TO: NZRL Staff, Districts and Affiliates and Board

FROM: Cushla Dawson

DATE: 27 January 2009

RE: Media Summary Tuesday 20 January to Tuesday 27 January 2009

New Kiwis squad to be NRL-based: England-based Kiwi World Cup heroes and are set to be overlooked for selection ahead of this year's Anzac test, super coach has revealed. Leuluai and Eastwood, who both ply their trade in the , were part of the Kiwis squad that surprisingly trounced the Kangaroos to win last year's World Cup against all odds.

Kiwis role left up to Bennett: Wayne Bennett is not being given a deadline to make up his mind about continuing as assistant coach of the Kiwis - and he is unlikely to attend next weekend's celebration gathering in of the entire World Cup-winning squad and staff.

Hugh month of events coming up in Auckland: It's all on in February There's a huge month of events coming up in Auckland. The month kicks off with the world's best sailing crews, including our own Emirates Team New Zealand, taking to the Waitemata Harbour for the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series. There are plenty of great viewing spots along the bays, North Head and Bastion Point for people to catch the six daily races between Rangitoto Island and the city foreshore. Head to the Viaduct Harbour to farewell and welcome the boats each day, grab some autographs from the sailors and enjoy daily on-shore activities and entertainment. On Monday, 2 February there will be a special bonus in the race village, with the World Cup-winning New Zealand team signing autographs for fans, so head down and congratulate the new world champions.

Kiwi shirt aim: JEREMY Smith insists that he is ‘hugely determined’ to shine for Salford and regain his place in the Test team of world champions New Zealand. The 27-year-old half back has joined the Reds on a two- year deal from NRL club South Sydney. And he hopes that his Super League performances for Salford will make New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney sit up and take notice.

Kiwis coming home to celebrate World Cup triumph: The Pirtek Kiwis will be back together for the first time since winning the when they assemble in Auckland in two weeks for a two-day public celebration of their historic feat. chairman Ray Haffenden today confirmed the players, coaching staff and management will be reunited – and back in possession of the impressive World Cup trophy – to relive their 34-20 win over the Kangaroos at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on November 22.

World Cup referee Ashley Klein is poised to join the ranks of the NRL: Referee Ashley Klein, whose handling of the World Cup final so incensed he later resigned as the Kangaroos' coach, is heading home to his native Australia. Klein, 29, has quit his position as an official with England's Rugby Football League to rejoin his wife and two children in Australia where he is now set to referee matches.

NZRL and civic ceremonies to honour Kiwis: The Kiwis World Cup win will be honoured at an NZRL awards ceremony and a civic ceremony in Auckland's Viaduct Harbour. New Zealand Rugby League chairman Ray Haffenden has delighted the World Cup winning Kiwis side can finally celebrate their win with the New Zealand public.

Kiwis to finally be honoured: New Zealand Rugby League has finally confirmed a chance for the public to celebrate the Kiwis' World Cup win. The World Cup squad minus UK based players Thomas Leuluai and Greg Eastwood will spend two days in Auckland starting Sunday February 1st. The two days include the 2008 NZRL Awards as well as a civic reception at the Viaduct Harbour.

Kiwis heroes gather in Auckland: The Sunday News-sponsored world cup-winning Kiwis have missed out on a ticker-tape parade. They will still officially celebrate their success in Auckland in a fortnight. For the first time since their amazing world cup win over the Kangaroos on November 22, most of the Kiwis squad will gather in Auckland. Greg Eastwood and Thomas Leuluai, who are both based in the UK, are the only players who won't be in Auckland.

New Kiwis squad to be NRL-based England-based Kiwi World Cup heroes Thomas Leuluai and Greg Eastwood are set to be overlooked for selection ahead of this year's Anzac test, super coach Stephen Kearney has revealed.

Leuluai and Eastwood, who both ply their trade in the Super League, were part of the Kiwis squad that surprisingly trounced the Kangaroos to win last year's World Cup against all odds.

The Kiwis are scheduled to meet the Australians for the first time since the historic win on May 8 in Brisbane but Kearney yesterday hinted Kiwis on the other side of the world would probably miss out on selection.

In the build-up to last year's Centenary test, the Kiwis found themselves caught in a tug-of-war with Super League clubs Leeds and Wigan for star fullback , who missed the World Cup with injury, and Leuluai.

Both players were eventually released but their lack of preparation was highlighted by poor showings on the paddock.

"I'll be sitting down with the rest of the staff in a couple of weeks and whether to pick Super League players for the Anzac test will certainly be something we discuss," Kearney told Sunday News yesterday.

"We need to decide whether bringing Super League players back for a one-off test will be the best thing for the team.

"The obvious example is the situation involving Thomas Leuluai last year.

"He wasn't able to train with the side until two days before the test."

Kearney, his management team and the World Cup-winning Kiwis bar Leuluai and Eastwood will meet in Auckland next week to reflect on last year's success.

But while celebrations are on the cards, Kearney is also keen to press ahead with plans for the Anzac test.

"This is a great chance for us to celebrate our achievement last year but it's also an opportunity for us to start planning for what is ahead of us this year," he said.

"We think it's important for us to acknowledge the support we've had.

"We will certainly be discussing some plans in relation to the Anzac test this year.

"With regards to the Kiwis squad this year, it's always been my belief to pick the best possible side based on form.

"I must say, there are no guarantees for any of the blokes who got picked for the world cup being in that squad. The boys recognise that form will be the deciding factor."

One factor that is out of Kearney's control is whether legendary Aussie Wayne Bennett, who acted as an adviser to the Kiwis last year, will stay on board in 2009.

Bennett has just taken control of the Dragons and Kearney says he's yet to discuss with the former Broncos boss whether he will remain involved with the Kiwis.

"I'll be touching base with Wayne," Kearney said. "My position on that is that whatever's good for the team is what I want."

(Source: Aaron Lawton, Sunday News, 25 January 2009)

Kiwis role left up to Bennett Wayne Bennett is not being given a deadline to make up his mind about continuing as assistant coach of the Kiwis - and he is unlikely to attend next weekend's celebration gathering in Auckland of the entire World Cup- winning squad and staff.

NZRL chairman Ray Haffenden is taking a softly-softly approach and hasn't spoken to Bennett since the night of November 22 when the Kiwis stunned the league world and won the World Cup. He left a message on Bennett's answer phone to wish him a merry Christmas.

Haffenden is also not planning on discussing the matter with Bennett should he attend next weekend.

It will be the first time the Kiwis will have assembled since their famous 34-20 win over Australia and two public celebrations are scheduled.

"We will talk to Wayne when the time is right," Haffenden said. "We have been giving him time and space to get bedded in with the Dragons.

"We don't feel there is too much urgency. Wayne will make his own mind up. You can hang as many carrots out in front of Wayne but if he is of a mind not to do something, then he's not going to do it."

Bennett, who has taken over as Dragons coach this season after 21 years with the Broncos, turned down the Roosters in the final stages of negotiations.

Haffenden said he would contact Bennett soon and that the subject would be a major discussion point at the next NZRL board meeting on February 12. There would be no deadline for the former Queensland and Kangaroos coach to make a decision. The Kiwis' next match is the annual Anzac test on May 8, which is likely to be in Brisbane.

Kiwis manager and former Kiwis captain has said Warriors under-20 coach would be an ideal replacement if Bennett walked away from the Kiwis.

Haffenden said no thought had been given to an alternative.

"I'm totally confident in my own mind that Wayne would be interested [in continuing] but circumstances change," Haffenden said.

Head coach Stephen Kearney said he didn't expect Bennett to attend next weekend's celebration because of his commitments with the Dragons but that he is keen for Bennett to continue.

"I can't see any negatives to having Wayne continue," he said. "I would love to have him on board and I'm sure everyone involved would... but I understand he has a huge commitment in trying to establish himself at a new club."

Kearney will take advantage of next weekend's gathering to re-emphasise to his players that no one is guaranteed a spot for the Anzac test.

"We have scaled the Everest in winning the World Cup," he said. "It's now a matter of making sure there's no complacency involved in our game from administrators to players.

"I will be picking the Anzac test team on who I think will do the best job for New Zealand and that will be based on eight rounds of footy. There will be no room for anyone who thinks their spot is guaranteed because of the World Cup."

(Source: Michael Brown, Herald on Sunday, 25 January 2009)

Hugh month of events coming up in Auckland It's all on in February

There's a huge month of events coming up in Auckland.

The month kicks off with the world's best sailing crews, including our own Emirates Team New Zealand, taking to the Waitemata Harbour for the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series. There are plenty of great viewing spots along the bays, North Head and Bastion Point for people to catch the six daily races between Rangitoto Island and the city foreshore.

Head to the Viaduct Harbour to farewell and welcome the boats each day, grab some autographs from the sailors and enjoy daily on-shore activities and entertainment.

On Monday, 2 February there will be a special bonus in the race village, with the World Cup-winning New Zealand rugby league team signing autographs for fans, so head down and congratulate the new world champions.

Spend Waitangi Day at the beach with Waitangi Day Festival '09 (Okahu Bay, Friday, 6 February) - a free family event rich in tradition, culture, food, art and live entertainment including House of Shem, Opensouls, Tahuna Breaks, Herbs and Sons of Zion.

Wild Bean Cafe ZooMusic will keep the animals awake with four great concerts beginning on 7 February - and the Auckland Lantern Festival will light up Albert Park over the same long weekend, from 6 to 9 February.

One of Auckland's favourite and most widely attended cultural celebrations, the free festival captures the spirit of Chinese New Year celebrations with lanterns of all shapes and sizes, traditional and contemporary entertainment, and speciality food and craft stalls.

For something a little different, head to Waiheke Island until 15 February for headland Sculpture on the Gulf. See more than 20 art works in the sea, and on the cliff-edge and headlands along the two-kilometre Matiatia to Church Bay walkway.

Family favourite, the SKYCITY Starlight Symphony will provide a fantastic evening's entertainment at Auckland Domain on Saturday, 21 February. This year's feature headliner is New Zealand's own singer/songwriter Brooke Fraser - and the evening concludes with a fireworks and laser show.

The council's Music in Parks series of free concerts continues, with weekly jazz at the Auckland Domain band rotunda, three huge Telecom Summer Sounds concerts at Nixon Park, Blockhouse Bay Beach Reserve and Waiheke Island, and a host of niche musical genres is some of our city's most spectacular open spaces.

The free Movies in Parks programme also begins in February, with three great mid-week flicks at Mt Eden's Tahaki Reserve.

Bike enthusiasts can take part in the free Go by Bike Breakfast at the Viaduct on 18 February - and the kids get their turn on the 19th with the Kids' Bike Ride at Western Springs Park.

The BMW Auckland Regatta from 20 February features 15 sailing divisions over three days, racing at two of Auckland's popular eastern beaches.

The last day of the month is a big one for jazz lovers, with the Mission Bay Jazz and Blues Streetfest beachside at Selwyn Reserve - and Telecom Derby Day, which marks the start of Auckland Cup Week, which glamorously continues into March.

All of these great events are provided or sponsored by Auckland City Council.

One thing's for sure - it's all on in Auckland this summer.

Visit www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/events for more information about all of the events mentioned above.

(Source: Auckland City Council, 23 January 2009)

Kiwi shirt aim JEREMY Smith insists that he is ‘hugely determined’ to shine for Salford and regain his place in the Test team of world champions New Zealand.

The 27-year-old half back has joined the Reds on a two-year deal from NRL club South Sydney. And he hopes that his Super League performances for Salford will make New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney sit up and take notice. Smith, who has impressed in Salford’s pre-season friendly fixtures with Leeds and Leigh, said: "Playing for my country is the thing that I’ve always wanted to do. I have played five games for New Zealand so far and it was a huge honour to play in those games.

"It was great to see New Zealand get one over the Aussies and win the World Cup recently. But it was frustrating not being involved. I would love to get back into the Kiwi team and I certainly feel as though I can do that while playing for Salford.

"Being part of a winning team that is moving forward would certainly help my chances. And, with the signings that Salford have made and from what I have seen in pre-season training so far, I am confident that 2009 is going to be a great year for Salford.

"My main priority is playing good football for Salford. If I can do that then I’m sure everything else will fall into place."

Smith is expected to be Salford’s first choice half back in 2009 with Kiwi legend Robbie Paul set to share the hooking role with skipper Malc Alker.

Young guns Richard Myler, and Lewis Palfrey are Salford’s other half back options.

And Smith has vowed to do everything that he can to help the club get the best out of those talented youngsters.

Smith, who chose moving to Salford over offers from ‘a few NRL clubs’, said: "There is clearly a lot of young talent here at half back. A lot of people have told me that Richard Myler is a star of the future and I have been impressed with all three of them in training.

"They don’t have much experience behind them and if I can help them to develop their games that would be great. I would love to do that.

"But there are lots of other players here that will help with the development of the young players, not least Malc Alker and Robbie Paul.

"Malc is the best leader that I’ve ever worked with and Robbie was a real hero of mine when I was growing up.

"There is a good blend of youth and experience at the club but it is important that we get off to a good start to the season and build from there.

"The two main things that you need to work on when you are a team coming up from a lower division is your consistency and your defence. We are doing that in training and the players are all really excited about the new season.

"Moving to Super League is a great chance for my teammates and I to see where we are at as players."

So what can Salford’s fans expect from Smith, who has been playing rugby since the age of four, in the forthcoming campaign?

"All I can say is that every time I run out on to the pitch I always give it everything I’ve got," Smith said. "I’m very competitive and I don’t like to lose.

"I’m always fired up and ready to go whenever it’s time to take to the field. I always want to win.

"If I’m honest, I’m just as competitive when I’m bowling or playing tennis. This is a tremendous challenge for me at Salford. I’m so keen to help the club and do well."

That will be music to the ears of Salford’s supporters.

(Source: Salford Advertiser, 22 January 2009)

Kiwis coming home to celebrate World Cup triumph The Pirtek Kiwis will be back together for the first time since winning the Rugby League World Cup when they assemble in Auckland in two weeks for a two-day public celebration of their historic feat. New Zealand Rugby League chairman Ray Haffenden today confirmed the players, coaching staff and management will be reunited – and back in possession of the impressive World Cup trophy – to relive their 34- 20 win over the Kangaroos at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on November 22.

He said two public events formed the basis of the team’s programme.

The first will be the launch of the NZRL’s Kids 2 Kiwis initiative at Henham Park in Otahuhu on Sunday, February 1. The Pirtek Kiwis will be heavily involved in this event, which will be televised live by Prime TV.

The following day (Monday, February 2), the world champions will be feted by Auckland Mayor John Banks at a lunchtime civic reception at the Viaduct Harbour.

Also staged on February 1 will be the 2008 NZRL Awards – televised by Sky Sport – with the Pirtek Kiwis all in attendance.

“This has been a huge undertaking for us bringing the team back together, one that couldn’t have been achieved without the help of a lot of people,” said Haffenden.

“We informed the NRL clubs concerned of our plans before Christmas and we’re very thankful for their support. It’s brilliant to have Prime TV and Sky Sport involved as well.

“Everything has only just come together this week but now, with the launch of Kids 2 Kiwis and the civic reception at the Viaduct Harbour, the public will have the chance to celebrate the greatest success in New Zealand rugby league history.

“It’s also a chance for the players to thank the public for their support in helping them reach our game’s pinnacle.

“It’s not just about one World Cup win either. Also involved will be the Kiwi Ferns, who won the women’s Rugby League World Cup for the third straight time the same night the Pirtek Kiwis qualified for their final.

“There is so much to enjoy about what has been achieved and we invite the fans to turn out in big numbers to honour these teams. These are exciting times for all of us.”

The accolades have continued to roll in for the Pirtek Kiwis following New Zealand’s first World Cup win since the competition began in 1954. They’ve been voted one of the four finalists for the Team of the Year at the Halberg Awards and Kearney is also one of the four finalists in the Coach of the Year category. The winners will be announced at the annual Halberg Awards dinner in Auckland on February 3 with a strong contingent of players plus Kearney set to attend.

Kearney was thrilled the victorious squad would be back to together in two weeks and able to mix with the fans.

“Now we will have the chance to thank the public and to all enjoy the World Cup success again,” he said.

“It’s ideal that today’s players, these world champions, can be involved in the launch of Kids 2 Kiwis, which is so vital to the sport’s future in New Zealand. It’s also humbling to know we’ll be given a civic reception.

“At the same time, this weekend will be a good opportunity for us to put some plans in place for 2009 with the NRL season just a few weeks away.

“In May we’re back in Brisbane for the Anzac Test against Australia and there’s also the Four Nations tournament in the northern hemisphere at the end of the season.

“It’s important that we back up the World Cup win.”

Kids 2 Kiwis has been hatched in a bid to increase registrations in the critical 6-12 year old age bracket.

The Pirtek Kiwis and the Kiwi Ferns will both be involved in activity stations as they help to run coaching clinics for both selected club players and the general public at the launch (due to start at 10.00am). The players will also mingle with the crowd signing autographs and having photos taken while the public will also be able to have photos taken with the World Cup trophy. Later there will be exhibition games before the players break away to get dressed in their formal gear for the NZRL Awards show which will be staged in the Otahuhu Rugby League Club’s clubrooms. The audience of about 300 people will include the Pirtek Kiwis, the Kiwi Ferns, NZRL directors and officials plus sponsors.

After the awards event, the players will rejoin the public on the field at Henham Park.

“This is all about enjoying the success and trying to use it to give the game a much stronger base at grass roots level,” said Haffenden.

“We need more kids playing rugby league in the 6-12 range.”

To that end he said the Rugby League World Cup will go on tour to key areas in the country as a focal point of the Kids 2 Kiwis drive.

“To encourage increased participation we will provide incentives for the kids to register in the mini and mod football grades in 2009,” he said.

This will include free posters, Kids 2 Kiwis wrist bands, Kiwi tattoos and promotional mail-outs for those registered in the League Net database (like the Captain Cayless Christmas postcards which were sent out to thousands of registered young players around the country late last year).

“During the February/March registration period, we’ll be sending the Rugby League World Cup trophy on tour to spend time in each district that has mini-mod football,” said Haffenden.

The Pirtek Kiwis will attend another dinner with NZRL directors, staff and sponsors on Sunday night.

Monday’s civic reception, due to start at noon, will be held in the area of the Viaduct Harbour (at the end of Halsey Street) which will be the public focal point for the Louis Vuitton Pacific yacht racing series starting in Auckland at the end of the month.

(Source: League Unlimited, 21 January 2009)

World Cup referee Ashley Klein is poised to join the ranks of the NRL Referee Ashley Klein, whose handling of the World Cup final so incensed Ricky Stuart he later resigned as the Kangaroos' coach, is heading home to his native Australia.

Klein, 29, has quit his position as an official with England's Rugby Football League to rejoin his wife and two children in Australia where he is now set to referee National Rugby League matches.

Hot favourites Australia suffered a shock 34-20 loss to New Zealand in the World Cup final in Brisbane on November 22.

The morning afterwards Stuart verbally abused both Klein and RFL referees' chief Stuart Cummings in the foyer of the hotel where they were all staying.

An inquiry into the incident found there had been some physical contact between Stuart and Cummings and that the abuse was littered with profanities.

Stuart, widely condemned for his outburst, subsequently apologised quit his post in December.

Cummings, paying tribute to Klein, said in a statement Tuesday: "Ashley has had a very difficult decision to make but has understandably decided to join his family in Australia.

"Therefore, we have decided it is in the best interests of all parties concerned to accept his resignation with immediate affect.

"We understand that following the announcement last week that his family wish to stay in Australia that the NRL has subsequently offered him a position in their competition."

(Source: www.foxsports.com.au 21 January 2009)

NZRL and civic ceremonies to honour Kiwis The Kiwis World Cup win will be honoured at an NZRL awards ceremony and a civic ceremony in Auckland's Viaduct Harbour.

New Zealand Rugby League chairman Ray Haffenden has delighted the World Cup winning Kiwis side can finally celebrate their win with the New Zealand public.

The team will come together for two days in Auckland at the start of next month. They will attend the NZRL awards ceremony and a civic reception with mayor John Banks at the Viaduct Harbour.

Haffenden says he is pleased a plan has finally fallen in to place. He says everything has come together and now they can have the team attend a variety of functions in just two days.

UK-based players Thomas Leuluai and Greg Eastwood are the only players unavailable for the celebrations.

(Source: Radio Sport, 19 January 2009)

Kiwis to finally be honoured New Zealand Rugby League has finally confirmed a chance for the public to celebrate the Kiwis' World Cup win.

The World Cup squad minus UK based players Thomas Leuluai and Greg Eastwood will spend two days in Auckland starting Sunday February 1st.

The two days include the 2008 NZRL Awards as well as a civic reception at the Viaduct Harbour.

Due to the short space in time around Christmas, NZRL Chairman Ray Haffenden says it has only been possible to put a plan in place now.

They didn't have support from sponsors and they needed permission from the Australian clubs to release some players.

Haffenden says it's also an ideal opportunity for coach Steve Kearney to have the team together ahead of the ANZAC Test.

(Source: Newstalk ZB, 19 January 2009)

Kiwis heroes gather in Auckland The Sunday News-sponsored world cup-winning Kiwis have missed out on a ticker-tape parade. They will still officially celebrate their success in Auckland in a fortnight.

For the first time since their amazing world cup win over the Kangaroos on November 22, most of the Kiwis squad will gather in Auckland. Greg Eastwood and Thomas Leuluai, who are both based in the UK, are the only players who won't be in Auckland.

Included in their busy two-day schedule will be the launch of the NZRL's initiative Kids 2 Kiwis and also a lunchtime civic reception with Auckland mayor John Banks at the Viaduct Harbour, where some lucky fans might even be able to share a cup of tea with their favourite player.

But pleas from fans to celebrate the cup success with a street parade have gone unanswered and last night NZRL general manager Peter Cordtz admitted there wasn't the money for it.

"If we were to have a parade, we would have needed a partner to bankroll the event either a city council or a private sponsor," he told Sunday News.

"The cost of putting something like that on it has been suggested would be up to six figures. Logistically, it was going to be very tough to organise the full-blown street parade and at the back-end of last year we tried to get the trophy out doing the rounds. "We've been under immense pressure since the world cup win to give the public an opportunity to acknowledge the team and see the trophy. There were talks of parades and there were any number of city councils falling over themselves to host a parade at the end of last year.

"The difficulty for us was that up until now we haven't been able to assemble the squad and management together in one place."

Although there will be no parade for Stephen Kearney and his Kiwis, fans at least in Auckland will still have the chance to rub shoulders with their heroes. In two weeks, the men in black will turn out at Henham Park in Otahuhu to help launch the new Kids 2 Kiwis programme, aimed at getting more youngsters involved in the game.

"Even prior to the world cup win, one of the things we had identified is that in the last eight years or so there's been a declining number of kids coming into the game at an entry level," Cordtz said. "As you can imagine with a sport like rugby league which is perceived by a lot of people as a gladiatorial blood sport, a lot of people don't want their kids playing the game.

"It's something that's been going on for some time now and I don't think many people realise that since the late `80s we've had modified, non-competitive versions of the game for six-year-olds right through to 12-year-olds.

"Safety and fun are paramount for players in those younger grades. It's all about teaching them how to play football. We want to support our youngsters with coaches, resources and incentivise kids getting involved in league. The world cup win has given us the opportunity to bring some attention back to our grassroots footy.

"Kids 2 Kiwis is the mantra and what we want is for kids to dream and aspire to pull on the black jersey and play for New Zealand."

The 2008 NZRL Awards televised by Sky will also take place on February 1.

Look out for your chance to win more Kiwis merchandise including footballs signed by the squad in next week's Sunday News.

(Source: Aaron Lawton, Sunday News, 18 January 2009)