Kiwis v. - Wednesday 14 October, Rotorua International Stadium September 2009

2009 Bartercard Premiership Champions - Canterbury!

For a wrap up of the 2009 Bartercard National Provincial Premiership - NJC16s, NJC18s and the Bartercard Premiership - turn to page 3.

What’s In This Issue

Pages 2 - 3: Update from CEO Jim Doyle Page 12: Matrix provide free security service Page 4: NZRL Tsunami fundraising Page 13: Maungaturoto Primary School day of Page 5: Bartercard National Provincial Premiership league wrap up Page 14: Defence Forces left defenceless Page 6: Coach and Trainer Kiwis Workshop Page 15: Cup Update Page 7: Online clearances from 2010 Page 16: Burnham ’s longest serving Page 9: NJC 16s and 18s merit teams named members Page 10: Bartercard Premiership Selection v Toa Page 17: Mad Butcher Lounge at the Kiwis Test Domestic match Page 18: League 4 Samoa Page 11: Mutterings in the Coach’s Box Update from NZRL CEO Jim Doyle Well these last few weeks sure have been full on, and we have certainly made progress on many fronts. Our Game Plan was presented to many people throughout the country and was both well received and well supported. During these presentations we said the most important part of any Game Plan is actually making it happen, which is cer- tainly what we intend to do. Another aspect we talked a lot about during our presentations was the need for improved communication and complete transparency. We will use this newslet- ter as one of our means to improve communications and transparency by providing an update each month as to how we are progressing against our Game Plan and initiatives. Game Development – National Competitions Congratulations to the Canterbury Bulls for their victory in the Bartercard Pre- miership, and for winning both NJC16’s and NJC18’s. Auckland did very well to reach all three Finals but good to see Taranaki 16’s, 18’s and the Bulls making it all the way also. It was also pleasing to see that for the first time in many years we were able to hold the Barter- card Premiership Final at the home of the top qualifier. I would again like to thank Sky TV for agreeing to televise the Grand Final from Rugby Park in . In future we will endeavour to try and continue hosting the final at the home of the top qualifier, but this may not always be possible. Talking about the future and Competitions, during our Game Plan presentations a regular ques- tion that was asked was, when will we have a new Competitions structure? Our response was that in order to ensure we get it right, we will not just rush into something. We are in the process of establishing a Competitions advisory group (from within our game) that will meet and work on what the future Competitions structure will look like. This will then be dis- cussed throughout the country at our next face to face update in late January to gain further in- put. This means that for the most part our Competitions next year will not change, with the exception that our Bartercard National Provincial Premiership may be in a different format. We will provide further updates in due course. Partners We have presented our Game Plan to many of our partners including SPARC. The feedback has been excellent, with everyone happy with progress to date and supportive of our Plan. We will now continue to work with SPARC through the details from a funding per- spective. We have also started discussions with other funders and sponsors re long term relationships. Increased Participation – LeagueNet In order for us to grow the game throughout the country we need to ensure our membership databases are accurate, as these will provide us all the informa- tion we need to make sure we increase participation at all levels and for all categories (players, coaches, referees, etc). Carmen Taplin will be working with specific people across the country over the next couple of months to make sure all the data is entered and up to date, and then we can use this information to work within the Zones to increase participation in the right areas within each Zone. ...Continued

“Talking about the future and Competitions, during our Game Plan presentations a regular question that was asked was, when will we have a new Competitions structure? Our re- sponse was that in order to ensure we get it right, we will not just rush into something. “

2 Culture of Excellence – “Right People, Right Places” Now we have completed our Game Plan and our tactics, we are in the process of reviewing our structure. The objective is to ensure we have the right people in the roles required to deliver our Game Plan. Within the NZRL office this will be com- pleted by end of October, and will then be communicated accordingly. Family & Community – More than just a Game As we announced earlier this month, we have selected a Bartercard Premiership Se- lection side to play a Toa Samoa Domestic squad at Mt Smart this Saturday, 10 Oc- tober. I would like to congratulate all the players, coaches and management who have been selected and wish them well in this event. This is in line with our Game Plan, providing pathways for players, coaches, trainers etc. Again, this is something we intend to continue and hope to arrange games for an NZ Residents side each year. The reason I wish them well for this event, is that it has actually now turned into more than just an event. After the news of the recent tragedy in Samoa, we thought it was important that we reach out to the Rugby League community and take the opportunity to turn our Game into a benefit match. And with a lot of work from a lot of people this has now turned into a significant event that we are sure will raise much needed funds to provide some relief. Our thanks go out to all those that are involved in this (a separate release will be circulated with de- tails) event which again shows that Rugby League is “More than just a Game” International Success – Kiwis in Town It is good to see the Kiwi team announced this week and the team assemble on Wednesday. We were very pleased to announce that Stephen Kearney has agreed a new four year contract that sees him as the Kiwis Head Coach until the 2013 World Cup. This allows us to focus on the long term and build a squad with the future in mind. I am sure you will all join me in wishing Stephen, Benji and the team best wishes for the Tonga Test in Rotorua and the Gillette Four Nations in the UK and . While the Kiwis are in town we are holding two sessions where coaches and trainers from throughout the country will participate in organised activities with the Kiwis and Kiwi management - more on this on page 5. Financial Sustainability – Budgets We are presently working through all the tactics required to deliver our Game Plan over the next three years, and the costs involved in doing so. This is a piece of work that we expect to take some time - we don’t want to find our- selves in 12 months time suddenly coming up against costs we had not identified ear- lier so we are prepared to take the time now to get it right.

Communications As you may have noticed, we have had a steady flow of press releases over the last month and with the information in this month’s newsletter, I hope you agree that we are certainly increasing communication.

Effective Administration and Governance – Zone Boards We have now announced four of the seven Zone Boards, with the remaining three Boards expected to be announced during October. I hope my update and this newsletter provides you an update as to how we are pro- gressing on many of the activities we are working on. We will continuously look at ways we can keep everyone informed as to what is going on. Jim Doyle

3 4 2009 Bartercard National Provincial Premiership Grand Finals Wrap Up With rugby league action taking place in Auckland and Christchurch on Sunday 04 October it was an action-packed weekend for league lovers! The NJC16s and 18s were playing their Finals at Auckland’s Cornwall Park, with Auckland fielding finalist teams in both grades. In the NJC 16s game, which went to extra time, Auckland edged out Taranaki, while in the NJC 18s Auckland were the clear winners over Wellington. On hand to present the medals to the winning teams were league icons for the NJC 16s and for the NJC 18s. Later that same day, Auckland again featured in the Finals action, competing against Canterbury in the Bartercard Premiership Grand Final. Thanks to Sky’s support, the Bartercard Premiership Grand Final was broadcast live from Canterbury’s home ground. The wet, cold weather was no deterrent to approximately 900 supports who turned up to watch the Bulls take on Auckland, and the local lads delivered a stunner of a match, with man -of-the-match Johnny Aranga scoring a try in the dying seconds of the game to seal the Bulls’ victory 26 - 20.

Left: Taranaki's Aaron Whitikia is tack- led by Auckland's Bronson Manu in the NJC 16s Final.

Above: Canterbury Bulls player , and the Player of the Day Johnny Aranga with the ball fends off a tackle by Auckland’s Sione Taka.

Above: Kiwi skipper Benji Marshall congratu- lates Auckland players. NJC18s Kiwi Cup Fi- nal; left: Auckland's James Te Pou dives for a try ahead of Wellington's Chris Harrison in the NJC18s Kiwi Cup Final and right: Canterbury League life member and NZRL Life Member Bill Whitehead celebrates the team’s win.

2009 Bartercard National Provincial Premiership Grand Finals Results

NZRL NJC16s Foundation Cup Auckland 11 Auckland v. Taranaki def. Cornwall Park, Auckland, 11.30am Sunday 04 October 2009 Taranaki 10 In extra time

NZRL NJC18s Kiwi Cup Auckland 34 Auckland v. Wellington def. Cornwall Park, Auckland, 12.45pm Sunday 04 October 2009 Wellington 10

Bartercard Premiership Canterbury 26 Canterbury v. Auckland def. , Christchurch, 2.05pm Sunday 04 October 2009 Auckland 20

5 High Performance Coach and Trainer Kiwis Workshop Rugby League has commenced programmes to assist dedicated volunteers in their ongoing personal development. The first module in this programme is for coaches and trainers who have been identified by their District as leading people in their field and/or in the development of Rugby League in their area. These people have been invited to participate in the Coach and Trainer Kiwis workshop which will provide the participants with a unique opportunity to become a part of the Kiwi camp for a day. The group will observe the training sessions that the Kiwis go through in preparation for a Test match, engage with the Kiwis coaching and management staff, receive specific presentations from the League, as well as getting the valuable opportunity to compare notes with their peers from around the country. “We acknowledge the importance of providing our community with ongoing quality learning oppor- tunities, incentives and rewards for involvement with the great game of Rugby League in New Zealand,” said NZRL Community Programmes Manager Dain Guttenbeil. “With the Kiwis in town preparing for their Test match against Tonga on the 14th of October, it pro- vides us with a great opportunity to get this line of programming off the ground, and the Kiwis have only been too happy to oblige.” Two programmes will be run during the course of the Kiwis camp. One in Auckland on the 9th of October and one in Rotorua on the 13th of October. Below is an outline of the programme that will be run in Rotorua. For more information on upcom- ing courses, email [email protected]

Coach and Trainer Kiwis Workshop th Rotorua Programme, Tuesday 13 of October Time Activity 8.30 Trainers meet with NZRL Community Programmes Manager Dain Guttenbeil and NZRL High Performance Manager NZRL High Performance/ sciences presentations

9.15 - 9.40 Logistics and issues in managing high performance athletes by Gordon Gibbons NZ Kiwis Manager

9.40 -10.00 High Performance Pathways by NZRL High Performance Manager Tony Kemp

10.00 - 10.20 Implementing Sport Science Programmes to achieve High Performance out- comes by NZRL Community & Programmes Manager Dain Guttenbeil 10.30 - 2.00 Observations: Field Sessions 12.00 - 2.30 Transit 12.30 - 1.00 Observations: Recovery Pool 1.00 - 1.10 Transit NZ Kiwi Presentations 1.10 - 1.40 Talent ID and Turning Talent into high performance by Kiwis Coach Stephen Kearney

1.40 - 2.10 New methods in training for Rugby League Fitness, Key Elements of the warm up, coach/trainer relationship by Kiwis Trainers Don Singe and Dayne Norton

2.10 - 2.30 Recovery by Hamish Craighead

6 NZRL Online Transfers and Clearances via LeagueNet start for the 2010 by Carmen Taplin Further advancement of the LeagueNet tool has now given both and an integrated online system which allows us to initiate and maintain transfers and clearances of players online, both domestically and internationally. From the start of the 2010 season there will be a new ONE PAGE NZRL Clearance Form (shown on page 6) which can be used for both inter-District and international transfers. The Club where the player is moving to must initiate the clearance and get the paperwork signed off by the player. The remainder of the process will then be completed online via LeagueNet. Over the next month or so I will work with the existing LeagueNet Districts to develop the best way to implement the new process. At this stage Districts will manage the online clearances on behalf of their Clubs until the Districts are comfortable with their Clubs having access to their Club data online.

“...transfer information can Districts will maintain their own password management of the online system, and each club registered in LeagueNet will receive be accessible instantly their own unique user name and password. online, and saves Districts time and resources chasing Shortly I will contact each of the eleven Districts not already set up with LeagueNet (Auckland, Canterbury, Taranaki and Welling- clubs, nationally and interna- ton have been able to use LeagueNet for the past year), to work tionally, to see the progress through the online clearances process, and to provide access of an initiated clearance.” and training on managing and editing their own membership da- tabases online. What this means for Clubs and Districts is that transfer information can be accessible instantly online, and saves Districts time and resources chasing clubs, nationally and internationally, to see the progress of an initiated clearance. Please see an ARLD example of the online clearance process below:

We are working in conjunction with Australian Rugby League Development to ensure a smooth transition regarding the clearance process when players leave our shores for to play rugby league and vice versa. This system is a huge shift forward and will be of huge benefit not only to NZRL but also for our Districts and Clubs. If anyone has any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to contact me by phone on 09 571 3871 or by email [email protected]

7 The new one-page clearance form to be used from the start of next season - this form is to be used for both Domestic and International clearances.

8 High Performance Update by Tony Kemp

NZRL Bartercard National Provincial Premiership NJC16s and NJC18s named Once again, merit teams from the NZRL NJC16s and NJC18s were selected from this year’s Bartercard National Provincial Premiership competition. This year’s competition has been outstanding. It is important to reward the best and most consis- tent performers with recognition for their achievements. The naming of the two New Zealand Rugby League merit sides allows these youngsters the opportunity to realise that they are the best in this competition, in their age group.

2009 Bartercard National Provincial 2009 Bartercard National Provincial No. Premiership Merit 16s Selection Team Premiership Merit 18s Selection Team

Honeti Tuha, Auckland 1 John Teleaga, Wellington Isaac Robinson, Taranaki 2 Mark Walsh, Canterbury Redeem Saleupolu, Auckland 3 , Auckland

Isaac Hekenui, Taranaki 4 James Te Pou, Auckland

Bronson Manu, Auckland 5 Timoti Nicholls, Wellington

Carlos Hotene, Auckland 6 Zensei Inu, Auckland

Ernest Alo, Auckland 7 Sean Scott, Canterbury , Auckland 8 Paterika Vaivai, Auckland , Auckland 9 Donald Tony, Auckland Blair Galvin, Canterbury 10 Avagalu Seumanufagai, Wellington

Jordan Hall, Auckland 11 Michael Chee Kam, Auckland

Jesse Parete, Taranaki 12 Jordan Fifita, Auckland

Iwa Te Koi, Waikato 13 Fraser Alcock, Canterbury

Jeremy Hawkins, Wellington 14 Paulino Aloisio, Bay of Plenty

Elijah Tauamiti, Canterbury 15 Bineati Teriuea, Taranaki

Diamond Charlie, Waikato 16 Rihari Peeti, Canterbury

Jade Hintz, Taranaki 17 Simon Gibson, Auckland

Left: Taranaki’s Isaac Robinson and Right: Auckland’s Simon Gibson

Photos courtesy of Photosport

9 Bartercard Premiership Selection squad vs. Toa Samoa Domestic squad The need to improve game develop- No. Player Name ment is one of the core components of our strategic plan, and the match 1 Johnny Aranga, Canterbury between a Bartercard Premiership 2 Junior Salevao, Canterbury Selection squad and a Toa Samoa Domestic squad is 3 Craig Smith, Canterbury an important step along this pathway. 4 Guenther Schaumkel, Auckland Game development doesn’t mean just for the players, it’s equally as important for coaches, managers and 5 James Blackwell, Auckland trainers to have opportunities to progress. We have a 6 William Heta, Auckland lot of people in our game who have worked in the sys- tem and who have done all they can to become as 7 Kelvin Wright, Auckland qualified as possible in their roles. 8 Jaye Pukepuke, Canterbury This game is about helping everyone – players, 9 Nathan Sherlock, Canterbury coaches, managers and trainers - to grow and take on positions at a higher level. 10 Fred Turuwhenua, Auckland Squad staff appointments previously confirmed: Head 11 Chris Bamford, Canterbury Coach - (Canterbury); Assistant Coach - 12 Sialii Tufeao, Auckland David Lomax (Wellington); Manager - Duane Fyfe 13 Jonny Limmer, Canterbury (Canterbury); Trainer - Jasen McCarthy (Auckland); Trainer Medic - Doug King (Wellington). 14 Dylan Davis, Auckland And given the recent tsunami in Samoa, this game 15 Patrick Matulino, Wellington gives the rugby league community in New Zealand a 16 Sione Tongia, Auckland chance to give some support to those affected by the tsunami, with all proceeds from this game going to the 17 , Auckland fundraising efforts for the victims of the tsunami. 18 Darren Kingi, Waikato

The Kiwis Preparation is continuing well for the Kiwis’ build-up to the Gil- lette Four Nations Series. Donny Singe, Manly Head trainer and NZ Maori Trainer in 2008, was named as the Kiwis Trainer, and the final 23-man squad was named on Monday 5th of October. The team will assem- ble in Auckland at the Millennium Institute and go into camp for the Kiwis v. Tonga Test in Rotorua – a game that will play a pivotal role in the Kiwis preparation for the Four Nations. Seven debutants were named in the 23-man squad, with Coach Stephen Kearney saying the 2013 World Cup was a key factor in the selectors’ decision to choose first-time Kiwis (Manly), (Bulldogs), Kevin Locke (Warriors), (Warriors), Frank-Paul Nuuausala ( Roosters), Junior Sau (Newcastle) and Jared Waerea- Hargreaves (Manly).

2009 Kiwis Train-On Squad ( Storm) Benji Marshall () (Bulldogs) (Manly Sea Eagles) (St George Dragons) Ben Matulino (Warriors) Kieran Foran (Manly Sea Eagles) ( Eels) Bryson Goodwin (Bulldogs) (St George Illawarra Dragons) ( Raiders) Frank-Paul Nuuausala () (Warriors) (Sydney Roosters) () () () Junior Sau () () (Sydney Roosters) Kevin Locke (Warriors) Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Manly Sea Eagles) ()

10 Mutterings in the Coach’s Box by Dennis Ward Why it’s the ‘Greatest Game’ and why you want to be involved…… Just recently I was privy to a conversation that was taking place in the League’s Of- fice between Phil Campbell and a bloke called Webster. Campbell, of course, is well known for his role as Chairman of the New Zealand Rugby League Masters and who has a big tournament week coming up in Auckland during October - International Masters of Rugby League Tournament 2009 – teams from Oz, the Cookies and of course NZ. Phil was singing the praises loud and high of the Masters, but that wasn’t his main concern. The Masters have decided to direct its fund raising activities for 2009 to a charitable organisation. He is keen to see it’s a great success. Anyhow, the conversation between Phil and Webster went some- thing like this: “Webby, got the Masters on in October. At the end we will have an auction of Rugby League memo- rabilia for a charity.” ‘Geez, that’s pretty decent” I thought to myself. Unravelling a poster as he kept talking - “have a look at this, the charity we have chosen is Heart Children New Zealand – the poster, a shot of a bub who now has a future thanks to Heart Children. “Running a bit short of ideas for the auction, got any?” Long pause, deep sigh, then Webster “As a matter of fact….” “But its Finals time” responded Phil. “Mate”, said Webby “they are Rugby League people – can do anything. Just ask”. Frank Barrett – Bulldogs Manager – a hat signed by Hazim El Masri. Me again – ‘struth, that’s alright, world’s greatest boot and in his year of retirement. I’d give my big toe for that if it wasn’t going to such a good cause’. Robert Finch – Ref’s boss - “Not a second thought, will fix it”. Coming - Ref’s official pink shirt, signed by all the NRL Refs, including and Finchie himself. (Phil later tells me that the shirt was delivered in person by Ashley Klien, NRL centre man). A bloke would pinch that too, if it wasn’t going to the auction. Phil reached into his bag – ‘what else’ I mused. Pair of maroon and gold shorts. Still got the label, brand new. “Whose signature Philly?” Webby asked. “Lockyer’s” Phil smiled. “How’d you manage that?” – Webby again. “Bronco’s have a reputation for community work. Bloke called Paul Bunn, Bronco’s footy manager, wouldn’t expect anything less of captain Darren either”. ‘Well that’s the calibre of Rugby Leaguer’s’ I thought as I left Phil and Webster in their excitement. Why wouldn’t you want to get involved? Phil Campbell and his NZ Masters and their care for kids. Hazim and Frank, Finchie and crew, Bunny and Locky, not to mention the Clubs. Makes it worth- while, doesn’t it? Take a bow boys, you deserve the accolades. Now, get to the Auction on Saturday 10 October at Ellerslie Convention Centre at 6.00 pm. Admis- sion is free and bid for something you will not see again. To check Tournament details at the Domain and Cornwall Park from Saturday 10th to Saturday 17th, phone Phil Campbell on 021 424 041 or 0274 727 981. Get into Football – become an Accredited Coach

NZ Candidates for HPC Award – Australia Five New Zealand Coaches will travel to Australia in January to undertake the High Performance Coach Award. The course requires attendance at a two-day seminar and then a further two days for presentations by some of the game’s best coaches and specialists. Candidates will then come home to face a swag of written assign- ments and book reviews while undergoing assessments and mentoring over the ensuing twelve months before recommendation for the award. Good work and congratulations to Brett Gemmell, Ray Hall, Herman David, Frank Fuimaono and Rusty Mutua.

11 Mini-Mod Review Update A visit to Australia for a Coach’s conference on 16 September reminded me of New Zealand Rugby League plans for the review of the Mini-Mod programme. The review will commence at the end of the domestic season and the League, at that time, will advise the review’s scope and extent. A decidedly important issue that coincides with the game’s progress, the review will not be founded on criticism but rather on growth via a healthy programme emphasising recruitment, par- ticipation, development and retention, for the good of the players and the game. The Mini-Mod programme is the core of the future and as such impacts on the Game for older ages that follow. As a consequence it is almost certain that the 5 Meter ruling recently introduced in Australia for early ages 13 & 14 years, playing International Law, will rate a mention.

Remember this story? It was written by Steve Kilgallon and appeared in the Herald on Sunday on 18 May, 2009. Let’s open up the game to 5m rule and play 11 a-side footy Elite rugby league athletes have fulfilled the Olympic motto “citius, altius, fortius”, and become fitter, faster, stronger. They have left behind the amateur park player, and the two breeds now share only the characteristic of wanting to play football, but not the 10 training ses- sions a week, the wrestling coach or the mountain of nutritional supplements. So why can’t we re- format one of the worlds most demanding at a sub-elite level to suit the man with a wife, three kid, a demanding job and a wonky knee? Stay tuned for an up-date in the next issue.

Matrix provide free security to NZRL Museum and Rugby League House Matrix Security recently came on board as a partner of New Zealand Rugby League, and is now providing the security monitoring service of Rugby League House - free of charge. NZRL Chairman Scott Carter established Matrix Security Group in 1993 and it was through this connection that the free security ser- vice was offered. With an invaluable collection of rugby league memorabilia, historical documents and of course the , security systems are of vital impor- tance, not only to both the offices of and New Zealand Rugby League, but also to the New Zealand Rugby League Museum. The Museum is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 11.00am to 3.00pm or by special arrangement by phoning 09 525 5592.

Obituary HUSTON, Leslie Robert died peacefully at Princess Margaret Hospital on 05 September 2009, in his 96th year. Les was a Life Member of Linwood Rugby League, Canterbury League (both schoolboys and seniors), New Zealand Rugby League Schoolboys Council (1946-1991) and New Zealand Rugby League Inc. Les was a driving force of the Canterbury Show- ground Development Committee which raised thousands of dollars for upgrading Addington Showground, which was leased from the A and P Association. The Desmond-Lipscombe Trophy for Player/Sportsman of senior school- boys tournaments was donated by Les in 1965.

12 Rugby league takes over Maungaturoto Primary School Clear blue skies, big smiles, tackles and lots of fun were to be found at the first Subway Rugby League Extravaganza held on the 15th of September at North- land’s Maungaturoto Primary School. Teams travelled from Whau Valley Primary School, Te Kura O Otangarei, Manaia View and Te Kura Kaupapa Maori O Te Rawhiti Roa to descend on Maungaturoto Primary School ready to pit their skills on the field. The year 5-6 teams played three games over the course of the day and the year 3-4 teams played two games. Over the course of the day the Whau Valley teams exerted their dominance in defence and their depth of attacking options, being crowned champions in both age groups. It was an outstanding display of sportsmanship from all participants and the feeling on the day was over- whelmingly positive. Locals came out in good numbers to support the event, the first time Rugby League had been played in Maungaturoto in a long time. Many people go in to making a day like this successful. This day was a raging success thanks to the support of Dargaville Subway, the teams from Whangarei, the referees, Dave Milner of the Takahi- wai club, Jodi Walker, the Maunga- turoto Primary School PTA, the Maungaturoto Rugby Club and NZRL. Supplied by Daniel Alcock.

New Zealand Defence Forces Inter-Services Rugby League Tournament 2009 The three day Inter-Services rugby league tournament was recently held at the Philomel Navy Base, with Navy hoping a home advantage might help them break Army’s five-year hold on the Mad Butcher Inter-Services Rugby League trophy. Finals day saw Army take on Navy in what had worked out to be a must win for both teams. Navy needed victory to win the tournament outright, while Army needed to win by four points or more to take out the tournament, and also to redeem itself from an earlier loss to Air Force. The game started with big hits and hard running from both sides. Navy lead at the half by 12 points to 2. The second half saw Army score first to bring the score closer but alas this was to be the only time they crossed Navy's line. Navy scored late in the second half to lead 18 to 8, and that was the score that saw Navy win the tournament.

Results Points for tournament

Day 1: Navy 16 - Air Force 12 Navy 4

Day 2: Air Force 28 - Army 26 Air Force 2

Day 3: Navy 18 - Army 8 Army 0

Mention must be made of Navy player POCSS Lance Tahiwi, who has been a long servant to NZDF Rugby League. Lance has hung his boots up after 20 years of playing Navy Rugby League and representing Navy at this Tournament over the entire period.

13 Defence forces left defenceless

Date: 24 September 2009 Subject: Police Rugby League vs New Zealand Defence Rugby League Inter-services test Venue: Ngataringa Naval Sports Complex at Devonport Navy Base.

Halftime Score: Police 16 - Defence 10 Fulltime Score: Police 26 - Defence 16 New Zealand Police Try scorers: Metu Elangi (2), Allan Lio, Donavan, Aitken, Taavilie Leaunoa Conversions: Leo Malaki (3) The recent resurrection of the annual inter-services rugby league fixture at Ngataringa Naval Sports complex saw the Defence side tamed by the New Zealand Police.

Swirling wind and heavy rain, interspersed with occasional sunshine greeted both sides when they kicked off at 2.30pm. The football that resulted was a free flowing entertaining encounter de- spite the inclement conditions.

Police scored early in the match, quickly converting before the Defence side came storming back with two quick tries. Police scored again just before halftime and never surrendered the lead in the second half, running out comfortable winners 26 - 16.

Former Kiwis Coach was again thrilled with the success of the team which he has been coaching for four years, having won a test series against the British Police in the in 2007 and then taking them to the final of last year’s World Cup of Police Rugby League in .

“My guys only came together with limited preparation, but yet again the true skills and qualities of New Zealand Police officers shone through with the courage, determination and sheer guts that resulted in them beating this national side who had been preparing for a fortnight for this match.”

“I was very proud of the way the team stuck together and the team spirit the lads displayed not to mention some exceptional rugby league skills,” said Mr Endacott

“I love coaching these guys, they never fail to im- press and it just gets better and better,” he said.

The New Zealand Army Navy and Air Force however had held a tournament last week whereby they chose a national side, followed by a lead up game against Auckland Maori last weekend.

Team manager Inspector Gary Allcock, echoed the coach’s thoughts, commenting that a career in Police aligns well with the strength and skills involved in rugby league.

“After a successful 2008 culminating in a New Zea- land Police Rugby League goes from strength to strength with more than 150 sworn officers playing at club or representative level,” Inspector Allcock said.

14 ’s Stephen Kearney Cup Update - Round 3 The Stephen Kearney Cup continues to gather momentum. Late September was the final week of pool matches, the Finals series will commence on October 14th after the school holidays, with the Grand Final on October 31st. All teams will continue to play until the last week in October – they will be competing for their Ranking from 1 – 15.

Position Pool A Pool B Pool C Pool D 1 Upper Hutt St Bernards Aotea Rongatai 2 Taita Wainuiomata Mana St Pats Town 3 Heretaunga Hutt Valley High Bishop Viard Wellington College 4 Naenae Porirua Tawa

Some other good news in Rugby League by Jason Hemson, General Manager, Wellington Rugby League Congratulations to Peter and the team at Wainuiomata High School. I can now confirm that the college has gained hosting rights for the 2010 New Zealand Secondary Schools Sports Council Tour- nament.

On the back of another very successful tournament this year the overwhelming support from par- ticipants, referees, volunteers and sponsors has helped bring the tournament back to Wellington and Wainuiomata High School.

The bar has been set high and I look forward to working with Peter and all of you in making next year’s event bigger and better.

Tribute paid to Burnham Rugby League’s longest serving members The Burnham Chevaliers Rugby League Club, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, is known to many as the ‘Home of Army Rugby League’ where friendships are made and families are welcomed. At the anniversary celebrations earlier this month, a special tribute was made to the Club’s longest serving members - WO2 Pete Albrett and his wife Niva. When Pete and Niva joined Burnham Rugby League Club in 1985, it was known as the Burnham Knights Rugby League Club, later changing its name to the Burnham Cavaliers in 1986, and is now known as the Burnham Chevaliers Rugby League Club. Remembering the origin of the Club colours, Pete and Niva recount that with no money but lots of enthusiasm, the Club took the Army issue maroon physical training rugby jersey and added some spare blue material found by a very resourceful Club wife, who spent long hours sewing on the jersey numbers and the famous Rugby League ‘V’. Three of Pete and Niva’s sons have played for the Burnham Chevaliers over the years, with their youngest Cody, 18, join- ing the Division 1 team this year. Cody was also one of the original players (Under 7s) for the Chevaliers’ first children’s team, affectionately nicknamed The Daisy Pickers. Their eld- est son Harley, now aged 32, was a representative player in the Manawatu U15’s and Royce, now aged 28, representing Canterbury 18’s. The boys have always had great support from their brother Tobias and sister Holly who can also be found on the sidelines supporting them at every game. Continued ...

15 Pete has had a very successful Rugby League career with many personal achievements including: · Representative player in the NZ Masters team versus Australian Masters team · Awarded the Chief of Army’s commendation for services to Army Rugby League · Coach for the Canterbury Junior grades · Canterbury Schoolboys Delegate · Coach and Selector for the NZ Defence Force Team · Coach for the NZ Army Rugby League team for six years · Coach for the Southern Regional Rugby League Team · NZ Army Southern Regional Rugby League Code Representative · Player, Coach and Manager of the Burnham Rugby League Club including senior and children's grades · Player, Coach and Manager of the Waiouru Bobcats Rugby League Club including senior and junior grades · Committee Member and Club Development Officer for Burnham and Waiouru Rugby League Club · Organising committee for various Army Inter regionals tournaments. Pete remembers one season when 11 key players were deployed to East Timor and although they struggled to field a team each week, they surprised themselves by going through to the finals and winning! Pete and Niva both have fond memories of his first coach Hoki, who was wheelchair bound. They both remember the time Hoki was hospitalised but was insisting on being at a game. So the boys had his hospital bed loaded on the back of a furniture truck which they parked on the sideline so he wouldn’t miss it…how’s that for dedication? The Burnham teams are known for always playing a hard but, clean game and the Burnham Cheva- liers’ reputation for strength, discipline and pride will no doubt continue into the future as they cele- brate their first 25 years.

Catch the Kiwis on Prime TV! Prime TV will be screening delayed coverage of the Kiwis v Tonga Test at 11.30pm on Wednesday 14 October, and they will also be broadcasting all of the Kiwis Gillette Four Nations games on Sundays at 10.30am or 11.00am

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