Fifty years on: Celebrating 1971 Kiwis' historic odyssey
06 September 2021
From an age when sporting tours were more akin to odysseys, the Kiwis’ 1971 trek to Britain and France was and always will be among the most remarkable in New Zealand sporting history.
Across 86 days the New Zealanders crammed in 26 matches – six of them Tests – and achieved the singular feat of winning the series against Great Britain 2-0 and backed it up with a 2-0 result in France.
In doing so the Lory Blanchard-coached, Roy Christian-led Kiwis completed an unprecedented sweep which had started with a stunning four-tries-to-one 24-3 upset of the world champion Kangaroos at Carlaw Park in late June.
While the All Golds had beaten the Northern Union 2-1 on their trailblazing 1906-08 tour, the 1971 Kiwis were the first official New Zealand team to win a series in the United Kingdom.
It all comes back into focus now in recalling this tour of all tours kicking off 50 years to the day – September 4, 1971 – in the Lancashire town of Rochdale at the foothills of the South Pennines.
The very mention of the tour is at once evocative, memories flooding back of all manner of deeds and details.
Among them is the vivid recollection as a 16-year-old schoolboy waking up in the early hours to listen to the excitable Murray King’s commentary on a trusty transistor under the pillow (no live television then, of course). And quite some time later there were BBC television replays aided - and perhaps abetted - by unique commentator Eddie Waring’s Yorkshire brogue.
However, marking the 50th anniversary of this story of such spectacular triumph against all odds is also clouded in so much sadness, for now but 13 of the 26 players who toured are still alive; only recently two more of this special crew passed away, standoff-halfback Gary Woollard last month and fellow halfback Shane Dowsett in June.
The first to pass away was goal-kicking front rower Henry Tatana (1998) followed by hooker Bill Burgoyne (1999), prop Doug Gailey (2007), winger Bob McGuinn (2012), loose forward Tony Kriletich (2016), winger Phil Orchard (2018), centre John O’Sullivan (2018), second rower Bill Deacon (2019), fullback Mike McClennan (2019), prop Robert Orchard (2020) and fullback John Whittaker (2020). Blanchard passed away in 2013.
If the win over Australia offered hope heading into the tour it was seemingly eroded by the Kiwis’ form in the opening matches.
In an era when the four-tackle rule was in force - and hometown referees were the norm - the Kiwis beat the Rochdale Hornets 23-8 to open their account but faced a frantic schedule with six matches in the space of 14 days leading into the first Test at The Willows in Salford; their only other win was over Widnes while losses to St Helens, Hull Kingston Rovers, Castleford and Warrington suggested the first Test would be beyond them.
And when coach Blanchard revealed his side for the opening Test there was more than a degree of incredulity with his choice of John Whittaker at fullback. He hadn’t played there in the lead-up matches but Blanchard had three exceptional wingers in Phil Orchard, Mocky Brereton and Whittaker and felt they all needed to play. What a masterstroke it would prove to be turning Whittaker into a fullback.
Another standout feature of the first Test side was the inclusion of the gifted Dennis Williams at standoff. Turning 18 just the day before his international debut, he was outstanding leaving his mark with a sizzling stepping run on his way to a brilliant first half try.
Despite that, the Kiwis were 12-13 down at halftime but had a 15-13 lead through the powerful Phil Orchard early in the second half. Nervously they clung to the advantage until another Orchard try – this time the equally potent Robert – powered over close to the posts. Tatana failed to convert from the handy angle but the Kiwis negotiated the final hectic minutes to secure a stunning 18-13 win.
WATCH FIRST TEST v GREAT BRITAIN
In their next four matches they beat Barrow, Whitehaven and Wigan while dropping a midweek clash against Swinton.
Great Britain made numerous changes for the second Test at Wheldon Road in Castleford – including recalling feisty halfback Alex Murphy – in a desperate effort to level the series. Also selected was former Welsh rugby union star David Watkins making his Great Britain Test debut.
The changes were working well when the home side led 8-0 and then ominously extended to 11-0 after Roger Millward ducked under high tackles and scooted to score wide out.
The Kiwis struck back with a sensational near length-of-the-field try sparked by a wonderful Dennis Williams break; he linked with speedster Phil Orchard on halfway, the winger burning off the cover for his first try of the contest. A Tatana penalty soon after left the Kiwis 5-11 behind at halftime.
Soon after the break they were in again, Phil Orchard stretching the defence with an electric carry. On the next tackle halfback Ken Stirling was at dummy half for a rehearsed play working a slick scissors move which had all the forwards in motion. Second rower John Greengrass crossed to the right, prop Doug Gailey headed wide to the left and the others moved up the middle, Stirling picking up a steaming Tatana who charged over to score.
At 10-11 the Kiwis were right back in it and soon after came one of two heroic defensive plays which would prove critical to the result.
WATCH SECOND TEST v GREAT BRITAIN
This one unfolded as winger Joe Walsh cut through and was in the process of putting the ball down only for a desperate Stirling to jolt the ball loose in a last-ditch try-saving tackle.
Not long after a shocking late and high shot from Murphy flattened the courageous Stirling, an act which was ignored by match officials but ended the Kiwi halfback’s involvement in the match.
A Tatana penalty edged the Kiwis ahead 12-11, Watkins missed a long-range penalty but then winger Clive Sullivan had Great Britain ahead 14-12.
There it stayed until the Kiwis attacked from depth again, shifting the ball across field to the right where centre Roy Christian released the destructive Orchard some 60 metres from the line. Orchard’s combination of speed, strength and balance was breathtaking as he diced with the touchline, stumbled after bumping off fullback Derek Edwards but then scrambled over for a try of exceptional quality and one of major moment.
Tatana converted splendidly from wide out to put the Kiwis 17-14 ahead facing a frenetic final stanza if they were to take out the match and clinch the series.
And now came the most astonishing and vital defensive act of the game. Great Britain attacked relentlessly, the Kiwis repelled them but then Mike Stephenson created space on the left edge for replacement winger Billy Benyon. He was airborne and set to score when out of nowhere loose forward Tony Kriletich launched to knock the ball out of Benyon’s grasp. Not just a match winner but a series clincher. History.
After such a climax the Kiwis lapsed with three straight losses, won three and then lost again in a scarcely believable schedule of seven matches in 14 days ahead of the third Test.
The New Zealanders couldn’t complete a clean sweep going down 3-12 to the Brits in Leeds before blitzing France 27-11 and 24-2 in the first two Tests (Orchard with five tries in total) and winding up the tour with a 3-3 draw in the third Test.
Among a long list of outstanding performers Phil Orchard was an absolute standout. He missed just seven matches on tour, scoring 27 tries in his 19 appearances including eight in five Tests.
Holding it all together was a wonderful leader in Roy Christian, a man held in such high esteem. History sadly shows no New Zealand rugby league player has ever been knighted; Christian would be highly deserving and, had he played another code, he surely would have been recognised years ago.
Barring continued Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, Christian and a group of the surviving members of the famed 1971 Kiwis will be saluted at the ex-Kiwis’ annual reunion traditionally held in October.
Theirs will always be a story and time in New Zealand sporting history to cherish.
Richard Becht
1971 KIWIS TO BRITAIN AND FRANCE | SQUAD
Fullbacks | John Whittaker (Wellington), Mike McClennan (Auckland)
Wingers | Phil Orchard (Bay of Plenty), Mocky Brereton (Canterbury), Bob McGuinn (Auckland)
Centres | Roy Christian (Auckland) captain, Bernie Lowther (Auckland), John O’Sullivan (Auckland), Dave Sorensen (Auckland)
Halves | Dennis Williams (Auckland), Gary Woollard (Auckland), Ken Stirling (Auckland), Graeme Cooksley (Canterbury), Shane Dowsett (Auckland)
Hookers | Jim Fisher (Canterbury), Bill Burgoyne (Auckland)
Props | Henry Tatana (Auckland), Doug Gailey (Auckland), Robert Orchard (Auckland), Don Mann (Auckland)
Second rowers | John Greengrass (Canterbury), Gary Smith (Wellington), Bill Deacon (Waikato), Ray Williams (Auckland)
Loose forwards | Tony Kriletich (Auckland), Murray Eade (Auckland)
1971 KIWIS TO BRITAIN AND FRANCE | RESULTS
September 4 v Rochdale Hornets, Athletic Grounds, Rochdale WON 23-8
September 6 v St Helens, Knowsley Road, St Helens LOST 8-18
September 8 v Hull Kingston Rovers, Craven Park, Hull LOST 10-12
September 12 v Widnes, Naughton Park, Widnes WON 18-15
September 15 v Castleford, Wheldon Road, Castleford LOST 8-25
September 18 v Warrington, Wilderspool, Warrington LOST 2-13
September 25 v Great Britain, The Willows, Salford WON 18-13
September 30 v Barrow, Craven Park, Barrow-in-Furness WON 25-15
October 2 v Whitehaven, Recreation Ground, Whitehaven WON 21-8
October 8 v Swinton, Station Road, Manchester LOST 15-26
October 10 v Wigan, Central Park, Wigan WON 24-10
October 16 v Great Britain, Wheldon Road, Castleford WON 17-14
October 17 v Huddersfield, Fartown, Huddersfield LOST 10-11
October 20 v Leigh, Hilton Park, Leigh LOST 5-10
October 22 v Salford, The Willows, Salford LOST 30-31
October 24 v Wakefield Trinity, Belle Vue, Wakefield WON 23-12
October 27 v Oldham, The Watersheddings, Oldham WON 24-13
October 30 v Bradford Northern, Odsal, Bradford WON 30-23
October 31 v York, Clarence Street, York LOST 5-11
November 6 v Great Britain, Headingley, Leeds LOST 3-12
November 11 v France, Stade Gilbert Brutus, Perpignan WON 27-11
November 14 v Littoral Province, Stade St Ruf, Avignon WON 14-9
November 18 v Combined XIII, Stade Municipal d’Albi, Albi WON 20-9
November 21 v France, Stade Albert Domec, Carcassonne WON 24-2
November 24 v Combined XIII, Stade Chaban-Delmas, Bordeaux WON 20-9
November 28 v France, Stade Municipal, Toulouse DREW 3-3
1971 KIWIS TO BRITAIN AND FRANCE | RIP
Henry Tatana (#455) aged 53 in 1998
Bill Burgoyne (#487) aged 52 in 1999
Doug Gailey (#476) aged 59 in 2007
Bob McGuinn (#481) aged 64 in 2012
Tony Kriletich (#459) aged 72 in 2016
Phil Orchard (#475) aged 70 in 2018
John O'Sullivan (#493) aged 68 in 2018
Bill Deacon (#445) aged 75 in 2019
Mike McClennan (#488) aged 75 in 2019
Robert Orchard (#443) aged 74 IN 2020
John Whittaker (#485) aged 70 in 2020
Shane Dowsett (#495) aged 74 in 2021
Gary Woollard (#420) aged 79 in 2021
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Trillian Trust Māori Sports Awards: rugby league award & scholarship winners
The Trillian Trust Māori Sports Awards was hosted by Te Tohu Taakaro o Aotearoa Charitable Trust at Tūrangawaewae Marae in Ngāruawāhia on Saturday 29 November. This prestigious event celebrates Māori sporting excellence and recognises the achievements of Māori athletes, coaches, referees, and administrators across various sports codes.
Now in its 35th year, we would like to congratulate the three rugby league participants who took home awards and scholarships. Kiwis enforcer Joseph Tapine won Senior Māori Sportsman of the Year, after an outstanding year captaining the Canberra Raiders to an NRL minor premiership and being instrumental in the Kiwis’ Pacific Cup victory.
Congratulations also to Waikato referee Epiha Muru-Kete, who was awarded the Skills Active Aotearoa Māori Sports Awards Scholarship, and Te Maia Sweetman, a Mid Central Vipers and Aotearoa Whaanui representative, who received the Te Kunenga Ki Pūrehuroa Massey University Scholarship. We also recognise renowned Waikato referee Paki Parkinson, who was a finalist for the Māori Sports Umpire/Referee of the Year award.
See the full list of winners here maorisportsawards.co.nz
TE TAMA-Ā-TANENUIĀRANGI | Senior Māori Sportsman of the Year
Joseph Tapine (Ngāi Tūhoe), Ahitereiria | Australia – rīki | rugby league
SKILLS ACTIVE AOTEAROA | Māori Sports Awards Scholarship
Epiha Ricky Muru-Kete (Waikato Tainui), Rāhui-Pōkeka | Huntly – rīki | rugby league
TE KUNENGA KI PŪREHUROA | Massey University Scholarship
Te Maia Sweetman (Rangitāne ki Tāmaki Nui a Rua), Te Papaioea | Palmerston North – whutupōro | rugby, rīki | rugby league
TE ARATIATIA | Māori Sports Umpire/Referee of the Year (finalist)
Paki Parkinson (Waikato Tainui) – rīki | rugby league
2008 World Cup heroics inspiring new era for Kiwis
A new generation of New Zealand stars is determined to create their own legacy as they look to replicate the heroics of the 2008 World Cup triumph.
It will be 18 long years between drinks by the time the tournament rolls around next October, with many of the current squad too young to remember the historic victory at Suncorp Stadium.
Building towards the World Cup was a key theme throughout the Kiwis' successful Pacific Championships campaign, with coach Stacey Jones bringing in a number of the 2008 champions to shed light on a stunning upset over the Kangaroos.
Star winger Casey McLean was just two at the time and said the speeches inspired the current squad to create their own piece of history.
"We've had the old boys come into camp and talk about their journeys," McLean told NRL.com. "There were a couple of times that World Cup came up and when it did the hunger crept into the room. The boys are hungry and want that feeling again.
"The World Cup is the pinnacle of rugby league. Especially as a Kiwi, we don't play State of Origin so for us we take so much pride any time we're able to put on the Kiwis jersey."
The Kiwis are riding high on the back of a dominant Pacific Championships campaign and have emerged as the primary threat to the Kangaroos stranglehold on the trophy.
The two teams will face off in the opening game of the tournament at Allianz Stadium on October 15.
The full schedule was unveiled on Sunday, with New Zealand joining Australia, Fiji and the Cook Islands in Pool A.
The Kiwis will host the Aitu in front of an expected sold-out crowd at the new state-of-the-art One NZ Stadium in Christchurch in their second game of the tournament.
After a disappointing semi-final exit in 2022, New Zealand have spent the past few years laying the foundation for redemption in 2026.
The squad features the perfect mix of youth and experience, an imposing forward pack and a blistering backline.
Veteran leaders James Fisher-Harris, Moses Leota and Joe Tapine set the tone up front, while McLean headlines a new generation of exciting talent.
Eight players have made their international debuts in the past two years, with Naufahu Whyte and Keano Kini helping usher in a new era for the team.
Should all go to plan in 2026, the Kiwis will return to the scene of the 2008 triumph for another crack at the title.
Suncorp Stadium will host the decider on November 15 as part of a double-header with the women's final.
Getting there, however, won't be easy.
New Zealand have fallen short at the last two World Cups, losing to Fiji in the quarter-final in 2017 and Australia in the semi-final in 2022.
Samoa and Tonga have emerged as genuine international powerhouses while England are a perennial contender.
Just getting out of the group stages will be a major achievement and McLean recognises the Kiwis can't afford an early slip-up.
"The international game's growing hugely," McLean said. "It's not just the same old countries that are going to win, it's anyone's game now.
"Even Papua New Guinea and Fiji are holding their own. It's cool that the international space is growing immensely and great to be involved from a Kiwis point of view."
Samoa and Tonga's rise has triggered a surge in support for international rugby league, with more than 44,000 fans descending on Suncorp Stadium for their clash last month.
A sell out is expected at the ground for next year's World Cup final and would break the record set during the 2008 decider for an international match at the ground.
McLean had a taste of the Suncorp atmosphere during the NRL finals series, when more than 52,000 fans packed into the stadium to watch Brisbane stun Penrith in the preliminary final.
The 19-year-old is determined to return to write new memories at the venue next November.
"The prelim was an unreal experience," McLean said. "I expected it going up to Suncorp. It was a packed crowd that was loud and it was super exciting to play there and put on a show in front of all those people.
"The atmosphere is loud, it's like an echo. It's never quiet, you can never hear a pin drop so it'll will be unreal to experience again if we get there."
For tickets and more information head to RLWC2026.com
As seen on nrl.com
Remembering Selwyn "Sel" Shanks
We are deeply saddened by the recent passing of Selwyn “Sel” Shanks.
Sel’s contribution to rugby league over more than 70 years was immeasurable. He was fondly known by many in the community as a humble, hard worker who helped shape the domestic game into what it is today, particularly within Auckland.
Sel wore many hats from once playing, to coaching, going on to manage the New Zealand Kiwis, and serving as the Auckland Rugby League Chairman for several years.
He will be remembered for his generosity, humility, service, and love for the game, as he joins his beloved wife, the late Cherie Steele-Shanks, another renowned pioneer of the game whose contribution remains legendary.
His legacy will live on through every player, volunteer, and person he supported over his seven decades as a rugby league stalwart. To Sel and Cherie’s whānau, friends, and all those whose lives he impacted, we offer our deepest sympathies and thoughts. Moe mai rā Sel, thank you for everything you gave to our game.
Wheel Kiwis: What makes wheelchair rugby league one of the most unique sports?
The Wheel Kiwis are hoping their inclusion at next year’s Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup will bring more eyes to one of the most inclusive and diverse sports there is.
The team are fairly new, having played their first match just 13 months ago against Australia’s Wheelaroos, but New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) boss Greg Peters has ambitious ideas for the sport, which has surged in popularity since the last World Cup in 2022.
That was because more people were watching the sport as it ran alongside the men’s and women’s tournaments for the first time in England, forcing the International Rugby League to do the same for next year’s tournament in Australia.
But the uniqueness of the sport is also captivating. It pits disabled and non-disabled, male and female, on the same teams, while it’s an adaptation of the running game with many of the same rules, where tackles are made by removing tags from the opponents’ shoulders, and play-the-balls involve tapping it on the ground.
Each game is made up of two 40-minute halves and generally played on a 46m x 20m court, with five players on each team and tries – worth four points – are scored by grounding a smaller version of a league ball in the opponent’s goal area. There are no forward passes and plenty of hard hits at lightning speed, while kicks are performed with an AFL-style pass.
Out of the five players on the court at any given time, two can be non-disabled.
In terms of a sport, it’s relatively young, having been devised in 2000 in France, but after seeing the success of the last World Cup, Peters knew it was time New Zealand got involved.
“I think we saw how it exploded on to the scene, really, and now it’s a full-blown World Cup alongside men’s and women’s,” Peters told the Herald.
“We knew we needed to be part of that because, as a high-capability rugby league nation, we should be fielding a team in all World Cups that are available for us to do so.
“The game is unique in that you can have able-bodied people playing with disabled people on the same court, which makes it fully inclusive, plus the physicality and the nature of it ... [makes it] a great entertainment spectacle too.”
New Zealand’s participation in the wheelchair sport was 16 years in the making, after plans for them to participate in the inaugural 2008 tournament fell through.
But after seeing the World Cup, the Warriors Community Foundation joined forces with the NZRL, Auckland Rugby League, Counties Manukau Rugby League and Disability Sport Auckland for a have-a-go day, and the wheels in motion have been in place since.
That led to the creation of the Wheel Kiwis, and Edie George was tasked with coaching the squad, after initially just reaching out to offer a helping hand.
George has been involved in the sport since 2013, which began while working at a rehab centre in Sydney. He began playing before moving up the ranks, eventually, serving as an assistant for Australia at the last World Cup.
It was a tough start at the beginning, with George having to teach the basics to all the players, because most of the squad had never played the sport before.
They took to the court for the first time on November 1, 2024, on Auckland’s North Shore, going down 98-4 to the Wheelaroos and again 110-8 days later.
But 12 months later, they’ve progressed in leaps and bounds – the team won three of their six matches at the NRL’s Wheelchair championship against Australian states.
George said he’s grateful for the opportunities the sport has given him.
“I never thought I’d be in this position, ever,” George said. “Once I started coaching, I fell in love, and it’s a huge honour to be able to coach a team into the World Cup.
“I’ll be proud of it for the rest of my life, and [it’s] something that I’ll always cherish and appreciate.
“We want to grow the participation at grassroots level in New Zealand, and to be competitive as we can in the World Cup.”
George said he’s always blown away by the skills of the players involved.
“In rugby league, when you take a hit-up, you’re running, focusing on catching the ball and hitting the gap,” George said. “In wheelchair rugby league, it’s completely different.
“You’re pushing with your arms, the ball’s coming toward you, and you have to let go of the chair, manoeuvre it as you catch the ball, then secure it in your lap and keep pushing all while avoiding contact.
“We’re starting to showcase that despite the sport being played in a wheelchair, you can still showcase talents of rugby league skills.
“These are athletes, and they should be treated as athletes as well. So, by having men’s, women’s, wheelchair all together, that’s, you know, will be a huge boost for the game.”
Plans are in place to stage an open tournament in New Zealand next year for anybody who wants to try the sport, and possibly put their hand up for future representation of the Wheel Kiwis.
Peters admits they are in the early stages of developing the sport in New Zealand, but says they are on the right track for future success.
He’s ambitious about where he would love to see the sport in five years with the hope of having a domestic league across New Zealand, aligned with local clubs.
Countries like England and France have already established domestic competitions, with some Super League clubs entering their own sides, players earning MBEs for their services to the sport, and thousands of fans turning out to watch.
But there is one goal Peters would love to tick off.
“I’d love to sell out Spark Arena for a wheelchair rugby league spectacle,” Peters said.
“I think it’s just an amazing entertainment sport, and it has the ability to wrap other things around it, like music, and make it a real entertainment spectacle.
“I’d encourage anyone that hasn’t seen it, have a look on YouTube and see what it’s like, because it’s an amazing sport.
“We want the sport to be as accessible to as many people as possible, and adding the Wheel Kiwis to the teams that represent New Zealand overseas and at World Cups and internationally is a really important part of that.”
New Zealand have been drawn in Pool B, alongside Australia, France and Scotland for the World Cup, with all matches taking place in Wollongong.
As seen on nzherald.co.nz
Retiring Kiwis of 2025
The end of the 2025 season brings the curtain down on a remarkable group of Kiwis players whose international and professional careers will be long remembered. Each has left a lasting mark on New Zealand rugby league and the Black and White jersey, having made major contributions to our great game throughout their careers.
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves #755
33 Kiwis Tests
8 Points (2 tries)
340 professional matches (NRL and Super League)
Rotorua native Waerea-Hargreaves made his Kiwis debut in 2009, going on to become New Zealand’s veteran enforcer in the middle. He played 33 Test matches, with his last appearance coming at the 2022 World Cup. He enjoyed a long and decorated professional career, reaching 310 NRL games for the Sydney Roosters and finishing with 340 professional appearances following a move to the Super League in 2025.
Kieran Foran #757
34 Kiwis Tests
16 Points (1 try, 6 goals)
318 NRL matches
Foran made his NRL debut in 2009 as a 19-year-old, before earning selection in the New Zealand Four Nations squad and making his international debut in a loss to England. This marked the beginning of an NRL and international career spanning 17 seasons from 2009 to 2025 - the longest Test career in Kiwis history. The Ellerslie Eagles junior was a key figure in major tournament wins, including the 2014 Four Nations, the 2023 Pacific Cup, and the 2025 Pacific Cup.
Elijah Taylor #770
11 Kiwis Tests
8 points (2 tries)
279 professional matches (NRL, Super League & Championship)
Taylor made his NRL debut in 2011 for the New Zealand Warriors, later that same year debuting for the Kiwis in the Four Nations. He played 10 additional Tests fthrough to 2013, while continuing a strong NRL career of 186 matches through to 2020. He then moved to the United Kingdom, competing in the Super League and Championship until the end of 2025.
Martin Taupau #785
24 Kiwis Tests
256 NRL matches
Martin “Marty” Taupau made his NRL debut in 2010 for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, captaining the Junior Kiwis that same year. He debuted for the Kiwis in the 2014 ANZAC Test and played every match of the Four Nations Series later that year. Taupau played 24 Kiwis Tests over 4 years before switching international allegiance to Samoa. He retires in 2025 with 256 NRL appearances.
Kenny Bromwich #796
15 Kiwis Tests
12 points (3 tries)
260 NRL matches
Bromwich began his professional career in 2013 when he debuted for the Melbourne Storm at age 22. The Manurewa native and junior would became a Melbourne stalwart, playing 216 matches before moving to Redcliffe in 2023. He made his Kiwis debut in the 2016 ANZAC Test, going on to play 15 Tests through to his final international appearance at the 2022 World Cup. He now retires with 260 NRL games.
Jordan Rapana #798
16 Kiwis Tests
82 points (11 tries, 19 goals)
242 professional matches (NRL and Super League)
Rapana made his NRL debut in 2008 for the Gold Coast Titans against the Sydney Roosters. After a hiatus from rugby league, he joined the Canberra Raiders in 2014 where he would play for a decade until 2024. He debuted for the Kiwis in the 2016 Four Nations, playing 16 Tests through to 2022. Rapana’s final professional season was with Hull F.C. in the Super League this year.
David Fusitu’a #799
2 Kiwis Tests
8 points (2 tries)
151 professional matches (NRL and Super League)
A Warriors junior throughout his youth, Fusitu’a made his first-grade debut in 2014. The winger debuted for the Kiwis in 2016, playing two Tests in the Four Nations before switching allegiance to Tonga the following year. He continued at the Warriors before moving to the Super League’s Leeds Rhinos in 2022, retiring with 151 professional appearances across a ten-year career.
Ken Maumalo #810
9 Kiwis Tests
20 points (5 tries)
135 NRL matches
A South Auckland local and Warriors junior, Maumalo made his first-grade debut in 2015. He made his Kiwis debut later in 2018, playing nine Tests across 2018-2019. The winger continued his try-scoring form for the Warriors until 2021, before a mid-season move to the Wests Tigers. He played his final first-grade match in 2023 and continued in the Queensland Cup until his retiring in 2025.
Fa'amanu Brown #835
3 Kiwis Tests
4 points (1 try)
97 professional matches (NRL and Super League)
Born in Christchurch, Brown became a Sharks junior after moving to Australia in his youth. He made his NRL debut for the Sharks in 2014, later joining the Bulldogs in 2018. After successful stints in both the NRL and Super League, he made his Kiwis debut in 2023, playing three Tests including the historic 30-0 victory over Australia in the Pacific Cup final.
Kiwis, Kiwi Ferns, and 2026 Rugby League World Cup draws announced
See the official New Zealand Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns draws for the 2026 IRL Rugby League World Cup, with their matches to be played across Australia and New Zealand. The Wheelchair World Cup will be played entirely at Wollongong, Australia's WIN Entertainment Centre.
Tickets on sale via the Rugby League World Cup website here rlwc2026.com/home
Most Competitive World Cup Ever: Kangaroos and Kiwis Set for Explosive RLWC 2026 Opener
Kangaroos stars Isaah Yeo and Nathan Cleary have predicted the 2026 World Cup will be the most competitive ever as the Ashes winners prepare to face Pacific Cup champions New Zealand in the opening match.
Yeo’s Australian team completed a 3-0 series clean sweep of England in the first Ashes series since 2003, while the Kiwis triumphed in the Pacific Championships against Toa Samoa and Tonga to ensure a mouthwatering start to the World Cup.
And with the Kiwis forced to overcome a 14-6 half-time deficit to defeat Samoa in the final and Tonga's narrow 20-14 loss to the Kangaroos in the 2024 Pacific Cup decider, there are at least five nations capable of winning the World Cup.
“It’s certainly going to be the strongest World Cup there’s ever been, and that’s great for international rugby league,” Yeo said.
The Kangaroos and Kiwis have been drawn in Pool A, along with Fiji and the Cook Islands, who claimed the last RLWC26 berth by beating South Africa in a qualifying match on November 9 at CommBank Stadium.
New Zealand star Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad said the Kiwis were looking forward to testing themselves against Australia in the opening match at Allianz Stadium on October 15 after a successful Pacific Championships campaign.
“That is a massive game and it is definitely one we will have circled in the calendar," Nicoll-Klokstad said.
"It is a game that you all want to be a part of so it will be cool to kick off such a prestigious competition like the World Cup with a big game against Australia."
England, Samoa and Lebanon are in Pool B and will play the teams in Pool C – Tonga, Papua New Guinea and France – rather than those in their own pool, and vice-versa.
The top two teams in Pool A and the top two teams in a combined Pool B and Pool C will qualify for the semi-finals, with play-off positions to be determined by:
- for-and-against if two teams from the same pool finish on the same competition points;
- the head-to-head result between a team in Pool B and a team in Pool C if they finish on the same competition points.
Tonga, who are in Pool C, will start their World Cup campaign against England in Perth on Saturday, October 17 and finish with an eagerly awaited clash with Samoa at CommBank Stadium on Sunday, November 3.
A win in either of those matches could ensure Tonga a semi-final berth on head-to-head over the team they beat.
Samoa and Tonga drew a crowd of more than 44,000 for October’s Pacific Cup match at Suncorp Stadium, while nearly 40,000 fans turned out for Tonga’s match against New Zealand at Eden Park.
Despite being in England with the Kangaroos, Cleary said he had followed the Pacific Championships closely and was impressed by the Kiwis, as well as Samoa and Tonga.
“The international game is in the best place it’s ever been, and that’s only going to grow and get better so it’s an exciting time for international rugby league with the World Cup coming up,” Cleary said.
“I’ve got a lot of good mates who were playing in the Pacific Championships, so I was keeping a keen eye on them. All three teams are stacked so it’s exciting to watch as a fan.
“It’s super close and it’s such a great thing with the international game at the moment. England’s team is the best it’s been in a long time. They’ve got a lot of talent, then you’ve got Australia and the Pacific teams have great lineups so it’s exciting to watch.”
Nicoll-Klokstad said many of the New Zealand players were still hurting from their 16-14 loss to Australia at Elland Road in the semi-final of the last World Cup in 2022.
The Kiwis bounced back to inflict a record 30-0 defeat of the Kangaroos in the final of the 2023 Pacific Cup and after being stunned by Tonga in 2024 they will head into the World Cup buoyed by a successful Pacific Championships.
“We have got to feel confident, we have got a lot of young boys coming through and a lot of old heads now," Nicoll-Klokstad said.
"It feels like yesterday that the last World Cup happened so there are going to be a lot of us who want to make that right by beating Australia.
“The first game is very important, there are other teams that are doing their nations proud and really flying up through the ranks by beating big teams in big games, so it is really important that we get our preparations right for the World Cup and make sure we come up with a win."
See the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns draws for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup here.
‘Amazing for Christchurch’: Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns Embrace World Cup Homecoming
Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns players have welcomed the opportunity to play a double-header at Christchurch’s new indoor stadium during next year’s IRL Rugby League World Cup 2026.
The Kiwis will begin their World Cup campaign in a blockbuster tournament opener against Australia at Allianz Stadium on October 15, while the Kiwi Ferns meet Fiji Bulikula at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium on October 18.
Both New Zealand teams will then travel home to play their Round 2 matches at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch, which is due to open in April.
The Kiwis will host the Cook Islands, while the Kiwi Ferns take on France, in the 30,000 roofed stadium – a new experience for many of the players.
“That will be amazing to play a game in Christchurch, let alone in a World Cup,” star fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad said. “There will be a lot of excitement and a real buzz in the air in Christchurch.
“Everyone down there loves their rugby league so for us to play a World Cup game in Christchurch will be amazing. It is going to packed out with black-and-white fans, and everyone is going to get behind us.”
Recent matches in Christchurch involving the Kiwis or Warriors, including the 2024 Test double-header against Australia, have attracted capacity crowds at the 17,000 seat Apollo Projects Stadium.
Kiwis second-rower Isaiah Papali’i said that playing a pool match in Christchurch would be a boost for New Zealand’s World Cup campaign.
“Playing a game at home, in our country, is what every Kiwi looks forward to and I love playing down there,” Papali’i said.
“It is going to be in the new stadium, so I am looking forward to that. I have never played in an indoor stadium so it will be something different but just being at home is a big advantage, so I am looking forward to that game.”
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Both New Zealand teams will also feature in a Round 3 double-header at Cbus Stadium on the Gold Coast, with the Kiwis to meet Fiji Bati and the Kiwi Ferns playing the PNG Orchids.
Kiwi Ferns forward Alexis Tauaneai said she was excited about the chance to play against France in Christchurch, as well as the Bulikula and Orchids, ahead of the semi-finals and final.
"To play in the World Cup is on my bucket list," Tauaneai said. "I am looking forward to seeing all of the other countries, as well, to see how they go on the world stage.
"I reckon it will be very exciting and a different type of footy, especially with the way they play compared to how we play.
Prop Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa said the World Cup was an opportunity to showcase the development of women's rugby league and the talent and skill within the Kiwis Ferns squad.
"I think the game has already gone leaps and bounds and for us Kiwi Ferns we just want to put on a good product and show what we can do as a footy team," Teakaraanga-Katoa said.
"I know the girls have been building over the last couple of World Cup campaigns to win one so if we could do that it would be awesome."
See the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns draws for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup here.
Dylan Brown, Joseph Tapine, and Apii Nicholls shortlisted for Golden Boot
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
Final Pirtek Volunteer of the Month award for 2025
Our Pirtek Volunteer of the Month award celebrates and recognises heroes from the grassroots rugby league community across Aotearoa, for their hard mahi and dedication to our game.
This award is given to volunteers who display the core values of NZRL’s Kiwi Way: being family-first, innovative, inclusive, respectful, and humble.
We are proud to announce our final Pirtek Volunteer of the Month winner 2025: Shannan Foreman from the Waitemata Seagulls in Auckland.
Shannan is known at the Seagulls as a tireless and selfless coach who dedicates his spare time to mentoring and supporting his young players, both on and off the field. He consistently goes above and beyond what is expected of a coach.
Recognising that many families face financial hardship, he personally collected boots to donate to players in need. Together with the team manager, Shannan also secured sponsorship that provided every player with a personalised warm-up top and covered the season’s fees, removing financial barriers so that no child missed out on the opportunity to play.
He also regularly organises post-training barbecues and team dinners to build a strong sense of whānau and comradery among the players and their supporting whānau. His leadership has helped shape the team into one of the best in their competition, with their success built on Shannan’s passion, commitment, and aroha. His players not only respect him, but thrive on and off the field under his guidance. Shannan is more than a coach; he is a role model, mentor, and true community hero.
Chris Bourke the CEO of Pirtek shared, “Congratulations to Shannan Foreman of the Waitemata Seagulls, our Pirtek Volunteer of the Month.
“Shannan’s dedication to mentoring young players, supporting families, and creating a strong sense of whānau makes a real difference, helping rugby league thrive across our communities and inspiring the next generation of players.”
Kiwis claim Pacific Cup glory in Foran’s farewell
The New Zealand Kiwis have crowned their Pacific Championships campaign with a 36–14 victory over Toa Samoa at CommBank Stadium, delivering the perfect send-off for veteran playmaker Kieran Foran in his final Test match.
Trailing 14–6 at halftime, the Kiwis stormed home with 30 unanswered points in a dominant second half. Foran was instrumental in the comeback, combining brilliantly with Dylan Brown, who produced a standout performance featuring three try assists, 10 tackle breaks and 181 running metres.
Isaiah Papali’i crossed for two tries, while Casey McLean, Erin Clark, and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad also found the line. Clark’s powerful run early in the second half shifted momentum, before Papali’i’s second try in the 76th minute sealed the result.
Fullback Keano Kini continued his breakout tournament with 125 metres, six tackle breaks and four offloads, while Naufahu Whyte made a huge impact off the bench with 194 metres and seven tackle breaks.
The win secures New Zealand’s second Pacific Cup title in three seasons and confirms their status as a leading contender ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Head coach Stacey Jones praised his side’s resilience and composure under pressure, noting the leadership of Foran and the team’s ability to respond after a tough first half.
It was a night of pride and celebration for New Zealand Rugby League, closing out the Pacific Championships with silverware and a fitting farewell for one of the Kiwis’ most respected players.
Kiwi Ferns defeated by Jillaroos in coveted Pacific Cup final
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.”