1997 New Zealand rugby league season
Encyclopedia
The New Zealand rugby league season 1997 was the ninetieth season of rugby league
that had been played in New Zealand
. The main feature of the year was the Super League
Challenge Cup that was run by the New Zealand Rugby League
. Waikato
won the Challenge Cup by defeating Canterbury 34-18 and also ended the season holding the Rugby League Cup
.
in May as part of the Super League Tri-series
. The team also lost to New South Wales and failed to make the final. The side was coached by Graeme Norton
and he served as a selector alongside Frank Endacott
and Gary Kemble
. The squad for the two matches was Anthony Swann
, Sean Hoppe
, Tea Ropati
, Ruben Wiki
, Richie Barnett
, Gene Ngamu
, Stacey Jones
, Quentin Pongia
, Syd Eru
, Joe Vagana
, Tony Iro
, captain Stephen Kearney
, Tawera Nikau
, John Timu
, Brady Malam
, Tyran Smith
and Marc Ellis.
After losing to Australia in the inagural ANZAC Test
in 34-22 Sydney on 25 April, the New Zealand Kiwis hosted Australia in September at North Harbour Stadium
. They were able to defeated them 30-12, the first time they had beaten Australia since 1991. Frank Endacott
coached the Kiwis. The squad for the ANZAC Test was Richie Barnett
, Sean Hoppe
, Ruben Wiki
, John Timu
, Daryl Halligan
, Gene Ngamu
, Stacey Jones
, Grant Young
, Syd Eru
, Quentin Pongia
, Tony Iro
, captain Stephen Kearney
, Tawera Nikau
. Bench: Tea Ropati
, Tyran Smith
, Robbie Paul
and Joe Vagana
. For the second Test match Matthew Ridge
returned as captain and Richard Blackmore
, Kevin Iro
, John Lomax
and Logan Swann
all played. 17,456 fans turned out to North Harbour Stadium for the match.
In the Oceania Cup
, the New Zealand XIII
and the New Zealand Māori
met in the final at Carlaw Park
, with New Zealand XIII winning 20 – 15. New Zealand Māori were coached by Cameron Bell
and included Dean Clark
, Tukere Barlow
, Frank Watene
, Darryl Beazley and Solomon Kiri
. New Zealand XIII were coached by Gary Kemble
and included Glenn Coughlan, Blair Harding
, Mike Dorreen, Iva Ropati
, Shane Endacott
, captain Aaron Whittaker
, Mark Faumuina
, Denvour Johnston]], Hitro Okesene
, Jerry Seuseu, Bryan Henare
, Meti Noovao
, Brad Williams, Joe Galuvao
, Fa'ausu Afoa
, Ben Fahey, Jason Kerapa, Keneti Asiata and Paul Staladi
. Richard Stewart replaced Shane Endacott when he withdrew due to injury. Before the series began the New Zealand Māori bet the New Zealand XIII 21-19 at Ericsson Stadium
.
Graham Norton
again was the selector-coach for the New Zealand World Nines team. The squad was Stacey Jones
, Marc Ellis, captain Stephen Kearney
, Joe Vagana
, Shane Endacott
, Richie Barnett
, Ruben Wiki
, Quentin Pongia
, Robbie Paul
, Tony Tatupu
, Tony Iro
, Tyran Smith
, John Timu
and Jason Williams. Henry Paul
, Matthew Ridge
, Sean Hoppe
, Grant Young and Gene Ngamu
all withdrew due to injuries. New Zealand made the final and then defeated Western Samoa
16-0 to win the tournament.
The Junior Kiwis
were coached by Lex Clarke and included Brian Leauma
, Frank Puletua
, David Solomona
, Tony Puletua
, Kyle Leuluai, captain Monty Betham
, Odell Manuel
, Ali Lauitiiti
, Peter Lewis
, Fred Petersen
, Joe Galuvao
and Lesley Vainikolo
.Long wait for next Kiwi tour of Britain Sunday Star-Times, 13 April 1997Canty players rewarded The Press, 11 April 1997 The team won the first match 17-16 before losing 14-18 in the second to draw the series.
A New Zealand Academy side, which included Leslie Vainikolo, Wairangi Koopu
, Mark Leafa
, Filimone Lolohea
and Ali Lauitiiti
, lost to Australia under-17's 42-26 in the curtain raiser to the Super League Tri-series
final.
The Kiwi Ferns defeated Australia 2-0 in an unofficial Test series. The first match was won 34-26 in Wellington while the second was hosted at Carlaw Park
in Auckland. The Kiwi Ferns won 40-16. The Australian Women's side won tour matches against Gisborne East Coast and Hawkes Bay.
Stephen Kearney
won the New Zealand Rugby League
's player of the year award.
from Auckland
32-26 in June and then defended it against West Coast
(twice), Tasman
, Southland
and Taranaki
before losing it to Waikato 34-18 in the Challenge Cup final.
Challenge Cup replaced the Lion Red Cup
as the main domestic competition. It was cost conscious after the expensive Lion Red Cup and focused on regional pools to save on travel costs.
The Competition started in August and finished on the 12 October with a grand final. Sixteen teams were grouped into four regions. Each regional pool consisted of a round robin followed by a regional three-match play off series to determine quarter final rankings, the competition then moved into a knock out phases including two teams from each region.
, who were coached by Brian McClennan
and included captain Duane Mann
, Tama Hohaia, Phillip Leuluai
, Dean Clark
, Ben Lythe
, Anthony Seuseu, Don Stewart
, Hare Te Rangi
, Willie Wolfgramme, Paki Tuimavave
, Charlie Kennedy, Darryl Beazley, Boycie Nelson
and Lesley Vainikolo
, and the Auckland Raiders, who represented Auckland Rugby League
's second division and were coached by Dominic Clark. The Raiders included Tyrone Pau
. Other teams included the Waikato Cougars
, who were coached by Bill Kells
and featured Tukere Barlow
and Kelly Shelford
, and the Northland Wild Boars, who were coached by Phil Marsh and included Jason Mackie
.
The Auckland Heroes were unbeaten in their six round robin games while the Auckland Raiders won just once in the round robin. Waikato won three of their six matches.
On the 14 September Waikato defeated the Auckland Heroes at Carlaw Park
for the first time since 1943, while Northland eliminated the Raiders from the competition. Northland were subsequently eliminated by the Auckland Heroes.
, Hawkes Bay Unicorns
, Coastline
and the Gisborne-East Coast Lions. Bay of Plenty included Patrick Kuru
and Mark Woods
. Coastline included Andrew Leota
.
, Wellington Pumas, Taranaki Rockets, coached by Howie Tamati
and including Artie Shead
, and the Manawatu Mustangs. Wellington Rugby League
approached the Auckland Warriors about releasing Syd Eru
and Stephen Kearney
for the competition, but they were unsuccessful. The Wellington Dukes included Denvour Johnston
. The Wellington Pumas were a second XIII from the region.
The Dukes won the zone with the Rockets finishing second. Manawatu did not win a game.
The Rockets them eliminated the Pumas in a close zonal play-off match.
, Blair Harding
, Mark Nixon
and were coached by Gerard Stokes
, the Tasman Orcas
and the Southland Rams
.
Southland had defeated Otago
34-20 to qualify for the round robin.
Canterbury hosted the West Coast at Lancaster Park, the first time they had played there since 1920.
Canterbury were undefeated in the round robin while Tasman failed to win a match.
Canterbury defeated West Coast in a close South zone final, 28-21, on the 14 September.
In the first round of finals on 28 September Canterbury defeated Taranaki while West Coast also advanced to the semi-finals with a shock 34-22 win over the Wellington Dukes.
In the semi finals on the 5 October Canterbury defeated the West Coast 24-30. In the other semi final Waikato defeated the Auckland Heroes for the second time to eliminate them from the competition.
In the grand final on 12 October, which was played in Christchurch
's Rugby League Park
, Waikato defeated Canterbury 34-18 to win both the Challenge Cup and the Rugby League Cup.
After the victory, Lion Breweries
' Kevin Moore declared that the Cougars deserved a public parade.
upset St. Paul's College
, defeating them 48-6 in the final held at Rugby League Park
. Mark Leafa
, Wairangi Koopu
and Henry Perenara
all competed in the competition, for De Le Salle, Rakaumanga and Lynfield College
respectively.
's Telstra Cup Premiership and World Club Championship. They finished 7th in the Super League but made the semi finals of the World Club Championship. The final of the World Club Championship, between Brisbane
and Hunter
, was held in Auckland's Ericsson Stadium.
won the Super 10 Fox Memorial grand final, beating the Mangere East Hawks
34-14. The Glenora side included Duane Mann
, Cliff Beverley
, Boycie Nelson
and Ben Lythe
. Mangere East had finished the season as minor premiers while Marist
won the Roope Rooster pre-season trophy and Otara won the Stormont Shield. Tukere Barlow
from Mangere East won the seasons best and fairest award. Mangere East also included George Tuakura
and Anthony Seuseu.
This was the first year of the Super 10 competition. The ten teams involved were: Glenora
, Mangere East
, Northcote
, Marist
/Roskill
, Otahuhu
, Manurewa
, Manukau
, Te Atatu
, the Central Sharks and Ellerslie. Mt Albert, Mt Wellington, Hibiscus Coast
and Richmond
applied to join the competition but were unsuccessful. The Central Sharks consisted of Richmond, Ponsonby
, Mt Albert
and City-Pt Chev.
Richmond defeated Hibiscus Coast
30-20 in the final of the Sharman Cup.
Willie Wolfgramm
played for Marist while Don Stewart
and Paul Rauhihi
played for the Northcote Tigers. Otahuhu included Dean Clark
and Hare Te Rangi
. In the regional cup, James Leuluai
coached Mt Wellington, Brian McClennan
coached the Hibiscus Coast Raiders
and Fred Ah Kuoi
coached the Richmond Bulldogs.
.
, and Papanui met in the Canterbury Rugby League
grand final. Hornby defended the Pat Smith Challenge Trophy 20-12. Mark Nixon
played for Hornby but missed the final due to injury however Simon Angell
did appear in the final. Blair Harding
played for Papanui while Phil Prescott coached Halswell.
West Coast's Cobden-Kohinoor Kea's won the Thacker Shield
match against Hornby, defeating them 30-10.
, defeated the Hokianga Pioneers 23-20 in the Northland Rugby League grand final. This was the first year of a Northland wide competition.
The Taniwharau Rugby League Club
won the Waikato Rugby League
title, defeated Turangawaewae 21-20 in the grand final. Kevin Fisher
coached Huntly South.
Putaruru United won the Rotorua-Midlands competition for a second year in a row, defeating Pikiao 18-10. The Turanga Panthers defeated the Paikea Whalers 44-32 to win the Gisborne-East Coast Rugby League grand final. Ranginui won the Coastline grand final 30-22 over Te Paamu. However, Te Paamu won a Rotorua/Coastline combined Super 12 competition, defeating Taupo 42-12 in the final.
The Western Suburbs Tigers defeated the Waitara Bears 30-28 in the Taranaki Rugby League
grand final. Otaki defeated Castlecliff 34-18 in the Manawatu Rugby League
grand final. In the Hawke's Bay, Taradale won their fourth consecutive title. They defeated the Napier Bulldogs 29-28.
In the South Island, the Whakatu Firebirds defeated the Motueka Tigers 28-4 in the Tasman Rugby League grand final and Cobden-Kohinoor won the West Coast Rugby League competition, defeating Waro-Rakau 20-6. South Pacific won the Otago Rugby League club competition, beating the Wakatipu Cougars 32-24. He Tauaa defeated Bluff 40-16 in the Southland Rugby League grand final.
Rugby league
Rugby league football, usually called rugby league, is a full contact sport played by two teams of thirteen players on a rectangular grass field. One of the two codes of rugby football, it originated in England in 1895 by a split from Rugby Football Union over paying players...
that had been played in New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
. The main feature of the year was the Super League
Super League war
The Super League war is the common name given to the corporate dispute that was fought in and out of court during the mid-1990s between the Rupert Murdoch and News Corporation-backed Super League and the Kerry Packer and Optus Vision-backed Australian Rugby League organisations over broadcasting...
Challenge Cup 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....
. Waikato
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...
won the Challenge Cup by defeating Canterbury 34-18 and also ended the season holding the Rugby League Cup
Rugby League Cup
The Rugby League Cup is a New Zealand rugby league trophy that is currently contested between districts on a challenge basis. The trophy was originally known as the Northern Union Cup...
.
International competitions
A New Zealand side selected from Australasian based New Zealanders lost to a Queensland side 26-12 at Ericsson StadiumMt Smart Stadium
Mt Smart Stadium, formerly Ericsson Stadium, is a stadium in Auckland, New Zealand. It is the home ground of National Rugby League team, the New Zealand Warriors...
in May as part of the Super League Tri-series
Super League Tri-series
The Super League Tri-series was a rugby league football tournament contested in 1997 between Queensland, New South Wales and New Zealand representative rugby league teams...
. The team also lost to New South Wales and failed to make the final. The side was 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....
and he served as a selector alongside 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 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 for the two matches was 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:...
, Sean Hoppe
Sean Hoppe
Sean Edward Hoppe is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who represented his country.-Early years:...
, Tea Ropati
Tea Ropati
Tea Faa'tea Ropati is a former rugby league player who represented New Zealand and Western Samoa...
, 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:...
, 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:...
, 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...
, 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,...
, 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:...
, 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...
, 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...
, captain 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...
, 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...
, John Timu
John Timu
John Timu is a retired professional rugby league and rugby union footballer of the 1980s and 90s.Timu's position of choice was as a centre...
, 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...
, Tyran Smith
Tyran Smith
Tyran Carl Smith is a former New Zealand rugby league player. He now works as a player agent.-Playing career:During his long career he played in the NSWRL Premiership, Australian Rugby League, Super League and finally the National Rugby League...
and Marc Ellis.
After losing to Australia in the inagural 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...
in 34-22 Sydney on 25 April, the New Zealand Kiwis hosted Australia in September at North Harbour Stadium
North 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....
. They were able to defeated them 30-12, the first time they had beaten Australia since 1991. 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...
coached the Kiwis. The squad for the ANZAC Test was Richie Barnett
Richie Barnett
Richie Barnett is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and2000s who represented the New Zealand Kiwis twelve times.-Playing career:...
, Sean Hoppe
Sean Hoppe
Sean Edward Hoppe is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who represented his country.-Early years:...
, 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...
, John Timu
John Timu
John Timu is a retired professional rugby league and rugby union footballer of the 1980s and 90s.Timu's position of choice was as a centre...
, 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...
, 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:...
, 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...
, Grant Young
Grant Young (rugby league)
Grant Edward Young is a former rugby league player. His position of preference was at Prop.-Playing career:Young grew up in Wanganui, shifting to Queensland when he was a teenager. He played for a local Sunshine Coast club, the Beerwah Bulldogs, and from here made the Australian Residents side in...
, 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:...
, 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 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...
, captain 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...
, 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...
. Bench: Tea Ropati
Tea Ropati
Tea Faa'tea Ropati is a former rugby league player who represented New Zealand and Western Samoa...
, Tyran Smith
Tyran Smith
Tyran Carl Smith is a former New Zealand rugby league player. He now works as a player agent.-Playing career:During his long career he played in the NSWRL Premiership, Australian Rugby League, Super League and finally the National Rugby League...
, 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...
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...
. For the second Test match 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....
returned as captain and 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....
, 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...
, 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:...
and 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:...
all played. 17,456 fans turned out to North Harbour Stadium for the match.
In the Oceania Cup
1997 Oceania Cup
-Round 2:-Round 3:-Table:-5th place play-off:-3rd place play-off:-Final:...
, the New Zealand XIII
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...
and 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...
met in the final 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...
, with New Zealand XIII winning 20 – 15. New Zealand Māori were coached by Cameron Bell
Cameron Bell (rugby league)
Cameron Bell is a New Zealand rugby league coach. He is a member of the famous Bell rugby league family that includes George, Ian, Dean and Cathy and Clayton Friend.-Coaching career:...
and included 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...
, 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:...
, Darryl Beazley 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:...
. New Zealand XIII were 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 included Glenn Coughlan, 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...
, Mike Dorreen, 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...
, 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...
, captain 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:...
, 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....
, Denvour Johnston]], 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...
, Jerry Seuseu, Bryan Henare
Bryan Henare
Bryan Henare is a former rugby league player. Henare was usually a hooker or a second-rower.-Playing 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....
, Brad Williams, Joe Galuvao
Joe Galuvao
Joe Galuvao is a New Zealand professional rugby league footballer for the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles of the National Rugby League...
, 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:*...
, Ben Fahey, Jason Kerapa, Keneti Asiata and Paul Staladi
Paul Staladi
Paul Staladi is a former New Zealand rugby league player. His position of preference was on the Wing.-Early career:A Mt Albert Lions junior in the Auckland competition, Staladi was signed by the new Auckland Warriors franchise. He stood out playing for the Warriors Colts team in the 1995 Lion Red...
. Richard Stewart replaced Shane Endacott when he withdrew due to injury. Before the series began the New Zealand Māori bet the New Zealand XIII 21-19 at Ericsson Stadium
Mt Smart Stadium
Mt Smart Stadium, formerly Ericsson Stadium, is a stadium in Auckland, New Zealand. It is the home ground of National Rugby League team, the New Zealand Warriors...
.
Graham Norton
Graham Norton
Graham William Walker, known by his stage name Graham Norton , is an Irish actor, comedian, television presenter and columnist...
again was the selector-coach for the New Zealand World Nines team. The squad was 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...
, Marc Ellis, captain 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...
, 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...
, 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...
, 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:...
, 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...
, 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,...
, 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...
, 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:...
, 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...
, Tyran Smith
Tyran Smith
Tyran Carl Smith is a former New Zealand rugby league player. He now works as a player agent.-Playing career:During his long career he played in the NSWRL Premiership, Australian Rugby League, Super League and finally the National Rugby League...
, John Timu
John Timu
John Timu is a retired professional rugby league and rugby union footballer of the 1980s and 90s.Timu's position of choice was as a centre...
and Jason Williams. 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...
, 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:...
, Grant Young and 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:...
all withdrew due to injuries. New Zealand made the final and then defeated 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...
16-0 to win the tournament.
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...
were coached by Lex Clarke and included Brian Leauma
Brian Leauma
Brian Leauma is a Samoan rugby footballer who represented his country in rugby league at the 2000 World Cup.-Playing career:Leauma attended Lithgow High in Lithgow, New South Wales...
, Frank Puletua
Frank Puletua
Frank Puletua was a New Zealand professional rugby league player for the Penrith Panthers in the National Rugby League competition. Puletua previously played for the South Sydney Rabbitohs...
, David Solomona
David Solomona
David Joseph Solomona is a professional rugby league footballer for the Warrington Wolves of Europe's Super League. He is regularly amongst the top off-loaders in the competition. Solomona also attended St...
, 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...
, Kyle Leuluai, captain Monty Betham
Monty Betham
Monty Betham is a professional boxer and former rugby league footballer and junior world karate champion...
, 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:...
, 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...
, 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...
, Fred Petersen
Fred Petersen
Fred Petersen is a Samoan rugby league player who represented his country in the 2000 World Cup.-Playing career:Petersen played for the Penrith Panthers between 1996 and 2001, playing in 15 National Rugby League matches. He played for the Junior Kiwis in 1997. In 2000 he was named in the Samoan...
, Joe Galuvao
Joe Galuvao
Joe Galuvao is a New Zealand professional rugby league footballer for the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles of the National Rugby League...
and 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....
.Long wait for next Kiwi tour of Britain Sunday Star-Times, 13 April 1997Canty players rewarded The Press, 11 April 1997 The team won the first match 17-16 before losing 14-18 in the second to draw the series.
A New Zealand Academy side, which included Leslie Vainikolo, 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:...
, Mark Leafa
Mark Leafa
Mark Vaiao born 4 December 1980 in New Zealand is a rugby league player who currently plays for and is the captain of the Norths Devils in the Queensland Cup...
, Filimone Lolohea
Filimone Lolohea
Filimone Lolohea is a former rugby league player who represented Tonga. He played as prop or second-row.-Playing career:...
and 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...
, lost to Australia under-17's 42-26 in the curtain raiser to the Super League Tri-series
Super League Tri-series
The Super League Tri-series was a rugby league football tournament contested in 1997 between Queensland, New South Wales and New Zealand representative rugby league teams...
final.
The Kiwi Ferns defeated Australia 2-0 in an unofficial Test series. The first match was won 34-26 in Wellington while the second was hosted 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 Kiwi Ferns won 40-16. The Australian Women's side won tour matches against Gisborne East Coast and Hawkes Bay.
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...
won the New Zealand Rugby League
New Zealand Rugby League
The New Zealand Rugby League is the governing body for the sport of rugby league football in New Zealand. The NZRL was founded on the 25 April 1910 in preparation for a tour of Great Britain that same year....
's player of the year award.
Rugby League Cup
Canterbury won the Rugby League CupRugby League Cup
The Rugby League Cup is a New Zealand rugby league trophy that is currently contested between districts on a challenge basis. The trophy was originally known as the Northern Union Cup...
from 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...
32-26 in June and then defended it against West Coast
West Coast rugby league team
The West Coast rugby league team are New Zealand rugby league team that represents the West Coast Rugby League. They have been nicknamed the Chargers.-History:...
(twice), Tasman
Tasman rugby league team
The Tasman rugby league team are New Zealand rugby league team that represents the Tasman Rugby League. They have previously been nicknamed the Orcas but in 2010 adopted the Titans nickname...
, Southland
Southland rugby league team
The Southland rugby league team are New Zealand rugby league team that represents the Southland Rugby League. In the past they have been nicknamed the Rams.-History:...
and Taranaki
Taranaki rugby league team
The Taranaki rugby league team are New Zealand rugby league team that represents the Taranaki Rugby League. They have been nicknamed the Rockets, Sharks and Wildcats.-1908:...
before losing it to Waikato 34-18 in the Challenge Cup final.
Super League Challenge Cup
The SkySKY Network Television
Sky Network Television Limited , , is a New Zealand pay television service. On 30 June 2011, Sky had 829,421 subscribers, which comprises:*808,617 digital subscribers*20,840 other subscribers...
Challenge Cup replaced 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...
as the main domestic competition. It was cost conscious after the expensive Lion Red Cup and focused on regional pools to save on travel costs.
The Competition started in August and finished on the 12 October with a grand final. Sixteen teams were grouped into four regions. Each regional pool consisted of a round robin followed by a regional three-match play off series to determine quarter final rankings, the competition then moved into a knock out phases including two teams from each region.
Northern Region
The Northern Zone included two Auckland sides; the Auckland HeroesAuckland 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...
, who were coached by 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...
and included 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:...
, Tama Hohaia, Phillip Leuluai
Phillip Leuluai
Phillip Leuluai is a New Zealand rugby league player of Samoan heritage and descent who currently plays for the Salford City Reds in the Super League competition...
, 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:...
, 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:...
, Anthony Seuseu, 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...
, 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...
, Willie Wolfgramme, 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:...
, Charlie Kennedy, Darryl Beazley, Boycie Nelson
Boycie Nelson
Boycie Nelson is a New Zealand rugby league footballer who currently plays for the Glenora Bears. His position of preference is in the Centres and he also kicks goals.-New Zealand:...
and 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....
, and the Auckland Raiders, who represented Auckland Rugby League
Auckland Rugby League
The Auckland Rugby League is the governing body for the sport of rugby league in the Auckland Region of New Zealand. It is responsible for rugby league in the region and was the owner of Carlaw Park, once the "spiritual home of rugby league in New Zealand".-History:The Auckland Rugby League was...
's second division and were coached by Dominic Clark. The Raiders included Tyrone Pau
Tyrone Pau
Tyrone Pau is a Cook Islander former professional rugby league footballer who at representative level has played for Cook Islands, playing at , or .-Playing career:...
. Other teams included 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...
, who 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 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 Kelly Shelford
Kelly Shelford
Kelly Shelford is a New Zealand rugby league player who represented his country, including in Test matches that counted towards the 1992 World Cup.-Playing career:...
, and the Northland Wild Boars, who were coached by Phil Marsh and included 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...
.
The Auckland Heroes were unbeaten in their six round robin games while the Auckland Raiders won just once in the round robin. Waikato won three of their six matches.
On the 14 September Waikato defeated the Auckland Heroes 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...
for the first time since 1943, while Northland eliminated the Raiders from the competition. Northland were subsequently eliminated by the Auckland Heroes.
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Eastern Region
The Eastern Region featured the Bay of Plenty StagsBay 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...
, 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...
, Coastline
Coastline rugby league team
The Coastline rugby league team are New Zealand rugby league team that represents the Coastline Rugby League. They have been nicknamed the Mariners.-History:...
and the Gisborne-East Coast Lions. Bay of Plenty included Patrick Kuru
Patrick Kuru
Patrick Kuru is a Cook Islander rugby league footballer who at representative level has played for Cook Islands, playing in the .-Playing career:...
and 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...
. Coastline included Andrew Leota
Andrew Leota
Andrew Leota is a Tongan rugby footballer who represented his country in rugby league at the 2000 World Cup.-Playing career:Leota originally played rugby league, being named in the Tonga squad for the 2000 World Cup and representing Coastline between 1997 and 2001...
.
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Central Region
The Central Zone featured the Wellington DukesWellington 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:...
, Wellington Pumas, Taranaki Rockets, coached by Howie Tamati
Howie Tamati
Howard Kevin Tamati, MBE, is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer and coach who played for his country. He is the cousin of fellow international Kevin Tamati.-Playing career:Tamati played for Wigan between 1983 and 1984...
and including 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 the Manawatu Mustangs. Wellington Rugby League
Wellington Rugby League
Wellington Rugby League is the local sporting body responsible for the administration of Rugby league in the Greater Wellington region. It is responsible for the local competition of the same name, as well as its representative team, the Wellington rugby league team.- Local Senior Competition :The...
approached the Auckland Warriors about releasing 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:...
and 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...
for the competition, but they were unsuccessful. The Wellington Dukes included 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 Pumas were a second XIII from the region.
The Dukes won the zone with the Rockets finishing second. Manawatu did not win a game.
The Rockets them eliminated the Pumas in a close zonal play-off match.
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Southern Region
The Southern Zone featured the West Coast Chargers, Canterbury Reds, who included Simon AngellSimon 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....
, 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...
, 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:...
and 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...
, the Tasman Orcas
Tasman rugby league team
The Tasman rugby league team are New Zealand rugby league team that represents the Tasman Rugby League. They have previously been nicknamed the Orcas but in 2010 adopted the Titans nickname...
and the Southland Rams
Southland rugby league team
The Southland rugby league team are New Zealand rugby league team that represents the Southland Rugby League. In the past they have been nicknamed the Rams.-History:...
.
Southland had defeated Otago
Otago rugby league team
The Otago rugby league team are New Zealand rugby league team that represents the Otago Rugby League. They are known as the Whalers. In the past they have been nicknamed the Storm, the Raiders and the 45er's.-History:...
34-20 to qualify for the round robin.
Canterbury hosted the West Coast at Lancaster Park, the first time they had played there since 1920.
Canterbury were undefeated in the round robin while Tasman failed to win a match.
Canterbury defeated West Coast in a close South zone final, 28-21, on the 14 September.
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Finals
In the first round of finals on 28 September Canterbury defeated Taranaki while West Coast also advanced to the semi-finals with a shock 34-22 win over the Wellington Dukes.
In the semi finals on the 5 October Canterbury defeated the West Coast 24-30. In the other semi final Waikato defeated the Auckland Heroes for the second time to eliminate them from the competition.
In the grand final on 12 October, which was played in Christchurch
Christchurch
Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand, and the country's second-largest urban area after Auckland. It lies one third of the way down the South Island's east coast, just north of Banks Peninsula which itself, since 2006, lies within the formal limits of...
's Rugby League Park
Rugby League Park
Rugby League Park is a rugby league stadium in Christchurch, New Zealand. Formerly called the Addington Showgrounds, the ground is owned by the Canterbury Rugby League.-History:...
, Waikato defeated Canterbury 34-18 to win both the Challenge Cup and the Rugby League Cup.
After the victory, Lion Breweries
Lion Nathan
Lion Nathan National Foods is the parent company created in October 2009, into which Lion Nathan and National Foods were merged. It is fully owned by Kirin Holdings Company, Limited...
' Kevin Moore declared that the Cougars deserved a public parade.
| Team | Total |
|---|---|
| Waikato Cougars | 34 |
| Canterbury Reds | 18 |
National School's Competition
Aranui High SchoolAranui 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....
upset 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...
, defeating them 48-6 in the final held at Rugby League Park
Rugby League Park
Rugby League Park is a rugby league stadium in Christchurch, New Zealand. Formerly called the Addington Showgrounds, the ground is owned by the Canterbury Rugby League.-History:...
. Mark Leafa
Mark Leafa
Mark Vaiao born 4 December 1980 in New Zealand is a rugby league player who currently plays for and is the captain of the Norths Devils in the Queensland Cup...
, 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:...
and Henry Perenara
Henry Perenara
Henry Edward Perenara is a New Zealand rugby league referee and former professional player who represented his country. His position of choice is at Lock though he can also play in the Second Row...
all competed in the competition, for De Le Salle, Rakaumanga and Lynfield College
Lynfield College
Lynfield College is a secondary education provider in Lynfield, Auckland, New Zealand. It celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2008.The Principal of Lynfield College and head of the 130 teachers is Mr Steve Bovaird....
respectively.
Australian competitions
The Auckland Warriors competed in the Super LeagueSuper League (Australia)
Super League was an Australian rugby league football administrative body that conducted professional competition in Australasia for one season in 1997. Along with Super League of Europe, it was created by News Corporation during the Super League war which arose following an unsuccessful attempt to...
's Telstra Cup Premiership and World Club Championship. They finished 7th in the Super League but made the semi finals of the World Club Championship. The final of the World Club Championship, between Brisbane
Brisbane Broncos
The Brisbane Broncos are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in the city of Brisbane, the capital of the state of Queensland. Founded in 1988, the Broncos play in Australasia's elite competition, the National Rugby League premiership. They have won six premierships and two...
and Hunter
Hunter Mariners
The Hunter Mariners were an Australian rugby league club based in the Hunter Valley region's largest city, Newcastle. Hunter was formed in mid 1995 and was later disbanded at the end of 1997. The club was formed because of the Super League war, which was the rivalry between the traditional...
, was held in Auckland's Ericsson Stadium.
Auckland
The Glenora BearsGlenora Bears
The Glenora Bears are a rugby league football club based in Glen Eden, New Zealand who compete in Auckland Rugby League's Fox Memorial competition. The club was established in 1931...
won the Super 10 Fox Memorial grand final, beating the Mangere East Hawks
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...
34-14. The Glenora side 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:...
, Boycie Nelson
Boycie Nelson
Boycie Nelson is a New Zealand rugby league footballer who currently plays for the Glenora Bears. His position of preference is in the Centres and he also kicks goals.-New Zealand:...
and 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:...
. Mangere East had finished the season as minor premiers while 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...
won the Roope Rooster pre-season trophy and Otara won the Stormont Shield. 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...
from Mangere East won the seasons best and fairest award. Mangere East also included George Tuakura
George Tuakura
George Tuakura is a Cook Islands rugby league player who currently plays for the Central Comets in the Queensland Cup...
and Anthony Seuseu.
This was the first year of the Super 10 competition. The ten teams involved were: Glenora
Glenora Bears
The Glenora Bears are a rugby league football club based in Glen Eden, New Zealand who compete in Auckland Rugby League's Fox Memorial competition. The club was established in 1931...
, 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...
, Northcote
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...
, 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...
/Roskill
Bay Roskill Vikings
The Bay Roskill Vikings are a rugby league football club based in Mount Roskill and Blockhouse Bay, New Zealand who compete in Auckland Rugby League's Sharman Cup competition. The club was established in 1979.-History:...
, Otahuhu
Otahuhu Leopards
The Otahuhu Leopards are a rugby league club based in Otahuhu, New Zealand. The club competes in the Fox Memorial competition run by the Auckland Rugby League. They are coached by Peter Caccioppoli. Between 2000 and 2003 they also competed in the Bartercard Cup.The team are the current holders of...
, Manurewa
Manurewa Marlins
The Manurewa Marlins are a rugby league club based in Manurewa, New Zealand. The Marlins compete in Auckland Rugby League's Fox Memorial competition. Between 2000 and 2003 they competed in the national Bartercard Cup competition.-Notable players:...
, Manukau
Manukau Magpies
The Manukau Magpies are a rugby league football club based in Manukau, New Zealand who compete in Auckland Rugby League's Fox Memorial competition. The club was established in 1910.-History:...
, 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...
, the Central Sharks and Ellerslie. Mt Albert, Mt Wellington, 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:...
and Richmond
Richmond Rovers
The Richmond Rovers Rugby League Club is a rugby league club based in Grey Lynn, New Zealand. The premier team is called the Richmond Bulldogs and compete in Auckland Rugby League's Fox Memorial competition.-Bartercard Cup:...
applied to join the competition but were unsuccessful. The Central Sharks consisted of Richmond, Ponsonby
Ponsonby Ponies
The Ponsonby Ponies are a rugby league club based in Ponsonby, New Zealand. The club was founded in 1908 and competes in the Auckland Rugby League's Fox Memorial competition.-History:...
, Mt Albert
Mt Albert Lions
The Mount Albert Lions are a rugby league club based in Mount Albert, New Zealand. The Lions home ground is at Fowlds Park. Their patron is the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Helen Clark. In 2008 and 2009 the Lions won the Fox Memorial....
and City-Pt Chev.
Richmond defeated 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:...
30-20 in the final of the Sharman Cup.
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....
played for Marist while 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 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:...
played for the Northcote Tigers. Otahuhu included Dean Clark
Dean Clark (rugby league)
Dean Clark is a New Zealand rugby league coach and former footballer who represented his country between 1989 and 1992. He is the current coach of the Papakura Sea Eagles in the Auckland Rugby League competition.-Playing career:...
and 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...
. In the regional cup, 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....
coached Mt Wellington, 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...
coached 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:...
and Fred Ah Kuoi
Fred Ah Kuoi
Fred "Freddie" Ah Kuoi is a former New Zealand rugby league player who represented his country.-Early years:...
coached the Richmond Bulldogs.
Wellington
The Upper Hutt Tigers won the Appleton Shield. The team included Denvour JohnstonDenvour 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...
.
Canterbury
Hornby, coached by former Kiwi Wayne WallaceWayne 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:...
, and Papanui met 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. Hornby defended the Pat Smith Challenge Trophy 20-12. 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:...
played for Hornby but missed the final due to injury however 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....
did appear in the final. 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 while Phil Prescott coached Halswell.
West Coast's Cobden-Kohinoor Kea's won 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:...
match against Hornby, defeating them 30-10.
Other Competitions
The Otaika Eagles, led by Jason MackieJason 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...
, defeated the Hokianga Pioneers 23-20 in the Northland Rugby League grand final. This was the first year of a Northland wide competition.
The Taniwharau Rugby League Club
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:...
won the Waikato Rugby League
Waikato Rugby League
Waikato Rugby League is the local sporting body responsible for the administration of Rugby league in the Waikato region of New Zealand. The WRL are represented by the Waikato rugby league team...
title, defeated Turangawaewae 21-20 in the grand final. Kevin Fisher
Kevin Fisher (rugby league)
Kevin Lawrence Fisher is a New Zealand former rugby league player, coach and manager who represented his country in the 1977 World Cup.-Playing career:A Huntly South player in the Waikato Rugby League, Fisher was also a Waikato representative....
coached Huntly South.
Putaruru United won the Rotorua-Midlands competition for a second year in a row, defeating Pikiao 18-10. The Turanga Panthers defeated the Paikea Whalers 44-32 to win the Gisborne-East Coast Rugby League grand final. Ranginui won the Coastline grand final 30-22 over Te Paamu. However, Te Paamu won a Rotorua/Coastline combined Super 12 competition, defeating Taupo 42-12 in the final.
The Western Suburbs Tigers defeated the Waitara Bears 30-28 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. Otaki defeated Castlecliff 34-18 in 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. In the Hawke's Bay, Taradale won their fourth consecutive title. They defeated the Napier Bulldogs 29-28.
In the South Island, the Whakatu Firebirds defeated the Motueka Tigers 28-4 in the Tasman Rugby League grand final and Cobden-Kohinoor won the West Coast Rugby League competition, defeating Waro-Rakau 20-6. South Pacific won the Otago Rugby League club competition, beating the Wakatipu Cougars 32-24. He Tauaa defeated Bluff 40-16 in the Southland Rugby League grand final.