STALWART SMALLRIDGE WHISTLES HUMBLE TUNE AFTER 25 YEARS
December 15, 2021
as seen on canterburyrugbyleague.co.nz
Amid the myriad gongs handed out for excellence in the current calendar year at the recent 2021 Canterbury Rugby League awards, one unassuming individual received special recognition for quarter of a century of high standards and commitment to our game.
Gary Smallridge cut his teeth in the CRL premier refereeing ranks 25 years ago, dedicating close to half of his life to one of the most demanding and important (and often maligned and thankless) jobs in rugby league.
“I was somewhat surprised by the award as I have been plodding along all these years and nothing’s been said,” Smallridge says of his CRL Special Acknowledgement Award.
“I try and keep under the radar by not going to these types of things – the only other awards night I’ve attended was in Canterbury Rugby League’s centenary year. I would love to see others recognised as well, as 10 years is a milestone – and the average career length – while Keith Bull recently sneaked away after being involved in the game for 50 years.”
The 59-year-old got his start in refereeing in one of Australia’s rugby league heartlands. Smallridge takes up the story of how he first picked up the whistle:
“I was playing lower grades in Brisbane when a guy I worked with talked to me about trying out when he found out I refereed touch football. I went along and they had over 100 referees turn up on a Tuesday training.
“I had to pass a written exam and then-current premiership referee Eddie Ward asked me five oral questions and I got my ticket. I was refereeing 13- and 14-year-old grades and touch judging premier football in the weekends. I did a couple of seasons and then returned to NZ in 1995 and decided to continue.
“I believe that couple of seasons in Brisbane gave me a good grounding. When I turned up in Christchurch they saw some potential in me, and I was fast-tracked doing my first premier grade in ‘96. Looking back, I think I’d have struggled to make premiers in Brisbane due to the numbers.”
When asked how he has maintained the motivation to continue refereeing at this level for so long, Smallridge provides an answer straight out of the rugby league cliché handbook, echoing countless others whose craving for a Saturday afternoon footy fix bubbles to the surface as each winter rolls around.
“You’re a long time retired,” he says.
“I still love the game and having the best seat in the house helps. Unfortunately, there can be a bit of politics involved around appointments and rankings, and I nearly gave it away when it started affecting family and friends.
“But I’ve tried to take the attitude of just getting on with the job I’ve been given. That has helped, but at semi-final time you always get the urge to go all the way.
“Watching teams and individuals develop over the years has been one of the best parts of refereeing in this competition for so long. I loved watching the likes of Riccarton, Kaiapoi and Papanui winning their premierships over the regular big guns, while also seeing the careers of local players like Lewis Brown and Corey Lawrie develop.
“The challenging part is always going to come back to how you deal with individuals questioning your integrity. I’ve always been able to put it down to my passion for the game at the time; unfortunately there are some who can take (criticism) a step too far, but it’s also a great feeling when a spectator acknowledges that you handled a hard game well.”
Smallridge has been something of a refereeing bridesmaid during his Canterbury Rugby League tenure, but he has controlled three premier Grand Finals – the first back in 2002, which saw Riccarton Knights claim their maiden title with a 54-14 rout of Linwood Keas.
Underlining his consistency and reliability over a long period, Smallridge’s most recent appointment to the biggest game on the CRL calendar came just four months ago, handed the duties for the 2021 Grand Final at Ngā Puna Wai. His cool-headed temperament in a pressure-cooker environment contributed to a match fought on a knife’s edge between archrivals Hornby Panthers and Linwood Keas being one of the great modern deciders.
“I’ve always started a season with the goal of a Grand Final and to do three is a highlight, however my record for Gore Cup finals – usually the second-best ref – will probably never be broken.
“I believe my style of reffing has led to me being a consistent local referee, but I didn’t have that edge required to go the extra step up. In saying that, I have had a few trips around the country and games that stand out would be Russia playing Canterbury (in 2004) and Canterbury versus Wellington for the 100-year anniversary.
“Another was Shirley and Woolston in the nineties when it was Black Power versus Mongrel Mob played out at Eaton Field at Paparua Prison, while for a different reason a Kaiapoi versus Sydenham match where I sent all 26 players off was particularly memorable.”
Recruiting and retaining referees remains one of the greatest challenges in grassroots rugby league. For every Gary Smallridge, there are dozens who walk away from the whistle for one reason or another.
But the commitment and passion of a dedicated few ensures the refereeing vocation – and consequently the game – continues to subsist, if only barely.
“The game in Canterbury has been so lucky to have the likes of the Arneson brothers and Lightfoot family who kept the Referees Association going without too much bother,” Smallridge explains.
“There have always been the same issues in rugby league, but it should be about how we make the game better – not about what people can get out of the game. The referees have lost so much experience over the last few years with retirements and people walking away, feeling aggrieved in some way.
“We are now struggling to provide coverage for every game even though there is now a clear pathway to higher honours. Instead of having elections we are now pleading for someone to step up into the leadership roles.”
Smallridge has a simple yet poignant message for anyone contemplating getting involved in refereeing:
“Go down to a kid’s game and tell me if they deserve an adult to put in the time to support them while they are enjoying themselves.
“If you want to stay or become involved in sport then being a match official is certainly a good place to start. I never went anywhere in my own league career but have now been involved in Grand Finals and representative games through refereeing.”
Former NRL stars such as Henry Perenara and Luke Patten have made the shift to the match official ranks at the elite level in recent times.
Meanwhile, Halswell premiership-winning player and coach Darrell Coad is one of the latest additions to the CRL refereeing ranks – a trend Smallridge believes could be an invaluable stream for grassroots footy to tap into.
“It’s the best thing that can happen in our game,” Smallridge asserts.
“Knowledge about what players are thinking or going through during matches allows a better feel for the game. A sin-bin or send-off can cost a team dearly but a quiet word in the ear of a player on the edge from someone who has been there can have a calming effect.
“(The late) Darryl Hawker is one who is missed in the referee ranks – and the game in general – as he had performed of every role that the game had to offer and would share that knowledge to everyone involved.”
New Zealand Rugby League and its affiliates have increasingly put measures in place to make the game a safer and more hospitable environment for match officials.
The message that referees are human and make errors and analyse their own performance to the extent any player does cannot be understated.
“If a referee can finish a game and they are not talking about him then he’s done a good job,” Smallridge says.
“I’ve probably been lucky in my career that I can’t think of any incidents where I have been intimidated or threatened to the extent that I have thought about giving it away, but unfortunately too many volunteer referees have.
“If a referee is out there trying his best, then our mistakes shouldn’t cost a team a game. I’ve lost count of the times when I checked the 10 metres outside me and missed the knock-on in the play-the-ball. It’s not a nice feeling but it’s a common mistake.
“It is good to see that we are trying to look after match officials in all sports but again we need to look at ourselves as a society when it comes to violence and intimidation for perceived mistakes during a game.
“Twenty-five years has flown by and I have enjoyed every minute, but I don’t think I’ve ever had the perfect game. No one is harder on a referee than himself and so it is always good to get assessed or graded by someone who knows the game. Some of my best gradings though were with people who know the game – Chris Baxter, ‘Jigsy’ (Brent Ringdahl), Frank Endacott – over a beer in the clubrooms after a game. Knowing what players and coaches go through certainly helped my game but they, and spectators, probably need to know what we go through as well.”
So how much longer can we expect to see Smallridge blowing time on, marshalling the 10 metres and pointing to the spot after a tryscoring movement at Leslie Park, Murphy Park, Linwood Park and Ngā Puna Wai?
“I know I’m on my last legs – well, knees actually – and have had a retirement plan in action for a while now, but I’m still enjoying it.
“I’ve been saying ‘one last year’ for the last 10 but wanted to lose my spot to someone coming up the ranks, so they must fight for it – unfortunately they keep retiring before me! I retired from representative football years ago and although I want to see others develop there is nothing better than being asked to control a representative fixture still, so I keep doing them as well if appointed.
“I’m 60 in September next year, so if the goal is to do premiers at 60 then that means two more seasons – but is that good for the game?”
Reflecting on the past 25 years, Smallridge takes the opportunity to thank the myriad people who have aided his Canterbury Rugby League refereeing odyssey.
“Firstly, there’s Jacquoi (Smallridge), who at 10 years old followed me around to games and trainings as I was a solo father for a while – it would be all quiet forming a scrum or something and I would hear ‘come on, Gary’.
“Also the Arneson and Baxter brothers, the Lightfoot family, Jim Stokes, Neville Pritchard, Steve Toms, Steve Martin, Jason Wilson and the many more CRLRA members; current and former CRL employees over the years, especially Duane Fyfe and Tracy Fleet; and the touch judges, match managers and ball boys who have assisted me during every game.
“A special and everlasting thanks to the Blackler family, especially Ken, who as a former referee was a great and loyal supporter, trainer and assessor to me while also giving his daughter’s hand in marriage to me.
“And Sharyn – we met after a league game and you have supported me through the last 22 years of my career. Sorry about the lawns and the housekeeping during the winter but I promise there’s not long to go now!
“Lastly thanks to all involved in the great game of rugby league – it’s been an honour and a privilege to be involved. Thank you one and all.”
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Taurahere returns: NZRL U19 representative programme for Australia-based Kiwi boys & girls
Young Kiwi rugby league players in Australia will once again have the opportunity to represent their New Zealand heritage, as the NZRL Taurahere programme returns in September.
Taurahere is the NZRL representative programme for selected emerging Kiwi youth residing in Australia. It returns this year to the Gold Coast’s Runaway Bay from 11-13 September, featuring an inaugural Under-19 Girls fixture alongside the traditional Under-19 Boys match.
Two Under-19 boys' squads and two Under-19 girls' squads selected from players residing in NSW and QLD will be chosen to attend a short training camp before facing off in their respective representative fixtures.
The programme provides Kiwis and now Kiwi Ferns-eligible players living in Australia with the opportunity to reconnect with Aotearoa and strengthen their cultural identity through rugby league.
The addition of the girls’ fixture marks an exciting milestone, creating a dedicated pathway for young female players in Australia to follow in the footsteps of current Kiwi Ferns stars, including captain Raecene McGregor, Brianna Clark, and Shanice Parker.
The Taurahere programme has a proud history of identifying future international talent, with current Kiwis captain James Fisher-Harris and teammate Jamayne Isaako among its alumni.
New Zealand Rugby League GM of Football and High Performance Motu Tony commented, “We’re excited to welcome back the Taurahere programme this year, and particularly to introduce the Under-19 Girls fixture which marks a step forward in our female player pathway.
“With many rangatahi living in Australia who could one day represent New Zealand, Taurahere plays an important role in identifying and developing emerging talent while strengthening their connection to Aotearoa.”
Team staff expressions of interest now open: NZ Resident Clubs 16s & 18s and NZ Secondary Schools 18s
We are now accepting expressions of interest for staff roles across the NZRL NZ Resident Clubs Boys and Girls 16s & 18s programmes, as well as the NZ Secondary Schools Boys and Girls 18s teams.
We are seeking committed and capable individuals who can contribute positively to a high-performance youth environment and support the development of our next generation of national representative players.
Available Roles
- Head Coach
- Assistant Coach
- Team Manager
- Head Trainer
- Assistant Trainer
Applicant Requirements
All applicants must hold the appropriate current NZRL accreditation for the role they are applying for.
Applicants must also be currently performing in their role at Club, District or Zone level and be able to demonstrate the experience and standards required to contribute to a national youth campaign. Minimum accreditation requirements will apply across all appointed roles.
Head Coaches are required to be part of the selection process for their appointed teams.
Campaign Information
The NZ Youth 18s teams will play NZ Secondary Schools during the campaign. The Youth 16s programme is currently being finalised, with further details to be confirmed.
The campaign will take place over Labour Weekend, with selected squads assembling a couple of days prior.
NZRL are encouraging suitably qualified and experienced applicants to express their interest in these important roles. This is a great opportunity to help shape the next generation of representative rugby league talent and contribute to a meaningful national youth programme.
Please register your interest by completing the attached form, closing date 5 July 2026: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=N4xXvA6OsUaul4hFGG8Qa0uUtGAHpQJJkZy-4UovBJRUMFZQSkVBSDdNMFNFSFhJMlpMNlhJM1hPVS4u
Additional Information
If you have any questions or would like further detail on the roles or campaign, please contact:
• National Coach Development Manager George Lajpold - george.lajpold@nzrl.co.nz (Coaching and Trainer enquiries)
• Kiwi Ferns Team Manager Gina Tuala - gina.cocker@nzrl.co.nz (Manager enquiries)
Ārepa joins NZRL and the Wheel Kiwis as official brain health partner
New Zealand-based health beverage and supplement company Ārepa have partnered with New Zealand Rugby League, as official brain health partner of NZRL and the Wheel Kiwis.
Ārepa’s range of natural and caffeine-free products are specially developed by neuroscientists and proven to support brain function, with benefits including improved mental clarity and cognitive function.
David McMeeken, NZRL National Football Operations Manager said, “Ārepa are a well-respected New Zealand brand renowned for their innovative and science-backed products, we’re very excited for this partnership.
“We’re thankful for their support of the Wheel Kiwis, who will benefit greatly from using Ārepa’s products in their inaugural Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup campaign later this year.”
Co-founder of Ārepa Angus Brown shared, "Ārepa exists to make brains work better, and there are few better examples of brain and body working together than rugby league. It’s fast, physical and demands clarity, focus and resilience under pressure.
"As a New Zealand company built on brain health science, we’re incredibly proud to partner with NZRL and support the Wheel Kiwis as they take on the world. Their grit, ambition and team-first mindset perfectly reflect what Ārepa stands for."
A historic shift as NZRL moves to modernised membership and delivery model
Marking a significant shift in how rugby league is delivered throughout Aotearoa, a new framework for delivering our game – the Connected Game Plan – was voted in by New Zealand Rugby League’s members on Monday 15 June.
The NZRL Connected Game Plan is a whole of game led project to inform how grassroots rugby league could be better organised, structured, and resourced. This will ensure that as a sport we can meet the future demands of growth and deliver a quality experience for every New Zealander that wants to play our game.
NZRL Chairman, Justin Leydesdorff said, “Moving to this new framework is a historic moment for rugby league in Aotearoa. It’s a move that we believe will provide more engagement with NZRL, enhance connection between organisations within the system, and encourage higher quality delivery of the game.
“We want to make sure everyone playing and participating in our game has the best experience possible, both now and in the future. This requires everyone to be better connected and working together. This is what we think the Connected Game Plan will bring.”
The new framework sees a modernised District-based membership model replace the current Zone-based model, with six regions recognised and potentially 13 members of NZRL with voting rights, including three new Rōpū (pending final assessment). Included is also Aotearoa New Zealand Māori Rugby League, which maintain its status as a full voting member.
“We want to recognise the significant input from everyone at every level, especially the Districts, that have come together to shape what this new framework looks like. It’s never an easy task to tackle change, and not just the Connected Game Plan itself, but everything leading to it, showcases the passion and dedication of those at the heart of the game and their true desire to better it for everyone.”
Connected Game Plan’s flatter membership model is accompanied with a support structure in place for the regions that includes the likes of National Capability Managers, Development Officers and centralised administrative and funding support. This will deliver better connection, communication and alignment across Aotearoa.
The six regions are Northland, Auckland, Upper Central, Mid Central, Wellington and South Island. Final assessment of all Districts against the Connected Game Plan criteria is still to be undertaken however, potential voting members include:
NZRL’s Voting Members under the new framework:
- Northland Rōpū - Whangārei City District Rugby League, Te Tai Tokerau Rugby League
- Auckland Rugby League
- Counties Manukau Rugby League
- Waikato Rugby League
- Bay of Plenty Rugby League
- Upper Central Rōpū - Coastline Rugby League, Tairāwhiti Rugby League, Hauraki District Rugby League
- Rugby League Hawkes Bay
- Manawatū Rugby League
- Taranaki Rugby League
- Wellington Rugby League
- Canterbury Rugby League
- Southern Rōpū - Tasman Rugby League, West Coast Rugby League, Otago Rugby League, Aoraki Rugby League, Southland District Rugby League
- Aotearoa New Zealand Māori Rugby League
NZRL associates continue under the framework to play a crucial role in our game and will remain unchanged, with Pasifika Aotearoa Collective set to apply to be an associate member.
NZRL associate members:
- Defence Forces Rugby League
- Masters of Rugby League
- New Zealand Rugby League Kiwis Association
- New Zealand Universities and Tertiary Students Rugby League Council
- Whutupōro Rīki Whaikaha o Aotearoa Physical Disability Rugby League
Wheel Kiwis squad confirmed for Gold Coast LCA NRL Wheelchair National Championships
The Wheel Kiwis return to the LCA NRL Wheelchair National Championship in 2026 in the Gold Coast from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 July, after being invited to compete by Wheelchair Rugby League Australia.
New Zealand competed in the inaugural championship in 2025, recording three wins from six matches, gaining valuable experience against some of Australia's best wheelchair rugby league players.
The 2026 championship will feature representative teams from Central Queensland, South East Queensland, North Queensland, New South Wales, the ACT, Victoria, the Affiliated States and New Zealand. For the Wheel Kiwis, the tournament provides another important opportunity to develop and expose players to the game ahead of their historic debut at the 2026 Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup.
The New Zealand Residents squad will be made up of domestically based players, with several Kiwis-eligible players selected for the representative side of the state in which they currently reside. Boston Charles, Ryan Charles and Dan Scott have been named for South East Queensland, Jayson Hooker for North Queensland, and Mitch Stone for the ACT.
Preparation for the World Cup has been underway since early 2026, with a wider squad following a structured training programme. The management team remains largely unchanged, led by Head Coach Edie George and Assistant Coach Robert Graham, Korral Heremaia as Team Manager, and Lincoln Jefferson as Head Trainer.
New additions to the management team include Megan Blair as Strength and Conditioning Coach and Physio, and Joseph Pouniu, who brings NRL experience from his role with the Gold Coast Titans, joining as Team Statistician.
Wheel Kiwis wider Squad:
Players:
Jack Brown*
Boston Charles
Ryan Charles
Hayden Delves*
Nikia Fa'atau*
Connor Gibbs*
Toshii Hakopa
Joshua Hirini-Barclay*
Jayson Hooker
Kauri Murray*
Slade O'Rourke St John
Yann Roux*
Dan Scott
Mitch Stone
Tosso Pele Sulusi
Jamie Tapp*
Management:
Edie George, Head Coach*
Robert Graham, Assistant Coach*
Korral Heremaia, Team Manager
Lincoln Jefferson, Head Trainer*
Megan Blair, Physiotherapist & Strength and Conditioning Coach*
Joseph Pouniu, Statistician*
*Denotes those selected for the New Zealand Residents squad attending the 2026 NRL Wheelchair National Championship.
New Zealand Resident 16s and 18s boys and girls representative matches return in October
The New Zealand Resident 16s and 18s boys and girls representative fixtures will return in October following a hiatus in 2025.
All matches will be played at Bruce Pulman Park on Monday 26 October, providing an exciting opportunity to showcase some of the country’s most promising young rugby league talent and the next generation of Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns.
The New Zealand Resident teams will be selected from players identified through the NZRL National Secondary Schools Tournament and National Youth Tournament. Following selection, players will assemble for a short camp beginning on Saturday 24 October to prepare for their respective fixtures.
NZRL’s national tournaments and these representative matches play an important role within the domestic pathway, providing aspiring players with a clear progression from club and school rugby league through to the National Secondary Schools and National Youth Tournaments, and ultimately towards New Zealand Resident representative honours. These events provide players with the opportunity to develop their skills, represent their communities with pride, and test themselves against the country’s top talent while pursuing higher honours.
The pathway extends beyond players, with coaches, managers, trainers, and match officials also given the opportunity to represent their region at a national level and further their development within the game.
With the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns set to play their second Rugby League World Cup matches at One NZ Stadium in Ōtautahi Christchurch on Sunday 25 October, the Resident fixtures in Auckland the following day will offer an exciting glimpse into the future stars who may one day pull on the black and white jersey on the international stage.
A number of current professional and international players have progressed through these fixtures in recent years, including 2025 NRL Premiership winner and Brisbane Broncos outside back Josiah Karapani, along with One New Zealand Warriors players Leka Halasima, Tanner Stowers-Smith, and Ali Leiataua. On the women’s side, current Kiwi Ferns squad members and NRLW players Alexis Tauaneai, Trinity Tauaneai, and Ivana Lauitiiti are among those who previously featured in the girls representative programme.
RGK Wheelchairs partner with Wheel Kiwis ahead of historic World Cup
Ahead of the inaugural Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup this year, New Zealand Rugby League has partnered with RGK Wheelchairs as the official wheelchair supplier of the Wheel Kiwis.
Supplied in New Zealand by Medifab, RGK manufactures made-to-measure sport & everyday wheelchairs, with every RGK chair custom-built to suit the unique requirements of its rider.
David McMeeken, NZRL National Football Operations Manager said,
“We are incredibly grateful for RGK’s generous support of the Wheel Kiwis as we prepare for the first-ever Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup in Australia later this year.
“Specialist rugby league wheelchairs will have significant benefits to our players both in training and on the world stage.
“This partnership will ensure our athletes have access to world-class equipment to represent New Zealand at this historic event for the growing and all-inclusive sport of wheelchair rugby league.”
Commercial Director of Sunrise Medical across Australia and New Zealand, Matt Butterworth shared, “We’re proud to support the Wheel Kiwis as they prepare for a landmark moment in the sport with the inaugural Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup. At RGK, we are passionate about empowering athletes through bespoke equipment that enhances performance and confidence.
"Partnering with New Zealand Rugby League to provide world-class, made-to-measure chairs ensures these athletes can compete at their very best on the international stage, and we’re excited to be part of their journey.”
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First-ever NZRL Wheelchair Rugby League Nationals set for September
The inaugural NZRL Wheelchair Rugby League Nationals are set to take place at the YMCA Auckland City on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September, showcasing and reflecting the growth of the sport in Aotearoa.
The exciting introduction of this national tournament follows the establishment of New Zealand's international wheelchair rugby league representative team, the Wheel Kiwis, who have qualified and are preparing for the 2026 Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup.
The tournament provides an important opportunity for players to compete, connect, and showcase their abilities, while also supporting the continued growth and development of wheelchair rugby league across the nation.
Much of the sport's recent growth over the past two years has been driven by community programmes delivered by Disability Sport Auckland, Parafed Bay of Plenty, and the Warriors Community Foundation.
Through activations, weekly participation sessions, and events such as the recent Healthvision Festival of Disability Sport, wheelchair rugby league has attracted strong interest from both experienced wheelchair athletes and able-bodied participants looking to try the sport.
The tournament has been scheduled to avoid key national wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby events, allowing athletes from other codes the opportunity to participate.
Team and individual registrations are now open. Individuals are encouraged to register, with tournament organisers available to assist in placing players into teams where required.
If you are interested in entering a team, registering as an individual, or would like to receive further information about the tournament, please complete the registration form below:
PURE Sports Nutrition partners with the New Zealand Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns
Local nutrition and supplement company PURE Sports Nutrition join New Zealand Rugby League as official nutrition partner for the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns ahead of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
Offering a wide range of products including energy gels, electrolyte hydration, protein powders, and creatine supplements, PURE manufactures its products in their purpose-built factory at headquarters in Christchurch, ensuring quality control throughout the entire production process.
NZRL GM of Football and High Performance Motu Tony said,
“Nutrition and recovery play a vital role in high-performance sport, and PURE’s range of high-quality products will support our athletes well as they prepare for and compete in the World Cup this year.
“We look forward to working together with PURE Sports Nutrition, and providing the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns with products that will enhance their training, performance, and recovery."
PURE Sports Nutrition Managing Director Simon Kraak said the partnership reflects the company’s commitment to supporting New Zealand athletes at the highest level.
“We’re incredibly proud to partner with the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns – two teams that represent the very best of New Zealand sport on the world stage. At PURE, our mission is to provide athletes with high-quality, trusted nutrition that enables them to perform at their peak.
“As a New Zealand-owned and manufactured brand, there is a natural alignment between our values and those of these teams. We’re excited to support the players as they build towards the 2026 Rugby League World Cup and look forward to being part of their journey and success.”
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NZRL's Pirtek Volunteer of the Month: May 2026
Our Pirtek Volunteer of the Month award celebrates and recognises heroes from our grassroots rugby league community across Aotearoa for their hard mahi, dedicated to our game. This award is given to volunteers who display the core values of The Kiwi Way: being family first, innovative, inclusive, respectful, and humble.
We are proud to announce our second winner for 2026, the Pirtek Volunteer of the Month award for May goes to Tyson Salanoa from Linton Cobras in Palmerston North, Manawatū.
Tyson Salanoa, affectionately known by his players as "Coach Sole", is a proud coach at Linton Cobras Rugby League as well as a representative Manawatū Mustangs side.
Tyson, alongside his best friend and fellow coach “Coach Bugsy” (Kev), consistently draws enough players to field two full teams for Linton’s youth grade. As a coach, Tyson is reliable, dedicated, and unwavering in his commitment to his players and teams. He spends much of his spare time preparing for trainings and game days, arrives early to set up, and is often the last to leave, ensuring every child is safely collected or personally transporting them home when required. For Tyson, these rangatahi are far more than players - he prioritises their physical and emotional wellbeing and never places the game above their needs.
Tyson also established the first rugby league academy in Manawatū, the MAU (Mana Aso Uma, Mana Everyday) Sport Mentoring Academy, in partnership with the Youth Nu’u Trust. The programme brings together Pasifika and Māori values, rugby league, youth wellbeing, support, and community. This no-cost initiative provides wellbeing support to young men from intermediate age through to Year 11, using rugby league as a vehicle for personal development and connection.
He is deeply committed to ensuring local players can access opportunities outside the region, so they're able to experience different coaching environments, playing styles, and pathways while building confidence and their own player profiles. These opportunities include representative trials, One New Zealand Warriors clinics and games, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs clinics, cultural rugby league festivals, and more. Tyson often organises transport so groups of players can attend and not miss out.
Tyson finds ways to reduce barriers that may prevent young people from participating in rugby league, working closely with whānau to keep tamariki and rangatahi engaged in the sport and in physical activity. His approach is grounded in leadership, respect, trust, and genuine friendship, which has played a significant role in keeping many local young people and their families within the game.
He also draws strongly on the Te Whare Tapa Whā model, recognising that all dimensions of a young person’s hauora, wellbeing, are essential to helping them show up and thrive each day. Tyson’s impact is felt in the way the young men in his teams and community train, speak to one another, and carry themselves out in the wider community.
Chris Bourke, CEO of Pirtek shared, "Congratulations to Tyson Salanoa on being named the Pirtek Volunteer of the Month for May.
"Tyson's commitment to creating opportunities for young people, developing future leaders, and strengthening his community through rugby league perfectly reflects the values that Pirtek is proud to support."
Know a volunteer who does exceptional mahi? Help us celebrate these grassroots heroes by nominating them for the next Pirtek Volunteer of the Month award.
Each monthly winner will receive $200 worth of vouchers and have their story shared across our channels.
Make a nomination here: https://share.hsforms.com/2Lq4cbueQRVCRwqK8vsfK_Qsy1ug
Wheel Kiwis players and staff recognised at the Healthvision Festival of Disability Sport Awards
Members of the Wheel Kiwis squad were recognised at the recent Healthvision Festival of Disability Sport Awards, with players and staff acknowledged for their achievements both on and off the court.
Wheel Kiwis wider squad member Jack Brown received the Emerging Talent Award, which recognises athletes who are new to their sport and have demonstrated significant promise, commitment, dedication, and sportsmanship. Jack is a highly talented wheelchair athlete who has made an immediate impact in wheelchair rugby league. Prior to November 2025, he had no experience in the sport, yet he was selected for the Wheel Kiwis squad to compete in the inaugural NRL Wheelchair Rugby League Championship on the Gold Coast. During the campaign, the Wheel Kiwis secured three victories and finished mid-table against strong and experienced state opposition in just their second appearance as a representative side.
Jack played an important role in the team's success, proving to be an outstanding addition to the squad. Since the tournament, he has continued to apply himself and has been invited into the wider Wheel Kiwis squad as preparations continue for the 2026 Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup in Australia. Although new to the sport, Jack has adapted quickly and consistently demonstrates energy, enthusiasm, and a genuine commitment to improving his game. He is one of the most proactive members of the wider squad, regularly engaging with teammates, sharing his training sessions, and encouraging others to do the same.
Wheel Kiwis Assistant Coach Robert ‘Tiny’ Graham was awarded Coach & Volunteer of the Year in recognition of his outstanding contribution to disability sport and wheelchair rugby league. A New Zealand Army veteran, Tiny served nearly 27 years as a Warrant Officer Class One, during which he was deployed on three operational tours to Bosnia, Bougainville and East Timor, and was posted to Tonga as the NZDF Technical Advisor to His Majesty’s Armed Forces, Tonga and Military Advisor to the NZ High Commissioner.
Tiny has been heavily involved in sport since young playing rugby league for Taniwharau among other codes, including rugby union for which he featured in a number of representative sides. Since 2017, he has been a member of the New Zealand Defence Force Invictus Team, representing New Zealand at the international Invictus Games, which brings together wounded, injured, and sick serving and former service personnel.
Tiny competed at Prince Harry's Invictus Games in Toronto (2017) and Sydney (2018). Since 2019, he has coached the New Zealand Invictus Team's wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby sides at the Düsseldorf 2023 and Vancouver 2025 Games and will continue in the role for Birmingham 2027. Wheel Kiwi #3, Tiny represented New Zealand against Australia in 2024 before taking on the role of Wheel Kiwis Assistant Coach in 2025. He has been instrumental in the growth and success of wheelchair rugby league in New Zealand and is highly respected by his colleagues. As a coach, volunteer, administrator, and advocate, he continues to be a driving force behind the sport's development.
Wheel Kiwis wider squad members Kauri Murray and Nikia Fa'atau were also nominated for Male Sportsman of the Year in recognition of their achievements and contributions through wheelchair basketball. Their nominations highlight the depth of talent within the wider Wheel Kiwis programme and the strong connections across New Zealand's adaptive sports community.
We congratulate Jack, Tiny, Kauri, and Nikia on their well-deserved recognition and nominations.
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A stage for every school: NZRL National Secondary Schools Tournament returns this September
The biggest event on the secondary school rugby league calendar is back as the NZRL National Secondary Schools Tournament returns to Auckland this September. The 2025 tournament was the biggest in the event’s history with 60 teams from across Aotearoa taking part, and the 2026 edition is on track to surpass that milestone.
Currently, 71 teams from across the motu have expressed interest in participating in this year’s tournament, with 50% of those teams travelling from outside of Auckland as the game continues to grow outside of the rugby league hub.
Following continued growth and strong participation numbers, the U15 Boys Tournament will be held as a standalone event from Tuesday 1 September to Thursday 3 September at Walter Massey Park in Mangere.
The Senior Secondary Schools Tournament will follow, taking place from Friday 4 September to Sunday 6 September at Bruce Pulman Park, Papakura, featuring three grades:
• Open Girls Championship
• Boys Championship
• Boys Premiership
The expanded format will allow more teams to participate while enhancing the overall tournament experience for players, coaches, and supporters. Sanctioned by New Zealand School Sport, the tournament is open to all secondary schools, including composite teams. It aims to provide an inclusive and accessible environment for all students, from established rugby league schools, to developing schools, and those new to the sport.
While offering rangatahi the opportunity to showcase their talents on the field, the tournament also uses rugby league as a vehicle to build school pride. It provides students with the chance to play alongside their mates and represent their school and community, while reinforcing the importance of balancing education, wellbeing, and sport.
Since the return of the tournament following COVID-19 disruptions, it has seen over 150% growth. This significant increase reflects the rising popularity of rugby league within secondary schools and the commitment of schools to providing rugby league opportunities, supported by the growing visibility and accessibility of the game across Aotearoa.
With rugby league at an all-time high in New Zealand, rangatahi now have more opportunities than ever to progress through the game. NZRL representative tournaments and competitions complement those offered by the New Zealand Warriors, creating clear development opportunities for aspiring players.
Limited spaces remain available across all grades and entries are open to all secondary schools, including composite schools. Schools wishing to participate are encouraged to complete the Expression of Interest form as soon as possible to secure a spot before capacity is reached.
Must be completed by a member of school staff, entries close on Monday 15 June 2026: sporty.co.nz