1994 New Zealand rugby league season

The 1994 New Zealand rugby league season was the eighty seventh season of rugby league

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 inaugural season of the Lion Red Cup

Lion Red Cup

The Lion Red Cup was a New Zealand domestic rugby league competition that ran from 1994-1996 sponsored by brewers Lion Nathan. It was created due to the increase in public awareness of domestic rugby league due to the Auckland Warriors being accepted into the Winfield Cup. The competition was a...

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....

. The North Harbour Sea Eagles

North Harbour Sea Eagles

The North Harbour Sea Eagles were a New Zealand rugby league club that represented North Harbour in the Lion Red Cup from 1994 to 1996. For the first two seasons they were coached by Graeme Norton....

won the Cup by defeating the Counties Manukau Heroes 24-16 in the Grand Final.

International competitions

The New Zealand Kiwis did not play at home in 1994, instead embarking on a two test tour of Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea , officially the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, is a country in Oceania, occupying the eastern half of the island of New Guinea and numerous offshore islands...

. The Kiwis won all five matches, including a match against the Port Moresby Vipers

Port Moresby Vipers

The Port Moresby Vipers are a Papua New Guinean rugby league team from Port Moresby. They competed in the Panasonic Cup in 1986, 1987, 1988 and 1989 and the Queensland Cup competition in 1996 and 1997. Due to the cost of transportation to and from Australia they were not invited to compete in the...

. New Zealand included; Gary Freeman, Daryl Halligan

Daryl Halligan

Daryl Halligan is a rugby league football commentator and former professional player. A New Zealand international winger, he was the pre-eminent goal-kicker of his era, retiring as the highest point scorer in Australian premiership history...

, 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:...

, Sean Hoppe

Sean Hoppe

Sean Edward Hoppe is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who represented his country.-Early years:...

, 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...

, John Lomax

John Lomax (rugby league)

John Junior Lomax is a New Zealand former rugby league player who represented his country. He is the brother of another international, David Lomax.-Early years:...

, 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:...

, 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...

, 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:...

, 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...

, Hitro Okesene

Hitro Okesene

Hitro Okesene is a New Zealand former rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s who represented three countries; Western Samoa, American Samoa and New Zealand...

, Matthew Ridge

Matthew Ridge

Matthew John Ridge is a New Zealand television presenter as well as a former All Black, and rugby league captain for the Manly Sea Eagles, New Zealand Warriors and Kiwis....

, Tony Tatupu

Tony Tatupu

Kuripitone "Tony" Tatupu is a former New Zealand rugby league player. Tatupu played at Centre and in the Second Row and represented both New Zealand and Western Samoa.-Playing career:...

, Brendon Tuuta

Brendon Tuuta

Brendon Ephia Tuuta is a New Zealand former rugby league player.Tuuta played a variety of positions including Stand Off, Halfback, Second Row and Lock. He was known as "the baby-faced assassin" and had a reputation as a brawler...

, 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:...

, 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...

and Jason Williams.

The New Zealand Residents

New Zealand Residents rugby league team

The New Zealand Residents are a New Zealand rugby league football representative side that is selected from players competing in domestic competitions.-History:In 1977 Dane Sorensen became the first New Zealander to be...

toured Australia, winning all four games, before defeating Western Samoa

Samoa national rugby league team

-Notable Players & Coaches:* John Ackland * Steve Kaiser Coach 1990 - 1994* Steve Kaiser 1986* Afi Ah Koui 1986* Andrew Ah Koui 1986* George Apelu 1986* Fa'ausu Afoa circa-1995* Wing Afoa 1990 - 1994* Isaak Ah Mau circa-2006...

64-2 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...

in Auckland. The team was Peter Edwards

Peter Edwards (rugby league)

Peter Edwards is a New Zealand former rugby league player who represented his country in 1993.-Playing career:A product of Manawatu, Edwards played for the Upper Hutt Tigers in the Wellington Rugby League and was part of the side that won the Appleton Shield in 1993...

, Mike Dorreen, Tevita Vaikona

Tevita Vaikona

Tevita Vaikona is a professional rugby footballer, a powerful winger who enjoyed massive success in rugby league and picked up many honours before switching codes to rugby union where he was also hugely successful....

, Maea David

Maea David

Maea David is a New Zealand rugby union coach and former rugby league player who played professionally in England and Australia.-Playing career:...

, 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:...

, Whetu Taewa

Whetu Taewa

Whetu Taewa is a former professional rugby league player who represented his country six times between 1989 and 1996.-New Zealand:...

, Solomon Kiri

Solomon Kiri

Solomon Kiri is a former professional rugby league player who played in the late 1990s for the Adelaide Rams and the Western Reds.-New Zealand:...

, Brett Roger, 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...

, 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:...

, Aaron Tucker, Faausu Afoa, Duane Mann

Duane Mann

(captain), Tony Tatupu

Tony Tatupu

Kuripitone "Tony" Tatupu is a former New Zealand rugby league player. Tatupu played at Centre and in the Second Row and represented both New Zealand and Western Samoa.-Playing career:...

, Jason Temu

Jason Temu

Jason Temu is a former Cook Island rugby league player. His position of preference was at Prop.-Early years:Temu grew up in New Zealand and played for the Marist Saints in the Auckland Rugby League. In 1994 he followed his coach, Stan Martin, to the Counties Manukau Heroes in the new Lion Red Cup...

, Des Maea

Des Maea

Des Maea is a former rugby league player.He played for Sheffield in 1993 and in 1994 returned to New Zealand to play for the Counties Manukau Heroes in the Lion Red Cup where he played in 21 matches, scoring 9 tries for the club...

, Hitro Okesene

Hitro Okesene

Hitro Okesene is a New Zealand former rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s who represented three countries; Western Samoa, American Samoa and New Zealand...

, Simon Angell

Simon Angell

Simon Alexander Angell is a former rugby league player who represented his country.-Playing career:Angell played for the Canterbury side that bet Auckland in 1993, starting in the second row in the Provincial grand final....

, Gavin Hill

Gavin Hill

Gavin Lyle Hill was a rugby league and rugby union player, who has resided in Wellington for the last 10 years before moving back to Auckland to take a coaching position in the Air New Zealand Cup....

, 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:...

, Aaron Lester

Aaron Lester

Aaron Lester is a New Zealand former rugby league player. His position of preference was at Hooker.His brother, Stuart, played for Wigan.-New Zealand:A Junior Kiwi in 1992, Lester went on to play for the New Zealand Residents in 1994...

and Logan Edwards

Logan Edwards

-Domestic career:Edwards played for the dominating Canterbury provincial side of the early 1990s alongside such talent as Quentin Pongia, Mike Dorreen, Whetu Taewa and coach Frank Endacott. This side continued its success as the Canterbury Cardinals in the 1994 Lion Red Cup...

. Kiwis coach 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...

was also the Residents coach.

The New Zealand Māori

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...

side competed at the 1994 Pacific Cup

1994 Pacific Cup

-Group B:-Finals:-Semi Finals:-Third place playoff:-Final:...

in Fiji. The side was coached by John Solomon and included Blair Harding

Blair Harding

Blair Edward Harding was a New Zealand rugby league player who represented his country in 1993.-Playing career:Harding played for Papanui in the Canterbury Rugby League competition. He played for Canterbury in 1993, being part of the side that defeated Auckland to win the National Provincial...

, Alex Chan, Tane Manihera, Leroy Joe

Leroy Joe

Leroy Joe is a rugby league footballer who previously played half back for Whitehaven in England, National League One League Division. He is of Cook Island Heritage...

, Mark Woods

Mark 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...

and 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....

. The team failed to make the semi finals for the first time, finishing third in a five team pool after losing to 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...

and the Australian Aborigines

Australian Aboriginal rugby league team

The Australia Aboriginal rugby league team is a rugby league football team that represents Australian Aborigines...

.

New Zealand sent a national team to the World Sevens for the first time. The team defeated France and the USA before losing to Fiji in the quarter finals. The team included Earl Va'a

Earl Va'a

Earl Va'a is a Samoan rugby union footballer. He plays as a fly-half.-Rugby league:Va'a started his career playing rugby league for the Wainuiomata Lions in New Zealand and in 1994 and 1995 he represented the Wellington City Dukes in the Lion Red Cup...

, Jorgan Rogers, Richard Stewart and Jason Mackie

Jason Mackie

Jason James Mackie is a former New Zealand rugby league player.-Playing career:He represented Northland 18 times between 1990 and 1993 scoring 14 tries. During the 1991 season he was based in Devonport with the Navy and traveled to Whangarei for matches and training...

and was coached by Paul Sixtus. The Wainuiomata Lions

Wainuiomata Lions

The Wainuiomata Lions are a New Zealand rugby league club based in Wainuiomata, Wellington. They compete in the Wellington Rugby League competition.-Noted Players:...

won the New Zealand Sevens competition held before the World Sevens.

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...

went on a five match tour of Australia, winning four matches, including defeating the Australian Schoolboys in Australia for the first time ever. Coached by Gary Kemble

Gary Kemble

Gary 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:...

the squad was: Spiro Tuilaepa, Gus Malietoa-Brown, Robbie Paul

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...

, Danny Lima

Danny Lima

Danny Lima born 27 July 1975 in Samoa is a former rugby league player.Danny Lima's position of choice was as a prop. He was a Samoan international....

, 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...

, 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...

(captain), Justin Ngamoto, Ben Lythe

Ben Lythe

Ben Lythe is a former professional rugby league player. His position of preference was at Halfback. He was also a noted goalkicker.-Early years:...

, Stuart Lester

Stuart Lester

Stuart Lester is a New Zealand former rugby league player who played professionally for Wigan.His brother, Aaron, played professionally for the Auckland Warriors and Whitehaven.-Playing career:...

, John Mann, Billy Weepu

Billy Weepu

Billy 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:...

, Arti Mamoe, Takofe Kalauta, John Couling, Brad Williams, Clive Arona, Luke Johnstone, Dean Johnsen, Zane Clark

Zane Clark

-Early years:A product of the Randwick Kingfishers club in the Wellington local competition, Clark made the Junior Kiwis in 1994 while played for the Hutt Valley Firehawks in the Lion Red Cup.-Warriors:...

, Chris Faifua and Regan Avery.

Duane Mann

Duane Mann

was the New Zealand Rugby League

New Zealand Rugby League

player of the year after leading the New Zealand Kiwis and New Zealand Residents sides and captaining the North Harbour Sea Eagles

North Harbour Sea Eagles

to the Lion Red Cup. The other finalists were Darryl Halligan, John Lomax

John Lomax

John Avery Lomax was an American teacher, a pioneering musicologist and folklorist who did much for the preservation of American folk songs...

, Whetu Taewa

Whetu Taewa

Whetu Taewa is a former professional rugby league player who represented his country six times between 1989 and 1996.-New Zealand:...

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:...

Western Samoa tour

Western Samoa conducted a three match tour of New Zealand, its first ever. They defeated Wellington 22-14 and Manawatu XIII 36-22 before losing to the New Zealand Residents 64-2.

The team was Raymond Tusa, Ola Loau, Earl Va'a

Earl Va'a

, Lokeni Savelio, Paki Tuimavave

Paki Tuimavave

Paki Tuimavave is a former rugby league player who represented Samoa. He is the brother of fellow internationals Tony and Paddy Tuimavave.-Playing career:...

, Tony Tuimavave

Tony Tuimavave

Antonio Emil Tuimavave is a former professional rugby league player who is the current head coach of the Ponsonby Ponies. He played mainly at prop or at lock forward. He was nicknamed The Chief because he is a chief back in his native Samoa....

, Vinnie Winterstein, Mark Faumuina

Mark Faumuina

Mark Faumuina is a New Zealand former rugby league player who represented Western Samoa.-Playing career:An Otahuhu Leopards junior, Faumuina represented Auckland, playing for the Under 17's in 1987 and the under 18's in 1991....

, Mike Setefano

Mike Setefano

Mike Setefano is a former rugby league player. He was a Samoan international and played at the 1995 Rugby League World Cup.-Playing career:Setefano played for the Auckland City Vulcans in the 1994 Lion Red Cup and toured New Zealand with Western Samoa in 1994. In 1995 he joined the North Harbour...

, Matthew Tuisamoa

Matthew Tuisamoa

Matthew Tuisamoa is a New Zealand former rugby league player who represented Western Samoa.-Playing career:Tuisamoa played for Auckland in 1991 and 1992. In 1994 he played for the Counties Manukau in the Lion Red Cup and was selected for Western Samoa when they conducted a tour of New Zealand...

, Don Stewart

Don Stewart (rugby league)

Donald Stewart is a New Zealand former rugby league player who represented Western Samoa.-Playing career:A Northcote Tigers junior, Stewart began his career at Centre before moving into the forward pack...

, Henry Suluvale

Henry Suluvale

Henry Suluvale is a former rugby league player who represented Western Samoan at the 1995 Rugby League World Cup. Suluvale played on the Wing or in the Centres.-Early years:Suluvale grew up in Christchurch, New Zealand and attended Burnside High School....

, Gafa Tuiloma, Ron Siami, Willie Poching

Willie Poching

Willie Poching is a New Zealand professional rugby league football coach and former player. He is the current coach of Samoa national team and assistant coach of English Super League club Warrington Wolves...

, Mualia Fuiava, Wayne Schuster, Tafunai Alaelua, Toka Tofaeano, Muse Galuvao and Veli Patu. The coach was Steve Kaiser. Tony Tuimavave was the captain while Willie Poching led the team against Manawatu. Tea Ropati

Tea Ropati

Tea Faa'tea Ropati is a former rugby league player who represented New Zealand and Western Samoa...

was originally named in the squad but withdrew due to injury. Maika Felise

Maika Felise

Maika Felise is a Samoan rugby league player who represented his country in the 2000 World Cup.-Playing career:Felise played for Wainuiomata Lions in the Wellington Rugby League competition, representing the Lions at the 1993 Rugby League World Sevens....

was later added to the squad.

Rugby League Cup

Auckland

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...

and Wellington both unsuccessfully challenged Canterbury for the Rugby League Cup during the season.

First, Wellington were thrashed 72-14 by Cup holders Canterbury on Anzac Day

ANZAC Day

Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand, commemorated by both countries on 25 April every year to honour the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who fought at Gallipoli in the Ottoman Empire during World War I. It now more broadly commemorates all...

. The Wellington side was weakened the day before the match when the four Hutt Valley Firehawks

Hutt Valley Firehawks

The Hutt Valley Firehawks were a New Zealand rugby league club that represented Hutt Valley in the Lion Red Cup from 1994 to 1996. In 1995 there nickname was shortened to just "Hawks" and 1996 they were known as the Hutt Valley Dolphins....

players selected withdrew after a Lion Red Cup match. Wellington included Paul Howell while Canterbury included Tevita Vaikona

Tevita Vaikona

, Phil Bancroft

Phil Bancroft

Philip William Bancroft is a New Zealand rugby league player who represented his country in two Test matches in 1989.-Playing career:A Canterbury and South Island representative in the 1980s, Bancroft played for the Glenora Bears in the Auckland Rugby League competition and also represented Auckland...

, 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:...

, Marty Crequer

Marty Crequer

Martin Paul Crequer was a New Zealand rugby league footballer who represented his country.-Playing career:A Hornby junior in the Canterbury competition, Crequer was a Schoolboy Kiwi in 1979 and a Junior Kiwi in 1983...

, Henry Suluvale

Henry Suluvale

and Shane Endacott

Shane Endacott

Shane 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...

.

Then Auckland, coached by Dominic Clark, lost 20-28 to Canterbury on Queen's Birthday. The Auckland team included Solomon Kiri

Solomon Kiri

Solomon Kiri is a former professional rugby league player who played in the late 1990s for the Adelaide Rams and the Western Reds.-New Zealand:...

, Whetu Taewa

Whetu Taewa

Whetu Taewa is a former professional rugby league player who represented his country six times between 1989 and 1996.-New Zealand:...

, Bryan Laumatia, Brian McClennan

Brian McClennan

Brian "Bluey" McClennan is the head coach for the New Zealand Warriors of the National Rugby League . He was previously the head coach of the New Zealand national team and then England's Leeds Rhinos club...

, Fa'ausu Afoa

Fa'ausu Afoa

Fa'ausu Afoa played rugby league for the Penrith Panthers and North Harbour Sea Eagles and for Western Samoa. He played for the New Zealand XIII side in the 1997 Oceania Cup.-References:*...

, Jason Palmada

Jason Palmada

Jason Palmada is a New Zealand former rugby league footballer.-Playing career:A West Coast representative before moving to Auckland, Palmada was also a Junior Kiwi....

, Stacey Jones

Stacey Jones

, Duane Mann

Duane Mann

, Tony Tatupu

Tony Tatupu

Kuripitone "Tony" Tatupu is a former New Zealand rugby league player. Tatupu played at Centre and in the Second Row and represented both New Zealand and Western Samoa.-Playing career:...

, Doc Murray

Doc Murray

David "Doc" Murray is a New Zealand rugby league coach and former player. His position of preference was at Fullback.-New Zealand career:...

and Hitro Okesene

Hitro Okesene

Hitro Okesene is a New Zealand former rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s who represented three countries; Western Samoa, American Samoa and New Zealand...

. Canterbury included Mark Nixon

Mark Nixon

Mark Byron Nixon is a New Zealand former rugby league player who represented his country in two tests, including a match counting towards the 1992 World Cup.-Playing career:...

, Logan Edwards

Logan Edwards

, Marty Crequer

Marty Crequer

, Tevita Vaikona

Tevita Vaikona

and Shane Endacott

Shane Endacott

Shane 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...

Lion Red Cup

Buoyed by the acceptance of an Auckland team into the 1995 Australian Rugby League competition, the New Zealand Rugby League

New Zealand Rugby League

launched a twelve-team national club competition in 1994. Known as the Lion Red Cup

Lion Red Cup

for sponsorship reasons, this competition proved to be hugely expensive and lost a million dollars in 1994.

The Teams

The North Harbour Sea Eagles
North Harbour Sea Eagles
The North Harbour Sea Eagles were a New Zealand rugby league club that represented North Harbour in the Lion Red Cup from 1994 to 1996. For the first two seasons they were coached by Graeme Norton....

were sponsored by Just Jeans
Just Jeans
Just Jeans is an Australian apparel chain store, owned and operated by the Just Group. The Just Group owns and operates Portmans, Jaquie E, Jay Jays, Just Jeans, Peter Alexander, Smiggle and Dotti store brands, and currently has over 950 stores throughout Australia and New Zealand.-Profile:Just...

and coached by Graeme Norton
Graeme Norton
Graeme Norton is a New Zealand former rugby league footballer and coach.-Early years:Norton first coached the Northcote Tigers, who he led to two Fox Memorial grand final wins and a National Club knockout championship....

. Their two main feeder clubs were the Fox Memorial-winning Northcote Tigers
Northcote Tigers
The Northcote Tigers are a rugby league club based in Northcote, New Zealand. The club was founded in 1910 as the Northcote Warriors.The Tigers compete in the Fox Memorial competition run by the Auckland Rugby League. Between 2000 and 2002 the Northcote Tigers competed in the national Bartercard...

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:...

. Notable players included 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:...

, Brian McClennan
Brian McClennan
Brian "Bluey" McClennan is the head coach for the New Zealand Warriors of the National Rugby League . He was previously the head coach of the New Zealand national team and then England's Leeds Rhinos club...

, captain 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:...

, Fa'ausu Afoa
Fa'ausu Afoa
Fa'ausu Afoa played rugby league for the Penrith Panthers and North Harbour Sea Eagles and for Western Samoa. He played for the New Zealand XIII side in the 1997 Oceania Cup.-References:*...

, 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:...

, Jason Palmada
Jason Palmada
Jason Palmada is a New Zealand former rugby league footballer.-Playing career:A West Coast representative before moving to Auckland, Palmada was also a Junior Kiwi....

, Don Stewart
Don Stewart (rugby league)
Donald Stewart is a New Zealand former rugby league player who represented Western Samoa.-Playing career:A Northcote Tigers junior, Stewart began his career at Centre before moving into the forward pack...

, Richard Stewart, Tony Tatupu
Tony Tatupu
Kuripitone "Tony" Tatupu is a former New Zealand rugby league player. Tatupu played at Centre and in the Second Row and represented both New Zealand and Western Samoa.-Playing career:...

, Latham Tawhai
Latham Tawhai
Latham Tawhai is a rugby league coach and former player from New Zealand. He has also represented his country in softball.-Playing career:...

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...

.
Despite making the final of the pre-season competition, the Waitakere City Raiders
Waitakere City Raiders
The Waitakere City Raiders were a New Zealand rugby league club that represented Waitakere City in the Lion Red Cup from 1994 to 1996.-Notable players:...

were easily the worst of the Auckland sides, especially in the first round of the competition. Coach Ron O'Regan
Ron O'Regan
Ronald Phillip O'Regan is a New Zealand former rugby league player and coach who represented his country between 1983 and 1986. His nephew, Daniel, played for the New Zealand Warriors.-Playing career:...

blooded a group of young players in the second round and performances improved enough for them to finish in seventh place. Forty Four players were used overall in their season, including Tony Tuimavave
Tony Tuimavave
Antonio Emil Tuimavave is a former professional rugby league player who is the current head coach of the Ponsonby Ponies. He played mainly at prop or at lock forward. He was nicknamed The Chief because he is a chief back in his native Samoa....

, Peter Lima
Peter Lima
Peter Lima is a Samoan rugby league player who represented his country in the 2000 World Cup.-Playing career:Lima played for the Auckland side in the 1993 National Provincial Competition and also made the Junior Kiwis...

, 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...

, Willie Swann
Willie Swann
Willie 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...

, Julian O'Neill
Julian O'Neill (New Zealand)
Julian O'Neill is a former professional rugby league footballer who spent most of his career playing in Super League...

, 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:...

, Brady Malam
Brady Malam
Brady Malam is a former New Zealand rugby league player. His preferred position was at Prop.-Early years:A junior from the Glenora club, Malam played for Auckland at Hooker before bulking up and moving to Prop in his late teens. He played for the Junior Kiwis in 1992 and 1993...

, Anthony Swann
Anthony Swann
Anthony Gilbert Swann is a New Zealand former rugby league player who represented both New Zealand and Samoa in international rugby league. He was educated at Liston College, Henderson.-Playing career:...

and Paki Tuimavave
Paki Tuimavave
Paki Tuimavave is a former rugby league player who represented Samoa. He is the brother of fellow internationals Tony and Paddy Tuimavave.-Playing career:...

.
After winning the Pepsi Max Knockout Cup the Auckland City Vulcans
Auckland City Vulcans
For the current NSW Cup team see Auckland VulcansThe Auckland City Vulcans were a New Zealand rugby league club that represented Auckland City in the 1994 Lion Red Cup...

started the season as favourites. However the Gary Prohm
Gary Prohm
Gary Prohm is a New Zealand former rugby league player and coach who represented his country, including in matches that counted towards the 1988 World Cup.-Playing career:...

coached side ended the season in fifth place and were then quickly eliminated from the playoffs by the Canterbury Cardinals in Christchurch. 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...

foreshadowed his 1995 season with the Auckland Warriors
1995 Auckland Warriors season
The Auckland Warriors 1995 season was the Auckland Warriors inaugural first-grade season. The club competed in Australasia's Australian Rugby League competition. The coach of the team was John Monie while Dean Bell was the club's captain.-Milestones:...

by taking over the halfback position during the season from established New Zealand Sevens captain Vinnie Weir. Other notable players included Mark Faumuina
Mark Faumuina
Mark Faumuina is a New Zealand former rugby league player who represented Western Samoa.-Playing career:An Otahuhu Leopards junior, Faumuina represented Auckland, playing for the Under 17's in 1987 and the under 18's in 1991....

, Aaron Lester
Aaron Lester
Aaron Lester is a New Zealand former rugby league player. His position of preference was at Hooker.His brother, Stuart, played for Wigan.-New Zealand:A Junior Kiwi in 1992, Lester went on to play for the New Zealand Residents in 1994...

, Eugene Bourneville, Danny Lima
Danny Lima
Danny Lima born 27 July 1975 in Samoa is a former rugby league player.Danny Lima's position of choice was as a prop. He was a Samoan international....

, Jason Mackie
Jason Mackie
Jason James Mackie is a former New Zealand rugby league player.-Playing career:He represented Northland 18 times between 1990 and 1993 scoring 14 tries. During the 1991 season he was based in Devonport with the Navy and traveled to Whangarei for matches and training...

, Doc Murray
Doc Murray
David "Doc" Murray is a New Zealand rugby league coach and former player. His position of preference was at Fullback.-New Zealand career:...

, Meti Noovao
Meti Noovao
Meti Noovao is a former rugby league player. His position of preference was at Lock, although he was something of a utility. Meti was also a competent goal scorer, being a left footed goal kicker....

and Mike Setefano
Mike Setefano
Mike Setefano is a former rugby league player. He was a Samoan international and played at the 1995 Rugby League World Cup.-Playing career:Setefano played for the Auckland City Vulcans in the 1994 Lion Red Cup and toured New Zealand with Western Samoa in 1994. In 1995 he joined the North Harbour...

.
The Counties Manukau Heroes started the season as the least favoured Auckland club but ended up in the grand final and produced five New Zealand Residents representatives, two New Zealand Kiwis, the coach of the year and the competition's top pointscorer. They were coached by former Marist
Marist Saints
The Marist Saints is a rugby league club based in Mount Albert, New Zealand. They regularly feature in the Fox Memorial, the premier division in Auckland Rugby League...

coach 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 ended up losing 10 players to professional clubs at the end of the season. The players were: Des Maea
Des Maea
Des Maea is a former rugby league player.He played for Sheffield in 1993 and in 1994 returned to New Zealand to play for the Counties Manukau Heroes in the Lion Red Cup where he played in 21 matches, scoring 9 tries for the club...

, Gus Malietoa-Brown, Hitro Okesene
Hitro Okesene
Hitro Okesene is a New Zealand former rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s who represented three countries; Western Samoa, American Samoa and New Zealand...

, Whetu Taewa
Whetu Taewa
Whetu Taewa is a former professional rugby league player who represented his country six times between 1989 and 1996.-New Zealand:...

and Solomon Kiri
Solomon Kiri
Solomon Kiri is a former professional rugby league player who played in the late 1990s for the Adelaide Rams and the Western Reds.-New Zealand:...

to the Auckland Warriors, Jason Temu
Jason Temu
Jason Temu is a former Cook Island rugby league player. His position of preference was at Prop.-Early years:Temu grew up in New Zealand and played for the Marist Saints in the Auckland Rugby League. In 1994 he followed his coach, Stan Martin, to the Counties Manukau Heroes in the new Lion Red Cup...

and Wilson Marsh to Oldham
Oldham Roughyeds
Oldham Roughyeds is an English professional rugby league club based in Oldham, Greater Manchester. They currently play in the Championship One. Oldham is one of the original twenty-two rugby clubs that formed the Northern Rugby Football Union in 1895....

, Kerry Pomare to Widnes
Widnes Vikings
Widnes Vikings RLFC are an English professional rugby league club based in Widnes, Cheshire. They currently play in the Engage Super League, the top tier of European rugby league, after being awarded a license to compete in the top-flight Super League from 2012 onward...

, Paul Okesene
Paul Okesene
Paul Okesene is a Samoan rugby league player who represented both Western Samoa and American Samoa. His brother, Hitro, also played international rugby league.-Playing career:...

to France and Bryan Laumatia to 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...

. Other notable players included 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:...

, Matthew Sturm
Matthew Sturm
Matthew 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...

, Matthew Tuisamoa
Matthew Tuisamoa
Matthew Tuisamoa is a New Zealand former rugby league player who represented Western Samoa.-Playing career:Tuisamoa played for Auckland in 1991 and 1992. In 1994 he played for the Counties Manukau in the Lion Red Cup and was selected for Western Samoa when they conducted a tour of New Zealand...

and Willie Wolfgramm
Willie Wolfgramm
Willie 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 Waikato Cougars
Waikato Cougars
The Waikato rugby league team is a New Zealand rugby league team that represents the Waikato Rugby League in New Zealand Rugby League competitions. They competed in the Lion Red Cup from 1994 to 1996, the Super League Challenge Cup in 1997 and the Bartercard Premiership in 2008 and 2009...

were coached by Joe Gwynne and captained by 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...

. The team finished second after the regular season but a series of injuries saw them perform poorly in the playoffs and they were quickly eliminated. Notable players included Gavin Hill
Gavin Hill
Gavin Lyle Hill was a rugby league and rugby union player, who has resided in Wellington for the last 10 years before moving back to Auckland to take a coaching position in the Air New Zealand Cup....

, Tama Hohaia, 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....

, 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:...

and Aaron Tucker.
The Bay of Plenty Stags
Bay of Plenty Stags
The Bay of Plenty rugby league team are a New Zealand rugby league team who represents the Bay of Plenty Rugby League in New Zealand Rugby League competitions...

finished the season in last place, winning only two matches in twenty two rounds. They were coached by Neil Joyce and the squad included Alex Chan and Russell Stewart
Russell Stewart (rugby league)
Russell Stewart is a New Zealand rugby league player who played professionally for Bradford Northern in England.-Playing career:Stewart is from the Ngongotaha Chiefs club and represented the Bay of Plenty....

. The Stags drew players from both 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...

and the Coastlines Rugby League competitions.
The Taranaki Rockets were widely regarded as the competitions easy beats until they made the semifinals of the pre-season competition. They performed well for the first nine weeks, with five wins and four losses until they suffered a run of injuries and coach Teri Tamati stepped down for health reasons. Despite this, under caretaker coach Alan Marshall, the Rockets recovered to finish sixth and just miss the playoffs. Notable players included Robert Piva
Robert Piva
Robert Piva is a former rugby league player who represented both New Zealand and Western Samoa.-Playing career:A Wellington Rugby League player, Piva played for the St. George, Kapiti Bears and Porirua City clubs. Piva then played for the Taranaki Rockets in the 1994 Lion Red Cup. Halfway through...

, Mark Woods
Mark 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...

and 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...

.
Coached by Gary Kemble
Gary Kemble
Gary 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:...

, the Hawkes Bay Unicorns
Hawkes Bay Unicorns
The Hawke's Bay rugby league team are a New Zealand rugby league team that represents the Hawke's Bay Rugby League in New Zealand Rugby League competitions. They are nicknamed the Unicorns...

finished a disappointing tenth. Notable players included captain Mike Dorreen and 17 year old Charlie Kennedy, who both signed contracts with the Auckland Warriors at the end of the season, as well as Joe Faimalo, who signed with Oldham.
The Firestone
Firestone Tire and Rubber Company
The Firestone Tire and Rubber Company is an American tire company founded by Harvey Firestone in 1900 to supply pneumatic tires for wagons, buggies, and other forms of wheeled transportation common in the era. Firestone soon saw the huge potential for marketing tires for automobiles. The company...

Hutt Valley Firehawks
Hutt Valley Firehawks
The Hutt Valley Firehawks were a New Zealand rugby league club that represented Hutt Valley in the Lion Red Cup from 1994 to 1996. In 1995 there nickname was shortened to just "Hawks" and 1996 they were known as the Hutt Valley Dolphins....

finished a disappointing eighth in the Lion Red Cup. They were coached by Tyrone Paikea and included Zane Clark
Zane Clark
-Early years:A product of the Randwick Kingfishers club in the Wellington local competition, Clark made the Junior Kiwis in 1994 while played for the Hutt Valley Firehawks in the Lion Red Cup.-Warriors:...

, captain Peter Edwards
Peter Edwards (rugby league)
Peter Edwards is a New Zealand former rugby league player who represented his country in 1993.-Playing career:A product of Manawatu, Edwards played for the Upper Hutt Tigers in the Wellington Rugby League and was part of the side that won the Appleton Shield in 1993...

, David Ewe
David Ewe
David Ewe is a New Zealand former rugby league player who represented his country.-Playing career:Ewe was a Wellington representative and played one match for the New Zealand Kiwis in 1989 on a tour of Great Britain. He represented New Zealand Māori in the 1992 Pacific Cup and in 1993.-References:...

and Denvour Johnston
Denvour Johnston
Denvour Francis Johnston is a New Zealand rugby league player who represented his country in 1993.-Playing career:Johnston played for the Randwick Kingfishers club in the Wellington Rugby League competition...

.
The Wellington City Dukes
Wellington City Dukes
The Wellington City Dukes were a New Zealand rugby league club that represented Wellington City in the Lion Red Cup from 1994 to 1996. In 1997 one of the two Wellington Rugby League sides that competed in the Super League Challenge Cup was also called the Dukes.-Season Results:...

were coached by James Leuluai
James Leuluai
A'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 included Paul Howell, Earl Va'a
Earl Va'a
Earl Va'a is a Samoan rugby union footballer. He plays as a fly-half.-Rugby league:Va'a started his career playing rugby league for the Wainuiomata Lions in New Zealand and in 1994 and 1995 he represented the Wellington City Dukes in the Lion Red Cup...

, Riki Cowan
Riki Cowan
Areariki Arthur Cowan "Riki" Cowan is a New Zealand rugby league player who represented New Zealand and the Cook Islands.-Playing career:...

, 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....

and Arnold Lomax.
Coached by former Kiwi Wayne Wallace
Wayne Wallace
Wayne John Wallace is a New Zealand former rugby league player and coach who represented his country in the 1988 World Cup Final.-Playing career:...

, the Christchurch City Shiners
Christchurch City Shiners
The Christchurch City Shiners were a New Zealand rugby league club that represented Christchurch in the Lion Red Cup from 1994 to 1996. They were administered by the Canterbury Rugby League.Feeder clubs included Addington, Sydenham and Linwood.-Players:...

were clearly the "second" Canterbury team in the competition and finished in eleventh place. The team included Simon Angell
Simon Angell
Simon Alexander Angell is a former rugby league player who represented his country.-Playing career:Angell played for the Canterbury side that bet Auckland in 1993, starting in the second row in the Provincial grand final....

, Tane Manihera, Andrew Vincent and Marty Crequer
Marty Crequer
Martin Paul Crequer was a New Zealand rugby league footballer who represented his country.-Playing career:A Hornby junior in the Canterbury competition, Crequer was a Schoolboy Kiwi in 1979 and a Junior Kiwi in 1983...

.
The Canterbury Country Cardinals
Canterbury Country Cardinals
The Canterbury Country Cardinals were a New Zealand rugby league club that represented Canterbury in the Lion Red Cup from 1994 to 1996. They were administered by the Canterbury Rugby League....

were coached by Gerard Stokes
Gerard Stokes
Gerard 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 few players from the champion 1993 Canterbury provincial side after many accepted contracts overseas or with other Lion Red Cup teams. Notable players included Glen Coughlan, Logan Edwards
Logan Edwards
-Domestic career:Edwards played for the dominating Canterbury provincial side of the early 1990s alongside such talent as Quentin Pongia, Mike Dorreen, Whetu Taewa and coach Frank Endacott. This side continued its success as the Canterbury Cardinals in the 1994 Lion Red Cup...

, Shane Endacott
Shane Endacott
Shane 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...

, Paul Johnson
Paul Johnson (New Zealand)
Paul Frederick Johnson is a former rugby league player who represented his country.-Playing career:A Papanui player in the Canterbury Rugby League competition, Johnson played for the Canterbury side that bet Auckland in 1993, coming off the bench in the Provincial grand final.Johnson was then...

, Mark Nixon
Mark Nixon
Mark Byron Nixon is a New Zealand former rugby league player who represented his country in two tests, including a match counting towards the 1992 World Cup.-Playing career:...

, Phil Bancroft
Phil Bancroft
Philip William Bancroft is a New Zealand rugby league player who represented his country in two Test matches in 1989.-Playing career:A Canterbury and South Island representative in the 1980s, Bancroft played for the Glenora Bears in the Auckland Rugby League competition and also represented Auckland...

, Maea David
Maea David
Maea David is a New Zealand rugby union coach and former rugby league player who played professionally in England and Australia.-Playing career:...

, Blair Harding
Blair Harding
Blair Edward Harding was a New Zealand rugby league player who represented his country in 1993.-Playing career:Harding played for Papanui in the Canterbury Rugby League competition. He played for Canterbury in 1993, being part of the side that defeated Auckland to win the National Provincial...

, Henry Suluvale
Henry Suluvale
Henry Suluvale is a former rugby league player who represented Western Samoan at the 1995 Rugby League World Cup. Suluvale played on the Wing or in the Centres.-Early years:Suluvale grew up in Christchurch, New Zealand and attended Burnside High School....

, Tevita Vaikona
Tevita Vaikona
Tevita Vaikona is a professional rugby footballer, a powerful winger who enjoyed massive success in rugby league and picked up many honours before switching codes to rugby union where he was also hugely successful....

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:...

.

Challenge Cup

Before the season began a pre-season "Pepsi

Pepsi

Pepsi is a carbonated soft drink that is produced and manufactured by PepsiCo...

Max Challenge Cup" was held. This involved all twelve teams and was held on a knock out basis. Auckland City

Auckland City Vulcans

For the current NSW Cup team see Auckland VulcansThe Auckland City Vulcans were a New Zealand rugby league club that represented Auckland City in the 1994 Lion Red Cup...

won the tournament, defeating Waitakere City

Waitakere City Raiders

The Waitakere City Raiders were a New Zealand rugby league club that represented Waitakere City in the Lion Red Cup from 1994 to 1996.-Notable players:...

22-18 in the final on March 13. North Harbour

North Harbour Sea Eagles

and Taranaki were the two defeated semi-finalists.

Season Standings

The Counties Manukau Heroes finished the season as minor premiers.

Team	Pld	W	D	L	PF	PA	PD	Pts
Counties Manukau Heroes	22	16	2	4	563	334	219	34
Waikato Cougars Waikato Cougars The Waikato rugby league team is a New Zealand rugby league team that represents the Waikato Rugby League in New Zealand Rugby League competitions. They competed in the Lion Red Cup from 1994 to 1996, the Super League Challenge Cup in 1997 and the Bartercard Premiership in 2008 and 2009...	22	16	1	5	589	405	184	33
North Harbour Sea Eagles North Harbour Sea Eagles The North Harbour Sea Eagles were a New Zealand rugby league club that represented North Harbour in the Lion Red Cup from 1994 to 1996. For the first two seasons they were coached by Graeme Norton....	22	16	0	6	524	299	225	32
Canterbury Country Cardinals Canterbury Country Cardinals The Canterbury Country Cardinals were a New Zealand rugby league club that represented Canterbury in the Lion Red Cup from 1994 to 1996. They were administered by the Canterbury Rugby League....	22	15	2	5	615	410	205	32
Auckland City Vulcans Auckland City Vulcans For the current NSW Cup team see Auckland VulcansThe Auckland City Vulcans were a New Zealand rugby league club that represented Auckland City in the 1994 Lion Red Cup...	22	14	1	7	517	363	154	29
Taranaki Rockets	22	10	1	11	481	536
21
Waitakere City Raiders Waitakere City Raiders The Waitakere City Raiders were a New Zealand rugby league club that represented Waitakere City in the Lion Red Cup from 1994 to 1996.-Notable players:...	22	9	1	12	530	487	43	19
Hutt Valley Firehawks Hutt Valley Firehawks The Hutt Valley Firehawks were a New Zealand rugby league club that represented Hutt Valley in the Lion Red Cup from 1994 to 1996. In 1995 there nickname was shortened to just "Hawks" and 1996 they were known as the Hutt Valley Dolphins....	22	9	0	13	474	499
18
Wellington City Dukes Wellington City Dukes The Wellington City Dukes were a New Zealand rugby league club that represented Wellington City in the Lion Red Cup from 1994 to 1996. In 1997 one of the two Wellington Rugby League sides that competed in the Super League Challenge Cup was also called the Dukes.-Season Results:...	22	8	0	14	470	508
16
Hawkes Bay Unicorns Hawkes Bay Unicorns The Hawke's Bay rugby league team are a New Zealand rugby league team that represents the Hawke's Bay Rugby League in New Zealand Rugby League competitions. They are nicknamed the Unicorns...	22	7	0	15	377	485
14
Christchurch City Shiners Christchurch City Shiners The Christchurch City Shiners were a New Zealand rugby league club that represented Christchurch in the Lion Red Cup from 1994 to 1996. They were administered by the Canterbury Rugby League.Feeder clubs included Addington, Sydenham and Linwood.-Players:...	22	6	0	16	358	634
12
Bay of Plenty Stags Bay of Plenty Stags The Bay of Plenty rugby league team are a New Zealand rugby league team who represents the Bay of Plenty Rugby League in New Zealand Rugby League competitions...	22	2	0	20	262	800
4

The Playoffs

Match	Winner		Loser
Elimination Play-off	Canterbury Cardinals	30	Auckland City Vulcans	22
Preliminary Semifinal	North Harbour Sea Eagles	24	Waikato Cougars	10
Elimination Semifinal	Canterbury Cardinals	32	Waikato Cougars	6
Qualification Semifinal	North Harbour Sea Eagles	25	Counties Manukau Heroes	22
Preliminary Final	Counties Manukau Heroes	34	Canterbury Cardinals	16

Grand Final

North Harbour	Position	Counties Manukau
Quinten Dane	FB	Wilson Marsh
Steve Johnston	WG	Bryan Laumatia
Tony Tatupu Tony Tatupu Kuripitone "Tony" Tatupu is a former New Zealand rugby league player. Tatupu played at Centre and in the Second Row and represented both New Zealand and Western Samoa.-Playing career:...	CE	Gus Malietoa-Brown
Jason Kaulima	CE	Whetu Taewa Whetu Taewa Whetu Taewa is a former professional rugby league player who represented his country six times between 1989 and 1996.-New Zealand:...
Richard Stewart	WG	Solomon Kiri Solomon Kiri Solomon Kiri is a former professional rugby league player who played in the late 1990s for the Adelaide Rams and the Western Reds.-New Zealand:...
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:...	FE	Matthew Tuisamoa Matthew Tuisamoa Matthew Tuisamoa is a New Zealand former rugby league player who represented Western Samoa.-Playing career:Tuisamoa played for Auckland in 1991 and 1992. In 1994 he played for the Counties Manukau in the Lion Red Cup and was selected for Western Samoa when they conducted a tour of New Zealand...
Latham Tawhai Latham Tawhai Latham Tawhai is a rugby league coach and former player from New Zealand. He has also represented his country in softball.-Playing career:...	HB	Vinnie Clark
Faausu Afoa	PR	Kerry Pomare
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:... (C)	HK	Hitro Okesene Hitro Okesene Hitro Okesene is a New Zealand former rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s who represented three countries; Western Samoa, American Samoa and New Zealand... (C)
Lafaele Filipo	PR	Jason Temu Jason Temu Jason Temu is a former Cook Island rugby league player. His position of preference was at Prop.-Early years:Temu grew up in New Zealand and played for the Marist Saints in the Auckland Rugby League. In 1994 he followed his coach, Stan Martin, to the Counties Manukau Heroes in the new Lion Red Cup...
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...	SR	Paul Okesene Paul Okesene Paul Okesene is a Samoan rugby league player who represented both Western Samoa and American Samoa. His brother, Hitro, also played international rugby league.-Playing career:...
Don Stewart Don Stewart (rugby league) Donald Stewart is a New Zealand former rugby league player who represented Western Samoa.-Playing career:A Northcote Tigers junior, Stewart began his career at Centre before moving into the forward pack...	SR	Matthew Sturm Matthew Sturm Matthew 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...
Glen Palmer	LK	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:...
Jeff Thurston	Bench	Willy Wolfgramm
Jason Palmada Jason Palmada Jason Palmada is a New Zealand former rugby league footballer.-Playing career:A West Coast representative before moving to Auckland, Palmada was also a Junior Kiwi....	Bench	Fred Morunga
Michael Patterson	Bench	Des Maea Des Maea Des Maea is a former rugby league player.He played for Sheffield in 1993 and in 1994 returned to New Zealand to play for the Counties Manukau Heroes in the Lion Red Cup where he played in 21 matches, scoring 9 tries for the club...
Patrick Hellesoe	Bench	Steve Ekepai
Graeme Norton Graeme Norton Graeme Norton is a New Zealand former rugby league footballer and coach.-Early years:Norton first coached the Northcote Tigers, who he led to two Fox Memorial grand final wins and a National Club knockout championship....	Coach	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...

Counties Manukau started the match as favourites, however by halftime the North Harbour Sea Eagles had opened up a 20-6 lead and held on to win 24-16.

Team	Halftime	Total
North Harbour Sea Eagles	20	24
Counties Manukau Heroes	6	16

Tries (North Harbour)	2: J.Kaulima
	1: F.Afoa, L.Filipo, J.Palmada
Tries (Counties Manukau)	1: G.Malietoa-Brown, E.Manu, S.Ekepati
Goals (North Harbour)	1: Q.Dane, L.Tawhai
Goals (Counties Manukau)	2: W.Marsh
Date	25 September
Referee	Phil Houston Phil Houston Phil Houston is a former New Zealand rugby league referee. An international referee, Houston has also controlled Auckland Rugby League, New Zealand Rugby League, Australian Rugby League and Super League matches.-Domestic career:...
Venue	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...
Broadcast	TVNZ

Awards

Player of the Year: 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:...

(North Harbour)
Coach of the Year: 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...

(Counties Manukau)
Captain of the Year: 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:...

(North Harbour)
Best and Fairest: Paul Howell (Wellington City)
Referee of the Year: Phil Houston
Phil Houston
Phil Houston is a former New Zealand rugby league referee. An international referee, Houston has also controlled Auckland Rugby League, New Zealand Rugby League, Australian Rugby League and Super League matches.-Domestic career:...

Team of the Year

Fullback: Peter Edwards
Peter Edwards (rugby league)
Peter Edwards is a New Zealand former rugby league player who represented his country in 1993.-Playing career:A product of Manawatu, Edwards played for the Upper Hutt Tigers in the Wellington Rugby League and was part of the side that won the Appleton Shield in 1993...

(Hutt Valley)
Wing: Solomon Kiri
Solomon Kiri
Solomon Kiri is a former professional rugby league player who played in the late 1990s for the Adelaide Rams and the Western Reds.-New Zealand:...

(Counties Manukau)
Centre: Whetu Taewa
Whetu Taewa
Whetu Taewa is a former professional rugby league player who represented his country six times between 1989 and 1996.-New Zealand:...

(Counties Manukau)
Standoff: David Bailey
David Bailey
David Royston Bailey CBE is an English photographer.-Early life:He was born in Leytonstone, but his family were forced to move to Heigham Road, East Ham when a World War II bomb destroyed their home. Bailey was three years old, and this is where he and Thelma, his younger sister, were raised by...

(Waitakere City)
Scrumhalf: Aaron Tucker (Waikato)
Loose Forward: 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:...

(Waikato)
Second row: Tony Tatupu
Tony Tatupu
Kuripitone "Tony" Tatupu is a former New Zealand rugby league player. Tatupu played at Centre and in the Second Row and represented both New Zealand and Western Samoa.-Playing career:...

(North Harbour)
Prop forward: Jason Temu
Jason Temu
Jason Temu is a former Cook Island rugby league player. His position of preference was at Prop.-Early years:Temu grew up in New Zealand and played for the Marist Saints in the Auckland Rugby League. In 1994 he followed his coach, Stan Martin, to the Counties Manukau Heroes in the new Lion Red Cup...

(Counties Manukau)
Hooker: 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:...

(North Harbour)

Top Try Scorers

18 Henry Suluvale
Henry Suluvale
Henry Suluvale is a former rugby league player who represented Western Samoan at the 1995 Rugby League World Cup. Suluvale played on the Wing or in the Centres.-Early years:Suluvale grew up in Christchurch, New Zealand and attended Burnside High School....

(Canterbury Country)
16 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:...

(Waitakere City)
16 Bryan Laumatia (Counties Manukau)
16 Whetu Taewa
Whetu Taewa
Whetu Taewa is a former professional rugby league player who represented his country six times between 1989 and 1996.-New Zealand:...

(Counties Manukau)
14 Paul Howell (Wellington City)
14 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:...

(Waikato)
14 Tevita Vaikona
Tevita Vaikona
Tevita Vaikona is a professional rugby footballer, a powerful winger who enjoyed massive success in rugby league and picked up many honours before switching codes to rugby union where he was also hugely successful....

(Canterbury Country)
13 Steve Johnston (North Harbour)
12 Solomon Kiri
Solomon Kiri
Solomon Kiri is a former professional rugby league player who played in the late 1990s for the Adelaide Rams and the Western Reds.-New Zealand:...

(Counties Manukau)
12 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...

(Waikato)
12 Geoffrey Tangira (Taranaki)

Top Point Scorers

223 Wilson Marsh (Counties Manukau)
160 Paul Howell (Wellington)
152 Gavin Hill
Gavin Hill
Gavin Lyle Hill was a rugby league and rugby union player, who has resided in Wellington for the last 10 years before moving back to Auckland to take a coaching position in the Air New Zealand Cup....

(Waikato)
136 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:...

(Canterbury Country)
118 Jason Gilbert (Hutt Valley)
101 Dave Mackintosh (North Harbour)
85 Earl Va'a
Earl Va'a
Earl Va'a is a Samoan rugby union footballer. He plays as a fly-half.-Rugby league:Va'a started his career playing rugby league for the Wainuiomata Lions in New Zealand and in 1994 and 1995 he represented the Wellington City Dukes in the Lion Red Cup...

(Wellington City)
84 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:...

(Waitakere City)
84 David Murray
Doc Murray
David "Doc" Murray is a New Zealand rugby league coach and former player. His position of preference was at Fullback.-New Zealand career:...

(Auckland City)
81 Blair Nickson (Taranaki)
80 Wayne Trainor (Auckland City)

National Provincial Championship

With the advent of the Lion Red Cup, the National Provincial Championship was run as a second division for provincial sides who did not have a team in the Cup. Six teams participated with the West Coast winning the Championship after an undefeated season. The Gisborne-East Coast Lions won their first game since May 1991.

Team


West Coast	5	5	0	0	242	65	10
Northland	5	3	1	1	117	113	7
Manawatu	5	3	0	2	170	136	6
Gisborne-East Coast Lions	5	1	1	3	106	172	3
Southland	5	1	0	4	103	199	2
Otago	5	1	0	4	80	159	2

National Secondary Schools Cup

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...

won the National Secondary Schools Cup after they defeated Wainuiomata College 33-10 in the final. 23 Schools took part in the inaugural national competition with Huntly College

Huntly College

Huntly College is a state owned school located in the Waikato, New Zealand town of Huntly.The wide variety of programmes available recognises the differing abilities and needs of those attending the school, and ensures that all students have the chance to succeed at their own level and in their...

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....

also making the semi finals. The final was played as a curtain raiser to the Lion Red Cup grand final. St. Paul's included Stacey Jones

Stacey Jones

in their side and also won the Auckland Rugby League title.

Auckland

The Northcote Tigers

Northcote Tigers

The Northcote Tigers are a rugby league club based in Northcote, New Zealand. The club was founded in 1910 as the Northcote Warriors.The Tigers compete in the Fox Memorial competition run by the Auckland Rugby League. Between 2000 and 2002 the Northcote Tigers competed in the national Bartercard...

won the Fox Memorial in 1994 for the fourth consecutive year defeating 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...

32-12. Otahuhu won the Rukutai Shield (minor premiership) and also won the Stormont Shield and preseason Roope Rooster tournament. Northcote included 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:...

and 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:...

while Otahuhu included Leroy Joe

Leroy Joe

Leroy Joe is a rugby league footballer who previously played half back for Whitehaven in England, National League One League Division. He is of Cook Island Heritage...

, Danny Lima

Danny Lima

Danny Lima born 27 July 1975 in Samoa is a former rugby league player.Danny Lima's position of choice was as a prop. He was a Samoan international....

, Brian Henare and Meti Noovao

Meti Noovao

Meti Noovao is a former rugby league player. His position of preference was at Lock, although he was something of a utility. Meti was also a competent goal scorer, being a left footed goal kicker....

.

Hibiscus Coast

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:...

were the main surprise, finishing second in the minor premiership with Brian McClennan

Brian McClennan

as the player-coach.

Leroy Joe

Leroy Joe

Leroy Joe is a rugby league footballer who previously played half back for Whitehaven in England, National League One League Division. He is of Cook Island Heritage...

from Otahuhu won the Lipscombe Cup as the Premier One sportsman of the year.

Wellington

Marist-Northern, coached by Ken Laban, won the Grand Final 37-26 over the Upper Hutt Tigers. The Wainuiomata Lions

Wainuiomata Lions

The Wainuiomata Lions are a New Zealand rugby league club based in Wainuiomata, Wellington. They compete in the Wellington Rugby League competition.-Noted Players:...

were the minor premiers but lost twice in the playoffs to be quickly eliminated.

Maika Felise from Wainuiomata won the Colin O'Neil Trophy as the best and fairest in the competition.

Canterbury

The Papanui Tigers won the Pat Smith Challenge Trophy by defeating last years champions, the Haswell Hawks, 14-4 in 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...

grand final. Papanui, who featured Shane Endacott

Shane Endacott

Shane 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...

and Blair Harding

Blair Harding

, also won the minor premiership.

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:...

was named the Canterbury Rugby League's player of the year.

Other Competitions

The Moerewa Tigers won the Northland Super Six Series by defeating the Takahiwai Warriors 34-28. The Portland Panthers also defeated the Warriors 30-20 in the Whangarei final. The Kaikohe Lions won the Bay of Islands title, defeating the Moerewa Tigers while the Te Paatu Warriors won the Far North title when they defeated the Whangatauatia Mountain Men.

Minor premiers Turangawaewae defeated the Hamilton City Tigers 30-23 to win 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...

final. Taniwharau

Taniwharau 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:...

, led by Tama Hohaia, won the Pre-season tournament while Hamilton Boys' High School

Hamilton Boys' High School

Hamilton Boys' High School is a boys' secondary school in Hamilton, New Zealand. The school was established as Hamilton High School in 1903 but was later split into separate boys' and girls' schools. The school crest features a lion, sash and star, and bears the motto "Sapiens Fortunam Fingit Sibi"...

won the High School Shield.

Piako dominated 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...

season, winning the early season Ces Mountford Trophy round before finishing with the minor premiership and winning the grand final 22-10 over Turangi.

The Western Suburbs Tigers defeated the Waitara Bears 22-20 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 to end the Bears dominance of the region. The Kia Ora Warriors, coached by Peter Sixtus, won the Manawatu Rugby League

Manawatu Rugby League

Manawatu Rugby League was formed in 1957. They are currently part of the Mid-Central zone along with Taranaki Rugby League.-Kiwi Players:Only one player from Manawatu has ever made the New Zealand Kiwis. This was Kiwi number 456, Dick Uluave, who played two tests in 1979.-National Competitions:In...

grand final 20-16 over Linton.

The Taradale Eagles upset Tamatea 38-22 in the Hawke's Bay final to deny them their third consecutive premiership in front of 1500 fans. Minor premiers, the Repongaere Eels, defeated the Turanga Panthers 36-24 to win the Gisborne-East Coast grand final.

The Golden Bay Boars defeated the Motueka Tigers 22-19 in the Nelson competition before defeating the Blenheim Knights 42-4 to win the Top of the South competition. Blenheim were the Marlborough champions.

Waro-Rakau smashed Papanui to 40-4 to win the Thacker Shield

Thacker Shield

The Thacker Shield is a rugby league football trophy awarded on an annual basis to the winner of a match between the champion clubs of the Canterbury Rugby League and West Coast Rugby League.-History:...

and bring it to the West Coast for the first time since 1982. Former Kiwi Blair Harding

Blair Harding

scored the only try for Papanui. The Waro-Rakau Hornets had earlier won the West Coast competition for the second consecutive year when they defeated Runanga 42-8 in the grand final. The Hornets were also the competitions minor premiers and scored 862 points throughout the season while only conceding 146.

He Tauaa defeated the South Pacific Raiders 29-26 to win the Otago-Southland Swains Trophy. However He Tauaa lost the Southland grand final to the Coalshop Leopards. The South Pacific Raiders were undefeated in Otago and won the grand final 18-8 against Kiatoa.

The source of this article is wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. The text of this article is licensed under the GFDL.