Bartercard Cup season 2007
Encyclopedia
The 2007 New Zealand rugby league season was the one hundredth season of rugby league
that had been played in New Zealand
. The main feature of the year was the eighth season of the Bartercard Cup
competition that was run by the New Zealand Rugby League
. The Auckland Lions
won the Cup by defeating Harbour League
28-4 in the Grand Final.
to celebrate the centenary of international rugby league. The touring squad was coached by Gary Kemble
and included: Louis Anderson
, captain Roy Asotasi
, Luke Covell
, Greg Eastwood
, David Faiumu
, Dene Halatau
, Shontayne Hape
, Lance Hohaia
, Krisnan Inu
, Shaun Kenny-Dowall
, Epalahame Lauaki
, Thomas Leuluai
, Jeff Lima
, Simon Mannering
, Steve Matai
, Fuifui Moimoi
, Sam Perrett
, Frank Pritchard
, Sam Rapira
, Ben Roberts
, Jeremy Smith, Jeremy Smith, Chase Stanley
, Clinton Toopi
, Taniela Tuiaki
, Tame Tupou
and Paul Whatuira
. In addition Nigel Vagana
, Clinton Toopi
, Stacey Jones
, Ruben Wiki
, Steve Price, Ali Lauitiiti
, David Kidwell
, Jason Cayless
and Awen Guttenbeil
played for the All Golds in a celebration match. Wayne Bennett coached the All Golds side.
Earlier in the year the Kiwis had lost the ANZAC Test
6-30. Jake Webster
, Manu Vatuvei
, Benji Marshall
, Nathan Cayless
, Sonny Bill Williams
, Tony Puletua
, David Fa'alogo
and Iosia Soliola
played in the ANZAC Test but did not tour at the end of the year.
The amateur Irish Wolfhounds
toured New Zealand in May-June, defeating Bay of Plenty but losing to Whangerei Marists and Auckland Marists. They were coached by ex-pat Tony Benson
.
. The Hawke's Bay Unicorns included Elijah Niko
.
run by the New Zealand Rugby League
. From 2008 onwards the NZRL was to revert to a more traditional provincial competition.
There were no major team changes however the Tamaki Leopards
were renamed the Tamaki Titans and the Auckland Lions
also fielded a team in the NSWRL Premier League
. As a result less players from the New Zealand Warriors
featured in the Bartercard Cup.
A Saturday double header took place each weekend with one game screened live on Māori Television
and the other one delayed on a Sunday. This replaced 2006's Monday Night Football, a move welcomed by Canterbury Bulls head coach Brent Stuart. The double header was held at either Mt Smart Stadium
or North Harbour Stadium
each weekend. There was only one Split Round (Round Eight over Queens Birthday Weekend) which meant the Grand Final was played in September.
in 2007. In the major semi-final at Waitemata Stadium, between the Auckland Lions and Harbour League the scores were tied at 40 all after normal time and 2 further periods of extra time. The game proceeded to go on for another 17 minutes and 16 seconds before Auckland finally scored the winning try. NZRL management believed that no game of rugby league has ever lasted that long, or at least certainly in modern times.
conducted a Queen's Birthday weekend tour of the South Island. Team team was coached by Sam Panapa
. The team defeated a West Coast Invitational XIII
26-20 and Canterbury 28-24.
, Canterbury B, West Coast
and Otago
played a four team tournament in September and October.
defeated the Papakura Sea Eagles
48-26 in the Grand Final of the National Club Competition. Wainuiomata defeated Manurewa
40-18 in a semi final while Papakura defeated Kaiapoi 48-22.
The New Zealand Warriors
competed in the National Rugby League
competition. They finished 4th out of 16 teams before losing to North Queensland
in the Semi Finals.
The Auckland Lions
competed in the NSWRL Premier League
and finished 10th out of 13 teams.
won the Fox Memorial trophy, defeating the Papakura Sea Eagles
28-20 in extra time in the grand final. Papakura had finished the season as minor premiers. Richmond
won the Stormont Shield.
The Northcote Tigers
won the Sharman Cup (Division Two) while Ponsonby
won the Phelan Shield (Division Three).
were coached by John Lomax
. David Lomax
stepped in as caretaker coach when his brother was unavailable.
The Wellington Rugby League
board was given full control of its own competition on 1 April after being "in review" by the New Zealand Rugby League
since January 2003.
were the Waicoa Bay minor premiers and went on to win the grand final, defeating Turangawaewae. Taniwharau went through the season undefeated.
The Kia Ora Warriors defeated the Waitara Bears 29-20 in the Western Alliance 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 eighth season of the Bartercard Cup
Bartercard Cup
The Bartercard Cup was the top level rugby league club competition in New Zealand from 2000 until 2007. For the entire life of the tournament it was sponsored by Bartercard. The cup was administered by the New Zealand Rugby League...
competition that was run by the New Zealand Rugby League
New Zealand Rugby League
The New Zealand Rugby League is the governing body for the sport of rugby league football in New Zealand. The NZRL was founded on the 25 April 1910 in preparation for a tour of Great Britain that same year....
. The Auckland Lions
Auckland Lions
The Auckland Lions were a rugby league club that had teams in both the New Zealand Bartercard Cup and the NSWRL Premier League. They were mostly based around the Mt Albert Lions Rugby League club...
won the Cup by defeating Harbour League
Harbour League
Harbour League were a franchise in the now defunct Bartercard Cup rugby league competition in New Zealand. They represented Aucklands North Shore City...
28-4 in the Grand Final.
International competitions
The New Zealand Kiwis played one test match in New Zealand, losing to Australia. They then embarked on the 2007 All Golds Tour2007 All Golds Tour
The 2007 All Golds Tour was conducted as part of the celebrations of a century of rugby league in New Zealand. It was a re-creation of the original New Zealand rugby league tour of Great Britain in 1907. The New Zealand Kiwis toured Great Britain and France playing four test matches. They lost the...
to celebrate the centenary of international rugby league. The touring 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 included: Louis Anderson
Louis Anderson
Louis Anderson is a professional rugby league footballer who currently plays for Warrington Wolves of Super League. A New Zealand international representative forward, he previously played for the New Zealand Warriors in the National Rugby League competition...
, captain Roy Asotasi
Roy Asotasi
Roy Asotasi is a professional rugby league footballer who currently captains the South Sydney Rabbitohs of the National Rugby League. A New Zealand international representative prop forward, he previously played for the Bulldogs, with whom he won the 2004 NRL Premiership...
, Luke Covell
Luke Covell
Luke Covell is a New Zealand professional rugby league footballer for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks of the National Rugby League. He also previously played for the Wests Tigers. His position of choice is on the...
, Greg Eastwood
Greg Eastwood
Greg Eastwood is a professional rugby league footballer who currently plays for the Canterbury Bulldogs in the NRL. A New Zealand international representative lock or second row forward, he previously for the Brisbane Broncos, Bulldogs in the NRL and Leeds Rhinos in the European Super League...
, David Faiumu
David Faiumu
David Faiumu is a professional rugby league footballer for the Huddersfield Giants of Super League...
, Dene Halatau
Dene Halatau
Dene Halatau is a professional rugby league footballer for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs of the National Rugby League . A New Zealand international representative forward, he previously played club football for the Wests Tigers, with whom he won the 2005 NRL Premiership.-Bipgraphy:Halatau is...
, 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...
, Lance Hohaia
Lance Hohaia
Lance Hohaia is a New Zealand rugby league player, he currently plays for St Helens RLFC. In 2008 Hohaia was a member of the World Cup winning New Zealand team.-Early years:...
, Krisnan Inu
Krisnan Inu
Krisnan Nevada Inu is a New Zealand professional rugby league player who currently plays for the New Zealand Warriors in the Australasian National Rugby League competition...
, Shaun Kenny-Dowall
Shaun Kenny-Dowall
Shaun Kenny-Dowall is a professional rugby league footballer for the Sydney Roosters in the National Rugby League competition. He primarily plays in the centres.-Early years:...
, Epalahame Lauaki
Epalahame Lauaki
Epalahame Lauaki is a professional rugby league footballer formerly contracted to English club Hull in the Super League. He is brother of All Black Sione Lauaki...
, Thomas Leuluai
Thomas Leuluai
Thomas Leuluai is a New Zealand professional rugby league footballer who currently plays for the Wigan Warriors in the Super League. His position is at half-back...
, Jeff Lima
Jeff Lima
Jeff Lima is a professional rugby league footballer for the Wigan Warriors of Europe's Super League...
, Simon Mannering
Simon Mannering
Simon Alexander Mannering is a New Zealand professional rugby league player who currently plays for the New Zealand Warriors in the National Rugby League competition...
, Steve Matai
Steve Matai
Stephen "Steve" Matai is a professional rugby league footballer for the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles of the National Rugby League. He plays as a centre. He is a New Zealand international of Samoan Heritage...
, Fuifui Moimoi
Fuifui Moimoi
Fuifui Moana Moimoi is a New Zealand-Tongan professional rugby league footballer for the Parramatta Eels in the National Rugby League competition.-Playing career:...
, Sam Perrett
Sam Perrett
Sam Perrett is a professional rugby league footballer for the Sydney Roosters of the National Rugby League. A representative for New Zealand at international level. A versatile back who is capable of playing on the wing, in the centres and at fullback...
, Frank Pritchard
Frank Pritchard
Frank Pritchard is an Australian born New Zealand professional rugby league footballer currently playing for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs of the National Rugby League . He is of Samoan descent...
, Sam Rapira
Sam Rapira
Sam Rapira is a New Zealand rugby league player who currently plays in the National Rugby League for the New Zealand Warriors. His usual position of choice is at prop-forward...
, Ben Roberts
Ben Roberts (rugby league)
Ben Roberts is a New Zealand professional rugby League player currently playing club football for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. He made his second international appearance for the New Zealand national rugby league team on Friday 20 April at the 2007 ANZAC test against the Australia national...
, Jeremy Smith, Jeremy Smith, Chase Stanley
Chase Stanley
Chase Stanley is a professional rugby league player who currently plays for the Melbourne Storm in the National Rugby League competition and has represented New Zealand in international competition...
, 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:...
, Taniela Tuiaki
Taniela Tuiaki
Taniela Tuiaki is a retired New Zealand professional rugby league player who played for the Wests Tigers in the Australian National Rugby League competition. Tuiaki was a versatile player but primarily played on the wing.-Club :Tuiaki played junior football with North Curl Curl...
, Tame Tupou
Tame Tupou
Siokatame Gary Tupou also known as Tame Tupou and Gary Tupou is a former rugby league player who represented the New Zealand national side...
and Paul Whatuira
Paul Whatuira
Paul Whatuira is a professional rugby league footballer who currently plays for the Parramatta Eels in the NRL...
. In addition 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...
, 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:...
, 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...
, 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...
, Steve Price, 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...
, David Kidwell
David Kidwell
David Kidwell is a retired professional rugby league footballer who represented his country. Kidwell was a member of the 2005 Tri-Nations and 2008 World Cup winning New Zealand teams, which defeated Australia in both competitions' respective finals...
, Jason Cayless
Jason Cayless
Jason Paul Cayless is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. A New Zealand international representative prop forward, he is the younger brother of Parramatta Eels great, Nathan Cayless. He played his club football for the Sydney Roosters, with whom he won the 2002...
and Awen Guttenbeil
Awen Guttenbeil
Awen Guttenbeil is a New Zealand former rugby league footballer. Since retiring after a playing career spanning fifteen years, he now works as a broadcaster for Sky Network Television and as a presenter on Maori TV sports show, Hyundai Code...
played for the All Golds in a celebration match. Wayne Bennett coached the All Golds side.
Earlier in the year the Kiwis had lost the ANZAC Test
ANZAC Test
The Anzac Test is an annual rugby league football test match . The test match is played annually between Australia and New Zealand on or around Anzac Day for the Bill Kelly Memorial Trophy.-Origins:Australia and New Zealand had competed in Rugby League Tests since 1908...
6-30. Jake Webster
Jake Webster
Jake Webster is a New Zealand National rugby league player. He plays the position of Centre and Wing for Hull Kingston Rovers Rugby League Club.-Australia:...
, Manu Vatuvei
Manu Vatuvei
Manu Vatuvei is a New Zealand rugby league player for the New Zealand Warriors in the National Rugby League competition. His position of choice is on the wing. He is the cousin of Japanese Rugby Union player Ruatangi Vatuvei. Vatuvei was a member of the New Zealand Kiwis squad that won the 2008...
, Benji Marshall
Benji Marshall
Benji Marshall is a professional rugby league footballer with the Wests Tigers of the National Rugby League . A goal-kicking five-eighth, he is the current captain of the New Zealand national team, with whom he won the 2008 World Cup and 2010 Four Nations tournaments...
, 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...
, Sonny Bill Williams
Sonny Bill Williams
Sonny William 'Sonny Bill' Williams is a New Zealand rugby union player and former rugby league player. He is only the second person to represent New Zealand in rugby union after first playing for the country in rugby league. In rugby union he usually plays as a centre...
, 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...
, David Fa'alogo
David Fa'alogo
David Fa'alogo is a professional rugby league footballer with the Huddersfield Giants of Super League, formerly contracted with the South Sydney Rabbitohs of the National Rugby League...
and Iosia Soliola
Iosia Soliola
Iosia Soliola is a New Zealand international rugby league player currently playing for the St. Helens in the Super League. He is of Samoan descent.-Playing career:...
played in the ANZAC Test but did not tour at the end of the year.
The amateur Irish Wolfhounds
Ireland national rugby league team
The Ireland national rugby league team, known as the Wolfhounds, represent the island of Ireland in rugby league football. The team is organized by Rugby League Ireland and are accredited as an affiliate member of the Rugby League International Federation...
toured New Zealand in May-June, defeating Bay of Plenty but losing to Whangerei Marists and Auckland Marists. They were coached by ex-pat Tony Benson
Tony Benson
Tony Benson is a rugby league coach from New Zealand. Since the 2008-2009 season he has been the head coach of Oldham Roughyeds in the British Rugby League National Championship 1.-New Zealand:...
.
Rugby League Cup
The Hawke's Bay defeated Gisborne Tairawhiti 58-6 on 15 September 2007. Canterbury B then defeated the Hawke's Bay to win 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...
. The Hawke's Bay Unicorns included Elijah Niko
Elijah Niko
Elijah Niko is a professional rugby league footballer who currently plays for the North Queensland Cowboys in the National Rugby League competition.-Playing career:...
.
Bartercard Cup
The 2007 season was the eighth and final season of the Bartercard CupBartercard Cup
The Bartercard Cup was the top level rugby league club competition in New Zealand from 2000 until 2007. For the entire life of the tournament it was sponsored by Bartercard. The cup was administered by the New Zealand Rugby League...
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....
. From 2008 onwards the NZRL was to revert to a more traditional provincial competition.
There were no major team changes however the Tamaki Leopards
Tamaki Leopards
The Tamaki Titans were a franchise in the now defunct New Zealand rugby league Bartercard Cup competition. They represented Eastern Auckland, this area was previously represented by the Otahuhu Ellerslie Leopards and the Eastern Tornadoes...
were renamed the Tamaki Titans and the Auckland Lions
Auckland Lions
The Auckland Lions were a rugby league club that had teams in both the New Zealand Bartercard Cup and the NSWRL Premier League. They were mostly based around the Mt Albert Lions Rugby League club...
also fielded a team in the NSWRL Premier League
NSWRL Premier League
The New South Wales Cup is a rugby league competition for clubs in New South Wales previously known as the NSWRL Premier League. It has a history dating back to the NSWRFL's origins in 1908, starting off as a reserve grade competition. It is now the premier open age competition in the state...
. As a result less players from the New Zealand Warriors
New Zealand Warriors
The New Zealand Warriors are a professional rugby league football club based in Auckland, New Zealand. They compete in the National Rugby League premiership and are the League's only team from outside Australia...
featured in the Bartercard Cup.
A Saturday double header took place each weekend with one game screened live on Māori Television
Maori Television
Māori Television is a New Zealand TV station broadcasting programmes that make a significant contribution to the revitalisation of the Māori language and culture . Funded by the New Zealand Government, the station started broadcasting on 28 March 2004 from a base in Newmarket.Te Reo is the...
and the other one delayed on a Sunday. This replaced 2006's Monday Night Football, a move welcomed by Canterbury Bulls head coach Brent Stuart. The double header was held at either Mt Smart 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...
or 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....
each weekend. There was only one Split Round (Round Eight over Queens Birthday Weekend) which meant the Grand Final was played in September.
The Teams
- Harbour were coached by Ken McIntoshKen McIntoshKenneth McIntosh is a New Zealand rugby league coach and former player who currently coaches the Northcote Tigers and Auckland. He played professionally with the Penrith Panthers.-Playing career:...
and Jason LowrieJason LowrieJason Anthony Lowrie is a New Zealand rugby league coach and former player who represented his country. He is the grand-nephew of fellow international Sam Lowrie.-Playing career:...
and included Shaun Metcalf and Jeremiah PaiJeremiah PaiJeremiah Pai is a New Zealand rugby league player who currently plays for the Auckland Vulcans and the Northcote Tigers.-Early years:He was first noticed when playing for the Eastern Tornadoes in the Bartercard Cup before making his National Rugby League debut for the New Zealand Warriors in...
. - Waitakere were coached by Bernie Perenara and included Cliff BeverleyCliff BeverleyCliff Beverley is a former professional rugby league player. His preferred position was Five Eighth, although he was somewhat of a utility and spent considerable time at fullback.-Early years:...
, Karl Guttenbeil, Roman Hifo, Pita GodinetPita GodinetPita Godinet is a rugby league player who has represented Samoa. He currently plays for the New Zealand Warriors...
, Jaye Pukepuke and Gavin Bailey. - Auckland were coached by Brent Gemmell and included DavidDavid FisiiahiDavid Fisiiahi is a Tongan rugby league player who represented his country at the 2000 World Cup and currently plays for the Ellerslie Eagles. He is the identical twin of fellow Tongan International Paul.-Playing career:...
and Paul FisiiahiPaul FisiiahiPaul Fisiiahi is a Tongan rugby league player who represented his country at the 2000 World Cup and currently plays for the Howick Hornets. He is the identical twin of fellow Tongan International David.-Playing career:...
, Andrew SuniulaAndrew SuniulaAndrew Suniula is an American Samoan rugby union player for the Cornish Pirates in the RFU Championship. He previously played for the Chicago Griffins and rugby league football for the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles in the National Rugby League. His position is at wing/centre/second row. He has...
, Martin MitchellMartin MitchellMartin Mitchell is a New Zealand/Cook Islands professional rugby league player who currently plays for the Burleigh Bears. Mitchell primarily plays at hooker...
, Kimi Uasi, Julian O'NeillJulian O'Neill (New Zealand)Julian O'Neill is a former professional rugby league footballer who spent most of his career playing in Super League...
, Matthew SturmMatthew SturmMatthew Sturm is a former professional rugby league footballer who played in New Zealand and in the English Super League. In 2010 and 2011 he was part of the Mount Albert Lions.-Early years:Sturm was a Glenora Bears junior...
and Daniel O’Regan. - Tamaki were coached by Dean ClarkDean Clark (rugby league)Dean Clark is a New Zealand rugby league coach and former footballer who represented his country between 1989 and 1992. He is the current coach of the Papakura Sea Eagles in the Auckland Rugby League competition.-Playing career:...
and included Elijah TaylorElijah TaylorElijah Taylor is a professional rugby league footballer who currently plays in the National Rugby League for the New Zealand Warriors.-Early years:...
, Constantine MikaConstantine MikaConstantine Mika is a New Zealand professional rugby league player of Samoan descent, currently playing for the Hull Kingston Rovers in the English Super League. He previously played for the Newcastle Knights in the National Rugby League competition. His position of choice is second-row...
, Leeson Ah MauLeeson Ah MauLeeson Ah Mau is a New Zealand rugby league player in the National Rugby League . He is signed to play for the St George Illawarra Dragons in 2012, having previously played in the NRL for the North Queensland Cowboys and the New Zealand Warriors. He is a forward...
, Willie Heta and Aaron Pawley. - Counties Manukau included Ian Hayes, Aidan KirkAidan KirkAidan Kirk is a rugby league player who last played in the National Rugby League for the New Zealand Warriors.-Early years:...
, Michael CrockettMichael CrockettMichael Crockett is an Australian rugby league player. His position of choice is on the wing. He is especially noted for his quick pace.-Early years:...
, Sonny FaiSonny FaiSonny Fai was a professional rugby league player who played for the New Zealand Warriors.-Early years:...
and Tulson Caird. - Waicoa Bay included Steve RapiraSteve RapiraSteve Rapira is a New Zealand professional rugby league player who currently plays for the New Zealand Warriors in the National Rugby League competition. He plays in the Second Row...
and Isaac JohnIsaac JohnIsaac John is a New Zealand professional rugby league footballer currently signed with the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats of the English Super League...
. - Central were coached by David LomaxDavid LomaxDavid Walter Lomax is a New Zealand rugby league coach and former player who represented his country. He is the brother of another international, John Lomax.-Early years:...
and included Elijah NikoElijah NikoElijah Niko is a professional rugby league footballer who currently plays for the North Queensland Cowboys in the National Rugby League competition.-Playing career:...
. - Wellington were coached by Paul Bergman and included Alehana MaraAlehana MaraAlehana Mara is a professional rugby league footballer who currently plays in the National Rugby League for the New Zealand Warriors.-Early years:...
, Meli KoliavuMeli KoliavuMeli Koliavu is a Fijian rugby league player who represented his country.-Playing career:Koliavu attended St. Patrick's College and represented the Wellington Orcas in the 2006 and 2007 Bartercard Cups....
, Mose MasoeMose MasoeMose Masoe is a New Zealand/Samoan rugby league player who currently plays for the Sydney Roosters in the National Rugby League. His position is at prop or back row...
and Ben MatulinoBen MatulinoBenedict Andrew Matulino is a rugby league player who has represented his country. He currently plays for the New Zealand Warriors in the National Rugby League...
. - Canterbury were coached by former Kiwi Brent StuartBrent StuartBrent Clifford Stuart is a rugby league coach and former player who represented his country.-Playing career:A West Coast and Canterbury representative, Stuart spent two years in the Northern Territory in the mid-1980s and represented the Territory against Parramatta. In 1993 he was invited to be...
and included Lusi SioneLusi SioneLusi Sione is a former New Zealand rugby league player who played for Workington Town and represented the Canterbury and New Zealand 'A'.-Playing career:Sione started his career in the Lion Red Cup, playing for the Canterbury Country Cardinals....
, Corey LawrieCorey LawrieCorey Lawrie is a New Zealand rugby league player who currently is the player-coach of the Hornby Panthers...
and Shane Beyers.
Season standings
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auckland Lions Auckland Lions The Auckland Lions were a rugby league club that had teams in both the New Zealand Bartercard Cup and the NSWRL Premier League. They were mostly based around the Mt Albert Lions Rugby League club... |
18 | 16 | 1 | 1 | 888 | 217 | 617 | 33 |
| Harbour League Harbour League Harbour League were a franchise in the now defunct Bartercard Cup rugby league competition in New Zealand. They represented Aucklands North Shore City... |
18 | 15 | 1 | 2 | 630 | 322 | 308 | 31 |
| Canterbury Bulls Canterbury Bulls The Canterbury rugby league team are a rugby league team who represent the Canterbury Rugby League. They are currently nicknamed the Bulls but have previously had other nicknames such as the Reds. They are based at Rugby League Park in Christchurch.... |
18 | 12 | 0 | 6 | 663 | 426 | 207 | 24 |
| Waitakere Rangers Waitakere Rangers The Waitakere Rangers were a franchise in the now defunct Bartercard Cup rugby league competition in New Zealand. They represented five clubs based in Waitakere City including the Glenora Bears who previously represented the City in the Bartercard Cup. The other four clubs were the Waitemata... |
18 | 11 | 1 | 6 | 638 | 430 | 208 | 23 |
| Tamaki Titans | 18 | 10 | 1 | 7 | 526 | 464 | 62 | 21 |
| Wellington Orcas Wellington Orcas The Wellington rugby league team are a rugby league team that represents the Wellington Rugby League in New Zealand Rugby League competitions. They currently compete in the National Zonal Competition as the Wellington Orcas.-Early years:... |
18 | 10 | 0 | 8 | 509 | 529 | ||
| 20 | ||||||||
| Waicoa Bay Stallions Waicoa Bay Stallions The Waicoa Bay Stallions are a rugby league team that represent the Upper Central Zone in the Albert Baskerville Trophy. This is a vast area that includes Hamilton, Rotorua and Taupo... |
18 | 5 | 1 | 12 | 418 | 682 | ||
| 11 | ||||||||
| Northern Storm Northern Storm The Northland rugby league team are a rugby league team that represents the Northland Region in New Zealand Rugby League competitions. They are based in Whangarei. They currently compete in the Albert Baskerville Trophy as the Northern Swords.... |
18 | 4 | 0 | 14 | 372 | 730 | ||
| 8 | ||||||||
| Counties Manukau Jetz | 18 | 3 | 0 | 15 | 344 | 704 | ||
| 6 | ||||||||
| Central Falcons Central Falcons The Manawatu rugby league team are a rugby league team that represents the Manawatu Rugby League in New Zealand Rugby League competitions. They have previously been nicknamed the Mustangs and between 2002 and 2007 competed in the Bartercard Cup as the Central Falcons.Manawatu has a strong domestic... |
18 | 1 | 1 | 16 | 384 | 868 | ||
| 3 | ||||||||
The Playoffs
The Bartercard Cup used the Page-McIntyre systemPage playoff system
The Page playoff system is a playoff format used primarily in softball and curling at the championship level. Teams are seeded using a round-robin tournament and the top four play a mix of a single-elimination and double-elimination tournament to determine the winner...
in 2007. In the major semi-final at Waitemata Stadium, between the Auckland Lions and Harbour League the scores were tied at 40 all after normal time and 2 further periods of extra time. The game proceeded to go on for another 17 minutes and 16 seconds before Auckland finally scored the winning try. NZRL management believed that no game of rugby league has ever lasted that long, or at least certainly in modern times.
| Date | Match | Winner | Loser | Venue | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 August | Elimination Semifinal | Canterbury Bulls | 35 | Waitakere Rangers | 18 | Waitemata Stadium |
| 25 August | Qualification Semifinal | Auckland Lions | 44 | Harbour League | 40 | Waitemata Stadium |
| 1 September | Preliminary Final | Harbour League | 28 | Canterbury Bulls | 24 | Waitemata Stadium |
Grand final
| Team | Halftime | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Auckland Lions | 8 | 28 |
| Harbour League | 0 | 4 |
| Tries (Auckland) | 1: D. Fisiiahi David Fisiiahi David Fisiiahi is a Tongan rugby league player who represented his country at the 2000 World Cup and currently plays for the Ellerslie Eagles. He is the identical twin of fellow Tongan International Paul.-Playing career:... , A. Suniula Andrew Suniula Andrew Suniula is an American Samoan rugby union player for the Cornish Pirates in the RFU Championship. He previously played for the Chicago Griffins and rugby league football for the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles in the National Rugby League. His position is at wing/centre/second row. He has... , M. Weepu, M. Mitchell Martin Mitchell Martin Mitchell is a New Zealand/Cook Islands professional rugby league player who currently plays for the Burleigh Bears. Mitchell primarily plays at hooker... , J. O'Neil Julian O'Neill (New Zealand) Julian O'Neill is a former professional rugby league footballer who spent most of his career playing in Super League... |
|---|---|
| Tries (Harbour League) | 1: T.Samoa |
| Goals (Auckland) | 4: H. Mathews |
| Goals (Harbour League) | 0 |
| Date | 9 September |
| Venue | Mt Smart 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... |
| Broadcast | Maori Television Maori Television Māori Television is a New Zealand TV station broadcasting programmes that make a significant contribution to the revitalisation of the Māori language and culture . Funded by the New Zealand Government, the station started broadcasting on 28 March 2004 from a base in Newmarket.Te Reo is the... |
Provincial tour
AucklandAuckland rugby league team
The Auckland rugby league team is the team which traditionally represents all of the clubs which play in the Auckland Rugby League competition. The Auckland Rugby League team has traditionally been a powerhouse of New Zealand domestic rugby league...
conducted a Queen's Birthday weekend tour of the South Island. Team team was coached by Sam Panapa
Sam Panapa
Sam Panapa is a former rugby league player and coach who represented three countries in his career.-Playing career:A Te Atatu Roosters junior in the Auckland Rugby League competitions, Panapa played club football in Britain for Wigan...
. The team defeated a West Coast Invitational XIII
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:...
26-20 and Canterbury 28-24.
South Island Zone Competition
The Southland RamsSouthland 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:...
, Canterbury B, 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:...
and 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:...
played a four team tournament in September and October.
National Club Competition
The Wainuiomata LionsWainuiomata Lions
The Wainuiomata Lions are a New Zealand rugby league club based in Wainuiomata, Wellington. They compete in the Wellington Rugby League competition.-Noted Players:...
defeated the Papakura Sea Eagles
Papakura Sea Eagles
The Papakura Sea Eagles are an Auckland rugby league club based in Papakura. The Sea Eagles currently compete in the Fox Memorial competition run by the Auckland Rugby League.-Kiwi Representatives:...
48-26 in the Grand Final of the National Club Competition. Wainuiomata defeated 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:...
40-18 in a semi final while Papakura defeated Kaiapoi 48-22.
Australian competitions
New Zealand Warriors
The New Zealand Warriors are a professional rugby league football club based in Auckland, New Zealand. They compete in the National Rugby League premiership and are the League's only team from outside Australia...
competed in 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...
competition. They finished 4th out of 16 teams before losing to North Queensland
North Queensland Cowboys
The North Queensland Cowboys are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in Townsville, Queensland. They compete in Australasia's elite rugby league competition, the National Rugby League premiership...
in the Semi Finals.
The Auckland Lions
Auckland Lions
The Auckland Lions were a rugby league club that had teams in both the New Zealand Bartercard Cup and the NSWRL Premier League. They were mostly based around the Mt Albert Lions Rugby League club...
competed in the NSWRL Premier League
NSWRL Premier League
The New South Wales Cup is a rugby league competition for clubs in New South Wales previously known as the NSWRL Premier League. It has a history dating back to the NSWRFL's origins in 1908, starting off as a reserve grade competition. It is now the premier open age competition in the state...
and finished 10th out of 13 teams.
Auckland
The Manurewa MarlinsManurewa 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:...
won the Fox Memorial trophy, defeating the Papakura Sea Eagles
Papakura Sea Eagles
The Papakura Sea Eagles are an Auckland rugby league club based in Papakura. The Sea Eagles currently compete in the Fox Memorial competition run by the Auckland Rugby League.-Kiwi Representatives:...
28-20 in extra time in the grand final. Papakura had finished the season as minor premiers. 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:...
won the Stormont Shield.
The Northcote Tigers
Northcote Tigers
The Northcote Tigers are a rugby league club based in Northcote, New Zealand. The club was founded in 1910 as the Northcote Warriors.The Tigers compete in the Fox Memorial competition run by the Auckland Rugby League. Between 2000 and 2002 the Northcote Tigers competed in the national Bartercard...
won the Sharman Cup (Division Two) while 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:...
won the Phelan Shield (Division Three).
Wellington
The Wainuiomata LionsWainuiomata Lions
The Wainuiomata Lions are a New Zealand rugby league club based in Wainuiomata, Wellington. They compete in the Wellington Rugby League competition.-Noted Players:...
were coached by 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:...
. David Lomax
David Lomax
David Walter Lomax is a New Zealand rugby league coach and former player who represented his country. He is the brother of another international, John Lomax.-Early years:...
stepped in as caretaker coach when his brother was unavailable.
The 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...
board was given full control of its own competition on 1 April after being "in review" 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....
since January 2003.
Other Competitions
The Taniwharau Rugby League ClubTaniwharau Rugby League Club
The Taniwharau Rugby League Club is a rugby league club from Huntly, New Zealand. They compete in the Waikato Rugby League club competition. The club plays in a green and gold strip and are based at Waahi Pa.-History:...
were the Waicoa Bay minor premiers and went on to win the grand final, defeating Turangawaewae. Taniwharau went through the season undefeated.
The Kia Ora Warriors defeated the Waitara Bears 29-20 in the Western Alliance grand final.