Southland's Mike Lemalie making a stand for mental health
28th October, 2021
as seen on Stuff.co.nz
When Mike Lemalie removes his 30 kilogram weighted vest and dives into the ocean at Stirling Point in Bluff on October 30, it will be more than just sore legs and blisters he is hoping to heal.
A member of the Southland Rugby League community, Lemalie will be walking 60 kilometres in gumboots from Bluff to Invercargill return, with the last 4km through the Bluff township in a weighted vest, to raise money for youth mental health services through Gumboot Friday.
Lemalie spent several years as a player/coach for Bluff Rugby League Club, which included winning three competitions in a row finishing the 2009 season undefeated.
It’s a cause that is deeply personal for Lemalie. His son died by suicide in December 2016.
“The motivation behind the weighted vest is just walking through Bluff with all the heavy weight and burden of all the kids we’ve got down here, and just walking to the point, and washing it away with the water,” he said.
Since his son’s death, he had been actively assisting youth in Bluff to open up and get help through counselling services, which he believed should be free and available to all youth in New Zealand.
“Kids need to be able to open up and talk, we can't help them if they don't open up. At my son’s funeral I said that to all his friends, and they took me up on it.... It’s just being an ear, I don’t have all the answers, and if I don’t have the answers I try and get them. And that’s how Caroline Loo [From the Invercargill Loss and Grief centre] helped at the start,” he said.
“I first started going to the counselling sessions with some of the kids, and I still use her as a point of contact for some of them. It’s good, one kid has got his life back on track, and he’s doing really good with his sports, that’s one of the main goals we’ve talked about, to get back to sports.”
He decided to complete the walk when Gumboot Friday founder Mike King announced earlier this year that the Ministry of Health had rejected his request for funding to provide free counselling for young people.
“Originally it was just supposed to be to Invercargill, but I thought ‘I live in Bluff, so why not walk home’.”
The tight-knit community of Bluff had whole-heartedly supported the effort, and many people had been in contact to volunteer their time.
His work colleagues at Sanford had already ordered 40 hi-vis vests in anticipation of the amount of people that would be walking the route alongside Lemalie.
So far, he has received more than $4000 in donations.
Data released by the Office of the Chief Coroner on Monday, revealed there were 44 cases of suspected suicide in Southland and Otago in 2020, down from 47 cases in 2019.
The rate of death by suspected suicide per 100,000 people in Southland and Otago was 11.7, slightly higher than the national rate of 11.3.
Able Minds chief executive Sarah Dowie said the fact the number of suspected suicides had fallen by just 21 was a confronting reminder that more work needed to be done to address mental health issues.
Lemalie began his rugby league journey in 1992, joining his local club the Wainuiomata Lions from u12’s to u18’s. Mike developed his love for the game in these adolescent years
He spent years in Gisborne and returned to Lower Hutt to play for St Bernard’s College. Lemalie left the game for a few years but his passion did not disappear, rearing to strap on the boots again Mike returned six years later in 2003 playing for Southland club, Bluff.
In 2006, Lemalie represented Cooks Rugby League and then returned to Bluff as a player coach till 2009.
Mike has been a representative for the Southland Senior Men’s as both a player and a coach, whilst also coaching both the u15 and u17 Southland teams at the NZRL Youth Tournament.
Currently Lemalie works in the Southland district controlling senior games and also delving into its junior competition.
WHERE TO GET HELP
1737, Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor
Lifeline – 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
Samaritans – 0800 726 666
Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
What's Up – 0800 942 8787 (for 5–18 year olds). Phone counselling is available Monday to Friday, midday–11pm and weekends, 3pm–11pm. Online chat is available 7pm–10pm daily.
Kidsline – 0800 54 37 54 (0800 kidsline) for young people up to 18 years of age. Open 24/7.
thelowdown.co.nz – or email team@thelowdown.co.nz or free text 5626
Anxiety New Zealand – 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389)
Rural Support Trust – 0800 787 254 (0800 RURAL HELP)
Supporting Families in Mental Illness – 0800 732 825
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Essential info: National Men's & Women's Tournaments in Hastings this weekend
Just three days remain until the NZRL Men’s Premiership North Pool, National Women’s Premiership, and National Men’s and Women’s Championship tournaments kick off in Hastings. The action gets underway this weekend, September 12-13, at Mitre 10 Sports Park, with the tournaments hosted in partnership with Rugby League Hawke’s Bay.
This weekend introduces a revised Premiership structure with the tournament format replacing the previous weekly competition model. The Men’s Premiership will continue to operate across two (2) pools; North and South. The top two (2) teams from both the North Island and South Island tournaments will progress to the national semi-finals in Auckland on Saturday 26 September, before the Grand Final is played on Sunday 27 September.
The Women’s Premiership tournament will see all six Premiership teams compete, with the top two (2) finishing teams advancing directly to the National Grand Final in Auckland on Sunday 27 September, alongside the men’s final.
In the National Championship, Northland, Bay of Plenty, Hawke's Bay, and Manawatū will compete for the women's title, while Te Tai Tokerau, Whangārei City Districts, Coastline, and Hawke's Bay will contend in the men's grade. Both Championship Grand Finals will take place on Sunday afternoon.
Draws and Broadcast
All draws and results: https://www.sporty.co.nz/nzrl/national-competitions-1/national-mens-premiership
All upcoming NZRL national tournaments will be exclusively broadcast on Sky Sport. Across both tournament days in Hastings, games on Field 1, including both Championship grand finals on Sunday, will be live broadcast.
For a $59.99 monthly Sky Sport Now pass, watch NZRL's National Men's and Women's Championships, National Men's Premiership, Sky Sport National Women's Premiership, and National Youth Tournament - as well as all the NRL and NRLW action, with NRL playoffs kicking off this week.
Broadcast replays will be uploaded to the NZRL YouTube channel in the following day/s.
Parking
Main entry to the park and carparks is via Percival Road, see the Park Map here.
Games will be played across Sports Fields 1-5.
Food
A number of delicious food vendors will be on site throughout the weekend for supporters, whānau, and players to enjoy, including Crunch Culture Chicken, Sea's Up kaimoana, TC's Fun 4 Kids, Bean Drinkin' coffee, and Boost Espresso.
Keep up with all the tournament action on NZRL’s grassroots social media platforms: beacons.ai/nzrlgrassroots
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Remembering Jim Fisher, Kiwi #423
New Zealand Rugby League and Canterbury Rugby League very sadly mourn the loss of eight-Test Kiwi and Canterbury great, Jim Fisher, Kiwi #423.
Jim was a talented hooker and prop who represented Canterbury and clubs Linwood, Addington, and Eastern Suburbs.
The 1955-56 Schoolboy Kiwi debuted for Canterbury at just 18-years-old in 1960 and scored three tries in six matches for the Kiwis in Australia in 1963 (non-Tests). He also featured in the South Island’s win over the 1963 South African tourists.
He earned his New Zealand Kiwis Test debut later in 1971, featuring at hooker throughout their historic tour of Britain and France. The oldest player in the Lory Blanchard-coached side, Fisher played all six Tests on tour as the Kiwis created history with a 2-1 series victory over Great Britain and a 2-0 series win against France.
He toured with the Kiwis in Australia again in 1972 and played both Tests, but ruled himself out of contention for the end-of-season World Cup by retiring from representative football, also making the last of his 42 appearances for Canterbury that year.
Fisher later served as a Canterbury selector in 1975 and coached the provincial team in 1976.
We offer our deepest condolences to Jim's whānau, friends, former teammates, and all who knew and loved Jim, during this difficult time. Moe mai rā, Jim.
NZRL partners with Hydro Flask for 2026
Drinkware brand Hydro Flask has partnered with New Zealand Rugby League as a partner of the Kiwis, Kiwi Ferns, and Wheel Kiwis for 2026.
Hydro Flask’s extensive range of durable, reusable drinkware is designed to keep beverages cold or hot for hours, bringing a shared commitment to performance and an active lifestyle to our partnership.
NZRL GM of Football and High Performance Motu Tony said,
“Hydro Flask’s focus on durability and creating products built to support active lifestyles makes them a great fit for rugby league and we’re excited to partner with them this year.
“From training and preparation through to performance and recovery, Hydro Flask will support our Kiwis, Kiwi Ferns, and Wheel Kiwis athletes as they compete on the world stage this year.”
Jonathan Lopes Da Silva, Co-CEO of Compendium Group, distributor of Hydro Flask in Australia and New Zealand, said:
“We’re incredibly proud to partner with New Zealand Rugby League and support the Kiwis, Kiwi Ferns and Wheel Kiwis in 2026.
“For us, this partnership is about more than hydration. It’s about supporting incredible athletes as they train, travel and compete, and being a small part of their journey as they represent New Zealand on the world stage. We can’t wait to see Hydro Flask alongside the teams throughout what is set to be a huge year for New Zealand rugby league.”
NZSS Finals: AGGS & Kelston Boys' go back-to-back & Shirley Boys' win their first
Girls Championship
Grand Final | Auckland Girls' Grammar School 20 vs Rotorua Girls' High School 6
With a repeat title win on the line, Auckland Girls’ (AGGS) came out firing, crossing for two early tries through left-side centre Tylah Fa’alili. The remainder of the first half was a hard-fought arm wrestle, with both sides producing determined defence to keep each other scoreless. AGGS carried their momentum into the second half, extending their lead after Tania Savali gathered an expert chip and raced through to score. Another try to left edge player Casey Toese-Misa looked to have all but sealed the title for AGGS. The Rotorua side found a way across the tryline through a powerful charge by forward Amber Albrecht, with Kesia Ngaheu adding the conversion to put extra points on the board. The final score 20-6, AGGS successfully secured their second consecutive NZSS Girls Championship title.
Bowl final (5th/6th) | Avondale College 12 vs Kelston Girls' High School 8
16s Girls Tournament Team
1 Kimora-Lee Lisone | Auckland Girls' Grammar School
2 Leonie Bradbrooke | Auckland Girls' Grammar School
3 Tylah Fa'alili | Auckland Girls' Grammar School
4 Elisa Pasene | Auckland Girls' Grammar School
5 Alyssa-Mei Leauga | Avondale College
6 Fabianni Napara | Hamilton Girls' High School
7 Sofia Tovio-Smith | Hamilton Girls' High School
8 Stevie-Lea Peri | Te Wharekura o te Kaokaoroa o Pātetere
9 Lynneera Tutaia | Kelston Girls' College
10 Briarley McGee | Kelston Girls' College
11 Choicey Kuli | Kelston Girls' College
12 Jovana Paselio | Manurewa High School
13 Caitlyn Pohahau | McAuley High School
14 Keiti Tupou | McAuley High School
15 Piper Thompson | Rotorua Girls' High School
16 Presley McGarvey | Rotorua Girls' High School
17 Asaiah Kinghazel | Rotorua Girls' High School
18 Francella Nafoi-Seumalo | Tauranga Girls' College
New Zealand Secondary Schools 18s Girls Team
Casey Toese-Misa | Auckland Girls' Grammar School
Caszius Fatialofa | Auckland Girls' Grammar School
Jada-Breeze Gray | Auckland Girls' Grammar School
Lala Vaea | Auckland Girls' Grammar School
Sari Iefata | Auckland Girls' Grammar School
Suraya Kingi | Auckland Girls' Grammar School
Akeliana-Faith Leauga | Avondale College
Khaidyn-Bre Teau | Avondale College
Ava-Lea Maxwell-Ogilvy | Avonside Girls' High School
Metua Cranwell | Avonside Girls' High School
Tiahomoana Morgan | Avonside Girls' High School
Ryteous Tutaia | Kelston Girls' College
Alaina Lauitiiti | McAuley High School
Kaiarihi Puku | Rotorua Girls' High School
Kianah-Jade Cullen-Te Kawa | Rotorua Girls' High School
Revé Ngaheu | Rotorua Girls' High School
Stevie Makiha | Rotorua Girls' High School
Shakira Lui | Southern Cross Campus
Selu Ika | Te Haikura a Kiwa
Maya Tebbutt | Tokoroa High School/St. Peter's Cambridge
Emerging Player of the Tournament
Lynneera Tutaia | Kelston Girls' College
Player of the Tournament
Revé Ngaheu | Rotorua Girls' High School
Boys Premiership
In the early morning Premiership semi-finals, Kelston made light work of Southern Cross, finishing 54-0 winners to book their place in the Grand Final and earn the chance to defend their title.
The St. Paul’s and St. Thomas match-up was a much tighter battle, with plenty of support lining the sidelines as both teams fought for a spot in the decider. St. Paul’s opened the scoring before St. Thomas hit back with a try and successful conversion to take a 6-4 lead into half-time. St. Paul’s quickly responded after the break to reclaim the lead 10-6 setting up an intense back-and-forth contest. Both sides put their bodies on the line in a fierce defensive battle, repeatedly denying each other opportunities to break away. With the game in the balance, St. Thomas produced a dramatic finish on the hooter, with Hemiata Togia crossing for a miracle try near the sticks, successfully kicked by Pesamino Elia to seal the win and send St. Thomas through to the Grand Final.
Grand Final | Kelston Boys' High School 30 vs St. Thomas of Canterbury College 6
Entering the Grand Final undefeated, Kelston were first on the scoreboard, with fullback Kaian Olsen crossing early to score what would be his first try of the day. The remainder of the first half was a hard-fought battle, with the Cantabrians finding their way across the line in the 15th minute courtesy of hooker Nikora Mata’afa. Kelston quickly responded with a try of their own before the break, Olsen grabbing his second to give the West Auckland school a 12-6 lead at half-time. Just five minutes into the second half Kelston extended their lead, sparking an onslaught of tries that saw the defending champions pull away and ultimately seal the Premiership title for a second consecutive year, 30-6. Noah Hollands was successful off the tee for the winners, kicking five from five.
Bowl final (5th/6th) | De La Salle College 34 vs Manurewa High School 6
Boys Championship
Grand Final | Shirley Boys' High School 18 vs New Plymouth Boys' High School 12
The Taranaki side took control early in the final, scoring two tries while keeping Shirley Boys’ scoreless to take an 8-0 lead into half-time. They continued their scoring momentum after the break, adding another try to extend their advantage to 12-0. But Christchurch's Shirley Boys’ were not going down without a fight, hitting back with their first try of the game before successfully converting to close the gap. The try sparked a remarkable comeback, with Shirley Boys’ finding their rhythm and crossing again before adding the conversion to level the scores at 12-all. With momentum firmly on their side, they completed the turnaround with another try to seal the win, Mahuru Watene finishing the match with a double.
Plate final (17th/18th) | Te Kura o Manutūkē Tairawhiti 22 vs Hobsonville Point Secondary School (composite Lynfield) 0
Bowl final (9th/10th) | Tokoroa High School vs Tamaki College
New Zealand Secondary Schools 18s Boys Team
Frank Sio | De La Salle College
Jeremiah Lemana | Kelston Boys' High School
Kaian Olsen | Kelston Boys' High School
Maddax Bernard | Kelston Boys' High School
Noah Hollands | Kelston Boys' High School
Parekaahu Keepa | Kelston Boys' High School
Rico Finau | Kelston Boys' High School
Rilee Higgins | Kelston Boys' High School
Ronley Kolomalu | Kelston Boys' High School
Satali Asolelei-Fretton | Kelston Boys' High School
Mahuru Watene | Shirley Boys' High School
Mosese Tolutau | Southern Cross Campus
Daniel Kali | St. Paul's College
Giovanni Meisake | St. Paul's College
Memphys Luka | St. Paul's College
Siaosi Alatini | St. Paul's College
Siokatame Kali | St. Paul's College
Hemiata Togia | St. Thomas of Canterbury College
Kenny Lafituanai | St. Thomas of Canterbury College
Pesamino Elia | St. Thomas of Canterbury College
Emerging Player of the Tournament
Taimana Kaa-Mackie | Shirley Boys' High School
Player of the Tournament
Hemiata Togia | St. Thomas of Canterbury College
See all results www.sporty.co.nz/nzrl
Watch all Grand Finals & Field 1 match replays across all three days on YouTube
Keep up with all the action on NZRL's grassroots social pages
NZSS Girls & Championship Grand Finals locked in, Premiership semis confirmed
Boys Premiership
Kelston continued their dominance on Day 2, finishing Pool A play undefeated to secure the first semi-final spot. The second spot was decided in the final round of the day, with St. Thomas and De La Salle going head-to-head for a place in the final four. The Cantabrians ultimately prevailed after a tough 40 minutes, with Pesamino Elia kicking the match-winning two-points to secure a victory for St. Thomas.
Over in Pool B, St. Paul’s topped the standings after losing to Rotorua Boys’ in the opening round, before bouncing back to put 50 unanswered points on Manurewa to finish the day strongly. Southern Cross secured second place after also recording three wins from four games, with today's victories over Manurewa and Whangārei helping them book their place in the semi-finals.
Semi-finals will take place tomorrow morning to determine who will advance to the 2026 Boys Premiership Grand Finals.
Semi-Final 1 9:00 am | Kelston Boys' High School vs Southern Cross Campus
Semi-Final 2 9:00 am | St. Paul's College vs St. Thomas of Canterbury College
3rd/4th final 1:00 pm
Grand Final (live on Sky Sport) 2:20 pm
Girls Championship
Heading straight into quarter-finals from the start of the day, the eight remaining girls title contenders battled for a place in the semi-finals, with Auckland Girls’, Rotorua Girls’, Southern Cross, and Avonside Girls’ all securing wins in their respective match-ups. In the first semi-final, reigning champions Auckland Girls’ continued their unbeaten run with a convincing 32-10 victory over Christchurch’s Avonside, securing a place in the Grand Final for the fourth consecutive year. In the second semi-final, 2025 grand finalists Rotorua Girls’ also booked their return to the decider, comfortably overcoming Southern Cross 36-6.
3rd/4th final 1:00 pm | Southern Cross Campus vs Avonside Girls' High School
Grand Final (live on Sky Sport) 1:10 pm | Auckland Girl's Grammar School vs Rotorua Girls High School
Boys Championship
Similarly in the Boys Championship, the top eight teams after Day 1 from the 20-team grade advanced directly to the quarter-finals, with Christchurch’s Shirley Boys’, New Plymouth Boys’, Botany Downs, and King’s all securing wins in their quarters. In the first semi-final, Shirley Boys’ proved too strong for King’s, running out 28-14 winners. The second semi-final delivered a tense battle between New Plymouth Boys’ and Botany Downs, with New Plymouth edging ahead 12-6 after Jermaine Mattock crossed for the match-winning try.
3rd/4th final 12:00 pm | King's College vs Botany Downs Secondary College
Grand Final (live on Sky Sport) 12:00 pm | Shirley Boys' High School vs New Plymouth Boy's High School
See all results & draws: www.sporty.co.nz/nzrl
Watch all Grand Finals & Field 1 matches live on Sky Sport and keep up with all the action on NZRL's grassroots social pages.
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Remebering Kiwi Fern #75, Fuarosa 'Fozzy' Time
We are deeply saddened to mourn the passing of Kiwi Fern #75, Fuarosa ‘Fozzy’ Time.
Hailing from Wellington’s Randwick Kingfishers, Fuarosa was a talented rugby league, rugby union and touch player who represented a number of teams and clubs across Aotearoa and later Australia.
Fuarosa will be forever remembered as a trailblazer who made history on her Kiwi Ferns debut at the 2003 Rugby League World Cup. She scored six tries against Tokelau in that match, a record that still stands today as the most tries scored n a women’s Rugby League World Cup match, as well as the most by a debutant.
We extend our deepest condolences to Fozzy’s whānau and friends, and to all those who had the privilege of playing alongside her and knowing her.
Moe mai rā, Fozzy.
Day one delivers as NZSS 2026 gets underway
The 2026 NZRL National Secondary Schools Tournament (NZSS) got underway at Auckland’s Bruce Pulman Park today, with 43 teams from schools across the motu coming together for three days of competition. Staff, whānau and supporters were also out in force to back the competing rangatahi, who took to the field twice throughout the day to represent their schools. Fine but windy conditions greeted teams in the morning before showers rolled in during the afternoon, adding another challenge as the tournament got underway.
Boys Premiership
The 2026 Boys Premiership grade welcomed Dilworth School, the champions of the 2025 Boys Championship, and Whangārei Boys’ High School, recent winners of the Rugby League Northland Adam Blair High School Competition.
In Pool A, reigning champions Kelston Boys’ High School opened their campaign with convincing wins over De La Salle College and Mt. Albert Grammar School to finish the day at the top of the table. 2023-2024 winners St. Thomas of Canterbury College also went unbeaten, overcoming Mt. Albert and newcomers Dilworth, while De La Salle rounded out the top three.
Over in Pool B, Manurewa High School dominated their opening matches against Whangārei Boys’ and Rotorua Boys’ High School to lead the section. Auckland champions St. Paul’s College follow in second by points differential, also undefeated, and in third is Southern Cross Campus who recorded a win and a loss.
Pool A standings:
- Kelston Boys' High School
- St. Thomas of Canterbury College
- De La Salle College
- Dilworth School
- Mt. Albert Grammar School
Pool B standings:
- Manurewa High School
- St. Paul's College
- Southern Cross Campus
- Whangārei Boys’ High School
- Rotorua Boy's High School
Girls Championship
In the biggest-ever girls’ grade in NZSS history, the 13 competing teams gave spectators a showcase of physical, fast-paced and exciting footy, as teams put on strong displays throughout the day. At the end of Day 1, four teams remained undefeated, with reigning champions Auckland Girls’ Grammar School sitting ahead of the pack. They finished the day with 62 points for and just six against after dominant performances against Kelston Girls’ High School and Tokoroa High School. 2025 Grand Finalists Rotorua Girls’ High School followed closely in second, also undefeated but trailing by just eight points (F/A), while South Auckland’s McAuley High School rounded out the top three.
Top 5 standings:
- Auckland Girls' Grammar School
- Rotorua Girls High School
- McAuley High School
- Avonside Girls' School
- Manurewa High School
Boys Championship
The biggest tournament grade, the 20-team Championship proved highly competitive, with seven teams finishing the day with two wins from two, leaving points differential to determine the standings. Leading the way are Christchurch’s Shirley Boys’ who recorded back-to-back 40-0 victories over Papakura High School and Te Kōpuku High School to sit top of the table without conceding a single point. Following closely behind are New Plymouth Boys’ High School, Whangaparāoa College, Westlake Boys’ High School and new entrants King’s College, all also finishing the day unbeaten.
Top 5 standings:
- Shirley Boys' High School
- New Plymouth Boys' High School
- Whangaparāoa College
- Westlake Boys High School
- King's College (Auckland)
The morning of Day 2 will see the remaining pool matches in the Boys’ Premiership while the Boys and Girls Championships head straight into quarter-finals, before semi-finals take place across all three grades in the afternoon to determine Sunday’s Grand Finalists.
See all results & draws: www.sporty.co.nz/nzrl
Watch Field 1 live on Sky Sport and keep up with all the action on NZRL's grassroots social pages.
Tipene crowned inaugural winners of the U15 Boys Secondary Schools Nationals
The three-day tournament proved a successful first chapter for the NZRL U15 Boys Secondary Schools Nationals. Emerging players showcased their skills and players newer to the game gained valuable game time. Rangatahi had the opportunity to represent their schools, build connections with their teammates, and enjoy the game alongside their schoolmates.
Grand Final: Tipene St. Stephen's School 16 vs Manurewa High School 14
Manurewa took an early lead, with a double from Czezar Panapa and a try to Marley Roache putting them 14-0 ahead. Not out of the fight, Tipene hit back early in the second half, scoring two tries through Tapu Teepa and Strickland Cecil-Mahani to close the gap. However, a third try to Jah Sean Albrett, combined with determined defence to keep Manurewa at bay, secured Tipene the victory and the 2026 Cup.
In the remaining placings, St. Paul’s bested Kelston to claim third, while Tokoroa finished fifth to round out the top five.
Final standings:
1. Tipene St. Stephen's School - Auckland
2. Manurewa High School - Auckland
3. St. Paul's College - Auckland
4. Kelston Boys' High School - Auckland
5. Tokoroa High School - Tokoroa, Waikato
6. Southern Cross Campus - Auckland
7. Te Haikura a Kiwa (James Cook) - Auckland
8. Hamilton Boys' High School - Hamilton, Waikato
9. Trident High School - Whakatāne, Bay of Plenty
10. Tamaki College - Auckland
11. Te Kopuku High School (Mahaukura) - Hamilton, Waikato
12. St. Patrick's College Silverstream - Upper Hutt, Wellington
13. Papakura High School - Auckland
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Christchurch World Cup double-header nearing a sell-out
Limited tickets remain for the Rugby League World Cup 2026 Men’s and Women’s double-header at OneNZ Stadium Christchurch on October 25.
The doubleheader at the recently opened indoor stadium is the only World Cup fixture staged in New Zealand, and fans will be able to see both national teams, the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns, in action.
The Kiwi Ferns play France, and the Kiwis take on the Cook Islands in Round 2 of Rugby League World Cup 2026.
More than 140,000 World Cup tickets have been sold so far across the tournament, with other fixtures in high demand including the opening match between the Kangaroos and Kiwis at Allianz Stadium on October 15 and the final at Suncorp Stadium on November 15.
There is also strong interest in both semi-finals at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium on November 7 and Allianz Stadium on November 8, as well as the Kangaroos v Fiji match at Suncorp Stadium on October 25 and the clash of Pacific powerhouses Samoa and Tonga at CommBank Stadium on November 1.
The Kiwis open their World Cup campaign with a mouthwatering match against Australia at Allianz Stadium on October 15 and also play Fiji at Cbus Super Stadium on October 30.
The Kiwi Ferns meet Fiji first up at McDonald Jones Stadium on October 18 and finish the group stage against Papua New Guinea at Cbus Super Stadium on October 30 as part of a triple header that also includes Fiji Bulikula playing France.
Tickets to Rugby League World Cup 2026 matches start from just $19 and fans are urged to take advantage of the affordable pricing before games sell out.
For information about tickets, the draw and World Cup news, visit rlwc2026.com
Rugby League World Cup 2026 returns to Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. Where nations clash, heroes rise, and legends are forged. 3 World Cups. 26 Teams. The World’s Best. Tickets are now on sale from $19. Don’t miss the pinnacle of global Rugby League.
U15 Boys Secondary Schools Nationals: Finalists decided
On Day 2 of the inaugural NZRL U15 Boys Secondary Schools Nationals, the 13 competing schools took to the field for quarter-final and semi-final match-ups, with Grand Final berths on the line.
Manurewa secured the first spot in the 2026 Grand Final after defeating Hamilton Boys’ 38-4 in the opening round, before producing another impressive performance to overcome defending champions Kelston Boys’ 20-0 in the semi-finals.
St. Paul’s College advanced to the semi-finals with a 32-4 victory over Te Haikura a Kiwa, while Tipene defeated Southern Cross 30-4 to book their place in the final four. Tipene then continued their unbeaten run, defeating St. Paul’s College 20-10 to secure the second Grand Final spot and set up a showdown with Manurewa.
Te Kōpuku recorded their first victory of the tournament with a win over Papakura High School, after falling to Trident who also secured a win over St. Patrick’s.
2026 NZRL U15 Boys Secondary Schools Nationals finals
Cup Final 1st/2nd 12:00 pm - Manurewa High School vs Tipene St. Stephen's
3rd/4th place final 11:00 am - Kelston Boys' High School vs St. Paul's College
See all results & the full finals day draw: https://www.sporty.co.nz/nzrl/national-competitions-1/national-secondary-schools-tournament-1
U15 Boys Secondary Schools Nationals: Day 1 wrap-up
Day 1 of the inaugural NZRL U15 Boys Secondary Schools Nationals got underway at Māngere’s Walter Massey Park today, with 13 schools from across the North Island coming together for three rounds of exciting junior rugby league.
Under cloudy skies and light winds, the tournament kicked off with plenty of energy as rangatahi took to the field, representing their schools on the national stage and competing for a place in the quarter-finals.
End of Day 1 standings:
- Tipene St. Stephen's School - Auckland
- Manurewa High School - Auckland
- Kelston Boys' High School - Auckland
- St. Paul's College - Auckland
- Te Haikura a Kiwa (James Cook High School) - Auckland
- Tokoroa High School - Tokoroa, Waikato
- Hamilton Boys' High School - Hamilton, Waikato
- Southern Cross Campus - Auckland
- St. Patrick's College Silverstream - Upper Hutt, Wellington
- Trident High School - Whakatāne, Bay of Plenty
- Tamaki College - Auckland
- Papakura High School - Auckland
- Te Kopuku High School (Mahaukura) - Hamilton, Waikato
The opening round of the day saw Kelston, St. Paul’s, Manurewa, Tipene and Hamilton Boys’ all record wins.
In Round 2, Kelston and St. Paul’s continued their winning streaks, while James Cook and Southern Cross each got their first wins on the board.
In the final round of the day, Tipene and Manurewa remained undefeated, while Tokoroa secured their first win of the tournament.
Day 2 will see a series of key quarter-final match-ups, with frontrunners Tipene taking on Southern Cross, Manurewa facing Hamilton Boys’, 2025 champions Kelston meeting Tokoroa, and St. Paul’s going up against Te Haikura a Kiwa.
Full draw & results: https://www.sporty.co.nz/nzrl/national-competitions-1/national-secondary-schools-tournament-1
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Remembering Kiwi #146, Maurice 'Mocky' Brereton
New Zealand Rugby League and Canterbury Rugby League mourn the loss of one of the game’s great players, Kiwi #466, Canterbury captain and prolific try-scoring winger Maurice ‘Mocky’ Brereton, who has passed away aged 79.
Brereton made his New Zealand debut for the West Coast in 1969 before embarking on a record-breaking decade on the Canterbury Rugby League scene and setting a record for consecutive Tests for the Kiwis.
A teenage West Coast representative in 1966, the Greymouth Marist product featured in both Tests against the touring Australian side three years later in 1969, playing on the wing in the 20-10 first-Test loss before shifting to centre for the 18-14 victory in the second clash.
Brereton transferred to Canterbury with Marist-Western Suburbs the following season. He went on to score 46 tries in 53 matches for Canterbury, both provincial records, while his 156 touchdowns for Marist-Western Suburbs between 1970 and 1980 shattered the record for most tries in the CRL Premiership.
The determined flyer was a constant presence on the flank for the Kiwis during the 1970 home series against Great Britain and World Cup campaign, scoring a try in the win over France at Hull. He featured in all seven Tests of the watershed 1971 campaign, crossing the line in the stunning 24-3 upset of Australia at Carlaw Park.
Brereton featured in the Tests on the tour of Australia and the France World Cup in 1972, where he played two matches in the centres, and the 1974 series against the touring Lions. The 28-year-old played in the first match of the 1975 World Championship, his 24th consecutive Test from his debut.
Marist-Western Suburbs lost four Grand Finals during Brereton’s tenure at the club (1970, 1972-73, 1979), but Brereton still made his presence known scoring a double in the 22-17 loss to Papanui in 1973 and crossing again in a 26-13 defeat to Eastern Suburbs in 1979. Brereton’s Canterbury tenure included captaining the province to Rugby League Cup success in 1974 and featuring in the famous away defeat of Auckland the following season.
After coaching Marist-Western Suburbs in 1977, Brereton went on to serve as club president from 1985 to 1991.
A beloved character both on and off the field, Brereton’s status as one of the all-time greats of the game was recognised with his induction into the NZRL Legends of League in 2013.
New Zealand Rugby League and Canterbury Rugby League offer their heartfelt condolences to Mocky’s family, friends, community, and all who knew and loved Mocky. Moe mai rā, Mocky.
Credit to Canterbury Rugby League canterburyrugbyleague.co.nz