2011 New Zealand rugby league season
Encyclopedia
The 2011 New Zealand rugby league season was the one hundred and fourth season of rugby league
that had been played in New Zealand
. The main feature of the year was the National Competition run by the New Zealand Rugby League
. The premier teams competed for the Albert Baskerville Trophy, which was won by the Auckland Pride
when they defeated the South Island Scorpions 44 - 34 in the Grand Final.
for the first time since 1998, as the match was originally announced to be played in Christchurch's AMI Stadium on 6 May. However, following the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake this decision was reviewed and on 4 March it was announced the match would be played at the Skilled Park on the Gold Coast. New Zealand lost the match 10-20. New Zealand were coached by Stephen Kearney
and included Lance Hohaia
, debutant Matt Duffie
, Simon Mannering
, Shaun Kenny-Dowall
, Jason Nightingale
, captain Benji Marshall
, Kieran Foran
, Steve Rapira
, Nathan Fien, Sam McKendry
, Adam Blair
, Bronson Harrison
, Jeremy Smith, Isaac Luke, Ben Matulino
, Fuifui Moimoi
and debutant Lewis Brown
. Greg Eastwood
and Gerard Beale
were in the squad as 18th and 19th man respectively.
The Kiwis were to play a Test match against the Cook Islands
in Rarotonga on 7 October, however this was later called off due to the unavailability of 29 players.
The Kiwis lost to Australia 42-6 on 16 October in Newcastle before heading to England to compete in the Four Nations tournament
in October and November. The Kiwis lost to Australia 12-26, bet Wales
36-0 before losing to England 6-28 to end their Four Nations campaign. The squad for these Test matches was Gerard Beale
, Alex Glenn
, Jeremy Smith, Kieran Foran
, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Bill Tupou
, Adam Blair
, Sika Manu
, Kevin Proctor
, Lewis Brown
, Kevin Locke
, Simon Mannering
, Ben Matulino
, Russell Packer
, Elijah Taylor
, Fuifui Moimoi
, Sam McKendry
, Jason Nightingale
, Nathan Fien, Issac Luke
, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
, Benji Marshall
(c) and Thomas Leuluai
. Steve Matai
, Shaun Johnson
, Krisnan Inu
and Manu Vatuvei
were originally selected but withdrew from the squad. New Zealand lost their first Four Nations match 26-12 to Australia.
In response to the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake a Ledgends of League charity match was organised at Mount Smart Stadium on 10 March. The teams were, New Zealand: Richie Barnett
, Sean Hoppe
, David Kidwell
, Ruben Wiki
(C), Sam Panapa
, Olsen Filipaina
, Stacey Jones
, Joe Vagana
, Monty Betham
, Jerry Seuseu, Kurt Sorensen
, Tawera Nikau
and Hugh McGahan
. Bench: Gary Freeman, Duane Mann
, Paul Rauhihi
, Logan Swann
, Dean Affleck (TradeMe
winner), Quentin Pongia
, Awen Guttenbeil
, Dean Bell and Francis Leota
. Australia: David Peachey
, Hazem El Masri
, David Myles
, Tea Ropati
, Nathan Blacklock
, Scott Hill
, Clayton Friend
, Mark Horo
, Ben Elias (C), Craig Smith
, Paul Langmack
, John Hopoate
, Kevin Campion
. Bench: Jason Death
, James Goulding, Bruce McGuire
, Mark Bosnich
, Billy Peden, John Cornwell (TradeMe winner), Jason Williams and Alex Chan. New Zealand won 32-22 and the match raised over $100,000.
Auckland won the Women's National Tournament. The Kiwi Ferns will play a Test against Australia on 15 October in the Gold Coast.
The New Zealand Residents played a match against the New Zealand Māori Residents
on 30 October, winning 32-22. The Residents team was coached by Brent Stuart
, assisted by Brent Gemmell and included Philip Pese (Auckland), Junior Salevao (South Island), Ruben Williams (Waicoa Bay), Bruce Havea (South Island), Peta Hiku (Counties Manukau), Matt Everitt (Wellington), Hayden Karena (Waicoa Bay), Jaye Pukepuke (South Island), Darren Kingi (Counties Manukau), Soape Kavaliku (Auckland), Suaia Matagi (Auckland), James Baxendale (South Island), Manu Mau (Auckland). Interchange: Kyle Leka (South Island), Dwayne Waterman (Wellington), William Heta (Counties Manukau), Manu Weepu (South Island). Reserve: Richard Graham (Mid Central). The New Zealand Māori Residents included Api Pewhairangi, Rusty Bristow and Jeremiah Pai
.
The Junior Kiwis
defeated the Junior Kangaroos 28-16 in a one off test match as a curtain raiser to the Newcastle Test match. The squad was coached by David Kidwell
and included Kenneath Bromwich and Tohu Harris (Melbourne Storm), Sosaia Feki , Siliva Havili, Omar Slaimankhel, Sio Siua Taukeiaho, Carlos Tuimavave, Adam Henry
, Sebastine Ikahihifo, Samiuela Lousi, Agnatius Paasi and John Palavi (Warriors), Ben Murdoch-Masila
(Wests Tigers), Josh Papalii
(Canberra Raiders), Andrew Pelasio (Penrith Panthers), Michael Parker-Walshe, Jason Taumalolo
and Wayne Ulugia (North Queensland Cowboys).
The Under-18 New Zealand side played two matches against the Australian Schoolboys
in New Zealand. They won the first match 28-26 before losing the second 16-40. The New Zealand Under-16 side drew a match against a Queensland Academy of Sport team 14-all. Queensland Academy of Sport earlier played New Zealand Māori under-16's side.
Benji Marshall
won the New Zealand Rugby League
's Kiwi Player of the Year award while Shaun Johnson
won the Kiwi Rookie of the Year award. Jason Taumalolo
was the Junior Player of the Year while Matt Everitt (Wellington) was the Domestic Player of the Year, Akenehe Pereira (Wellington) was the Women's Player of the Year and Henry Perenara
was the Match Official of the Year. The Porirua Vikings were the Grassroots Club of the Year. Benji Marshall won Rugby League International Federation
's Standoff of the Year award.
At its annual general meeting the New Zealand Rugby League
appointed Sir Peter Leitch
as Patron, replacing Helen Clark
. Trevor Maxwell was reappointed President of the NZRL for a further two years while Meng Foon
was elected as an elected Director for the next three years. NZRL Chairman Scott Carter was appointed the Rugby League International Federation
's chairman in June - the first New Zealander to hold the position. On 31 May NZRL Director Mark Gosche
was elected the Chairperson of the Asia-Pacific Rugby League Confederation.
is currently held by Cantebury, who did not defend it in 2010.
were the defending champions. Under 17 and Under 15 competitions were again held alongside the senior competition. Auckland, Counties Manukau and the South Island adopted new nicknames in 2011 while the Heartland side renamed itself the Central Vipers.
Auckland was coached by Brent Gemmell, who was assisted by Ken McIntosh
. The team included Malo Solomona
, Kitiona Pasene
, Sala Fa'alogo
and Jeremiah Pai
. The Counties Manukau Stingrays were coached by Rusty Matua and included Anthony Gelling
, Roman Hifo and Rusty Bristow. Brent Stuart
coached the South Island Scorpions. Mike Culley and Mike Dorreen coached the Under-17 side while Tom Ball and Jeff Whittaker again guided the South Island 15s. They held a trial match on 21 August.
Auckland Pride won all three grades.
Source:
Bye: South Island Scorpions
The Scorpions dedicated their win over Auckland to Blair Sims, a Scorpions player who died in the Pike River Mine disaster
.
Bye: Central Vipers
Bye: Northern Swords
If the South Island Scorpions had defeated the Counties Manukau Stingrays they would have hosted the final. If Counties Manukau had won by over 50 points they would have made the final instead of the South Island.
Bye: Wellington Orcas
The final was refereed by Shane Rehm
and Auckland led 20-10 at halftime. Auckland's Suaia Matagi was named man of the match.
32-0 on 23 April. Coastline then lost to the Bay of Plenty 20-14 on 4 June in Tauranga. Waikato then defeated Bay of Plenty 44-12 at Puketawhero Park in Rotorua on 2 July to win the tri-series.
Tasmna, who were coached by Phil Bergman
, defeated the West Coast 28-20 in the first round while the Otago Whalers defeated the Southland Rams 36-28.
The competition was played between 27 August and 24 September. Canterbury A and Canterbury 20's played in the final at Halswell Domain on 2 October.
defeated defending champions St. Paul's College
26-22 in the grand final which required extra time after being 22-all at fulltime. Viliami Lolohea from Otahuhu won the Manukau Institute of Technology Most Valuable Player of the Tournament award.
The tournament team was; Roger Sheck (Otahuhu College), Fine Faingaa (Aorere College), Vili Iloahefaiva (Otahuhu College), Viliami Lolohea (Otahuhu College), Pharoah Tumupu (St Paul's College), Axl Kingi (Tokoroa High School), Kauri Aupouri-Puketapu (Wainuiomata High School), Samuel Lisone (Tangaroa College), Matthew Halalilo (Southern Cross College), Vincent Afoa (Otahuhu College), Miro Atera (Tangaroa College), Sione Feao (Otahuhu College), Tala Mamea (Southern Cross College), Christopher Satae (St Paul's College), Metia Lisati (Mt Roskill Grammar), Tyler Tane (Wainuiomata College) and Matthew Shortland (Papakura High School). The coach of the tournament was Tama Teaukura from Tokoroa High School.
The other participating schools included Wainuiomata High School
, Taita College, St Johns College (Tokoroa), Hamilton's Fraser High School
, Mount Albert Grammar School
, Kelston Boys' High School
, Mount Roskill Grammar School
, Aorere College
, Southern Cross College
, Tangaroa College
, Manurewa High School
, Papakura High School
and Aranui High School
.
spent their 17th first grade season in Australian competition, playing in the National Rugby League
. They made the 2011 NRL Grand Final
, losing to the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
24-10.
The Junior Warriors again competed in the Toyota Cup, defending their title, while the Auckland Vulcans
played in the NSW Cup, making the grand final and losing to the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. The Auckland Vulcans were coached by former New Zealand international, Richie Blackmore
.
won the Fox Memorial Trophy and the Rukutai Shield as minor premiers. They defeated the Otahuhu Leopards
24-14 in the Grand Final. The Glenora Bears
won the Stormont Shield while Mount Albert won the Kiwi Shield.
Mount Albert, Otahuhu, Glenora, Howick, Manurewa, Papakura, Marist and Northcote qualified for the 2011 and 2012 Fox Memorials. 2012 will not feature a grading round.
The Bay Roskill Vikings
and Point Chevalier Pirates
made the Sharman Shield Grand Final, with Point Chevalier winning 24-16. Both teams qualified for the 2012 Fox Memorial. Te Atatu, Otara, Mangere East, Richmond, Manukau and East Coast Bays also competed in the Sharman Shield.
The New Lynn Stags defeated the Papatoetoe Panthers 32-30 in the Phelan Shield Grand Final. Nine players from the Mount Wellington Warriors club were suspended, including two for five years each, after a fight in a Phelan Shield match against the Glenfield Greyhounds.
Jeremiah Pai
(Northcote) won the Player of the Year award, David Bhana (Northcote) won the Rookie of the Year award, Tasha Tapu (Richmond) won the Women's Player of the Year award, Lee Wetherill (Howick) won the coach of the year award, William Stowers (Papakura) won the Lance Painter Rose Bowl as the top goal kicker, Rusty Bristow (Papakura) won the Masters of Rugby League trophy for the top try scorer, Daniel Mauafu (Navy/North Shore) was the Phelan Shield player of the year and Trent Bishop (Otara) was the Sharman Cup player of the year. Craig Pascoe won the John Percival Memorial Trophy as referee of the year. The Team of the Year was; Peta Hiku (Manurewa), Karl Hill (Howick), Rusty Bristow (Papakura), Jeremiah Pai (Northcote), Aaron Booth (Glenora), Kyle Bos (Otahuhu), Tony Tuia (Howick), Suaia Matagi (Mount Albert), Manu Mau (Marist). Tony Tuia (Howick) won the Doug Price Medal as Player of the Grand Final.
Otahuhu College
won the Auckland Secondary Schools competition and the Counties Manukau Zone Dean Bell
Shield. They defeated the Auckland Zone Nigel Vagana
Shield winning Mount Albert Grammar School
22-2 to win the 1st XIII University Shield. Tamaki College won the Girls Premier First XIII Grand Final, St Pauls College
won the under-85kg Jack Fagan Cup and Aorere College
won the under 15, 9-a-side Graham Lowe Cup.
's grand final on 13 August at Fraser Park. The Eels won the title, defeating the Vikings by one point.
The Porirua Vikings were coached by David Lomax
.
grand final at Denton Oval on 14 August. The match was refereed by Glen Black
. The grand final was the first in the events 44 year history that was not be played at Rugby League Park
.
Following the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake, the Canterbury Rugby League
cancelled the pre-season competition. Rugby League Park
was damaged during the earthquake and is currently closed. Halswell won the Tavendale Cup as winners of the first round.
The Timaru
Warriors competed in the CRL second division.
in the Waicoa Bay final, a replay of last years Waikato Rugby League
final. The Tigers defeated the Otumoetai Eels 40-8 while Taniwharau won their semifinal 15-4 over the Ngaruawahia Panthers. Taniwharau were coached by Herewini Rangi
. Other teams in the competition include the Hamilton Hornets, Taupo Phoenix, Pikiao, Pacific, Central, College Old Boys, Turangawaewae, the Tauranga Whalers and the Ngongotaha Chiefs
. Ngaruawahia, who celebrated their centenary in Labour weekend, after being founded in 1911, won the Waikato Rugby League
's premiership, defeating the Hamilton City Tigers in the grand final. David Peachey
played for the Taupo Phoenix while organising the Cronulla Sharks
NRL match in Taupo. The Tauranga Whalers defeated the Pacific Sharks 24-18 in extra time to win the Bay of Plenty Rugby League
championship.
The Waitara Bears, Fielding Falcons, Bell Block Marist Dragons and Kia Ora Warriors all made the Western Alliance final series. The final was held on 30 July and won by the Dragonas who defeated the Fielding Falcons 33-32. The Dragons also won the Taranaki Rugby League
's Lile
Shield. During the year the Marist Dragons held a fundraiser for their sister Marist club in Canterbury. The Hawera Hawks refused to play on the South Taranaki District Council's Hub ground due to the state of the ground. Other teams included the Dannevirke Tigers, Western Suburbs Tigers, Linton Cobras and the Normanby/Okaiawa Knights. The Hawke's Bay Rugby League celebrated its centenary in August.
Tasman Rugby League was to host a Nines competition at Nelson's Trafalgar Park
in April. However, following the Christchurch earthquake, a number of Canterbury and West Coast teams withdrew and the event was postponed until March 2012. Six teams competed in the Tasman Rugby League competition which held its Grand Final on 20 August. The Stoke Cobras qualified for the Grand Final.
The Southland Rugby League was refused use of Rugby Park Stadium
by the Southland Rugby Football Union. Southland Rugby League had proposed to hold their club final there on 19 June. The competition was won by the Lone Star Cowboys, who defeated the Wakatipu Giants 34-20 in the final at George Oval. The Kia Toa Tigers defeated the South Pacific Raiders 34-14 to win the Otago Rugby League's Winter final. The South Pacific Raiders then defeated Wakatipu He Tauaa 50-26 in Queenstown to win the combined Southland-Otago competition.
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 Competition 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....
. The premier teams competed for the Albert Baskerville Trophy, which was won by the Auckland Pride
Auckland 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...
when they defeated the South Island Scorpions 44 - 34 in the Grand Final.
International competitions
The New Zealand Kiwis were going to host the ANZAC TestANZAC 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...
for the first time since 1998, as the match was originally announced to be played in Christchurch's AMI Stadium on 6 May. However, following the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake this decision was reviewed and on 4 March it was announced the match would be played at the Skilled Park on the Gold Coast. New Zealand lost the match 10-20. New Zealand were coached by 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...
and included Lance Hohaia
Lance Hohaia
Lance Hohaia is a New Zealand rugby league player, he currently plays for St Helens RLFC. In 2008 Hohaia was a member of the World Cup winning New Zealand team.-Early years:...
, debutant Matt Duffie
Matt Duffie
Matthew Duffie is a professional rugby league player who currently plays for the Melbourne Storm in the NRL. Duffie was a part of the Melbourne Storm Under 20's Premiership winning team in 2009, scoring 25 tries. On 1 May Duffie was selected for the New Zealand Kiwis for the 2011 ANZAC Test...
, Simon Mannering
Simon Mannering
Simon Alexander Mannering is a New Zealand professional rugby league player who currently plays for the New Zealand Warriors in the National Rugby League competition...
, Shaun Kenny-Dowall
Shaun Kenny-Dowall
Shaun Kenny-Dowall is a professional rugby league footballer for the Sydney Roosters in the National Rugby League competition. He primarily plays in the centres.-Early years:...
, Jason Nightingale
Jason Nightingale
Jason Nightingale is a professional rugby league footballer for the St. George Illawarra Dragons of the Australian National Rugby League...
, captain Benji Marshall
Benji Marshall
Benji Marshall is a professional rugby league footballer with the Wests Tigers of the National Rugby League . A goal-kicking five-eighth, he is the current captain of the New Zealand national team, with whom he won the 2008 World Cup and 2010 Four Nations tournaments...
, Kieran Foran
Kieran Foran
Kieran Foran is a New Zealand rugby league player who has represented his country. He currently plays for the Manly Sea Eagles in the National Rugby League. He plays as a five-eighth or half-back though he can also play centre...
, Steve Rapira
Steve Rapira
Steve Rapira is a New Zealand professional rugby league player who currently plays for the New Zealand Warriors in the National Rugby League competition. He plays in the Second Row...
, Nathan Fien, Sam McKendry
Sam McKendry
Sam McKendry is a professional rugby league player who currently plays for the Penrith Panthers in the National Rugby League. He plays as a prop and is a New Zealand international.-Early years:...
, Adam Blair
Adam Blair
Adam Blair is a New Zealand professional rugby league footballer currently contracted to the Melbourne Storm of the National Rugby League until 1 November 2011, when he will join the Wests Tigers. A New Zealand international representative forward, Blair spent six seasons with the Storm, winning...
, Bronson Harrison
Bronson Harrison
Bronson Harrison is a professional rugby league footballer for the Canberra Raiders of the National Rugby League. He primarily plays at lock. He previously played for the Wests Tigers...
, Jeremy Smith, Isaac Luke, Ben Matulino
Ben Matulino
Benedict Andrew Matulino is a rugby league player who has represented his country. He currently plays for the New Zealand Warriors in the National Rugby League...
, Fuifui Moimoi
Fuifui Moimoi
Fuifui Moana Moimoi is a New Zealand-Tongan professional rugby league footballer for the Parramatta Eels in the National Rugby League competition.-Playing career:...
and debutant Lewis Brown
Lewis Brown (rugby league)
Lewis Brown is a professional rugby league footballer who currently plays in the National Rugby League for the New Zealand Warriors. His position of preference is in the second row, where he plays for the Warriors whilst occasionally playing in the centres...
. Greg Eastwood
Greg Eastwood
Greg Eastwood is a professional rugby league footballer who currently plays for the Canterbury Bulldogs in the NRL. A New Zealand international representative lock or second row forward, he previously for the Brisbane Broncos, Bulldogs in the NRL and Leeds Rhinos in the European Super League...
and Gerard Beale
Gerard Beale
Gerard Beale is a professional rugby league footballer currently playing for Brisbane Broncos in the Telstra Premiership. He is a utility back by preference; in that he can play at full-back, wing or centre.-Playing career:...
were in the squad as 18th and 19th man respectively.
The Kiwis were to play a Test match against the Cook Islands
Cook Islands national rugby league team
-2008 World Cup Qualifying:See 2008 Rugby League World Cup qualifyingThe Cook Islands played Fiji, Tonga and Samoa in the Pacific pool of Qualifying for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup. Fiji and Tonga qualified, and Samoa earned a second chance in the repecharge round...
in Rarotonga on 7 October, however this was later called off due to the unavailability of 29 players.
The Kiwis lost to Australia 42-6 on 16 October in Newcastle before heading to England to compete in the Four Nations tournament
2011 Rugby League Four Nations
The 2011 Rugby League Four Nations tournament was the third staging of the Rugby League Four Nations tournament and was played in England and Wales during October and November of 2011...
in October and November. The Kiwis lost to Australia 12-26, bet Wales
Wales national rugby league team
The Wales national rugby league team represent Wales in international rugby league football matches. Currently the team is seventh in the RLIF World Rankings. The team were run under the auspices of the Rugby Football League, but an independent body, Wales Rugby League, now runs the team from...
36-0 before losing to England 6-28 to end their Four Nations campaign. The squad for these Test matches was Gerard Beale
Gerard Beale
Gerard Beale is a professional rugby league footballer currently playing for Brisbane Broncos in the Telstra Premiership. He is a utility back by preference; in that he can play at full-back, wing or centre.-Playing career:...
, Alex Glenn
Alex Glenn
Alex Glenn is a professional rugby league footballer who plays for Brisbane Broncos in the NRL.-Playing career:...
, Jeremy Smith, Kieran Foran
Kieran Foran
Kieran Foran is a New Zealand rugby league player who has represented his country. He currently plays for the Manly Sea Eagles in the National Rugby League. He plays as a five-eighth or half-back though he can also play centre...
, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Bill Tupou
Bill Tupou
Bill Tupou is a professional rugby league footballer who currently plays in the National Rugby League for the New Zealand Warriors.-Early years:...
, Adam Blair
Adam Blair
Adam Blair is a New Zealand professional rugby league footballer currently contracted to the Melbourne Storm of the National Rugby League until 1 November 2011, when he will join the Wests Tigers. A New Zealand international representative forward, Blair spent six seasons with the Storm, winning...
, Sika Manu
Sika Manu
Sika Manu is a professional rugby league footballer who currently plays for the Melbourne Storm in the NRL. He was a member of the World Cup winning New Zealand team who beat Australia in the 2008 World Cup Final...
, Kevin Proctor
Kevin Proctor
Kevin Proctor is a rugby league player who currently plays for the Melbourne Storm in the NRL. He plays as a second-row.-Playing career:Born in Te Kuiti, Proctor's iwi is Ngā Puhi....
, Lewis Brown
Lewis Brown (rugby league)
Lewis Brown is a professional rugby league footballer who currently plays in the National Rugby League for the New Zealand Warriors. His position of preference is in the second row, where he plays for the Warriors whilst occasionally playing in the centres...
, Kevin Locke
Kevin Locke (rugby league)
Kevin Samuel Locke is a New Zealand professional rugby league footballer for the New Zealand Warriors of the National Rugby League. His usual position is at fullback.-Playing career:...
, Simon Mannering
Simon Mannering
Simon Alexander Mannering is a New Zealand professional rugby league player who currently plays for the New Zealand Warriors in the National Rugby League competition...
, Ben Matulino
Ben Matulino
Benedict Andrew Matulino is a rugby league player who has represented his country. He currently plays for the New Zealand Warriors in the National Rugby League...
, Russell Packer
Russell Packer
Russell Packer is a New Zealand professional rugby league footballer for the New Zealand Warriors of the National Rugby League competition...
, Elijah Taylor
Elijah Taylor
Elijah Taylor is a professional rugby league footballer who currently plays in the National Rugby League for the New Zealand Warriors.-Early years:...
, Fuifui Moimoi
Fuifui Moimoi
Fuifui Moana Moimoi is a New Zealand-Tongan professional rugby league footballer for the Parramatta Eels in the National Rugby League competition.-Playing career:...
, Sam McKendry
Sam McKendry
Sam McKendry is a professional rugby league player who currently plays for the Penrith Panthers in the National Rugby League. He plays as a prop and is a New Zealand international.-Early years:...
, Jason Nightingale
Jason Nightingale
Jason Nightingale is a professional rugby league footballer for the St. George Illawarra Dragons of the Australian National Rugby League...
, Nathan Fien, Issac Luke
Issac Luke
Issac Luke is a New Zealand professional rugby league footballer for the South Sydney Rabbitohs of the National Rugby League. His position of choice is either hooker or in the halves. His first-grade debut was for the South Sydney Rabbitohs against the Melbourne Storm at Olympic Park in round 12...
, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is a rugby league player currently with the Sydney Roosters in the NRL. He plays in the second-row.-Early years:Waerea-Hargreaves first made a name for himself playing schoolboy rugby union at Iona College in Queensland, through some impressive performances in the AIC...
, Benji Marshall
Benji Marshall
Benji Marshall is a professional rugby league footballer with the Wests Tigers of the National Rugby League . A goal-kicking five-eighth, he is the current captain of the New Zealand national team, with whom he won the 2008 World Cup and 2010 Four Nations tournaments...
(c) and Thomas Leuluai
Thomas Leuluai
Thomas Leuluai is a New Zealand professional rugby league footballer who currently plays for the Wigan Warriors in the Super League. His position is at half-back...
. Steve Matai
Steve Matai
Stephen "Steve" Matai is a professional rugby league footballer for the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles of the National Rugby League. He plays as a centre. He is a New Zealand international of Samoan Heritage...
, Shaun Johnson
Shaun Johnson
Shaun Johnson is a New Zealand rugby league player who currently plays for the New Zealand Warriors.NRL commentator Phil Gould has described him as the "New Benji Marshall".-Early years:...
, Krisnan Inu
Krisnan Inu
Krisnan Nevada Inu is a New Zealand professional rugby league player who currently plays for the New Zealand Warriors in the Australasian National Rugby League competition...
and Manu Vatuvei
Manu Vatuvei
Manu Vatuvei is a New Zealand rugby league player for the New Zealand Warriors in the National Rugby League competition. His position of choice is on the wing. He is the cousin of Japanese Rugby Union player Ruatangi Vatuvei. Vatuvei was a member of the New Zealand Kiwis squad that won the 2008...
were originally selected but withdrew from the squad. New Zealand lost their first Four Nations match 26-12 to Australia.
In response to the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake a Ledgends of League charity match was organised at Mount Smart Stadium on 10 March. The teams were, New Zealand: 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:...
, 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...
, 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...
(C), Sam Panapa
Sam Panapa
Sam Panapa is a former rugby league player and coach who represented three countries in his career.-Playing career:A Te Atatu Roosters junior in the Auckland Rugby League competitions, Panapa played club football in Britain for Wigan...
, Olsen Filipaina
Olsen Filipaina
Olsen Orekewa Filipaina is a New Zealand former rugby league player who represented both New Zealand and Western Samoa.-Playing career:Filipaina started his career with the Mangere East Hawks in the Auckland Rugby League competition. He was named the best back in the competition in 1977 before...
, 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...
, 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...
, Monty Betham
Monty Betham
Monty Betham is a professional boxer and former rugby league footballer and junior world karate champion...
, Jerry Seuseu, Kurt Sorensen
Kurt Sorensen
Kurt John Sorensen is a New Zealand former rugby league footballer of the 1970s, 80s and 90s. He is the brother of fellow Kiwi international, Dane Sorensen, and the nephew of another pair of Kiwi brothers, Bill and Dave Sorensen...
, Tawera Nikau
Tawera Nikau
Tawera Nuieia Nikau is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. A New Zealand international representative forward, he played club football at a number of different clubs in New Zealand, England and Australia during his career, including the Melbourne Storm's victory...
and Hugh McGahan
Hugh McGahan
Hugh Joseph McGahan MBE is a former rugby league footballer and coach who represented New Zealand...
. Bench: Gary Freeman, Duane Mann
Duane Mann
Duane Darrin Mann is a rugby league coach and former professional footballer who represented and captained both the New Zealand Kiwis and Tonga. He currently coaches the Bay Roskill Vikings in the Auckland Rugby League competition.-Personal life:...
, 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:...
, 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:...
, Dean Affleck (TradeMe
TradeMe
Trade Me is the largest Internet-auction website operating in New Zealand. Managed by Trade Me Ltd the site was founded in 1999 by New Zealand entrepreneurSam Morgan who sold it to Fairfax in 2006 for NZ$700 million...
winner), Quentin Pongia
Quentin Pongia
Quentin Lee Pongia is a New Zealand former rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s who represented his country. He is the grandson of fellow Kiwi international Jim Calder and his sister Megan Tahapeehi has also represented the Kiwi Ferns.-Playing career:Originally from the West Coast,...
, Awen Guttenbeil
Awen Guttenbeil
Awen Guttenbeil is a New Zealand former rugby league footballer. Since retiring after a playing career spanning fifteen years, he now works as a broadcaster for Sky Network Television and as a presenter on Maori TV sports show, Hyundai Code...
, Dean Bell and Francis Leota
Francis Leota
Francis Poipoi Leota is a New Zealand rugby league player who represented his country between 1989 and 1990, including in games that counted towards the 1992 World Cup.-Early years:Leota attended De La Salle College and played rugby union until he was 20....
. Australia: David Peachey
David Peachey
David Peachey is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. An Australian international and New South Wales State of Origin representative fullback, he played the majority of his club football in the National Rugby League for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks...
, Hazem El Masri
Hazem El Masri
Hazem El Masri is a Lebanese-Australian retired professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. An Australia and Lebanon international, and New South Wales State of Origin representative winger, he played his entire club football career with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs with...
, David Myles
David Myles (rugby league)
David Myles is a former professional rugby league footballer. He played for the Gold Coast Titans, North Queensland Cowboys, Auckland Warriors and the Gold Coast Chargers in first grade...
, Tea Ropati
Tea Ropati
Tea Faa'tea Ropati is a former rugby league player who represented New Zealand and Western Samoa...
, Nathan Blacklock
Nathan Blacklock
Nathan Blacklock is an Australian former rugby league and rugby union player who primarily played as a winger.-Playing career:...
, Scott Hill
Scott Hill
Scott Hill may refer to:*Scott Hill , American composer*Scott Hill , American rock musician*Scott Hill , Australian rugby league footballer...
, Clayton Friend
Clayton Friend
Clayton Ivan Friend is a New Zealander former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and 90s who at representative level has played for New Zealand, and at club level for Carlisle , North Sydney Bears, and Whitehaven, playing at /, i.e...
, Mark Horo
Mark Horo
Mark Gregory Horo is a New Zealand rugby league coach and former footballer of the 1980s and 90s. A New Zealand international representative, he played club football in New Zealand for Te Atatu and in Australia for Parramatta and Wests before finishing his career back in Auckland with the Warriors...
, Ben Elias (C), 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...
, Paul Langmack
Paul Langmack
Paul Langmack is an Australian former rugby league coach and representative and premiership-winning player.-Playing Career:While attending Fairfield Patrician Brothers, Langmack played for the Australian Schoolboys team in 1982....
, John Hopoate
John Hopoate
John Hopoate is a former professional rugby league footballer and boxer. He played club football for the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, Wests Tigers and Northern Eagles in the National Rugby League competition. Hopoate also gained selection for Tonga, in the Australian national team and in the New...
, Kevin Campion
Kevin Campion
Kevin Campion is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. His positions of choice were in the second row and at lock. Kevin is the younger brother of Australian radio personality Paul Campion...
. Bench: Jason Death
Jason Death
Jason Death is an Australian former rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. He played for the Canberra Raiders, North Queensland Cowboys, New Zealand Warriors and the South Sydney Rabbitohs as a hooker and a lock. In 1990 he was named the Canberra Raiders rookie of the year.-External links:*...
, James Goulding, Bruce McGuire
Bruce McGuire
Bruce McGuire is an Australian former rugby league footballer of the 1980s and 90s. A New South Wales State of Origin and Australian international representative forward, he played in the New South Wales Rugby League premiership for the Balmain Tigers and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs...
, Mark Bosnich
Mark Bosnich
Mark Bosnich is a retired Australian football player and football pundit. He represented Australia 17 times and played for English Premier League clubs Aston Villa, Manchester United and Chelsea.-Manchester United :...
, Billy Peden, John Cornwell (TradeMe winner), Jason Williams and Alex Chan. New Zealand won 32-22 and the match raised over $100,000.
Auckland won the Women's National Tournament. The Kiwi Ferns will play a Test against Australia on 15 October in the Gold Coast.
The New Zealand Residents played a match against the New Zealand Māori Residents
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...
on 30 October, winning 32-22. The Residents team was coached by Brent Stuart
Brent Stuart
Brent Clifford Stuart is a rugby league coach and former player who represented his country.-Playing career:A West Coast and Canterbury representative, Stuart spent two years in the Northern Territory in the mid-1980s and represented the Territory against Parramatta. In 1993 he was invited to be...
, assisted by Brent Gemmell and included Philip Pese (Auckland), Junior Salevao (South Island), Ruben Williams (Waicoa Bay), Bruce Havea (South Island), Peta Hiku (Counties Manukau), Matt Everitt (Wellington), Hayden Karena (Waicoa Bay), Jaye Pukepuke (South Island), Darren Kingi (Counties Manukau), Soape Kavaliku (Auckland), Suaia Matagi (Auckland), James Baxendale (South Island), Manu Mau (Auckland). Interchange: Kyle Leka (South Island), Dwayne Waterman (Wellington), William Heta (Counties Manukau), Manu Weepu (South Island). Reserve: Richard Graham (Mid Central). The New Zealand Māori Residents included Api Pewhairangi, Rusty Bristow and Jeremiah Pai
Jeremiah Pai
Jeremiah Pai is a New Zealand rugby league player who currently plays for the Auckland Vulcans and the Northcote Tigers.-Early years:He was first noticed when playing for the Eastern Tornadoes in the Bartercard Cup before making his National Rugby League debut for the New Zealand Warriors in...
.
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...
defeated the Junior Kangaroos 28-16 in a one off test match as a curtain raiser to the Newcastle Test match. The squad was coached by 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...
and included Kenneath Bromwich and Tohu Harris (Melbourne Storm), Sosaia Feki , Siliva Havili, Omar Slaimankhel, Sio Siua Taukeiaho, Carlos Tuimavave, Adam Henry
Adam Henry
Adam Henry is an american football coach. He currently serves as tight ends coach coach under head coach Hue Jackson for the Oakland Raiders....
, Sebastine Ikahihifo, Samiuela Lousi, Agnatius Paasi and John Palavi (Warriors), Ben Murdoch-Masila
Ben Murdoch-Masila
Ben Murdoch-Masila is a New Zealand rugby league player for the Wests Tigers in the NRL. His position is prop, second row and lock.-Career:...
(Wests Tigers), Josh Papalii
Josh Papalii
Josh Papalii is a New Zealand professional rugby league footballer for the Canberra Raiders of the National Rugby League competition...
(Canberra Raiders), Andrew Pelasio (Penrith Panthers), Michael Parker-Walshe, Jason Taumalolo
Jason Taumalolo
Jason Taumalolo is a New Zealand professional rugby league footballer for the North Queensland Cowboys of the National Rugby League competition.-Biography:...
and Wayne Ulugia (North Queensland Cowboys).
The Under-18 New Zealand side played two matches against the Australian Schoolboys
Australia national schoolboy rugby league team
The Australian Schoolboys rugby league team is the national rugby league football team for secondary school students in Australia.The Australian Schoolboys or Australia Schoolboys represent Australia on a national level at rugby league at youth level...
in New Zealand. They won the first match 28-26 before losing the second 16-40. The New Zealand Under-16 side drew a match against a Queensland Academy of Sport team 14-all. Queensland Academy of Sport earlier played New Zealand Māori under-16's side.
Benji Marshall
Benji Marshall
Benji Marshall is a professional rugby league footballer with the Wests Tigers of the National Rugby League . A goal-kicking five-eighth, he is the current captain of the New Zealand national team, with whom he won the 2008 World Cup and 2010 Four Nations tournaments...
won 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....
's Kiwi Player of the Year award while Shaun Johnson
Shaun Johnson
Shaun Johnson is a New Zealand rugby league player who currently plays for the New Zealand Warriors.NRL commentator Phil Gould has described him as the "New Benji Marshall".-Early years:...
won the Kiwi Rookie of the Year award. Jason Taumalolo
Jason Taumalolo
Jason Taumalolo is a New Zealand professional rugby league footballer for the North Queensland Cowboys of the National Rugby League competition.-Biography:...
was the Junior Player of the Year while Matt Everitt (Wellington) was the Domestic Player of the Year, Akenehe Pereira (Wellington) was the Women's Player of the Year and 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...
was the Match Official of the Year. The Porirua Vikings were the Grassroots Club of the Year. Benji Marshall won Rugby League International Federation
Rugby League International Federation
The Rugby League International Federation is the world governing body of rugby league football. It was formed in 1998 in Sydney, Australia. Its purpose is to, "foster, develop, extend, govern and administer the game of Rugby League throughout the world". Its headquarters are in Sydney, Australia,...
's Standoff of the Year award.
At its annual general meeting 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....
appointed Sir Peter Leitch
Peter Leitch (Mad Butcher)
Sir Peter Charles Leitch, KNZM, QSM, is a New Zealand businessman, also known as The Mad Butcher. Although well known in New Zealand for the chain of butcheries he founded, Leitch is arguably just as well known for his charity, fundraising work and his promotion of rugby league.Born in Wellington,...
as Patron, replacing Helen Clark
Helen Clark
Helen Elizabeth Clark, ONZ is a New Zealand political figure who was the 37th Prime Minister of New Zealand for three consecutive terms from 1999 to 2008...
. Trevor Maxwell was reappointed President of the NZRL for a further two years while Meng Foon
Meng Foon
Meng Liu Foon is the current mayor of Gisborne, New Zealand. He is one of a handful of people of Chinese descent to have become a mayor in New Zealand. He is fluent in English, Cantonese, and Māori....
was elected as an elected Director for the next three years. NZRL Chairman Scott Carter was appointed the Rugby League International Federation
Rugby League International Federation
The Rugby League International Federation is the world governing body of rugby league football. It was formed in 1998 in Sydney, Australia. Its purpose is to, "foster, develop, extend, govern and administer the game of Rugby League throughout the world". Its headquarters are in Sydney, Australia,...
's chairman in June - the first New Zealander to hold the position. On 31 May NZRL Director Mark Gosche
Mark Gosche
Mark James Gosche is a New Zealand politician. He is a member of the Labour Party. He was born in Auckland to Samoan parents, and has been active in New Zealand's Pacific Islander community.-Member of Parliament:...
was elected the Chairperson of the Asia-Pacific Rugby League Confederation.
Rugby League Cup
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...
is currently held by Cantebury, who did not defend it in 2010.
National Competition
2011 was the second year of the National Competition. Auckland zoneAuckland 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...
were the defending champions. Under 17 and Under 15 competitions were again held alongside the senior competition. Auckland, Counties Manukau and the South Island adopted new nicknames in 2011 while the Heartland side renamed itself the Central Vipers.
Auckland was coached by Brent Gemmell, who was assisted by Ken McIntosh
Ken McIntosh
Kenneth McIntosh is a New Zealand rugby league coach and former player who currently coaches the Northcote Tigers and Auckland. He played professionally with the Penrith Panthers.-Playing career:...
. The team included Malo Solomona
Malo Solomona
Malofou Solomona is a New Zealand rugby league player who has represented Samoa. He currently plays for the Glenora Bears in the Auckland Rugby League...
, Kitiona Pasene
Kitiona Pasene
Kitiona Pasene is a rugby league player who currently plays for the Mount Albert Lions. He also has played for the Auckland Vulcans in the 2010 and 2011 NSW Cup. His position of choice is at Prop and Second row.-Early years:...
, Sala Fa'alogo
Sala Fa'alogo
Sala Fa'alogo is a New Zealand rugby league player who played professionally for Widnes in the Super League. He currently plays for the Mount Albert Lions in the Auckland Rugby League's Fox Memorial competition....
and Jeremiah Pai
Jeremiah Pai
Jeremiah Pai is a New Zealand rugby league player who currently plays for the Auckland Vulcans and the Northcote Tigers.-Early years:He was first noticed when playing for the Eastern Tornadoes in the Bartercard Cup before making his National Rugby League debut for the New Zealand Warriors in...
. The Counties Manukau Stingrays were coached by Rusty Matua and included Anthony Gelling
Anthony Gelling
Anthony Gelling is a Cook Islands rugby league player who currently plays for the Auckland Vulcans in the New South Wales Cup. He plays in the second-row or at centre.-Playing career:He is a Howick Hornets junior....
, Roman Hifo and Rusty Bristow. Brent Stuart
Brent Stuart
Brent Clifford Stuart is a rugby league coach and former player who represented his country.-Playing career:A West Coast and Canterbury representative, Stuart spent two years in the Northern Territory in the mid-1980s and represented the Territory against Parramatta. In 1993 he was invited to be...
coached the South Island Scorpions. Mike Culley and Mike Dorreen coached the Under-17 side while Tom Ball and Jeff Whittaker again guided the South Island 15s. They held a trial match on 21 August.
Auckland Pride won all three grades.
Season standings
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | B | PF | PA | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auckland Pride | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 230 | 130 | 12 |
| South Island Scorpions | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 218 | 112 | 10 |
| Counties Manukau Stingrays | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 196 | 134 | 10 |
| Wellington Orcas Wellington Orcas The Wellington rugby league team are a rugby league team that represents the Wellington Rugby League in New Zealand Rugby League competitions. They currently compete in the National Zonal Competition as the Wellington Orcas.-Early years:... |
6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 152 | 162 | 8 |
| Central Vipers | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 124 | 170 | 8 |
| Waicoa Bay Stallions Waicoa Bay Stallions The Waicoa Bay Stallions are a rugby league team that represent the Upper Central Zone in the Albert Baskerville Trophy. This is a vast area that includes Hamilton, Rotorua and Taupo... |
6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 180 | 156 | 6 |
| Northern Swords | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 82 | 318 | 2 |
Source:
Round 1
| Home | Score | Away | Match Information | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Venue | |||||||
| South Island Scorpions | 20-32 | Wellington Orcas | 28 August | Denton Park, Hornby | ||||
| Central Vipers | 30-16 | Counties Manukau Stingrays | 28 August | Farndon Park, Clive | ||||
| Northern Swords | 18-82 | Auckland Pride | 28 August | Arnold Rae Park, Kaitaia | ||||
- Bye: Waicoa Bay Stallions
Round 2
| Home | Score | Away | Match Information | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Venue | |||||||
| South Island Scorpions | 82-0 | Northern Swords | 4 September | Denton Park, Hornby | ||||
| Waicoa Bay Stallions | 16-52 | Counties Manukau Stingrays | 3 September | Blake Park, Tauranga | ||||
| Wellington Orcas | 38-18 | Central Vipers | 4 September | Fraser Park, Wellington | ||||
- Bye: Auckland Pride
Round 3
| Home | Score | Away | Match Information | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Venue | |||||||
| Auckland Pride | 34-10 | Central Vipers | 11 September | Cornwall Park Stadium Cornwall Park Stadium Cornwall Park Stadium or Cornwall Park is a cricket ground in Auckland, New Zealand. The first recorded match on the ground was in 1958, when England women played a New Zealand women's touring team. The ground has also hosted three Women's Test matches and three Women's ODIs.-External links:* at... , Auckland |
||||
| Waicoa Bay Stallions | 22-24 | South Island Scorpions | 11 September | Davies Park, Huntly | ||||
| Northern Swords | 20-42 | Wellington Orcas | 11 September | Lindvart Park, Kaikohe | ||||
- Bye: Counties-Manukau Stingrays
Round 4
| Home | Score | Away | Match Information | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Venue | |||||||
| Counties Manukau Stingrays | 48-24 | Northern Swords | 18 September | Bruce Pulman Park, Papakura | ||||
| Wellington Orcas | 20-34 | Auckland Pride | 18 September | Fraser Park, Wellington | ||||
| Central Vipers | 32-28 | Waicoa Bay Stallions | 18 September | Johnston Park, Feilding | ||||
Bye: South Island Scorpions
Round 5
The Scorpions dedicated their win over Auckland to Blair Sims, a Scorpions player who died in the Pike River Mine disaster
Pike River Mine disaster
The Pike River Mine disaster was a coal mining accident that began on 19 November 2010 in the Pike River Mine, northeast of Greymouth, in the West Coast Region of New Zealand's South Island. A first explosion occurred in the mine at approximately 3:44 pm . At the time of the explosion 31...
.
| Home | Score | Away | Match Information | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Venue | |||||||
| Wellington Orcas | 18-30 | Counties Manukau Stingrays | 24 September | Fraser Park, Wellington | ||||
| Northern Swords | 4-40 | Waicoa Bay Stallions | 25 September | Simson Park, Moerewa | ||||
| South Island Scorpions | 30-20 | Auckland Pride | 25 September | Wingham Park Wingham Park Wingham Park is a rugby league stadium in Greymouth, New Zealand. The ground is owned by the West Coast Rugby League.-History:Wingham Park is the home of rugby league on the West Coast and hosts the West Coast Rugby League grand final each year... , Greymouth |
||||
Bye: Central Vipers
Round 6
| Home | Score | Away | Match Information | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Venue | |||||||
| Counties Manukau Stingrays | 20-22 | Auckland Pride | 2 October | Bruce Pulman Park, Papakura | ||||
| Waicoa Bays Stallions | 42-4 | Wellington Orcas | 2 October | Puketawhero Park, Rotorua | ||||
| Central Vipers | 10-38 | South Island Scorpions | 2 October | Tikorangi Sports Ground, Waitara | ||||
Bye: Northern Swords
Round 7
If the South Island Scorpions had defeated the Counties Manukau Stingrays they would have hosted the final. If Counties Manukau had won by over 50 points they would have made the final instead of the South Island.
| Home | Score | Away | Match Information | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Venue | |||||||
| Auckland Pride | 40-32 | Waicoa Bay Stallions | 8 October | Bruce Pulman Park, Papakura | ||||
| Counties Manukau Stingrays | 30-24 | South Island Scorpions | 9 October | Bruce Pulman Park, Papakura | ||||
| Northern Swords | 16-24 | Central Vipers | 9 October | Toll Stadium, Whangarei | ||||
Bye: Wellington Orcas
Final
The final was refereed by Shane Rehm
Shane Rehm
Shane Rehm is a New Zealand rugby league referee. An international referee, Rehm has also controlled Auckland Rugby League, New Zealand Rugby League and Toyota Cup matches since 2009.-Playing career:Rehm has refereed in NSW Cup and Toyota Cup matches...
and Auckland led 20-10 at halftime. Auckland's Suaia Matagi was named man of the match.
| Home | Score | Away | Match Information | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Venue | |||||||
| Auckland Pride | 44-34 | South Island Scorpions | 15 October | Massey Park , Papakura | ||||
Upper Central Zone
Waikato defeated CoastlineCoastline rugby league team
The Coastline rugby league team are New Zealand rugby league team that represents the Coastline Rugby League. They have been nicknamed the Mariners.-History:...
32-0 on 23 April. Coastline then lost to the Bay of Plenty 20-14 on 4 June in Tauranga. Waikato then defeated Bay of Plenty 44-12 at Puketawhero Park in Rotorua on 2 July to win the tri-series.
South Island Zone competition
A home and away series was held between Canterbury A, Canterbury under-20s, Tasman Titans, the West Coast Chargers, Otago Whalers and Southland Rams.Tasmna, who were coached by Phil Bergman
Phil Bergman
Phil Bergman is a New Zealand former rugby league footballer who represented New Zealand Māori and played professionally for Paris Saint-Germain in the Super League.-Playing career:...
, defeated the West Coast 28-20 in the first round while the Otago Whalers defeated the Southland Rams 36-28.
The competition was played between 27 August and 24 September. Canterbury A and Canterbury 20's played in the final at Halswell Domain on 2 October.
National Secondary Schools competition
Sixteen schools competed in the Secondary School National tournament at Bruce Pulman Park in Papakura between 22 and 26 August. Otahuhu CollegeOtahuhu College
Otahuhu College is a secondary school in Auckland, New Zealand for students years 9 to 13.-Location:It is located in the suburb of Otahuhu and is a co-educational school. The school is built in a gully on the southern side of Mangere Road...
defeated defending champions St. Paul's College
St. Paul's College, Auckland
St Paul's College is a college for year 7 to 13 boys and offers a Catholic education to its students. It is located in the central Auckland suburb of Ponsonby. The school originates from 1903 when the Marist Brothers opened Sacred Heart College, Auckland on the site...
26-22 in the grand final which required extra time after being 22-all at fulltime. Viliami Lolohea from Otahuhu won the Manukau Institute of Technology Most Valuable Player of the Tournament award.
The tournament team was; Roger Sheck (Otahuhu College), Fine Faingaa (Aorere College), Vili Iloahefaiva (Otahuhu College), Viliami Lolohea (Otahuhu College), Pharoah Tumupu (St Paul's College), Axl Kingi (Tokoroa High School), Kauri Aupouri-Puketapu (Wainuiomata High School), Samuel Lisone (Tangaroa College), Matthew Halalilo (Southern Cross College), Vincent Afoa (Otahuhu College), Miro Atera (Tangaroa College), Sione Feao (Otahuhu College), Tala Mamea (Southern Cross College), Christopher Satae (St Paul's College), Metia Lisati (Mt Roskill Grammar), Tyler Tane (Wainuiomata College) and Matthew Shortland (Papakura High School). The coach of the tournament was Tama Teaukura from Tokoroa High School.
The other participating schools included Wainuiomata High School
Wainuiomata High School
Wainuiomata High School is a co-educational school situated in Wainuiomata, a suburb of Lower Hutt, New Zealand. It caters for girls and boys aged 13 years and above....
, Taita College, St Johns College (Tokoroa), Hamilton's Fraser High School
Hamilton's Fraser High School
Hamilton's Fraser High School is the second largest secondary school in Hamilton, New Zealand. The school began in 1920 as Hamilton Technical Day School . From its central city site on the Garden Place Hill, now occupied by Wintec, the school was an integral part of the growth and development of...
, Mount Albert Grammar School
Mount Albert Grammar School
Mount Albert Grammar School, or MAGS, is a co-educational secondary school in Central Auckland, New Zealand. It teaches from year 9 to year 13. Mount Albert Grammar is one of the largest secondary schools in the country...
, Kelston Boys' High School
Kelston Boys' High School
Kelston Boys' High School is an all-boys state secondary school in Kelston, a suburb in the Waitakere region of Auckland, New Zealand. It was created in 1963 when the roll of Kelston High School became too large for the site on the corner of Archibald and Gt North Rds...
, Mount Roskill Grammar School
Mount Roskill Grammar School
Mount Roskill Grammar is a secondary school in the suburb of Mount Roskill, Auckland, officially opened in 1954. The school has students of over 70 different nationalities including approximately 200 International students...
, Aorere College
Aorere College
Aorere College is a co-educational state secondary school that was established in 1964 in Papatoetoe, Manukau, Auckland, New Zealand. Patrick Drumm is the principal of the college...
, Southern Cross College
Southern Cross College
Alphacrucis is a Christian tertiary college and is the official ministry training college of Australian Christian Churches, the Assemblies of God in Australia. The College has several campuses however the main campus is in Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia...
, Tangaroa College
Tangaroa college
Tangaroa College is a secondary school catering for years 9-13 in Otara, Manukau, New Zealand....
, Manurewa High School
Manurewa High School
Manurewa High School is one of the larger Secondary Schools in New Zealand, with an enrolment reaching 2,200 students.Manurewa High School is a multi-cultural school. It has European 33%, Polynesian 26%, Maori 22%, Asian 15% and other groups 4%...
, Papakura High School
Papakura High School
Papakura High School is a co-educational state secondary school based in the Auckland suburb of Papakura in New Zealand, catering for students from Year 9 to Year 13....
and 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....
.
Australian competitions
The New Zealand WarriorsNew Zealand Warriors
The New Zealand Warriors are a professional rugby league football club based in Auckland, New Zealand. They compete in the National Rugby League premiership and are the League's only team from outside Australia...
spent their 17th first grade season in Australian competition, playing in the National Rugby League
2011 NRL season
The 2011 NRL season was the 105th season of professional rugby league football club competition in Australia, and the fourteenth run by the National Rugby League. The NRL's main championship, called the 2011 Telstra Premiership due to sponsorship from Telstra, was contested by sixteen teams for the...
. They made the 2011 NRL Grand Final
2011 NRL Grand Final
The 2011 NRL Grand Final was the conclusive and premiership-deciding game of the NRL's 2011 Telstra Premiership season. It was played between the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles and the New Zealand Warriors on the afternoon of Sunday, 2 October, and it was the first time the two sides have met in a...
, losing to the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
The Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles are an Australian professional rugby league club based on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. They compete in the National Rugby League's Telstra Premiership, the premier rugby league competition of Australasia...
24-10.
The Junior Warriors again competed in the Toyota Cup, defending their title, while the Auckland Vulcans
Auckland Vulcans
The Auckland Vulcans are an Auckland based rugby league club that participates in the New South Wales Cup. They are administered by the Rugby League Development Foundation. The team is selected from the Auckland Rugby League's Fox Memorial Competition and also uses Warriors squad members not...
played in the NSW Cup, making the grand final and losing to the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. The Auckland Vulcans were coached by former New Zealand international, Richie Blackmore
Richie Blackmore (rugby league)
James Richard "Richie" Blackmore is a rugby league coach and former professional footballer who represented his country. His position of preference was in the centres. He is currently the head coach of the Auckland Vulcans....
.
Auckland
In their 50th year, the Howick HornetsHowick Hornets
The Howick Hornets are a rugby league club based in Howick, New Zealand. The premier team competes in Auckland Rugby League's senior competitions. The club currently competes in the top division, the Fox Memorial Trophy...
won the Fox Memorial Trophy and the Rukutai Shield as minor premiers. They defeated the Otahuhu Leopards
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...
24-14 in the Grand Final. The 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...
won the Stormont Shield while Mount Albert won the Kiwi Shield.
Mount Albert, Otahuhu, Glenora, Howick, Manurewa, Papakura, Marist and Northcote qualified for the 2011 and 2012 Fox Memorials. 2012 will not feature a grading round.
The Bay Roskill Vikings
Bay Roskill Vikings
The Bay Roskill Vikings are a rugby league football club based in Mount Roskill and Blockhouse Bay, New Zealand who compete in Auckland Rugby League's Sharman Cup competition. The club was established in 1979.-History:...
and Point Chevalier Pirates
Point Chevalier Pirates
The Point Chevalier Pirates are an Auckland rugby league club based in Point Chevalier. The Pirates currently compete in the Phelan Shield competition run by the Auckland Rugby League.-History:The club was founded in 1920....
made the Sharman Shield Grand Final, with Point Chevalier winning 24-16. Both teams qualified for the 2012 Fox Memorial. Te Atatu, Otara, Mangere East, Richmond, Manukau and East Coast Bays also competed in the Sharman Shield.
The New Lynn Stags defeated the Papatoetoe Panthers 32-30 in the Phelan Shield Grand Final. Nine players from the Mount Wellington Warriors club were suspended, including two for five years each, after a fight in a Phelan Shield match against the Glenfield Greyhounds.
Jeremiah Pai
Jeremiah Pai
Jeremiah Pai is a New Zealand rugby league player who currently plays for the Auckland Vulcans and the Northcote Tigers.-Early years:He was first noticed when playing for the Eastern Tornadoes in the Bartercard Cup before making his National Rugby League debut for the New Zealand Warriors in...
(Northcote) won the Player of the Year award, David Bhana (Northcote) won the Rookie of the Year award, Tasha Tapu (Richmond) won the Women's Player of the Year award, Lee Wetherill (Howick) won the coach of the year award, William Stowers (Papakura) won the Lance Painter Rose Bowl as the top goal kicker, Rusty Bristow (Papakura) won the Masters of Rugby League trophy for the top try scorer, Daniel Mauafu (Navy/North Shore) was the Phelan Shield player of the year and Trent Bishop (Otara) was the Sharman Cup player of the year. Craig Pascoe won the John Percival Memorial Trophy as referee of the year. The Team of the Year was; Peta Hiku (Manurewa), Karl Hill (Howick), Rusty Bristow (Papakura), Jeremiah Pai (Northcote), Aaron Booth (Glenora), Kyle Bos (Otahuhu), Tony Tuia (Howick), Suaia Matagi (Mount Albert), Manu Mau (Marist). Tony Tuia (Howick) won the Doug Price Medal as Player of the Grand Final.
- The Mangere East HawksMangere East HawksThe Mangere East Hawks are a rugby league based in Mangere, New Zealand. The Hawks compete in Auckland Rugby League's Fox Memorial competition.-History:The club was founded in 1964, before this teams from the area had been attached to the Otahuhu club...
were co-coached by James LeuluaiJames LeuluaiA'au James Leuluai is a New Zealand former international rugby league player. His favoured position was centre. He is the father of Wigan Warriors and New Zealand international Thomas Leuluai. He is also the uncle of Leeds Rhinos prop Kylie Leuluai....
and Gavin Patuki. - The Manukau MagpiesManukau MagpiesThe Manukau Magpies are a rugby league football club based in Manukau, New Zealand who compete in Auckland Rugby League's Fox Memorial competition. The club was established in 1910.-History:...
celebrated their 100th year in 2011. - The Te Atatu RoostersTe Atatu RoostersThe Te Atatu Roosters is a rugby league club based in Te Atatu. The Roosters compete in the Fox Memorial, the premier division in Auckland Rugby League...
were coached by Bernie Perenara and included Jason Williams and Ralph and Thomas Ah Van. Williams later transferred to the Glenora BearsGlenora BearsThe 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...
. - The East Coast Bays BarracudasEast Coast Bays BarracudasThe East Coast Bays Barracudas is an rugby league club based in Browns Bay, New Zealand. They currently compete in the Fox Memorial, the premier division in Auckland Rugby League.-Notable players:...
were coached by Willie SwannWillie SwannWillie Swann is a former Samoa, Warrington Wolves and Auckland Warriors rugby league player.-Playing career:Swann was a Marist Saints junior who played fifteen matches for the Waitakere City Raiders in the 1994 Lion Red Cup, scoring 29 points. He was a Junior Kiwi in 1993...
. - The Mount Albert Lions were coached by player-coach Steve BuckinghamSteve 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 included Sala Fa'alogoSala Fa'alogoSala Fa'alogo is a New Zealand rugby league player who played professionally for Widnes in the Super League. He currently plays for the Mount Albert Lions in the Auckland Rugby League's Fox Memorial competition....
, Ukuma Ta'aiUkuma Ta'aiUkuma Ta'ai is a Tongan professional rugby league footballer who currently plays for the New Zealand Warriors of the National Rugby League...
and Matthew SturmMatthew SturmMatthew Sturm is a former professional rugby league footballer who played in New Zealand and in the English Super League. In 2010 and 2011 he was part of the Mount Albert Lions.-Early years:Sturm was a Glenora Bears junior...
. - The Papakura Sea EaglesPapakura Sea EaglesThe Papakura Sea Eagles are an Auckland rugby league club based in Papakura. The Sea Eagles currently compete in the Fox Memorial competition run by the Auckland Rugby League.-Kiwi Representatives:...
were coached by Gary KembleGary KembleGary Edward Kemble is a New Zealand rugby league coach and former player. He has both played and coached the New Zealand Kiwis. He is the current head coach of the Papakura Sea Eagles in the Auckland Rugby League.-Playing career:...
and included Toshio LaiseniToshio LaiseniToshio Laiseni is a Tongan rugby league footballer. His position of choice is either at fullback or on the wing.-Early career:...
. - The Howick HornetsHowick HornetsThe Howick Hornets are a rugby league club based in Howick, New Zealand. The premier team competes in Auckland Rugby League's senior competitions. The club currently competes in the top division, the Fox Memorial Trophy...
included Paul FisiiahiPaul FisiiahiPaul Fisiiahi is a Tongan rugby league player who represented his country at the 2000 World Cup and currently plays for the Howick Hornets. He is the identical twin of fellow Tongan International David.-Playing career:...
and Anthony GellingAnthony GellingAnthony Gelling is a Cook Islands rugby league player who currently plays for the Auckland Vulcans in the New South Wales Cup. He plays in the second-row or at centre.-Playing career:He is a Howick Hornets junior....
. - The Point Chevalier PiratesPoint Chevalier PiratesThe Point Chevalier Pirates are an Auckland rugby league club based in Point Chevalier. The Pirates currently compete in the Phelan Shield competition run by the Auckland Rugby League.-History:The club was founded in 1920....
included Misi TaulapapaMisi TaulapapaMisi Taulapapa is a New Zealand rugby league player who currently plays for the Sheffield Eagles in the Co-operative Rugby League competition. He has previously played professionally in Australia and England...
and 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:...
. Stacey JonesStacey JonesStacey 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...
and Awen GuttenbeilAwen GuttenbeilAwen Guttenbeil is a New Zealand former rugby league footballer. Since retiring after a playing career spanning fifteen years, he now works as a broadcaster for Sky Network Television and as a presenter on Maori TV sports show, Hyundai Code...
are involved in the coaching team. - The Bay Roskill VikingsBay Roskill VikingsThe Bay Roskill Vikings are a rugby league football club based in Mount Roskill and Blockhouse Bay, New Zealand who compete in Auckland Rugby League's Sharman Cup competition. The club was established in 1979.-History:...
were coached by Duane MannDuane MannDuane Darrin Mann is a rugby league coach and former professional footballer who represented and captained both the New Zealand Kiwis and Tonga. He currently coaches the Bay Roskill Vikings in the Auckland Rugby League competition.-Personal life:...
and included Willie WolfgrammWillie WolfgrammWillie Wolfgramm is a Tongan rugby league player who represented his country at two World Cups. He is the cousin of fellow Tongan international Greg Wolfgramm.-Playing career:Wolfgramm played for Tonga in the 1992 Pacific Cup....
. - The Ellerslie Eagles included David FisiiahiDavid FisiiahiDavid Fisiiahi is a Tongan rugby league player who represented his country at the 2000 World Cup and currently plays for the Ellerslie Eagles. He is the identical twin of fellow Tongan International Paul.-Playing career:...
. - The Manurewa MarlinsManurewa MarlinsThe Manurewa Marlins are a rugby league club based in Manurewa, New Zealand. The Marlins compete in Auckland Rugby League's Fox Memorial competition. Between 2000 and 2003 they competed in the national Bartercard Cup competition.-Notable players:...
included Pita GodinetPita GodinetPita Godinet is a rugby league player who has represented Samoa. He currently plays for the New Zealand Warriors...
and Gus Maileatoa Brown. - The Glenora BearsGlenora BearsThe 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...
included Malo SolomonaMalo SolomonaMalofou Solomona is a New Zealand rugby league player who has represented Samoa. He currently plays for the Glenora Bears in the Auckland Rugby League...
. - The New Lynn Stags included John Arthur Williams, the brother of Sonny Bill WilliamsSonny Bill WilliamsSonny William 'Sonny Bill' Williams is a New Zealand rugby union player and former rugby league player. He is only the second person to represent New Zealand in rugby union after first playing for the country in rugby league. In rugby union he usually plays as a centre...
.
Otahuhu College
Otahuhu College
Otahuhu College is a secondary school in Auckland, New Zealand for students years 9 to 13.-Location:It is located in the suburb of Otahuhu and is a co-educational school. The school is built in a gully on the southern side of Mangere Road...
won the Auckland Secondary Schools competition and the Counties Manukau Zone Dean Bell
Dean Bell
Dean Bell is a New Zealand former rugby league footballer and coach. A New Zealand international representative centre, he played his club football in England, Australia and New Zealand, but most notably with Wigan, with whom he won seven consecutive Challenge Cup finals, a Lance Todd Trophy and a...
Shield. They defeated the Auckland Zone Nigel Vagana
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...
Shield winning Mount Albert Grammar School
Mount Albert Grammar School
Mount Albert Grammar School, or MAGS, is a co-educational secondary school in Central Auckland, New Zealand. It teaches from year 9 to year 13. Mount Albert Grammar is one of the largest secondary schools in the country...
22-2 to win the 1st XIII University Shield. Tamaki College won the Girls Premier First XIII Grand Final, St Pauls College
St. Paul's College, Auckland
St Paul's College is a college for year 7 to 13 boys and offers a Catholic education to its students. It is located in the central Auckland suburb of Ponsonby. The school originates from 1903 when the Marist Brothers opened Sacred Heart College, Auckland on the site...
won the under-85kg Jack Fagan Cup and Aorere College
Aorere College
Aorere College is a co-educational state secondary school that was established in 1964 in Papatoetoe, Manukau, Auckland, New Zealand. Patrick Drumm is the principal of the college...
won the under 15, 9-a-side Graham Lowe Cup.
Wellington
The Te Aroha Eels and Porirua Vikings met in the Wellington Rugby LeagueWellington Rugby League
Wellington Rugby League is the local sporting body responsible for the administration of Rugby league in the Greater Wellington region. It is responsible for the local competition of the same name, as well as its representative team, the Wellington rugby league team.- Local Senior Competition :The...
's grand final on 13 August at Fraser Park. The Eels won the title, defeating the Vikings by one point.
The Porirua Vikings were coached by David Lomax
David Lomax
David Walter Lomax is a New Zealand rugby league coach and former player who represented his country. He is the brother of another international, John Lomax.-Early years:...
.
Canterbury
Minor premiers the Halswell Hornets played the Celebration Lions 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 at Denton Oval on 14 August. The match was refereed by Glen Black
Glen Black
Glen Black is a former New Zealand rugby league referee. An international referee, Black has also controlled Canterbury Rugby League, New Zealand Rugby League and Super League matches.-International career:...
. The grand final was the first in the events 44 year history that was not be played 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:...
.
Following the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake, the Canterbury Rugby League
Canterbury 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...
cancelled the pre-season competition. 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:...
was damaged during the earthquake and is currently closed. Halswell won the Tavendale Cup as winners of the first round.
- Halswell were coached by 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...
. The side included Joe Pombo. - Hornby were coached by player-coach Corey LawrieCorey LawrieCorey Lawrie is a New Zealand rugby league player who currently is the player-coach of the Hornby Panthers...
. - The Papanui Tigers were coached by Brent StuartBrent StuartBrent Clifford Stuart is a rugby league coach and former player who represented his country.-Playing career:A West Coast and Canterbury representative, Stuart spent two years in the Northern Territory in the mid-1980s and represented the Territory against Parramatta. In 1993 he was invited to be...
.
The Timaru
Timaru
TimaruUrban AreaPopulation:27,200Extent:Former Timaru City CouncilTerritorial AuthorityName:Timaru District CouncilPopulation:42,867 Land area:2,736.54 km² Mayor:Janie AnnearWebsite:...
Warriors competed in the CRL second division.
Other competitions
The Hamilton City Tigers defeated the Taniwharau Rugby League ClubTaniwharau Rugby League Club
The Taniwharau Rugby League Club is a rugby league club from Huntly, New Zealand. They compete in the Waikato Rugby League club competition. The club plays in a green and gold strip and are based at Waahi Pa.-History:...
in the Waicoa Bay final, a replay of last years Waikato Rugby League
Waikato 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...
final. The Tigers defeated the Otumoetai Eels 40-8 while Taniwharau won their semifinal 15-4 over the Ngaruawahia Panthers. Taniwharau were coached by Herewini Rangi
Herewini Rangi
Herewini Rangi is a New Zealand rugby league coach and former player who played one match in the National Rugby League. He was a hooker/back rower who could also kick goals.-Early years:...
. Other teams in the competition include the Hamilton Hornets, Taupo Phoenix, Pikiao, Pacific, Central, College Old Boys, Turangawaewae, the Tauranga Whalers and the Ngongotaha Chiefs
Ngongotaha Chiefs
The Ngongotaha Chiefs are a New Zealand rugby league club. They are from Ngongotaha in the Bay of Plenty. In 2000 and 2001 they competed in the Bartercard Cup but now they compete in the Bay of Plenty Rugby League competition.-Notable players:...
. Ngaruawahia, who celebrated their centenary in Labour weekend, after being founded in 1911, won the Waikato Rugby League
Waikato 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...
's premiership, defeating the Hamilton City Tigers in the grand final. David Peachey
David Peachey
David Peachey is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. An Australian international and New South Wales State of Origin representative fullback, he played the majority of his club football in the National Rugby League for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks...
played for the Taupo Phoenix while organising the Cronulla Sharks
Cronulla Sharks
The Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks are Australian professional Rugby league team based in Cronulla, in the Sutherland Shire, Southern Sydney, New South Wales...
NRL match in Taupo. The Tauranga Whalers defeated the Pacific Sharks 24-18 in extra time to win the Bay of Plenty Rugby League
Bay of Plenty Rugby League
Bay of Plenty Rugby League is the local sporting body responsible for the administration of Rugby league in the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand...
championship.
The Waitara Bears, Fielding Falcons, Bell Block Marist Dragons and Kia Ora Warriors all made the Western Alliance final series. The final was held on 30 July and won by the Dragonas who defeated the Fielding Falcons 33-32. The Dragons also won 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...
's Lile
Adam Lile
Adam "Addie" Lile was a New Zealand rugby footballer who was part of the professional 1907-1908 New Zealand rugby tour of Great Britain.-Early years:...
Shield. During the year the Marist Dragons held a fundraiser for their sister Marist club in Canterbury. The Hawera Hawks refused to play on the South Taranaki District Council's Hub ground due to the state of the ground. Other teams included the Dannevirke Tigers, Western Suburbs Tigers, Linton Cobras and the Normanby/Okaiawa Knights. The Hawke's Bay Rugby League celebrated its centenary in August.
Tasman Rugby League was to host a Nines competition at Nelson's Trafalgar Park
Trafalgar Park
Trafalgar park may refer to one of at least to places:*Trafalgar Park, Wiltshire, the park surrounding Trafalgar House, a stately home in Wiltshire, England*Trafalgar Park, Nelson, a major sports venue in Nelson, New Zealand...
in April. However, following the Christchurch earthquake, a number of Canterbury and West Coast teams withdrew and the event was postponed until March 2012. Six teams competed in the Tasman Rugby League competition which held its Grand Final on 20 August. The Stoke Cobras qualified for the Grand Final.
The Southland Rugby League was refused use of Rugby Park Stadium
Rugby Park Stadium
Rugby Park Stadium is a rugby union venue and home ground for ITM Cup team Southland. Rugby Park Stadium is located on the corner of Elles Road and Tweed Street in Invercargill. It has a capacity of 20,000, although in former incarnations has accommodated up to 30,000 in the 1960s before the...
by the Southland Rugby Football Union. Southland Rugby League had proposed to hold their club final there on 19 June. The competition was won by the Lone Star Cowboys, who defeated the Wakatipu Giants 34-20 in the final at George Oval. The Kia Toa Tigers defeated the South Pacific Raiders 34-14 to win the Otago Rugby League's Winter final. The South Pacific Raiders then defeated Wakatipu He Tauaa 50-26 in Queenstown to win the combined Southland-Otago competition.