including a Test debut for Brisbane Broncos forward Xavier Willison have been made for the New Zealand Kiwis’ Pacific Championships clash against Tonga at Eden Park on Sunday (6.05pm kickoff).

The 23-year-old NRL premiership-winning Willison replaces Melbourne Storm power forward Nelson Asofa-Solomona on the interchange.

Raised in the remote Waikato town of Tahāroa near Kawhia, the Whatawhata Wolves junior previously represented the Cook Islands after making his NRL debut with the Broncos in 2021.

In 51 NRL appearances he has scored 10 tries, 21 of his outings coming this year when he averaged 111 metres and 23 tackles (95.6 per cent tackle efficiency) a game while making 39 tackle breaks.

He’ll debut alongside fellow Tahāroa native and cousin Te Maire Martin (30), who has been named as the side’s interchange utility in jersey #14.

The One New Zealand Warriors veteran was added to the New Zealand squad as one of two replacements for wing Ronaldo Mulitalo and hooker Jeremy Marshall-King, both ruled out after being injured in the Kiwis’ 24-18 win over Toa Samoa on October 19.

Martin was last an official squad member in 2022 but wasn’t used in the mid-year Test against Tonga. The last of his four internationals to date was the historic one-off Test against England at the Mile High Stadium in Denver in 2018.

Newcastle’s Phoenix Crossland, used off the bench against Tonga, starts at hooker this week while Canberra’s Sebastian Kris is the fourth change, coming onto the wing for the injured Mulitalo.

Predominantly used in the centres by the Raiders, the 26-year-old Kris will be making his second Test appearance, reprising the winger’s role he filled in his try-scoring Test debut in the Kiwis’ 68-6 win over Jamaica in Hull at the 2022 Rugby League World Cup.

Earlier he scored a hat-trick in New Zealand’s 74-0 victory over the Leeds Rhinos in a warm-up match at Headingly.

Kris has come off an outstanding NRL season in which he scored nine tries in 24 games when he averaged 122 metres while finishing with 12 try assists, 16 line break assists and 61 tackle breaks.

The Kiwis are seeking to avenge last year’s controversial 24-25 loss to the Tongans at Go Media Stadium in last year’s Pacific Championships to earn a repeat meeting with the Samoans in the final in Sydney on November 9.

NEW ZEALAND v TONGA

EDEN PARK

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND

SUNDAY 2 NOVEMBER 2025

JERSEY NO.

NAME

HERITAGE NUMBER

1

Charnze NICOLL-KLOKSTAD

820

2

Jamayne ISAAKO

808

3

Matthew TIMOKO

832

4

Casey McLEAN

841

5

Sebastian KRIS

828

6

Dylan BROWN

826

7

Kieran FORAN

757

8

James FISHER-HARRIS (C)

801

9

Phoenix CROSSLAND

838

10

Moses LEOTA

827

11

Briton NIKORA

818

12

Isaiah PAPALI’I

817

13

Joseph TAPINE

800

14

Te Maire MARTIN

802

15

Naufahu WHYTE

839

16

Erin CLARK

842

17

Xavier WILLISON

Debutant

18

Nelson ASOFA-SOLOMONA

804

19

Scott SORENSEN

831

20

Keano KINI

836

21

Zach DOCKAR-CLAY

Debutant

COACH

Stacey JONES

665

‍

The trans-Tasman rivalry is reignited this Sunday, when the Kiwi Ferns take on the Jillaroos at Eden Park.

Looking to claim a win over the current Pacific Champions, Kiwi Ferns head coach Ricky Henry has named another strong side, with an abundance of continuity maintained from the gritty lineup that faced Fetu Samoa.

The only changes come in the form of Raiders centre Leianne Tufuga and Knights prop Tiana Davison, who are injected into the starting lineup. Bulldogs second rower, Shaniece Monschau, will run out in black for her debut off the bench, and multi-code international Tyla King slots in as the 18th man.

“It will be an occasion on Sunday, and we look forward to having Shaniece join our honour roll of Kiwi Ferns,” said Henry.

“This match is always a big one for us, and the Jillaroos are the ultimate challenge, but we have a lot of belief in this group, so we haven’t reinvented the wheel this week.

“We have a lot of belief and we have the opportunity to show this when we play.”

The Kiwi Ferns are particularly motivated, having last got the upper hand over the green and gold team two years ago, in 2023. True arch rivals, Australia remain the only team that has ever defeated the Kiwi Ferns in their 30-year history, so it is sure to be a grudge match this weekend.

Kiwi Ferns team to face Australia:

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

The Kiwi Ferns will kick off at Eden Park at 3.35pm, followed by the Kiwis clash with Tonga at 6.05pm. Fans will be kept entertained throughout the evening with performances from renowned artists Savage and Josh Tatofi.

‍

18-year-old St. George Illawarra Dragons middle Trinity Tauaneai is closing out a whirlwind season, joining the Kiwi Ferns after making her NRLW debut just 4 months ago.

Tauaneai is elevated from the wider squad following the two-game stand down of Brianna Clark for a grade 2 infringement in the team’s previous match against Fetu Samoa.

Kiwi Ferns head coach Ricky Henry said: “Trinity is a phenomenal young talent who’s already making waves in the NRLW. She’s incredibly mobile, skilful, and has a tough edge to her game. She’s an exciting prospect and definitely one to watch for the future.”

Tauaneai has been a standout throughout the age-grade competitions, representing the Wellington Orcas at the NZRL National Youth Tournament in 2022, where she was selected in the first NZRL Aotearoa Whaanui 16s representative team. In 2023, the Orcas 16s Girls team won the NZRL National District 9s, and Tauaneai was awarded Tournament MVP.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to join the Kiwi Ferns,” said Tauaneai. “It’s always been my dream, but I had it more in my five-year plan. To be there in my first NRLW season is crazy, but I’m so keen to get stuck in and make the most of the experience.”

Stepping into the squad will be made smoother for Trinity with her older sister, Kiwi Ferns back rower Alexis Tauaneai, also part of the star-studded side. Having played in opposition NRLW clubs this year, they are looking forward to being back on the same team.

The Kiwi Ferns squad are now assembled in Auckland ahead of their clash with Australia’s Jillaroos at Eden Park this Sunday 2 November.

‍

Utility players Te Maire Martin and Zach Dockar-Clay have been brought into the New Zealand Kiwis’ squad for the rest of the Pacific Championships campaign.

They replace Dolphins hooker Jeremy Marshall-King (thumb) and Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo (knee) who have both been ruled out after leaving the field with injuries in Sunday’s series-opening 24-18 win over Toa Sāmoa at Go Media Stadium.

Returning for his third Test and first since the 2022 Rugby League World Cup, Marshall-King (Kiwi #830) picked up his injury early in the contest but played on gamely until halftime when he was replaced by Phoenix Crossland.

Mulitalo (Kiwi #824), playing his ninth Test, was forced off the field six minutes from fulltime in the epic contest.

Versatile One New Zealand Warriors veteran Martin (Kiwi #802) played the last of his four Tests against England in Denver in 2018. The 30-year-old, with 110 NRL games to his name, can fill the halves, hooker, centres and loose forward as he did at various stages for the Warriors this year.

Hooker-halfback Dockar-Clay (30), yet to make his Test debut, has made 36 NRL appearances for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and Sydney Roosters since 2022 while he has clocked up 125 New South Wales Cup games for seven different clubs since 2015.

Like Martin he has represented the Māori All Stars while he and Martin were in the halves when the Junior Kiwis beat the Junior Kangaroos 15-14 in 2014.
Martin and Dockar-Clay will join the Kiwis in camp on Monday when they reassemble ahead of the November 2 showdown with Tonga at Eden Park.

‍

As seen on nrl.com

The Kiwis stood tall on home soil in Auckland on Sunday as the 2025 Pacific Championships dished up an epic contest

The Kiwis also had to come from behind against Toa Samoa, who led 12-6 after 29 minutes when Blaize Talagi scored.

By half-time the Kiwis had fought back to lead 16-12 and they went on to win 24-18 thanks to a double to Casey McLean and a superb display from Dylan Brown, who clearly revelled in donning the black jumper again as he had 18 runs for 146 metres, two try assists and the match-sealing try.

Casey McLean has played just 120 minutes of Test footy for the Kiwis and already has six tries to his name. The teenager was a constant threat on the left edge and came up with three line breaks and five tackle breaks to go with his try double.

The Kiwis prevailed 24-18 in a thrilling contest with halves Kieran Foran and Dylan Brown combining for the match-winning play. Naufahu Whyte and Joseph Tapine were strong in the middle for the Kiwis and Matt Timoko and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad combined for 351 run metres.

After missing the Pacific Cup final last year the Kiwis are hell bent on avenging that disappointment and taking down Samoa and Tonga to claim the crown.

With the first half of that mission complete they now turn their attention a week three contest against Tonga in Auckland. Tickets from Ticketek.

Read more on nrl.com

‍

Despite a slow start to the opening round of the Pacific Cup, the Kiwi Ferns have maintained their unbeaten run over Fetu Samoa with a dominant second-half onslaught.

Fetu Samoa owned the first half 20-0, but three consecutive tries after the break from Shanice Parker, Ashleigh Quinlan and Alexis Tauaneai pulled the New Zealanders back into contention.

A blinding 90m run by Mele Hufunga to the try line and a conversion by debutant Patricia Maliepo sealed the deal in the eleventh hour.

Fetu Samoa didn’t have any answers for the Kiwi Ferns’ commanding second half, and the match concluded 22-20 to the home side.

Debutants Maliepo and Tysha Ikenasio demonstrated their class, becoming dual international players. Fellow rookies Ivana Lauiti’iti and Shakira Baker also held their own in the black jersey, showing their skills and strength in the physical contest.

The Kiwi Ferns now head into a bye week, before reassembling in Auckland to face the Jillaroos at Eden Park on 2 November. Tickets from Ticketek.

‍

Six players from the New Zealand Kiwis’ 2023 title-winning side return for the opening match of the Pacific Championships against Toa Sāmoa at Go Media Stadium on Sunday (6.05pm kick-off).

Head coach Stacey Jones has today recalled the experienced Ronaldo Mulitalo, Dylan Brown, Kieran Foran, Moses Leota, Briton Nikora and Nelson Asofa-Solomona to kickstart the eagerly-awaited third edition of the Pacific series.

All six were key contributors in the Kiwis’ record 30-0 win over the Kangaroos in the 2023 final in Hamilton but were unavailable for last year’s campaign.

Cronulla Sutherland’s Mulitalo comes back on the left wing with Newcastle-bound Brown and retiring 35-year-old Gold Coast veteran Foran paired in the halves; Foran in a more familiar role after starting at hooker in the 2023 final.

Penrith prop Leota is reunited in the front row with his long-time former clubmate and Kiwi captain James Fisher-Harris while Nikora (Sharks) returns in the second row with Melbourne’s Asofa-Solomona on the interchange.

Making a Test comeback is hooker Jeremy Marshall-King, three years after making his only international appearances against Lebanon and Jamaica at the 2022 Rugby League World Cup.

The remaining 10 players included in the starting lineup and on the interchange were all used the Kiwis’ last match when they beat Papua New Guinea 54-12 in Sydney last November.

One New Zealand Warriors fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad was in the halves on that occasion but is back in the #1jersey on Sunday while Penrith’s Casey McLean comes into the centres after bagging four tries on the wing in his Test debut against the Kumuls.

Sunday’s encounter will be the sixth between the two nations with the Kiwis winning the previous five, the last a 50-0 victory in their opening game of the 2023 tournament at Eden Park.

JERSEY NO.NAMEHERITAGE NUMBER1Charnze NICOLL-KLOKSTAD8202Jamayne ISAAKO8083Matthew TIMOKO8324Casey McLEAN8415Ronaldo MULITALO8246Dylan BROWN8267Kieran FORAN7578James FISHER-HARRIS (C)8019Jeremy MARSHALL-KING83010Moses LEOTA82711Briton NIKORA81812Isaiah PAPALI’I81713Joseph TAPINE80014Phoenix CROSSLAND83815Naufahu WHYTE83916Erin CLARK84217Nelson ASOFA-SOLOMONA80418Xavier WILLISON*Debutant19Keano KINI83620Scott SORENSEN83121Sebastian KRIS828COACHStacey JONES665*denotes debutant

‍

The Kiwi Ferns will look to retain their unbeaten run against Fetu Samoa when they meet at Go Media Stadium this Sunday for the first round of the 2025 Pacific Championship.

The Kiwi Ferns aren’t complacent about the challenge ahead, though, with Head Coach Ricky Henry reiterating the strength of the Samoan side.

“They are going to be tough. They have some great players through the middle and big outside backs, so it’s not going to be an easy game. We’re treating them with a lot of respect and expect the best from them, to get the best out of us,” said Henry.

The presence of four NRLW Captains in the Warriors Apii Nicholls, Titans Georgia Hale, Dragons Raecene McGregor, and Bulldogs Angelina Taekaraanga-Katoa will bolster the Kiwi Ferns’ confidence and provide stability and leadership across the park.

This will be key for supporting the four talented debutants for their first run in the black jersey.

Henry said: “There has been a lot of hype around our rookies, and when you see how they train and what they can do, you can understand why.

“This has been one of the best starts we’ve had to a campaign. The team is rearing to go, and we look forward to seeing them rip in on Sunday.”

The Kiwi Ferns kick off against Fetu Samoa this Sunday 19 October at 3.35pm, followed by the Kiwis v Toa Samoa at 6.05pm. Tickets available from Ticketek.

Kiwi Ferns Squad to face Fetu Samoa

1. Apii Nicholls
2. Shanice Parker
3. Abigail Roache
4. Mele Hufuga
5. Tysha Ikensio*
6. Patricia Maliepo*
7. Raecene McGregor (Co-Captain)
8. Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa
9. Brooke Anderson
10. Brianna Clarke
11. Annessa Biddle
12. Shakira Baker*
13. Georgia Hale (Co-Captain)
14. Ashleigh Quinlan
15. Otesa Pule
16. Alexis Tauaneai
17. Ivana Lauiti’iti*
18. Tiana Davison

*denotes debutant

‍

Still riding the high of taking out the NRLW Premiership with the Brisbane Broncos, Ana Fotu has joined the Kiwi Ferns as an assistant coach for their Pacific Championships campaign.

A highly acclaimed coach in the academy space, Fotu stepped into the Assistant Coach role with the Broncos this season, driving improvements in their defensive systems.

Fotu is glad for the opportunity to be back in New Zealand and to connect with the Kiwi Ferns team and management.

“I moved away from Auckland, my place of birth, over 20 years ago and having the opportunity to return home and reconnect again has me feeling what I’ve seen already – #ItRunsDeep – it’s running real deep for me joining this campaign. Back to my roots,” said Fotu.

Kiwi Ferns Head Coach Ricky Henry said: “I’m beyond proud to see one of our own, Ana, coaching at the NRLW level – her journey has been truly inspiring to watch! She is a coach on the rise and someone who can take the next step.”

Before this whirlwind season with the Broncos NRLW team, Fotu was the Head Coach of the Broncos Academy, influencing the women’s game across multiple levels. She has also coached many Queensland age-grade teams to success, as well as holding roles as an NRL Game Development Officer, Coach Developer and volunteering her time with the community game.

Her relentless work developing women’s rugby league in Queensland earned her the Female Contribution to the Game Award in 2023.

The Kiwi Ferns kick off their Pacific Championships campaign this Sunday at Go Media Stadium against Fetu Samoa.

Kiwi Ferns Coaching Group

Head Coach: Ricky Henry

Assistant Coaches: Andrew Auimatagi, David Faiumu, Ana Fotu

‍

National Men’s Premiership

GRAND FINAL: Counties Manukau Stingrays vs Canterbury Bulls

Final score: Counties Manukau 46-0

Counties Manukau came out firing from the kick-off, dominating through the middle of the park with their powerful forward pack and slick ball-handling. Winger Toaiti Ramsay opened the scoring in the fourth minute, setting the tone for a clinical performance. The Stingrays added two more tries before halftime through hooker Dylan Tavita and captain Jamel Hunt, heading into the break with an 18-0 lead. Canterbury struggled to retain possession and keep out the relentless Counties attack.

The second half saw more of the same, with Counties continuing their dominance while shutting out the Bulls. Ramsay and Hunt both finished with doubles, while fullback William Fakatoumafi slotted seven conversions in an excellent kicking display, all to seal the victory and National Premiership title for the Stingrays.

Sky Sport National Women’s Premiership

GRAND FINAL: Counties Manukau Stingrays vs Akarana Falcons

Final score: Counties Manukau 40-8

Captain Onjeurlina Leiataua-Hunt opened the scoring in the fifth minute, giving Counties the early momentum. From there, the Stingrays piled on four more unanswered tries in a dominant first half, breaking through Akarana’s defensive line with powerful running and sharp execution. The score was 26–0 at the break.

Counties struck first again in the second half, but a series of consecutive errors allowed Akarana to gain some traction. The Falcons capitalised with tries to young fullback Malena Lavea and halfback Anastasia Sekene. However, Counties quickly regained control, finishing strong with two more tries. Centre Wati Delailomaloma and winger Dayna Moon both crossed for doubles, sealing a convincing victory and capping off a standout campaign for the Stingrays, like their male counterparts.

‍

Get ready for an unforgettable day of rugby league, culture, and music as New Zealand Rugby League proudly brings together two of the Pacific’s best musical talents, Josh Tatofi and Savage, for live performances at the Eden Park doubleheader.

The highly anticipated doubleheader will take place on Sunday November 2, featuring the Kiwi Ferns vs Australia and the Kiwis vs Tonga, two massive matchups that promise fierce rivalry and world-class footy.

The stage will come alive with the melodies and anthems of Hawai’i’s island soul star Josh Tatofi and Aotearoa’s very own hip-hop hero Savage.

Josh Tatofi is the current torchbearer of Polynesian music, a Grammy-nominated vocalist known for his fusion of traditional Hawaiian and Polynesian music with R&B, reggae, and island soul. His music resonates across generations, drawing listeners in with his smooth vocals and rich storytelling.

Sharing the stage is Savage, one of Aotearoa’s most iconic hip-hop artists. Savage has dominated charts with hits like “Swing”, “Freaks”, and “Moonshine”, and he brings a legendary stage presence that gets the crowd moving every time.

Together, Josh Tatofi and Savage will cap off an incredible day of rugby league action with a one-of-a-kind concert experience, celebrating the spirit of Aotearoa and the Pacific.

Don’t miss this landmark event at Eden Park on Sunday November 2, tickets available now at Ticketek.

‍