1998 New Zealand rugby league season
Encyclopedia
The 1998 New Zealand rugby league season was the ninety first season of rugby league
that had been played in New Zealand
. The main feature of the year was the National Provincial competition that was run by the New Zealand Rugby League
. Auckland
won the National Provincial Competition by defeating Canterbury 44-8 while Waikato ended the season holding the Rugby League Cup.
in the ANZAC Test
on 24 April before losing 12-30 and 16-36 in October. New Zealand were coached by Frank Endacott
and included; captain Matthew Ridge
, Sean Hoppe
, Richard Blackmore
, Ruben Wiki
, Richie Barnett
, Robbie Paul
, Stacey Jones
, John Lomax
, Henry Paul
, Quentin Pongia
, Jarrod McCracken
, Tony Iro
, Logan Swann
, Nigel Vagana
, Terry Hermansson
, Kevin Iro
, Syd Eru
, Stephen Kearney
, Gene Ngamu
, Tony Puletua
, Nathan Cayless
and Joe Vagana
.
New Zealand then conducted a tour of Great Britain. They won the first two Test matches 22-16 and 36-16 before being held to a 23-all draw in the third and final Test match. New Zealand were coached by Frank Endacott
and included; Richie Barnett
, Nathan Cayless
, Syd Eru
, Daryl Halligan
, Sean Hoppe
, Kevin
and Tony Iro
, Stacey Jones
, Stephen Kearney
, Jarrod McCracken
, Henry
and Robbie Paul
, captain Quentin Pongia
, Tony Puletua
, Craig Smith
, Logan Swann
, Joe Vagana
and Ruben Wiki
.
During the National Rugby League
playoffs two trial matches were held, with the Auckland Warriors playing the New Zealand Residents
. The Warriors won both matches, 66-4 and 60-16 respectively at Rugby League Park and Carlaw Park
respectively.
A New Zealand Sevens team traveled to Fiji to compete in the Oceania Sevens. The Team was coached by Gerard Stokes
and included Brian Jellick
and Phil Bergman
. New Zealand won the tournament.
The New Zealand Māori
team, excited by the news that they would participate in the 2000 World Cup
, toured both the Cook Islands and Papua New Guinea. Included in the squads were Frank Watene
, Brian Jellick
, Dallas Mead
, Boycie Nelson
, Jason Williams, Chris Nahi
, Phil Bergman
, Kyle Leuluai, Artie Shead
and Tawera Nikau
. The Māori finished third in the Papua New Guinea 50th Jubilee Tournament. Earlier in the season the New Zealand Māori
had traveled to the Cook Islands. Included in this squad was Hare Te Rangi
, Jellick, Odell Manuel
, Nelson, Paul Rauhihi
, Watene and Jonathan Smith
.
The Kiwi Ferns played three test matches against the Great Britain national side, winning all three tests.
The Junior Kiwis
played the Junior Kangaroos home and away, losing both matches. The squad was coached by Gary Kemble
and featured David Vaealiki
, Lesley Vainikolo
, Glen Turner
, Peter Lewis
, Jeremy Smith, Wairangi Koopu
, Aaron Trinder
, Henry Fa'afili
, Ali Lauitiiti
, Jason Williams and Jonathan Smith
.
The Under 18 secondary schools team hosted the Australian secondary schools team and lost both matches. The team was coached by Bill Robb and included Shontayne Hape
, Henry Perenara
, Jason Williams, Henry Fa'afili
and James Stosic
. St Pauls College
won the national secondary schools competition. An Under 19 Academy Team won the inaugural Oceania tournament. This team was coached by Jeff Whittaker and included James Stosic
and Clinton Toopi
.
Quentin Pongia
was named the NZRL player of the year.
Having already defended the trophy three times, Waikato did not put the Rugby League Cup on the line when they hosted Auckland in the National Provincial Competition.
's 1998 Provincial Competition with teams playing in regional zones.
Auckland
were coached by Dominic Clarke and captained by Ben Lythe
. Other notable players included Cliff Beverley
, Boycie Nelson
, Don Stewart
and Brian Jellick
.
Waikato were coached by Bill Kells
and featured Tama Hohaia, captain Tukere Barlow
and Wairangi Koopu
.
Team
Alan Jackson coached the newly renamed Taranaki Sharks for the first time in 1998. Taranaki used six imports throughout the season, all from Auckland. They were Iva Ropati
, Paul Rauhihi
, Lamond Copestake, Phil and Artie Shead
and John Edmonds. James Stosic
played in the Sharks team as a 17 year old 100 kg prop.
Canterbury were coached by Gerard Stokes
and featured Aaron Whittaker
, Paul Koloi
, Brent Stuart
, Jason Palmada
, David Vaealiki
, Shane Beyers, Phil Bergman
.
Team
This was Auckland's biggest win over Canterbury since 1989 when it defeated them 50-12. Ben Lythe
played in the final despite getting married the day before.
Northland were coached by Phil Marsh and included Hamish Reed and Anthony Clyde who had previously played reserve grade for the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs and Auckland Warriors respectively.
Team
Manawatu were again coached by Paul Sixtus and were strengthened by several imports from Wellington. Despite this, and Hawke's Bay's Lion Red Cup
experience, the Tasman Orcas, who were only formed in 1997, won the pool by defeating Manawatu in the final match.
Tasman included former Kiwi Simon Angell
and were coached by Wayne McCann.
Team
To celebrate the 150 years since the European settlement of Otago
a combined Otago-Southland side played a New Zealand Army
team and defeated them 54-6 in Dunedin. This was the first time a combined Otago-Southland team had played since 1984.
Otago defeated West Coast for the first time since 1927. Southland also recorded its first ever win over the Coast. The second West Coast v Otago match was canceled due to bad weather.
Team
The Bay of Plenty were able to retain there spot in the first division by defeating Northland and Otago, both teams who were previously undefeated.
competition. They finished 15th out of 20 teams and failed to make the playoffs.
The Auckland Warriors reserve team played in a series of matches against New Zealand Provincial sides, winning most of them by large margins.
defended there Fox Memorial title and also won the Rukutai Shield (minor premiership). Glenora defeated Mangere East
35-6 in the grand final. The Mangere East Hawks won the pre-season Roope Rooster trophy. Ten teams competed in the Super 10 first division.
The Bears were coached by Del Hughes and included Duane Mann
, Cliff Beverley
, Brian Jellick
, Boycie Nelson
, Steve Buckingham
and Ben Lythe
in there side. Mangere East were coached by Joe Gwynne and included Tama Hohaia, Dean Clark
, Tukere Barlow
, Anthony Seuseu, Des Maea
and Esau Mann
.
Fred Robarts from Te Atatu
won the seasons best and fairest award. Ben Lythe was the seasons top point scorer with 324 points.
The Hibiscus Coast Raiders
won the second division Regional Cup while Mount Albert won the Phelan Shield.
Tino Brown from Marist Northern won the Colin O'Neil Trophy.
's premier grade. The Papanui Tigers won the Pat Smith Challenge Trophy 27-22 over the Halswell Hornets. The Wayne Wallace
coached Hornby Panthers won the Massetti Cup (minor premiership). Halswell featured Aaron Whittaker
while Simon Angell
played for Hornby, Blair Harding
played for Papanui, David Vaealiki
played for Sydenham and Phil Bergman
and Paul Koloi
played for Riccarton-Lincoln.
Turangawaewae won the Waikato club competition, beating the Hamilton City Tigers 35-18 in the final. The Tigers won the minor premiership.
The Ngongotaha Chiefs
won the combined Bay of Plenty-Coastline Super 10 competition, defeating Welcome Bay 33-24 in the Grand Final. Te Paamu won the Coastline competition, finishing as minor premiers before defeating Kawerau 62-10 in the final.
The Maraenui Phoenix dominated the Hawke's Bay competition, winning the Nines, pre-season, minor premiership and premiership titles. They defeated Taradale-Tamatea United 34-20 in the Grand Final.
The Waitara Bears defeated Midhirst Magpies 43-10 in the Taranaki Grand Final at Pukekura Park. The Bears also won the minor premiership.
Linton Army won their first premiership since 1992, by defeating Wanganui's Castlecliff 50-16 in the Grand Final.
In the South Island, the Whakatu Firebirds defeated the Motueka Tigers 32-28 to win the Nelson-Marlborough title.
The Marist Saints won the West Coast League in their 75th season, defeating minor premiers, the Waro-rakau Hornets, 23-12 in the Grand Final. The grand final was former Kiwi Wayne Dwyer
's final match. He made his debut for the West Coast in 1978.
The Invercargill Stormers won the 150th Otago-Southland premier competition, defeating the South Pacific Raiders 23-18. The South Pacific Raiders won the Ellis Cup as the premier Otago champions.
Rugby league
Rugby league football, usually called rugby league, is a full contact sport played by two teams of thirteen players on a rectangular grass field. One of the two codes of rugby football, it originated in England in 1895 by a split from Rugby Football Union over paying players...
that had been played in New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
. The main feature of the year was the National Provincial competition that was run by the New Zealand Rugby League
New Zealand Rugby League
The New Zealand Rugby League is the governing body for the sport of rugby league football in New Zealand. The NZRL was founded on the 25 April 1910 in preparation for a tour of Great Britain that same year....
. 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...
won the National Provincial Competition by defeating Canterbury 44-8 while Waikato ended the season holding the Rugby League Cup.
International competitions
The New Zealand Kiwis played in six Test matches in 1998, defeating Australia 22-16 at North Harbour StadiumNorth Harbour Stadium
North Harbour Stadium is a stadium, situated in Albany, in North Shore City, in New Zealand. It was opened in 1997, after nearly a decade of discussion, planning and construction. Rugby union, football and rugby League are the only sports played on the main ground, as it is rectangular in shape....
in the ANZAC Test
ANZAC Test
The Anzac Test is an annual rugby league football test match . The test match is played annually between Australia and New Zealand on or around Anzac Day for the Bill Kelly Memorial Trophy.-Origins:Australia and New Zealand had competed in Rugby League Tests since 1908...
on 24 April before losing 12-30 and 16-36 in October. New Zealand were coached by Frank Endacott
Frank Endacott
Frank Morris Endacott, ONZM is a retired rugby league player and coach from New Zealand. His son, Shane, also played rugby league.-Playing career:Endacott played for Addington and Hornby in the Canterbury Rugby League competition...
and included; captain 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....
, Sean Hoppe
Sean Hoppe
Sean Edward Hoppe is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who represented his country.-Early years:...
, Richard 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....
, 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...
, 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:...
, 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...
, 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...
, 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:...
, 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...
, 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,...
, 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...
, Tony Iro
Tony Iro
Tony Roy Iro is the Assistant Coach of the New Zealand Warriors, selector and Assistant Coach of the New Zealand national rugby league team and a former rugby league player...
, 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:...
, 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...
, 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:...
, Kevin Iro
Kevin Iro
Kevin Leslie Iro is a former professional rugby league international footballer who has representated both New Zealand and the Cook Islands. In his domestic career, his achievements include playing in the Challenge Cup final for Leeds, Wigan and St. Helens.Iro is the younger brother of New Zealand...
, Syd Eru
Syd Eru
Sydney Wiremu "Syd" Eru is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s. A Kiwi representative hooker, he played club football for the Auckland Warriors.-Playing career:...
, Stephen Kearney
Stephen Kearney
Stephen Peter Kearney, ONZM is a professional rugby league football coach and former player. He is the current head coach of the Parramatta Eels in the NRL as well as the New Zealand national team...
, Gene Ngamu
Gene Ngamu
Gene Robert Ngamu is a New Zealand former rugby league player. He played mainly at Halfback or Five Eighth and is probably best known for his combination with Stacey Jones in the Auckland Warriors and New Zealand Kiwis.-Early years:...
, Tony Puletua
Tony Puletua
Anthony Puletua is a New Zealand professional rugby league footballer for St. Helens in the European Super League. A New Zealand and Samoan international, Puletua previously played for the Penrith Panthers in the National Rugby League competition...
, Nathan Cayless
Nathan Cayless
Nathan Frederick Cayless is a retired New Zealand-Australian professional rugby league footballer, who was a long-time captain the Parramatta Eels of the National Rugby League. His position of choice was prop forward. He is also a former captain of the New Zealand national team, whom he led to...
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...
.
New Zealand then conducted a tour of Great Britain. They won the first two Test matches 22-16 and 36-16 before being held to a 23-all draw in the third and final Test match. New Zealand were coached by Frank Endacott
Frank Endacott
Frank Morris Endacott, ONZM is a retired rugby league player and coach from New Zealand. His son, Shane, also played rugby league.-Playing career:Endacott played for Addington and Hornby in the Canterbury Rugby League competition...
and included; 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:...
, Nathan Cayless
Nathan Cayless
Nathan Frederick Cayless is a retired New Zealand-Australian professional rugby league footballer, who was a long-time captain the Parramatta Eels of the National Rugby League. His position of choice was prop forward. He is also a former captain of the New Zealand national team, whom he led to...
, Syd Eru
Syd Eru
Sydney Wiremu "Syd" Eru is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s. A Kiwi representative hooker, he played club football for the Auckland Warriors.-Playing career:...
, 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...
, Sean Hoppe
Sean Hoppe
Sean Edward Hoppe is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who represented his country.-Early years:...
, Kevin
Kevin Iro
Kevin Leslie Iro is a former professional rugby league international footballer who has representated both New Zealand and the Cook Islands. In his domestic career, his achievements include playing in the Challenge Cup final for Leeds, Wigan and St. Helens.Iro is the younger brother of New Zealand...
and Tony Iro
Tony Iro
Tony Roy Iro is the Assistant Coach of the New Zealand Warriors, selector and Assistant Coach of the New Zealand national rugby league team and a former rugby league player...
, 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...
, 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...
, 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...
, Henry
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...
and 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...
, captain 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,...
, Tony Puletua
Tony Puletua
Anthony Puletua is a New Zealand professional rugby league footballer for St. Helens in the European Super League. A New Zealand and Samoan international, Puletua previously played for the Penrith Panthers in the National Rugby League competition...
, 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...
, 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:...
, 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...
and 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...
.
During the National Rugby League
National Rugby League
The National Rugby League is the top league of professional rugby league football clubs in Australasia. The NRL's main competition, called the Telstra Premiership , is contested by sixteen teams, fifteen of which are based in Australia with one based in New Zealand...
playoffs two trial matches were held, with the Auckland Warriors playing 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...
. The Warriors won both matches, 66-4 and 60-16 respectively at Rugby League Park and 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...
respectively.
A New Zealand Sevens team traveled to Fiji to compete in the Oceania Sevens. The Team was 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 Brian Jellick
Brian Jellick
Brian Andrew Jellick is a former professional rugby league footballer who represented his country. His position of preference was on the .-Playing career:...
and 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:...
. New Zealand won the tournament.
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...
team, excited by the news that they would participate in the 2000 World Cup
2000 Rugby League World Cup
The 2000 Rugby League World Cup was the twelfth staging of the Rugby League World Cup and was held during October and November of that year in Great Britain, Ireland and France...
, toured both the Cook Islands and Papua New Guinea. Included in the squads were Frank Watene
Frank Watene
Frank Watene is a professional rugby league footballer who at has played for the Auckland Warriors, Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, Castleford Tigers, Dewsbury Rams, and Halifax RLFC at club level, playing at Prop forward or Second-row forward.-Early years:...
, Brian Jellick
Brian Jellick
Brian Andrew Jellick is a former professional rugby league footballer who represented his country. His position of preference was on the .-Playing career:...
, Dallas Mead
Dallas Mead
Dallas Mead is a New Zealand former professional wrestler and rugby league player who played professionally for Warrington.-Playing career:In 1995 Mead was signed by the new Auckland Warriors franchise and played for the Warriors Colts in the Lion Red Cup...
, Boycie Nelson
Boycie Nelson
Boycie Nelson is a New Zealand rugby league footballer who currently plays for the Glenora Bears. His position of preference is in the Centres and he also kicks goals.-New Zealand:...
, Jason Williams, Chris Nahi
Chris Nahi
Christopher Nahi is a former professional rugby league footballer. He has played representative rugby league for both the New Zealand Māori team and a Rest of the World side.-Playing career:...
, 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:...
, Kyle Leuluai, Artie Shead
Artie Shead
Artie Shead is a New Zealand born French rugby league player for the Pia Donkeys in the Elite One Championship he was previously with the Villeneuve Leopards. His position is at prop or centre...
and 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...
. The Māori finished third in the Papua New Guinea 50th Jubilee Tournament. Earlier in the season 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...
had traveled to the Cook Islands. Included in this squad was Hare Te Rangi
Hare Te Rangi
Hare Te Rangi is a New Zealand former rugby league footballer who represented New Zealand Māori at the 2000 World Cup.-Playing career:Te Rangi started his career with the Piako Warriors, who won the Bay of Plenty Rugby League grand final in 1995...
, Jellick, Odell Manuel
Odell Manuel
Odell Manuel is a former New Zealand rugby league player and almost the Australian Powerlifting champion.-Early years:Growing up in Auckland, Manuel was a Otahuhu Leopards junior and in 1997 was selected for the Junior Kiwis.-Rugby league career:...
, Nelson, 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:...
, Watene and Jonathan Smith
Jonathan Smith (rugby league)
Jonathan Smith is a former New Zealand rugby league player. His position of preference was in the Second Row.-Playing career:...
.
The Kiwi Ferns played three test matches against the Great Britain national side, winning all three tests.
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...
played the Junior Kangaroos home and away, losing both matches. The squad was 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:...
and featured David Vaealiki
David Vaealiki
David Ioane Vaealiki is a rugby union player currently playing for SC Albi. He has represented New Zealand in rugby league and previously played in the National Rugby League in Australia and in Super League in England...
, Lesley Vainikolo
Lesley Vainikolo
Lesley Vainikolo is a dual code professional rugby football player who currently plays for Gloucester Rugby. He plays on the wing....
, Glen Turner
Glen Turner
Glen Turner is a former professional rugby league player who played for the Melbourne Storm and Canberra Raiders. He played as a second row or lock.-Playing career:...
, Peter Lewis
Peter Lewis (rugby league)
-Early years:A junior from Wellington's Upper Hutt, Lewis was signed by the Auckland Warriors in 1998 and moved to Auckland. In Auckland he played for the Warriors unbeaten reserve grade side in 1998 and was good enough to be selected for the Junior Kiwis. He attracted some interest from Australian...
, Jeremy Smith, Wairangi Koopu
Wairangi Koopu
Wairangi Koopu is a professional rugby league player for the Pt Chev Pirates in New Zealand. Koopu primarily plays in the second row, although he also can play in the centres.-Early years:...
, Aaron Trinder
Aaron Trinder
Aaron Trinder is a rugby league player who currently plays for the Norths Devils in the Queensland Cup. He plays as a prop.-Playing career:In 2001 Trinder played for the Newtown Jets in the NSWRL First Division....
, Henry Fa'afili
Henry Fa'afili
Henry Fa'afili is a Samoan rugby player. He originally played Rugby league but switched codes in 2007 to play rugby union for Biarritz Olympique. He is currently signed to Connacht Rugby in the Celtic League after departing Leeds Carnegie in June 2011. Fa'afili's position of choice is on the Wing...
, Ali Lauitiiti
Ali Lauitiiti
Ali Lauitiiti is a New Zealand professional rugby league footballer for English club Leeds Rhinos in the European Super League. Both a Samoa and New Zealand international representative forward, he previously played in the National Rugby League for the Warriors...
, Jason Williams and Jonathan Smith
Jonathan Smith (rugby league)
Jonathan Smith is a former New Zealand rugby league player. His position of preference was in the Second Row.-Playing career:...
.
The Under 18 secondary schools team hosted the Australian secondary schools team and lost both matches. The team was coached by Bill Robb and included Shontayne Hape
Shontayne Hape
Shontayne Hape is a New Zealand-born rugby footballer, a dual-code rugby international. He plays rugby union at centre for London Irish and England. He has also previously played rugby league for the Bradford Bulls in Super League and New Zealand Warriors in the National Rugby League...
, 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...
, Jason Williams, Henry Fa'afili
Henry Fa'afili
Henry Fa'afili is a Samoan rugby player. He originally played Rugby league but switched codes in 2007 to play rugby union for Biarritz Olympique. He is currently signed to Connacht Rugby in the Celtic League after departing Leeds Carnegie in June 2011. Fa'afili's position of choice is on the Wing...
and James Stosic
James Stosic
James Stosic is a professional rugby league player who currently plays for the Easts Tigers in the QLD Cup.-Early years:...
. 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 national secondary schools competition. An Under 19 Academy Team won the inaugural Oceania tournament. This team was coached by Jeff Whittaker and included James Stosic
James Stosic
James Stosic is a professional rugby league player who currently plays for the Easts Tigers in the QLD Cup.-Early years:...
and Clinton Toopi
Clinton Toopi
Clinton Toopi is a professional rugby footballer who is currently playing for the Gold Coast Titans of the National Rugby League. His usual position is centre.-Playing career:...
.
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,...
was named the NZRL player of the year.
Rugby League Cup
Waikato accepted three challenges for the Rugby League Cup early in the season. They defeated Coastline 64-14 and Hawkes Bay 50-8 before facing a competitive challenge from Taranaki. Taranaki were leading 16-12 with thirteen minutes to go before Waikato scored twice to win 22-16.Having already defended the trophy three times, Waikato did not put the Rugby League Cup on the line when they hosted Auckland in the National Provincial Competition.
National Provincial Competition
All 15 districts competed in the New Zealand Rugby LeagueNew 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 1998 Provincial Competition with teams playing in regional zones.
First Division
The First Division consisted of six teams divided into two regional zones. The winner of each zone met in the final.Northern Zone
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...
were coached by Dominic Clarke and captained by 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:...
. Other notable players included Cliff Beverley
Cliff Beverley
Cliff Beverley is a former professional rugby league player. His preferred position was Five Eighth, although he was somewhat of a utility and spent considerable time at fullback.-Early years:...
, Boycie Nelson
Boycie Nelson
Boycie Nelson is a New Zealand rugby league footballer who currently plays for the Glenora Bears. His position of preference is in the Centres and he also kicks goals.-New Zealand:...
, 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...
and Brian Jellick
Brian Jellick
Brian Andrew Jellick is a former professional rugby league footballer who represented his country. His position of preference was on the .-Playing career:...
.
Waikato were coached by Bill Kells
Bill Kells
William Robert "Bill" Kells is a New Zealand former rugby league player and coach who represented his country.-Playing career:From the Huntly area, Kells was a Waikato representative and was selected in the New Zealand Kiwis squad in 1980. Kells spent the 1982/83 season with Bradford Northern in...
and featured Tama Hohaia, captain 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...
and Wairangi Koopu
Wairangi Koopu
Wairangi Koopu is a professional rugby league player for the Pt Chev Pirates in New Zealand. Koopu primarily plays in the second row, although he also can play in the centres.-Early years:...
.
| 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... |
4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 242 | 34 | 8 |
| 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... |
4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 93 | 162 | 4 |
| 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... |
4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 54 | 193 | 0 |
Southern Zone
Alan Jackson coached the newly renamed Taranaki Sharks for the first time in 1998. Taranaki used six imports throughout the season, all from Auckland. They were Iva Ropati
Iva Ropati
Iva Lewis Ropati is a former rugby league international player and High School Principal.-Early years:He grew up playing for the Otahuhu Leopards before moving to the Te Atatu Roosters where he won a Fox Memorial premiership. He later played for the Mangere East Hawks before moving to England...
, 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:...
, Lamond Copestake, Phil and Artie Shead
Artie Shead
Artie Shead is a New Zealand born French rugby league player for the Pia Donkeys in the Elite One Championship he was previously with the Villeneuve Leopards. His position is at prop or centre...
and John Edmonds. James Stosic
James Stosic
James Stosic is a professional rugby league player who currently plays for the Easts Tigers in the QLD Cup.-Early years:...
played in the Sharks team as a 17 year old 100 kg prop.
Canterbury 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 featured 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:...
, Paul Koloi
Paul Koloi
Paul Koloi is a Tongan rugby league player who represented his country in the 2000 World Cup.-Playing career:A Riccarton-Lincoln junior in the Canterbury Rugby League, Koloi played for the Canterbury Cardinals in the 1995 and 1996 Lion Red Cups. He played for Tonga in the 1996 Pacific...
, 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...
, 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....
, David Vaealiki
David Vaealiki
David Ioane Vaealiki is a rugby union player currently playing for SC Albi. He has represented New Zealand in rugby league and previously played in the National Rugby League in Australia and in Super League in England...
, Shane Beyers, 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:...
.
| Canterbury Reds | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 126 | 90 | 6 |
| Taranaki Sharks Taranaki rugby league team The Taranaki rugby league team are New Zealand rugby league team that represents the Taranaki Rugby League. They have been nicknamed the Rockets, Sharks and Wildcats.-1908:... |
4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 122 | 104 | 4 |
| Wellington Pumas | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 102 | 156 | 2 |
Final
This was Auckland's biggest win over Canterbury since 1989 when it defeated them 50-12. 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:...
played in the final despite getting married the day before.
| Team | Halftime | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Auckland | 18 | 44 |
| Canterbury | 4 | 8 |
| Tries (Auckland) | 1: B.Nelson Boycie Nelson Boycie Nelson is a New Zealand rugby league footballer who currently plays for the Glenora Bears. His position of preference is in the Centres and he also kicks goals.-New Zealand:... , J.Fiu, C.Beverley Cliff Beverley Cliff Beverley is a former professional rugby league player. His preferred position was Five Eighth, although he was somewhat of a utility and spent considerable time at fullback.-Early years:... , K.Asiata, L.Tamatoa, B.Fahey, D.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... |
|---|---|
| Tries (Canterbury) | 1: G.Cook, L.Sione |
| Goals (Auckland) | 8: B.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:... |
| Goals (Canterbury) | 0 |
| Date | 1 November |
| Referee | Steven Church |
| 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... |
Second Division
Nine teams competed in the second division, in three regional zones. The winner of each of the regional zones, plus the worst performing first division side competed in an inter-zonal play off for a spot in 1999's First Division.Northern Zone
Northland were coached by Phil Marsh and included Hamish Reed and Anthony Clyde who had previously played reserve grade for the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs and Auckland Warriors respectively.
| Northland Wild Boars | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 254 | 60 | 8 |
| Coastline Mariners | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 172 | 152 | 4 |
| Gisborne East Coast Lions | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 58 | 272 | 0 |
Central Zone
Manawatu were again coached by Paul Sixtus and were strengthened by several imports from Wellington. Despite this, and Hawke's Bay's 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...
experience, the Tasman Orcas, who were only formed in 1997, won the pool by defeating Manawatu in the final match.
Tasman included former Kiwi 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....
and were coached by Wayne McCann.
| Tasman Orcas | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 138 | 132 | 6 |
| Manawatu Mustangs | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 150 | 128 | 4 |
| 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... |
4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 134 | 162 | 2 |
Southern Zone
To celebrate the 150 years since the European settlement of Otago
History of Otago
The history of Otago in New Zealand tells the story of human settlement of one of the more isolated outliers of the inhabited earth.- Archaic Māori period :...
a combined Otago-Southland side played a New Zealand Army
New Zealand Army
The New Zealand Army , is the land component of the New Zealand Defence Force and comprises around 4,500 Regular Force personnel, 2,000 Territorial Force personnel and 500 civilians. Formerly the New Zealand Military Forces, the current name was adopted around 1946...
team and defeated them 54-6 in Dunedin. This was the first time a combined Otago-Southland team had played since 1984.
Otago defeated West Coast for the first time since 1927. Southland also recorded its first ever win over the Coast. The second West Coast v Otago match was canceled due to bad weather.
| Otago 45er's | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 106 | 60 | 6 |
| West Coast Chargers | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 80 | 74 | 2 |
| Southland Rams | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 76 | 138 | 2 |
Inter-Zonal playoffs
The Bay of Plenty were able to retain there spot in the first division by defeating Northland and Otago, both teams who were previously undefeated.
Australian competitions
The Auckland Warriors competed in the National Rugby LeagueNational Rugby League
The National Rugby League is the top league of professional rugby league football clubs in Australasia. The NRL's main competition, called the Telstra Premiership , is contested by sixteen teams, fifteen of which are based in Australia with one based in New Zealand...
competition. They finished 15th out of 20 teams and failed to make the playoffs.
The Auckland Warriors reserve team played in a series of matches against New Zealand Provincial sides, winning most of them by large margins.
Auckland
The Glenora BearsGlenora Bears
The Glenora Bears are a rugby league football club based in Glen Eden, New Zealand who compete in Auckland Rugby League's Fox Memorial competition. The club was established in 1931...
defended there Fox Memorial title and also won the Rukutai Shield (minor premiership). Glenora defeated Mangere East
Mangere East Hawks
The 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...
35-6 in the grand final. The Mangere East Hawks won the pre-season Roope Rooster trophy. Ten teams competed in the Super 10 first division.
The Bears were coached by Del Hughes and included 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:...
, Cliff Beverley
Cliff Beverley
Cliff Beverley is a former professional rugby league player. His preferred position was Five Eighth, although he was somewhat of a utility and spent considerable time at fullback.-Early years:...
, Brian Jellick
Brian Jellick
Brian Andrew Jellick is a former professional rugby league footballer who represented his country. His position of preference was on the .-Playing career:...
, Boycie Nelson
Boycie Nelson
Boycie Nelson is a New Zealand rugby league footballer who currently plays for the Glenora Bears. His position of preference is in the Centres and he also kicks goals.-New Zealand:...
, Steve Buckingham
Steve Buckingham (rugby league)
Steve Buckingham is a New Zealand rugby league coach and player. His position of preference is at Halfback. He is currently the head coach of the Mount Albert Lions.-Early years:...
and 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:...
in there side. Mangere East were coached by Joe Gwynne and included Tama Hohaia, Dean Clark
Dean Clark (rugby league)
Dean Clark is a New Zealand rugby league coach and former footballer who represented his country between 1989 and 1992. He is the current coach of the Papakura Sea Eagles in the Auckland Rugby League competition.-Playing career:...
, 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...
, Anthony Seuseu, 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...
and Esau Mann
Esau Mann
Esau Mann is a Tongan former rugby league player who represented his country at the 2000 World Cup. He is a cousin of fellow internationals Duane and George Mann.-Playing career:...
.
Fred Robarts from Te Atatu
Te Atatu Roosters
The 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...
won the seasons best and fairest award. Ben Lythe was the seasons top point scorer with 324 points.
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:...
won the second division Regional Cup while Mount Albert won the Phelan Shield.
Wellington
The Upper Hutt Tigers defeated Petone 24-20 in the Wellington Grand Final, winning the Appleton Shield for the second consecutive year. Upper Hutt were also the minor premiers while Paremata won the Plate final.Tino Brown from Marist Northern won the Colin O'Neil Trophy.
Canterbury
Seven teams competed in 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...
's premier grade. The Papanui Tigers won the Pat Smith Challenge Trophy 27-22 over the Halswell Hornets. The 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:...
coached Hornby Panthers won the Massetti Cup (minor premiership). Halswell featured 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:...
while 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....
played for Hornby, 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...
played for Papanui, David Vaealiki
David Vaealiki
David Ioane Vaealiki is a rugby union player currently playing for SC Albi. He has represented New Zealand in rugby league and previously played in the National Rugby League in Australia and in Super League in England...
played for Sydenham and 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:...
and Paul Koloi
Paul Koloi
Paul Koloi is a Tongan rugby league player who represented his country in the 2000 World Cup.-Playing career:A Riccarton-Lincoln junior in the Canterbury Rugby League, Koloi played for the Canterbury Cardinals in the 1995 and 1996 Lion Red Cups. He played for Tonga in the 1996 Pacific...
played for Riccarton-Lincoln.
Other Competitions
In Northland three district club competitions were staged after costs forced the abandonment of the Northland-wide competition that had run in 1996 and 1997. The Takahiwai Warriors, celebrating their 65th year, won the Whangarei title while the Hokianga Pioneers won the Bay of Islands title.Turangawaewae won the Waikato club competition, beating the Hamilton City Tigers 35-18 in the final. The Tigers won the minor premiership.
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:...
won the combined Bay of Plenty-Coastline Super 10 competition, defeating Welcome Bay 33-24 in the Grand Final. Te Paamu won the Coastline competition, finishing as minor premiers before defeating Kawerau 62-10 in the final.
The Maraenui Phoenix dominated the Hawke's Bay competition, winning the Nines, pre-season, minor premiership and premiership titles. They defeated Taradale-Tamatea United 34-20 in the Grand Final.
The Waitara Bears defeated Midhirst Magpies 43-10 in the Taranaki Grand Final at Pukekura Park. The Bears also won the minor premiership.
Linton Army won their first premiership since 1992, by defeating Wanganui's Castlecliff 50-16 in the Grand Final.
In the South Island, the Whakatu Firebirds defeated the Motueka Tigers 32-28 to win the Nelson-Marlborough title.
The Marist Saints won the West Coast League in their 75th season, defeating minor premiers, the Waro-rakau Hornets, 23-12 in the Grand Final. The grand final was former Kiwi Wayne Dwyer
Wayne Dwyer
Wayne Patrick Dwyer is a New Zealand former rugby league player who represented his country .-Playing career:A Marist representative, Dwyer first represented the West Coast in 1978.During the 1980s Dwyer represented both the West Coast and the South Island...
's final match. He made his debut for the West Coast in 1978.
The Invercargill Stormers won the 150th Otago-Southland premier competition, defeating the South Pacific Raiders 23-18. The South Pacific Raiders won the Ellis Cup as the premier Otago champions.