NZRL’s 2025 domestic rugby league award winners

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:

1. Northland Rōpū - Whangārei City District Rugby League, Te Tai Tokerau Rugby League  
2. Auckland Rugby League
3. Counties Manukau Rugby League
4. Waikato Rugby League
5. Bay of Plenty Rugby League
6. Upper Central Rōpū - Coastline Rugby League, Tairāwhiti Rugby League, Hauraki District Rugby League
7. Rugby League Hawkes Bay
8. Manawatū Rugby League
9. Taranaki Rugby League
10. Wellington Rugby League
11. Canterbury Rugby League
12. Southern Rōpū - Tasman Rugby League, West Coast Rugby League, Otago Rugby League, Aoraki Rugby League, Southland District Rugby League
13. Aotearoa New Zealand Māori Rugby League

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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

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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.

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.

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.”

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:

https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/390356?teamid=472962

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.”

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."

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Know a volunteer who does exceptional mahi? Help us celebrate these grassroots heroes by nominating them for the next Pirtek Volunteer of the Month award.

‍Each monthly winner will receive $200 worth of vouchers and have their story shared across our channels.

Make a nomination here: https://share.hsforms.com/2Lq4cbueQRVCRwqK8vsfK_Qsy1ug

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.

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

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.  

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“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.

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“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.

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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.

We congratulate Lemalu Fred Ah Kuoi, New Zealand Kiwi #522 and NZRL Legend of League, on his appointment to the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours.

This significant milestone comes in recognition of Ah Kuoi's outstanding services to rugby league and the community, spanning a lifetime of heavy involvement in rugby league as a national and international representative player, and a grassroots coach, administrator, and supporter.

Ah Kuoi made his international rugby league debut for the New Zealand Māori team at the age of 18 in 1975, before debuting for the Kiwis later that same year, on the wing against Australia at Carlaw Park.

He captained the Kiwis for six tests in the 1980s, and at the age of 23 was the youngest Pasifika player to captain the Kiwis. He led the team to a historic 3-0 win against the touring Lions team in 1984, and would go on to play 47 games and 28 Tests for the Kiwis throughout his decorated career.

His contribution to the game extended beyond the field and into the community through his continued involvement with his beloved local club, the Richmond Rovers in Grey Lynn, Auckland, both during and after his professional career. He coached the Richmond Premier men's team for 10 years and became a founding director of the Richmond Rovers Rugby League Academy, a free development programme which has run for eight years to help young rugby league players excel in all areas of life.

After living in the United States for 17 years, Ah Kuoi returned to New Zealand in 2015 and established the ‘WAI - Who Am I’ course, delivered through the Department of Corrections to help mentor and develop young offenders in the community through physical training, discipline, and life coaching.

Congratulations Fred on this phenomenal and well-deserved achievement.

We very sadly acknowledge the passing of Wellington Rugby League great Ron Farrell.

Ron leaves behind an enduring legacy as the most capped Wellington representative ever, playing 81 games for the region over a renowned 12-year tenure from 1963 to 1975.

In 1966, Ron was selected as a reserve for the Kiwis in their second test against Great Britain, and in 1975, he went on to captain his Waterside club to their only ever Appleton Shield win in the Wellington Premiership.

A proud Ngāti Porou man, the talented prop, loose-forward, and second-rower was also a champion for Māori rugby league.

Ron was a gifted cross-code athlete as a competitive tennis player, and is fondly remembered as being a role model to young up-and-coming rugby league and tennis players alike.

We offer our deepest sympathies to Ron's whānau, friends, and the Wellington community at this deeply sad time, moe mai rā, Ron.