1999 New Zealand rugby league season
Encyclopedia
The 1999 New Zealand rugby league season was the ninety second season of rugby league
that had been played in New Zealand
. The main feature of the year was the National Provincial competition that was run by the New Zealand Rugby League
.
. They lost the final to Australia after defeating both Australia and Great Britain in pool play. Earlier in the season the Kiwis had lost the ANZAC Test
to Australia and had defeated Tonga
in a Test Match notable for Stacey Jones
breaking his arm during the match. New Zealand were coached by Frank Endacott
and included; Tri-Nations captain Richie Barnett
, Sean Hoppe
, Willie Talau
, Ruben Wiki
, Lesley Vainikolo
, Robbie
and Henry Paul
, Stacey Jones
, Jason Lowrie
, Nigel
and Joe Vagana
, Nathan Cayless
, ANZAC Test captain Jarrod McCracken
, Logan Swann
, David Kidwell
, Matt Rua
, Terry Hermansson
, Richard Swain
, Brian Jellick
, Tony Puletua
, Stephen Kearney
, Gene Ngamu
and Craig Smith
.
The New Zealand Māori rugby league team
played, and lost to, Great Britain
in the curtain raiser to the Tri-Nations final. The team was: Alex Chan, Steve Matthews, Lewis, Steve Berryman
, Jared Mills
, Luke Goodwin
, Willie Rangi, Paul Rauhihi
, Tukere Barlow
, John Edmonds, Robert Henare
, Darren Rameka
, Andrew Wynyard
. Subsitutions: Gavin Bailey, Martin Moana
, Frank Watene
, Wairangi Koopu
. Coach: Cameron Bell
. Referee: David Pakieto
. The Māori's had already toured Papua New Guinea earlier in the year. This team included Henry Perenara
, Jamie Cook, Shontayne Hape
and James Stosic
.
The Junior Kiwis
included Henry Perenara
.
The New Zealand Universities team attended the Student World Cup
in Great Britain. They won Pool B, accounting for Wales and Canada, and advanced through the finals. They defeated the England Students team 46-16 at The Boulevard
, winning the World Cup.
. Taranaki
then challenged for the trophy, defeating Waikato 68-8 on the 24 April.
side defeated New South Wales Country 33-6. This side was coached by Stan Martin
and included 8 Glenora Bears
players, including Boycie Nelson
and Steve Buckingham
.
In a MacIntyre final four
playoff system Taranaki defeated Canterbury 41-32 in the first round.
Auckland North defeated Taranaki 20-18 to qualify for the grand final against Auckland South.
The final was won by Auckland South who defeated Auckland North 24-22.
competition. They finished 11th out of 20 teams and failed to make the playoffs.
won the pre-season Roope Rooster, the minor premiership Rukutai Shield and the grand final Fox Memorial to complete a clean sweep of the Auckland Rugby League club trophies
. In the final, played at Carlaw Park
, Glenora defeated Otahuhu
24-4. Glenora included Henry Perenara
, David Bailey
, Boycie Nelson
, Steve Buckingham
and Wairangi Koopu
. The Super 12 tournament had been expanded to included two new teams; the Eastern Tornadoes
and the Hibiscus Coast Raiders
.
Gus Malietoa-Brown played for the Eastern Tornadoes while Dean Clark
and Phillip Leuluai
played for Otahuhu and Esau Mann
represented Mangere East.
The Mount Albert Lions won the Sharman Cup.
grand final which was held at Rugby League Park
on the 19 September. Halswell won 30-12. Mike Dorreen and Aaron Whittaker
played for Halswell
Scott Codyre was named the outstanding player of the year.
Aranui High School
won the Canterbury secondary schools senior competition.
grand final, defeating Hukanui 32-22 at Davies Park in Huntly. Former Kiwi Kelly Shelford
played for the Hamilton City Tigers.
Marist defeated the Waitara Bears 28-20 in the Taranaki Rugby League
grand final.
Rugby league
Rugby league football, usually called rugby league, is a full contact sport played by two teams of thirteen players on a rectangular grass field. One of the two codes of rugby football, it originated in England in 1895 by a split from Rugby Football Union over paying players...
that had been played in New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
. The main feature of the year was the National Provincial competition that was run by the New Zealand Rugby League
New Zealand Rugby League
The New Zealand Rugby League is the governing body for the sport of rugby league football in New Zealand. The NZRL was founded on the 25 April 1910 in preparation for a tour of Great Britain that same year....
.
International competitions
The New Zealand Kiwis competed in and co-hosted the inaugural Tri-Nations tournament1999 Rugby League Tri-Nations
-Tournament standings:-Final:Teams:NEW ZEALAND: 1. Richie Barnett ; 2. Nigel Vagana , 3. Ruben Wiki , 5. Willie Talau , 5. Leslie Vainikolo ; 6. Henry Paul , 7. Robbie Paul ; 8. Joe Vagana , 9. Richard Swain , 10. Craig Smith , 11. Stephen Kearney , 12...
. They lost the final to Australia after defeating both Australia and Great Britain in pool play. Earlier in the season the Kiwis had lost the ANZAC Test
ANZAC Test
The Anzac Test is an annual rugby league football test match . The test match is played annually between Australia and New Zealand on or around Anzac Day for the Bill Kelly Memorial Trophy.-Origins:Australia and New Zealand had competed in Rugby League Tests since 1908...
to Australia and had defeated Tonga
Tonga national rugby league team
The Tonga national rugby league team is a national sporting side, representing Tonga in rugby league football. Rugby league is a popular sport in Tonga, and the national team has become one of the best performed nations in the world...
in a Test Match notable for Stacey Jones
Stacey Jones
Stacey William Jones, ONZM is a professional rugby league footballer, who has been named amongst the greatest New Zealand has ever produced. He currently plays for the Point Chevalier Pirates in the Auckland Rugby League's Phelan Shield...
breaking his arm during the match. New Zealand were coached by Frank Endacott
Frank Endacott
Frank Morris Endacott, ONZM is a retired rugby league player and coach from New Zealand. His son, Shane, also played rugby league.-Playing career:Endacott played for Addington and Hornby in the Canterbury Rugby League competition...
and included; Tri-Nations captain Richie Barnett
Richie Barnett
Richie Barnett is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and2000s who represented the New Zealand Kiwis twelve times.-Playing career:...
, Sean Hoppe
Sean Hoppe
Sean Edward Hoppe is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who represented his country.-Early years:...
, Willie Talau
Willie Talau
Viliamu Talau is a New Zealand professional rugby league footballer who plays for English club Salford City Reds of Super League...
, Ruben Wiki
Ruben Wiki
Ruben Wiki, ONZM is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. A New Zealand international representative centre-turned-prop forward, he retired with the record for most number of international appearances of any rugby league player in history...
, Lesley Vainikolo
Lesley Vainikolo
Lesley Vainikolo is a dual code professional rugby football player who currently plays for Gloucester Rugby. He plays on the wing....
, Robbie
Robbie Paul
Robert Rawiri 'Robbie' Hunter-Paul is a New Zealand rugby league player. He currently plays for Leigh Centurions in England. He played for the New Zealand national team 27 times. He is the younger brother of Leeds Carnegie player Henry Paul.-Early years:Born in Tokoroa, New Zealand, his junior...
and Henry Paul
Henry Paul
Henry Paul , is a dual code rugby international. Paul has previously represented New Zealand in rugby league and England in rugby union XV's and 7's. He currently holds the world record for the most consecutive kicks on the field.Paul's usual position is loose forward/Lock. He can also operate in...
, Stacey Jones
Stacey Jones
Stacey William Jones, ONZM is a professional rugby league footballer, who has been named amongst the greatest New Zealand has ever produced. He currently plays for the Point Chevalier Pirates in the Auckland Rugby League's Phelan Shield...
, Jason Lowrie
Jason Lowrie
Jason Anthony Lowrie is a New Zealand rugby league coach and former player who represented his country. He is the grand-nephew of fellow international Sam Lowrie.-Playing career:...
, Nigel
Nigel Vagana
Nigel Vagana is a retired professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. A New Zealand and Samoa international representative centre, he retired as the Kiwis' all-time top try-scorer with 19...
and Joe Vagana
Joe Vagana
Joe Vagana is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. During his career Vagana played for the Auckland Warriors and the Bradford Bulls and also represented both Samoa and New Zealand in international competition...
, Nathan Cayless
Nathan Cayless
Nathan Frederick Cayless is a retired New Zealand-Australian professional rugby league footballer, who was a long-time captain the Parramatta Eels of the National Rugby League. His position of choice was prop forward. He is also a former captain of the New Zealand national team, whom he led to...
, ANZAC Test captain Jarrod McCracken
Jarrod McCracken
Jarrod McCracken is a New Zealand former rugby league footballer of the 1990s. He is a former captain of the New Zealand national rugby league team and is the son of New Zealand rugby league international, Ken McCracken...
, Logan Swann
Logan Swann
Logan Swann is a former professional rugby league footballer who represented his country. Swann is related to several other rugby league players, notably cousins Willie and Anthony.-Early years:...
, David Kidwell
David Kidwell
David Kidwell is a retired professional rugby league footballer who represented his country. Kidwell was a member of the 2005 Tri-Nations and 2008 World Cup winning New Zealand teams, which defeated Australia in both competitions' respective finals...
, Matt Rua
Matt Rua
Matthew Rua is a former professional rugby league player.-Playing career:Rua was a Manly Warringah Sea Eagles junior in 1996 and played for the Junior Kiwis....
, Terry Hermansson
Terry Hermansson
Terry "The Rock" Hermansson is a former New Zealand rugby league player. An international representative prop forward, he played club football in England, Australia and New Zealand.-Playing career:...
, Richard Swain
Richard Swain
Richard Swain is a retired professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. A New Zealand international representative Hooker, he played club football in Australia for the Hunter Mariners, Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos and in England for Hull.-Early years:Swain went to Farrer...
, Brian Jellick
Brian Jellick
Brian Andrew Jellick is a former professional rugby league footballer who represented his country. His position of preference was on the .-Playing career:...
, Tony Puletua
Tony Puletua
Anthony Puletua is a New Zealand professional rugby league footballer for St. Helens in the European Super League. A New Zealand and Samoan international, Puletua previously played for the Penrith Panthers in the National Rugby League competition...
, Stephen Kearney
Stephen Kearney
Stephen Peter Kearney, ONZM is a professional rugby league football coach and former player. He is the current head coach of the Parramatta Eels in the NRL as well as the New Zealand national team...
, Gene Ngamu
Gene Ngamu
Gene Robert Ngamu is a New Zealand former rugby league player. He played mainly at Halfback or Five Eighth and is probably best known for his combination with Stacey Jones in the Auckland Warriors and New Zealand Kiwis.-Early years:...
and Craig Smith
Craig Smith (rugby league born 1971)
Craig Smith is a former professional rugby league footballer. He formerly played for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Illawarra Steelers, St. George Illawarra Dragons and the Newcastle Knights as well as representing New Zealand and Queensland...
.
The New Zealand Māori rugby league team
New Zealand Maori rugby league team
-See also:* New Zealand national rugby league team* New Zealand Māori rugby union team* New Zealand Māori cricket team-External links:* Google Books...
played, and lost to, Great Britain
Great Britain national rugby league team
The Great Britain national rugby league team represents the United Kingdom in rugby league football. Administered by the Rugby Football League , the team is nicknamed "The Lions" or "Great Britain Lions"....
in the curtain raiser to the Tri-Nations final. The team was: Alex Chan, Steve Matthews, Lewis, Steve Berryman
Steve Berryman
Steve Berryman is a Cook Islander former professional rugby footballer who at representative level has played rugby league for the New Zealand Māori team and the Cook Islands.-Playing career:...
, Jared Mills
Jared Mills
Jared Mills is a New Zealand former rugby league player who represented Aotearoa Māori in the 2000 World Cup.-Playing career:...
, Luke Goodwin
Luke Goodwin
Luke Goodwin is a retired professional rugby league player who played in Australia and England and represented Aotearoa Māori in 2000.He is the son of rugby league legend, Edward 'Lord Ted' Goodwin who represented Australia...
, Willie Rangi, Paul Rauhihi
Paul Rauhihi
Paul Rauhihi is a retired professional rugby league footballer who represented his country. Rauhihi played in both the National Rugby League and Super League at prop forward.-New Zealand Career:...
, Tukere Barlow
Tukere Barlow
Tukere Barlow is a former New Zealand rugby league player who played for Warrington and represented the New Zealand Māori.-Playing career:In 1993 Barlow played for the Hamilton City Tigers, who won the Waikato Rugby League grand final. He was also selected to play for Waikato...
, John Edmonds, Robert Henare
Robert Henare
Robert Henare is a New Zealand former rugby league footballer who played professionally for the St. George Dragons.-Playing career:In 1996 Henare was a junior with the Illawarra Steelers and also captained the Junior Kiwis....
, Darren Rameka
Darren Rameka
Darren Rameka is a New Zealand former rugby league player who played professionally in Australia.-Playing career:Rameka played for the New Zealand Māori in the 1994 Pacific Cup. He again played for the Māori in a 1999 match against the Great Britain Lions....
, Andrew Wynyard
Andrew Wynyard
Andrew Wynyard is a New Zealand rugby league coach and former player who played professionally in England and Australia.-Playing career:...
. Subsitutions: Gavin Bailey, Martin Moana
Martin Moana
Martin Moana is a former professional rugby league footballer who was an international representative and played club football in England and New Zealand.-Early years:...
, Frank Watene
Frank Watene
Frank Watene is a professional rugby league footballer who at has played for the Auckland Warriors, Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, Castleford Tigers, Dewsbury Rams, and Halifax RLFC at club level, playing at Prop forward or Second-row forward.-Early years:...
, Wairangi Koopu
Wairangi Koopu
Wairangi Koopu is a professional rugby league player for the Pt Chev Pirates in New Zealand. Koopu primarily plays in the second row, although he also can play in the centres.-Early years:...
. Coach: Cameron Bell
Cameron Bell (rugby league)
Cameron Bell is a New Zealand rugby league coach. He is a member of the famous Bell rugby league family that includes George, Ian, Dean and Cathy and Clayton Friend.-Coaching career:...
. Referee: David Pakieto
David Pakieto
David Pakieto is a New Zealand current rugby league video referee and former referee. An international referee, Black has also controlled New Zealand Rugby League matches.-Playing career:...
. The Māori's had already toured Papua New Guinea earlier in the year. This team included Henry Perenara
Henry Perenara
Henry Edward Perenara is a New Zealand rugby league referee and former professional player who represented his country. His position of choice is at Lock though he can also play in the Second Row...
, Jamie Cook, Shontayne Hape
Shontayne Hape
Shontayne Hape is a New Zealand-born rugby footballer, a dual-code rugby international. He plays rugby union at centre for London Irish and England. He has also previously played rugby league for the Bradford Bulls in Super League and New Zealand Warriors in the National Rugby League...
and James Stosic
James Stosic
James Stosic is a professional rugby league player who currently plays for the Easts Tigers in the QLD Cup.-Early years:...
.
The Junior Kiwis
Junior Kiwis
The Junior Kiwis side represents New Zealand in the sport of rugby league. They are commonly known as the Junior Kiwis, after the native bird of that name. They are not necessarily an age grade side, but the second national team behind the New Zealand national rugby league team. They are...
included Henry Perenara
Henry Perenara
Henry Edward Perenara is a New Zealand rugby league referee and former professional player who represented his country. His position of choice is at Lock though he can also play in the Second Row...
.
The New Zealand Universities team attended the Student World Cup
Tertiary Student Rugby League World Cup
The Tertiary Student Rugby League World Cup, also known as the University Rugby League World Cup, first took place in 1986 in New Zealand, when the then five test nations each entered a side in what was the first non-first grade World Cup hosted by the Rugby League International Federation.The...
in Great Britain. They won Pool B, accounting for Wales and Canada, and advanced through the finals. They defeated the England Students team 46-16 at The Boulevard
The Boulevard (Stadium)
The Boulevard was a multi-purpose stadium in Hull, England. The venue was saved from demolition and reopened on 25 October 2007 as the home of greyhound racing in the city. It can also be used as a community stadium hosting amateur rugby league matches...
, winning the World Cup.
Rugby League Cup
Waikato started the year holding the Rugby League CupRugby League Cup
The Rugby League Cup is a New Zealand rugby league trophy that is currently contested between districts on a challenge basis. The trophy was originally known as the Northern Union Cup...
. Taranaki
Taranaki rugby league team
The Taranaki rugby league team are New Zealand rugby league team that represents the Taranaki Rugby League. They have been nicknamed the Rockets, Sharks and Wildcats.-1908:...
then challenged for the trophy, defeating Waikato 68-8 on the 24 April.
National Provincial Competition
The New Zealand Rugby League ran a National Provincial Competition throughout the season. Auckland was divided into North and South. However a combined AucklandAuckland rugby league team
The Auckland rugby league team is the team which traditionally represents all of the clubs which play in the Auckland Rugby League competition. The Auckland Rugby League team has traditionally been a powerhouse of New Zealand domestic rugby league...
side defeated New South Wales Country 33-6. This side was coached by Stan Martin
Stan Martin (rugby league)
Stan Martin is a New Zealand rugby league coach and former player who coached the Cook Islands in the 2000 World Cup.-Playing career:A Richmond Bulldogs player in the Auckland Rugby League competition, Martin won the Rothville Trophy in 1980 as the Premier One player of the year...
and included 8 Glenora Bears
Glenora Bears
The Glenora Bears are a rugby league football club based in Glen Eden, New Zealand who compete in Auckland Rugby League's Fox Memorial competition. The club was established in 1931...
players, including Boycie Nelson
Boycie Nelson
Boycie Nelson is a New Zealand rugby league footballer who currently plays for the Glenora Bears. His position of preference is in the Centres and he also kicks goals.-New Zealand:...
and Steve Buckingham
Steve Buckingham (rugby league)
Steve Buckingham is a New Zealand rugby league coach and player. His position of preference is at Halfback. He is currently the head coach of the Mount Albert Lions.-Early years:...
.
The Teams
- Northland Wild Boars.
- Auckland North were coached by the Dominic Clark (Glenora). The squad was: Jarrod Trott (Northcote), Steve Matthews (Glenora), Peter LewisPeter Lewis (rugby league)-Early years:A junior from Wellington's Upper Hutt, Lewis was signed by the Auckland Warriors in 1998 and moved to Auckland. In Auckland he played for the Warriors unbeaten reserve grade side in 1998 and was good enough to be selected for the Junior Kiwis. He attracted some interest from Australian...
(Warriors), David BaileyDavid Bailey (rugby league)David Bailey is a former rugby league player. His position of preference was in the Centres although he also played at Five Eighth. He is the son of New Zealand international Roger Bailey.-Early years:...
(Glenora), Boycie NelsonBoycie NelsonBoycie Nelson is a New Zealand rugby league footballer who currently plays for the Glenora Bears. His position of preference is in the Centres and he also kicks goals.-New Zealand:...
(Glenora), Len Macginley (Hibiscus), Aaron Tucker (Glenora), Reece Guy (Hibiscus), Junior Fiu (Glenora), Brett Kingham (Glenora), Kosta Malamatinos (Glenora), Richard White (Hibiscus), Keneti Asiata (Northcote), Wairangi KoopuWairangi KoopuWairangi Koopu is a professional rugby league player for the Pt Chev Pirates in New Zealand. Koopu primarily plays in the second row, although he also can play in the centres.-Early years:...
(Glenora), Greg Ashby (Glenora), Henry PerenaraHenry PerenaraHenry Edward Perenara is a New Zealand rugby league referee and former professional player who represented his country. His position of choice is at Lock though he can also play in the Second Row...
(Warriors), Cliff BeverleyCliff BeverleyCliff Beverley is a former professional rugby league player. His preferred position was Five Eighth, although he was somewhat of a utility and spent considerable time at fullback.-Early years:...
(Warriors), Lee Weatherill (Marist/Bay Roskill), Clinton Pouesi (Glenora), Jamie Cook (Northcote), Shane EndacottShane EndacottShane Endacott is a New Zealand rugby league coach and former player. His position of preference was Five Eighth, however he was also often used at lock, hooker or in the centres...
(Warriors). Gene NgamuGene NgamuGene Robert Ngamu is a New Zealand former rugby league player. He played mainly at Halfback or Five Eighth and is probably best known for his combination with Stacey Jones in the Auckland Warriors and New Zealand Kiwis.-Early years:...
was later bought into the squad. - Auckland South were coached by Stan MartinStan Martin (rugby league)Stan Martin is a New Zealand rugby league coach and former player who coached the Cook Islands in the 2000 World Cup.-Playing career:A Richmond Bulldogs player in the Auckland Rugby League competition, Martin won the Rothville Trophy in 1980 as the Premier One player of the year...
(Mangere East). The squad was: Tama Hohaia (Mangere East), Corey Palmer (Otahuhu), Charlie Kennedy (Mangere East), Ben Fahey (Otahuhu), Loni Filimeohala (Otahuhu), Fergie Edwards (Mangere East), Gus Malietoa-Brown (Tornadoes), Lionel Pereira (Manurewa), Scott Welsh (Manurewa), Dean ClarkDean Clark (rugby league)Dean Clark is a New Zealand rugby league coach and former footballer who represented his country between 1989 and 1992. He is the current coach of the Papakura Sea Eagles in the Auckland Rugby League competition.-Playing career:...
(Otahuhu), Channerith Ly (Manurewa), Shane Edwards (Otahuhu), Gaivin Welsh (Manurewa), Sam Hanson (Ellersllie), Eric Pele (Manukau), Jason Arama (Manurewa), Esau MannEsau MannEsau Mann is a Tongan former rugby league player who represented his country at the 2000 World Cup. He is a cousin of fellow internationals Duane and George Mann.-Playing career:...
(Mangere East), Bryan HenareBryan HenareBryan Henare is a former rugby league player. Henare was usually a hooker or a second-rower.-Playing career:...
(Warriors), Phillip LeuluaiPhillip LeuluaiPhillip Leuluai is a New Zealand rugby league player of Samoan heritage and descent who currently plays for the Salford City Reds in the Super League competition...
(Otahuhu), Sinave Gasu (Otahuhu), Clinton ToopiClinton ToopiClinton Toopi is a professional rugby footballer who is currently playing for the Gold Coast Titans of the National Rugby League. His usual position is centre.-Playing career:...
(Warriors), Wayne Barnett (Manurewa), Herman Lomafa (Mangere East), Eneasi Finefeuiaki (Mangere East), Aleo Kapua (Ellerslie). Henry Fa'afiliHenry Fa'afiliHenry Fa'afili is a Samoan rugby player. He originally played Rugby league but switched codes in 2007 to play rugby union for Biarritz Olympique. He is currently signed to Connacht Rugby in the Celtic League after departing Leeds Carnegie in June 2011. Fa'afili's position of choice is on the Wing...
and Hare Te RangiHare Te RangiHare Te Rangi is a New Zealand former rugby league footballer who represented New Zealand Māori at the 2000 World Cup.-Playing career:Te Rangi started his career with the Piako Warriors, who won the Bay of Plenty Rugby League grand final in 1995...
also played for the side. - Waikato were coached by Dennis Beazley and included Tukere BarlowTukere BarlowTukere Barlow is a former New Zealand rugby league player who played for Warrington and represented the New Zealand Māori.-Playing career:In 1993 Barlow played for the Hamilton City Tigers, who won the Waikato Rugby League grand final. He was also selected to play for Waikato...
. - The Bay of Plenty Stags included former Kiwi Mark WoodsMark Woods (rugby league)Mark Anthony Woods is a New Zealand former rugby league player who represented his country in 1992.-Playing career:Woods is a Ngongotaha Chiefs junior in the Bay of Plenty Rugby League district. He represented the Bay of Plenty and also played for the New Zealand Māori side, including at the 1986...
. - The Taranaki SharksTaranaki rugby league teamThe Taranaki rugby league team are New Zealand rugby league team that represents the Taranaki Rugby League. They have been nicknamed the Rockets, Sharks and Wildcats.-1908:...
included three James StosicJames StosicJames Stosic is a professional rugby league player who currently plays for the Easts Tigers in the QLD Cup.-Early years:...
and NSWRL First Division players signed from the Cronulla SharksCronulla SharksThe Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks are Australian professional Rugby league team based in Cronulla, in the Sutherland Shire, Southern Sydney, New South Wales...
. They also named Tino Brown and Billy WeepuBilly WeepuBilly Weepu is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who played for the Manly Sea Eagles. He is the brother of All Black Piri Weepu.-Early years:...
, who had both already played for Wellington. They were both ruled ineligible by the NZRL Appeals committee. - Wellington included Paul WhatuiraPaul WhatuiraPaul Whatuira is a professional rugby league footballer who currently plays for the Parramatta Eels in the NRL...
, Billy WeepuBilly WeepuBilly Weepu is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who played for the Manly Sea Eagles. He is the brother of All Black Piri Weepu.-Early years:...
and Paul Howell. Wellington also lost to New South Wales Country 44-10. - Canterbury were coached by Gerard StokesGerard StokesGerard James Stokes is a New Zealand rugby league coach and former player who represented his country. He is currently the coach of the Serbian national side...
and included Maurice Emslie, Lusi SioneLusi SioneLusi Sione is a former New Zealand rugby league player who played for Workington Town and represented the Canterbury and New Zealand 'A'.-Playing career:Sione started his career in the Lion Red Cup, playing for the Canterbury Country Cardinals....
and Mike Dorreen. Aaron WhittakerAaron WhittakerAaron Whittaker is a former professional rugby league footballer. A New Zealand international representative halfback, he played club football in Australia, England and New Zealand.-Early years:...
made a comeback half way through the season, despite having retired from representative football.
Finals
Canterbury, Taranaki, Auckland North and Auckland South all qualified for the finals.In a MacIntyre final four
McIntyre System
The McIntyre System, or systems because there have been five of them, is a playoff system that gives an advantage to teams or competitors qualifying higher...
playoff system Taranaki defeated Canterbury 41-32 in the first round.
Auckland North defeated Taranaki 20-18 to qualify for the grand final against Auckland South.
The final was won by Auckland South who defeated Auckland North 24-22.
Australian competitions
The Auckland Warriors competed in the National Rugby LeagueNational Rugby League
The National Rugby League is the top league of professional rugby league football clubs in Australasia. The NRL's main competition, called the Telstra Premiership , is contested by sixteen teams, fifteen of which are based in Australia with one based in New Zealand...
competition. They finished 11th out of 20 teams and failed to make the playoffs.
Auckland
The Glenora BearsGlenora Bears
The Glenora Bears are a rugby league football club based in Glen Eden, New Zealand who compete in Auckland Rugby League's Fox Memorial competition. The club was established in 1931...
won the pre-season Roope Rooster, the minor premiership Rukutai Shield and the grand final Fox Memorial to complete a clean sweep of the Auckland Rugby League club trophies
Auckland Rugby League club trophies
-Trophies:There are approximately 24 trophies which have been competed for in Auckland Rugby League history by clubs. These include the following for teams; Fox Memorial Shield, Rukutai Shield, Roope Rooster, Stormont Shield, Kiwi Shield, A.R.L Trophy, Sharman Cup, Lawson Cup, Walmsley Shield, ARL...
. In the final, played at Carlaw Park
Carlaw Park
Carlaw Park was a multi-purpose stadium in Parnell, a suburb of Auckland, New Zealand.-History:The stadium's grandstands and terraces were built in 1916, and it became the home of rugby league in Auckland from 1921...
, Glenora defeated Otahuhu
Otahuhu Leopards
The Otahuhu Leopards are a rugby league club based in Otahuhu, New Zealand. The club competes in the Fox Memorial competition run by the Auckland Rugby League. They are coached by Peter Caccioppoli. Between 2000 and 2003 they also competed in the Bartercard Cup.The team are the current holders of...
24-4. Glenora included Henry Perenara
Henry Perenara
Henry Edward Perenara is a New Zealand rugby league referee and former professional player who represented his country. His position of choice is at Lock though he can also play in the Second Row...
, David Bailey
David Bailey (rugby league)
David Bailey is a former rugby league player. His position of preference was in the Centres although he also played at Five Eighth. He is the son of New Zealand international Roger Bailey.-Early years:...
, Boycie Nelson
Boycie Nelson
Boycie Nelson is a New Zealand rugby league footballer who currently plays for the Glenora Bears. His position of preference is in the Centres and he also kicks goals.-New Zealand:...
, Steve Buckingham
Steve Buckingham (rugby league)
Steve Buckingham is a New Zealand rugby league coach and player. His position of preference is at Halfback. He is currently the head coach of the Mount Albert Lions.-Early years:...
and Wairangi Koopu
Wairangi Koopu
Wairangi Koopu is a professional rugby league player for the Pt Chev Pirates in New Zealand. Koopu primarily plays in the second row, although he also can play in the centres.-Early years:...
. The Super 12 tournament had been expanded to included two new teams; the Eastern Tornadoes
Eastern Tornadoes
The Eastern Tornadoes were a New Zealand rugby league franchise that competed in the New Zealand Rugby League's Bartercard Cup and Auckland Rugby League's Super 12 competitions. They were formed to represent the rugby league clubs of East Auckland.-History:...
and the Hibiscus Coast Raiders
Hibiscus Coast Raiders
The Hibiscus Coast Raiders are a rugby league club based on the Hibiscus Coast, New Zealand. They compete in Auckland Rugby League's Fox Memorial competition and between 2000 and 2005 were also involved in the Bartercard Cup competition.-History:...
.
Gus Malietoa-Brown played for the Eastern Tornadoes while Dean Clark
Dean Clark (rugby league)
Dean Clark is a New Zealand rugby league coach and former footballer who represented his country between 1989 and 1992. He is the current coach of the Papakura Sea Eagles in the Auckland Rugby League competition.-Playing career:...
and Phillip Leuluai
Phillip Leuluai
Phillip Leuluai is a New Zealand rugby league player of Samoan heritage and descent who currently plays for the Salford City Reds in the Super League competition...
played for Otahuhu and Esau Mann
Esau Mann
Esau Mann is a Tongan former rugby league player who represented his country at the 2000 World Cup. He is a cousin of fellow internationals Duane and George Mann.-Playing career:...
represented Mangere East.
The Mount Albert Lions won the Sharman Cup.
Canterbury
Halswell and Horby met in the Canterbury Rugby LeagueCanterbury Rugby League
Canterbury Rugby League is the regional body that administers rugby league in Canterbury, New Zealand. CRL manages local competitions from senior level down to age group competitions. Canterbury Rugby League also manages the Canterbury rugby league team which represents the region in New Zealand...
grand final which was held at Rugby League Park
Rugby League Park
Rugby League Park is a rugby league stadium in Christchurch, New Zealand. Formerly called the Addington Showgrounds, the ground is owned by the Canterbury Rugby League.-History:...
on the 19 September. Halswell won 30-12. Mike Dorreen and Aaron Whittaker
Aaron Whittaker
Aaron Whittaker is a former professional rugby league footballer. A New Zealand international representative halfback, he played club football in Australia, England and New Zealand.-Early years:...
played for Halswell
Scott Codyre was named the outstanding player of the year.
Aranui High School
Aranui High School
Aranui High School is a large secondary school for Years 9-15, in Christchurch, New Zealand.A redevelopment of the school is occurring 2009-2011....
won the Canterbury secondary schools senior competition.
Other Competitions
Turangawaewae won the Waikato Rugby LeagueWaikato Rugby League
Waikato Rugby League is the local sporting body responsible for the administration of Rugby league in the Waikato region of New Zealand. The WRL are represented by the Waikato rugby league team...
grand final, defeating Hukanui 32-22 at Davies Park in Huntly. Former Kiwi Kelly Shelford
Kelly Shelford
Kelly Shelford is a New Zealand rugby league player who represented his country, including in Test matches that counted towards the 1992 World Cup.-Playing career:...
played for the Hamilton City Tigers.
Marist defeated the Waitara Bears 28-20 in the Taranaki Rugby League
Taranaki Rugby League
Taranaki Rugby League is the local sporting body responsible for the administration of Rugby league in the Taranaki region of New Zealand. The TRL are represented by the Taranaki rugby league team...
grand final.