Sir Peter Leitch’s THIS SUNDAY Vodafone Warriors Mad Butcher Club v

S

G

O

D

L

L

U at Mt Smart Stadium

Bulldogs B Newsletter NO: 08 Kick Off 2pm MT SMART STADIUM NEWSSir Peter Leitch’s 2012 YYOUOU CANCAN CHECKCHECK OUTOUT MYMY BLOGBLOG onon hhttp://play.vodafone.co.nz/vodafonewarriorsttp://play.vodafone.co.nz/vodafonewarriors Please

Talk about happy as a dog with two tails. Brian McClennan’s Vodafone Warriors smoked the Eels 36-20 in forward this newsletter Monday night’s game at Parramatta. They tell me he and his opposite were the fi rst Kiwi to all your mates coaches to come head to head in the NRL, which is a little bit special. After losing the fi rst game of the season 26-20 to Manly, Bluey will be delighted to have a 50-50 record ahead of the Bulldogs coming to town on Sunday. My Vodafone Warriors were full of attack as they scored six tries – that is 10 already this year. Okay I admit I was bit worried when we were down 8-0 in as many minutes, but by crikey we hit them back hard, scoring three converted tries, with Feleti Mateo getting our fi rst try. The next one came after the Eels were forced to shuffl e the backline when they lost , and went in for the fi rst of his two tries. Then hurtled through for his fi rst NRL try, and we lead 18-8. But before halftime swooped to keep the Eels close. The second half was a belter. I have been to a lot of games but seldom have I seen a try as good as the fi rst one we got in the second half. The ball moved right before coming all the way back to the left through more sets of hands than I could count, before Kevin Locke ducked and scrambled on his hands and knees and fl ipped the ball up to Mateo, who off-loaded for James Maloney to go in. I nearly broke the coffee table I jumped up so high. This photo was taken in Nelson on Friday. But then minutes later we made an error and Sandow went in again to bring the gap down to four with about These 2 guys are doing a great job pushing rugby quarter of an hour to go. The old nerves were jangling but I just thought we look more composed and likely to league in rugby mad citys - so well done to both of put points on, and that is exactly what happened. When big defused a bomb I knew we were them. They really impressed the old butcher! good. That set us rolling downfi eld and Mateo linked with , who passed it on to Manu who was off and threw the perfect pass to send Locke in for a spectacular try. At 30-20 it was all good but credit to Parramatta, From the left Nicholas Brady, president of Southland they kept plugging away, but lost the ball near our line where Maloney pounced on it and fed Tupou, who shot District , me and Paul Lafotanoa, off quicker than a bludger at a free Mad Butcher barbecue, going 80-metres for his second try. Chairman of Tasman Rugby League. Maloney made it six from six goals and winners were grinners. That was 16 points all up for the man who is off to the Roosters next year, an outstanding night. Three cheers for . It is tough having the tackle machine Micheal Luck out, but Elijah racked up a Extra News about Sunday’s game! game-high 50 tackles – with no misses – against the Eels. Another one with impressive stats was , » Manu Vatuvei will take his place in an unchanged carrying the ball 14 times for 144 metres. Even I can fi gure that one out, more than 10 metres every time he Vodafone Warriors line-up for Sunday’s game against the touched the ball. Bulldogs. The Vodafone Junior Warriors didn’t hit the front until the 40th minute but then went on to beat Parramatta Big Manu went on report for a heavy tackle on Willie 38-26 on Monday. Down 16-6 with halftime approaching, fi rst-year rugby league player Braxton Stanley got a during the 36-20 win over Parramatta. double in the last eight minutes. The former-Auckland Grammar rugby centre benefi ted from some slick lead-up The NRL’s match review committee has found no case to work from prop , fullback Omar Slaimankhel and captain to score his fi rst try and, right answer, ensuring Vatuvei will be able to play in his 135th on halftime, a great ball put him in again. To be fair, the Eels youngsters got back in front fi rst-grade appearance. but it was short-lived with our boys putting on three tries in 20 minutes or so to surge to a 36-22 lead. Former King’s College winger Ngataua Hukatai, another rugby union player signed for this season, nipped in out wide » On Sunday our super captain captain on the left side for his fi rst NYC try to put his side back in the lead, and then the Slaimankhel delivered a one-two will move within one appearance of his 150th NRL game punch. First he caught the Eels out from a tap penalty and was twice involved after some interplay with Sio and his 50th match as captain, a mark he will bring up in Siua Taukeiaho to lift his NYC career tally to 42 tries in 39 matches. There was time left for an unconverted the home game against Gold Coast. Parramatta try and, in the fi nal seconds, a Taukeiaho penalty from 40 metres out. » Bulldogs - one of only three teams with perfect records The Vodafone Warriors’ combined total of regular and corporate members is on the verge of breaking through so far, having beaten Penrith 22-14 and St George 30-4. the 10,000 barrier. Numbers have continued to boom on the back of the crowd of 37,000-odd for the Manly game. With 7500 season members and away members – a 35 per cent increase on 2011 – plus more than 2000 corporate members, the total base is set to break fi ve fi gures, making the Vodafone Warriors one of the I had some shocking news strongest membership performers in the NRL. Vodafone Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah says the club today. Lounge member is thrilled, and why wouldn’t you be? Wayne says membership is the best way for fans to show support and Kevin Masterson has been commitment. in hospital for 6 weeks. And don’t forget supporters save up to 70 per cent on gate prices when they become members. You also get priority purchasing for grand fi nal tickets, as well as securing a reserved seat for all remaining 11 regular I went straight up to see him. season home games at Mt Smart. He is in Auckland hospital, ward 83 and he would love Membership numbers have been boosted by the new Vodafone Warriors Proud Away Membership, which a card or two from Lounge enables fans anywhere in the world to show their support. More than 1000 fans around the world have joined members. up. To become a member or for more information on club memberships visit: Kevin is a great bloke and www.warriors.co.nz or call 0800 839 839 has been a Lounge member since day one - AND I AM I am greatly looking forward to the fi rst game of the season at Mt Smart Stadium, against the on-fi re Bulldogs VERY PROUD TO CALL this Sunday. Don’t forget you can get tickets to the game from Mad Butcher stores at Takanini, Mangere and HIM A MATE. Papakura – and save money by doing so. And by public demand we will be repeating our special offer at Sir Peter’s Museum in Holmes Rd, Manurewa on Saturday. The fi rst 30 people to purchase something from our NRL store will receive a free 2011 Vodafone Warriors member hat and everyone who buys something will go into the draw to win one of fi ve double passes to the game on Sunday. We have a great range of gear and the shop will be open from 10am until 2pm. And because we are not illegal Indian bookmakers and everything is absolutely above board, the draw for the tickets takes place live at 2pm so that the lucky winners have plenty of time to organise themselves for a great day out on Sunday when we tip over the Bulldogs. The People’s Museum and NRL Shop open every Saturday from 10am - 2pm Go the Mighty Vodafone Warriors! 23 Holmes Road, Manurewa www.sirpetersmuseum.co.nz VODAFONE WARRIORS’ TOTAL MEMBERSHIP NEARS 10,000 MARK The Vodafone Warriors’ combined total of regular and corporate members is on the verge of breaking through the 10,000 barrier. Numbers have continued to boom on the back of the crowd of 37,502 for the club’s blockbuster season-opener against Manly at . With 7500 season members and away members – a 35 per cent increase on 2011 – plus more than 2000 corporate members, the total base is set to break fi ve fi gures in a matter of days, making the Vodafone Warriors one of the strongest membership performers in the NRL this season. “We’re thrilled with the way fans have taken advantage of the benefi ts our membership packages offer,” Vodafone Warriors Away Membership said Vodafone Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah. 2012 Vodafone Warriors Membership numbers continue to grow “They’ve really embraced the concept of membership and have given us fantastic growth. It’s a following a 40,000 strong crowd cheered the boys onto Eden Park tremendous achievement to be on the verge of reaching a total membership of 10,000, a number which for the Round 1 opener. would put us among the top few clubs in the NRL.” Membership numbers are now approaching 7,400 and expected to Scurrah reiterated that membership was the best way for fans to show support and commitment to the reach the 8,000 mark for the 2012 NRL season Vodafone Warriors. It also gives them an opportunity to infl uence the club’s success. Supporters save up to 70 per cent on gate prices when they become members. In addition, they receive Our NEW Warriors Proud Away Membership is getting great a priority purchasing period for grand fi nal tickets as well as securing a reserved seat for all remaining support with over 1,000 Away Members already committing their 11 regular season home games at and much more. loyalty to the Club! Membership numbers have been boosted by the new Vodafone Warriors Proud Away Membership, This Membership is perfect for: which enables fans outside Auckland, in Australia or anywhere in the world to show their support for the • Fans who live outside of Auckland and can’t make to home club they love. More than 1000 fans around the world have joined up and that number is expected to games grow signifi cantly. • Fans who live in Australia and can make the odd Away games • To become a member or for more information on club memberships visit www.warriors.co.nz or call 0800 839 839 • Fans who live anywhere in the world and LOVE the Vodafone Warriors • Go to the following link for more on NRL club membership numbers and where the Vodafone Warriors rank: http://www.nrl.com/membership-on-track-to-hit-record-levels/tabid/10874/newsid/66212/default. Membership is the best way to show your support and commitment aspx to Vodafone Warriors and the most direct way to infl uence the success of the Club. Canterbury Rugby League: Now, it is even easier to show your support to your team with a Warriors Proud Membership Saturday 17-3-2012 For only $49 NZ (plus $10 postage) you can be a Vodafone Warriors Club Member and receive the following: 2012 Pre Season Round 2 • Priority purchasing period for Grand Final Tickets! CRL Trophy • ‘Members Only Membership Pack’! • Exclusive invitations to Members Only event with player Halswell Hornets V Linwood Keas, Halswell Domain 3, 2 PM interaction! Celebration Lions v Hornby Panthers, Halswell Domain 4, 4 PM • Exclusive Home and Away game ticket offers! • Exclusive team news and announcements before anyone else! Racecourse Hotel Plate • And much more! Papanui v Riccarton Knights, Halswell Domain 4, 2 PM Get sorted for 2012 and become a Member of the Vodafone Warriors Northern Bulldogs V Bye For more information on Club Memberships or to join visit Please www.warriors.co.nz or call 0800 839 839 forward this newsletter to all your mates Thank you - from a Christchurch family. Good morning Sir on the weekend of the 4th March 2012 my family and I came to Auckland to watch the Mighty Vodafone WARRIORS play something made possible by the support of yourself and the The People's Museum and NRL Shop WARRIORS team and management. It was a great weekend and gave my family a chance to forget Open every Saturday from 10am-2pm about the pressures of home. For us all it was the fi rst time we had been to Eden Park, it was a great atmosphere and apart from the result a great day. BY PUBLIC DEMAND! Sir Peter's Museum is repeating the great offer Being able to go to Auckland and the home WARRIORS has been made easier by the generosity of we had a few weeks ago the WARRIORS team and management by giving us free tickets to the game. I can tell you that I notice the change in my family while we away watching something we all love and it is great to see them not on edge. I would ask that if you could pass onto the WARRIORS team and the management THIS SATURDAY my heartfelt and sincere thanks for their generosity in providing the game tickets and to you for the at Sir Peter's Museum, 23 Holmes Rd, Manurewa. Mad Butcher Club tickets. The first 30 people to purchase something in It has meant so much to have a break a couple or so times a year and this is made possible by getting our NRL Shop this Saturday will receive a the tickets at no cost. I look forward to coming up for as many home games as I can during the year FREE 2011 Vodafone Warriors Members Cap! PLUS!!! and watching the Mighty Vodafone WARRIORS on their march to the fi nals. I would be grateful if you Everyone who purchases something on the could pass onto the team and management my gratitude they are FANTASTIC and although it is over day in the museum shop will go into the draw to a year since the big one it is something that the sights seen on that day will go with me to my grave. WIN one of 5 Double Passes to the Vodafone Warriors game on Sunday at Mt Smart Stadium, There is a huge following for the WARRIORS down here and many of us have had the opportunity to kick off 2pm, when we take on the Bulldogs come up and watch the team fi rst hand by the generosity of WARRIORS and yourself. So if you could (drawn at 2pm on Saturday in the shop) pass on my thanks not only for me and my family but for the people of Christchurch that love our great Check Out This Fantastic game and have been able to watch the WARRIORS fi rst hand by the generosity of the WARRIORS Lots and you. Special Offer! more special offers in Warriors Jerseys - store Normal retail $185 - This Saturday special THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU. Every purchase gets a only $ FREE Warriors and Junior 159 Warriors poster www.sirpetersmuseum.co.nz LANDMARK VICTORY FOR McCLENNAN AS AN NRL HEAD COACH VODAFONE JUNIOR WARRIORS Brian McClennan’s fi rst coaching success in the NRL could scarcely have been more spectacular, the Vodafone TURN IT ON IN SECOND HALF Warriors delivering an often dazzling display en route to a 36-20 win over the Eels in tonight’s second-round encounter at . Recently turned 50, the former Kiwi and Leeds coach was part of history as he The Vodafone Junior Warriors didn’t hit the front for and his opposite Stephen Kearney provided the fi rst instance of New Zealand coaches clashing in a competition the fi rst time until the 40th minute but then lifted the which dates back to 1908. And McClennan also created a bit of his own history in guiding the Vodafone Warriors to tempo to go on to beat Parramatta 38-26 in tonight’s his debut win as head coach following the 20-26 loss to Manly in the opening round on March 4. second-round NYC contest at Parramatta Stadium. Down 6-16 with halftime approaching, the back-to- Just like the Eden Park match eight days ago, the Vodafone Warriors were full of expression on attack as they back 2010-2011 NYC premiers organised a double scored six tries to add to the four they snared in defeat against the Sea Eagles. Indeed after two rounds the strike for fi rst-year rugby league player Braxton Vodafone Warriors top all teams for most points scored with 56 and, buoyed by the fi rst win of their 18th campaign, Stanley in the last eight minutes of the spell. they next face unbeaten Canterbury-Bankstown in their fi rst game of the year at Mount Smart Stadium on Sunday. Tonight’s contest fi nished well for McClennan and his team but it began disturbingly when, in the fi rst eight minutes, The ex-Auckland Grammar School First XV centre the Vodafone Warriors were 0-8 down after yielding one try on their right fl ank and soon after another on the left. benefi ted from some slick lead-up work from prop Ligi If the start was as uncannily slow as it had been again Monday, there was an even more emphatic hit-back this time Sao, fullback Omar Slaimankhel and captain John as they dominated the next section of the contest by scoring three converted tries to claim at 18-8 edge. Palavi to score his fi rst NYC try and, right on halftime, a great Carlos Tuimavave ball put All Black great Joe First Feleti Mateo, playing for the Vodafone Warriors at his old club for the fi rst time, latched onto a nice Elijah Taylor Stanley’s nephew in once more. off load for his side’s fi rst try. That try took the Vodafone Junior Warriors into the The next owed something to the reshuffl e the Eels were forced to make to their backline after they lost Jarryd Hayne lead for the fi rst time only to drop behind 20-22. It when he was stretchered off with a new knee injury. The Vodafone Warriors reasoned there was potential for a lack of defensive organisation and aimed up at Parramatta’s left side, standoff James Maloney linking with fullback Kevin was a short-lived advantage for the home side before Locke, who double-pumped and fed right winger Bill Tupou beautifully for the fi rst of his two tries. There was perfect the visitors found their vaunted touch with three tries structure in each of the fi rst two tries and more to come when the Vodafone Warriors forced an error to win a scrum in the next 17 minutes to surge to a 36-22 lead. feed deep inside Parramatta’s red zone. They went straight to the backline from the feed, Maloney skipping out to Former King’s College First XV winger Ngataua his right and holding up the defence enough to send a rampant Konrad Hurrell hurtling through for his fi rst NRL try. Hukatai, another rugby union player signed for this Before halftime, though, the Vodafone Warriors dropped their intensity somewhat to allow the Eels back into it, season, nipped in out wide on the left side for his fi rst Hurrell having the ball jolted free for Chris Sandow to swoop for his fi rst try of the night. With their 10-point lead NYC try to put his side back in the lead and then the whittled down to four, the start of the second half was always likely to turn into an arm wrestle, which it did until the prolifi c Slaimankhel delivered a one-two punch. First Vodafone Warriors broke free with an early contender for the try of the year. The ball was moved across to the right he caught the Eels out from a tap penalty and then he edge before coming all the way back to the left, seemingly countless sets of hands involved along the way. was twice involved after some interplay with Sio Siua Eventually Locke was in possession as he ducked and scrambled on his hands and knees, fl ipping the ball up to Taukeiaho to lift his NYC career tally to 42 tries in 39 Mateo who off loaded adroitly for Maloney to steam through for a wonderful try. Maloney converted and his side had matches. a 10-point lead again after working through a testing phase of the battle. There was time left for an unconverted Parramatta try The prescription was for the Vodafone Warriors to maintain more pressure and create more points but instead they and, in the fi nal seconds, a Taukeiaho penalty from relented allowing Sandow to pierce their line, convert his try and bring the margin down to four points with 12 40 metres out. minutes still to play. Making his debut tonight was 18-year-old Marist Immediately the Eels set about applying the blow torch but winger Manu Vatuvei, an exceptional contributor, came junior , starting at halfback for the unavailable up with perhaps the most critical play of the night. Again he leapt skywards to defuse a bomb with aplomb, starting Jordan Meads, who stayed in Auckland following the and sparking a set which would end with the ultimate reward. Swiftly the Vodafone Warriors set about rolling downfi eld irresistibly. Mateo’s hand was vital in the movement was vital as he linked with Ben Henry and there on his death of a close friend. left was the man who had inspired it all, the Bearded Beast taking Henry’s pass and careering down the left touchline. Lino, an Avondale College product, made an impressive He might have gone for the power play to fi nish it off himself but instead he delivered a perfect pass infi eld for the contribution, throwing a nice ball for Taukeiaho to score supporting Locke to run in a quite superb long-range try. his side’s second try. If the game wasn’t safe at 30-20 after that try it most assuredly was fi ve minutes later when the Vodafone Warriors The result leaves the Vodafone Junior Warriors again defl ated Parramatta from distance. Pushing for an unlikely way back, an Eels pass went loose near the second on the table at this early stage of the season. Vodafone Warriors’ line where the impressive Maloney latched onto it, made it to his 20 and then found Tupou on his shoulder for an 80-metre dash for his second try. Maloney fi nished his night with his sixth conversion from six attempts and 16 points in all. He was outstanding on the Match details: night and so were the likes of Vatuvei, Locke, Hurrell, Mateo and too many more to mention. Taylor was one of them At Parramatta Stadium, Parramatta with a game-high 50 tackles (no misses) and Ben Matulino was exceptional, carrying the ball 14 times for 144 metres. 26 (Robbie Kamoto, Jacob Gagan, Junior Paulo, Luke Vescio, Rodney Moefaauo tries; Match details: Jason Wehbe 3 conversions). At Parramatta Stadium, Parramatta Vodafone Junior Warriors 38 (Braxton Stanley 2, Parramatta Eels 20 (Chris Sandow 2, , Cheyse Blair tries; Chris Sandow 2 comversions). Omar Slaimankhel 2, John Palavi, Sio Siua Vodafone Warriors 36 (Bill Tupou 2, Feleti Mateo, Konrad Hurrell, James Maloney, Kevin Locke tries; James Taukeiaho, Ngataua Hukatai tries; Maloney 6 conversions). 4 conversions, penalty). Halftime: 18-14 Vodafone Warriors. Halftime: 20-16 Vodafone Junior Warriors. Referees: Gavin Badger and Brett Suttor. Referee: Grant Atkins. Crowd: 12,102. Vodafone Junior Warriors: Omar Slaimnakhel; Vodafone Warriors: Kevin Locke; Bill Tupou, Konrad Hurrell, Ben Henry, Manu Vatuvei; James Maloney, Shaun Viliami Lolohea, Sio Siua Taukeiaho, Braxton Stanley, Johnson; Sione Lousi, Nathan Friend, Ben Matulino; Feleti Mateo, Simon Mannering (c); Elijah Taylor. Ngataua Hukatai; Carlos Tuimavave, Mason Lino; Donald Tony, , Ligi Sao; Sione Feao, John Interchange: , , Ukuma T’ai, Lewis Brown. 18th man: . Palavi (c); David Bhana. Interchange: Eko Malu, Chris Ofanoa, Nathaniel Peteru, Siulongoua Fotofi li.

From a Christchurch Fan Hi Peter It was great to meet you at the game last week, we thoroughly enjoyed our time in the Mad Butcher Lounge. Thank you for allowing this to happen and please convey our thanks to the Warriors for their generosity and providing us with the tickets. It was greatly appreciated by us all. It was the kind of weekend needed as I prepare to move out of my Red Zone Property. It is nearly nine years since my husband Paul died of cancer (ex Tegel) And with the earthquakes as well it has been very challenging for me. We would love to see the photos taken by your people. They can be e mailed to me and my brother Steve will forward them on to all those in our group. Thank you to you for all the support you have given Canterbury in recent times it is very much appreciated. Kind regards from Nelson Mail

14 —THE NELSON MAIL Saturday, March 10, 2012 Tasman Rugby League Sport is also on Facebook

Tasman Blog – “Top of the South” Hello and welcome to the “Top of the south” league review where you will fi nd out all that is happening down here in the sunny Tasman District. The past few days have been hectic for the folk at Tasman Rugby League with a visit by the Mad Butcher himself Sir Peter Leitch and then the 1st ever Nelson Nines Rugby League Tourney the very next day. Sir Peter was at his best, entertaining over 120 people at the Nelson Suburban Club, this was a fundraising event with 2 purposes, to raise money for our junior development and also for the Pheonix Stafford appeal, 10 year boy Pheonix Stafford who has a rare form of cancer. The next day we held the 1st of what will become an annual event the “Nelson Nines” with 8 teams competing in the inaugural year, it was a cracking tourney eventually won by Aranui Eagles from Christchurch. Having Rugby League back on Trafalgar Park was a momentous occasion as the last game was 2005 Tasman Orcas ( Now Titans v Russia), and having the Mayor of Nelson open the event and mentioning great things for our game gave the event a lot of credibility, a special mention must go out to Steve Martin the Southern Zone general manager for his volunteer work and all the volunteers who made the day a success. We look forward to a big year for our game down here and the increase in growth in juniors with the help of a newly appointed development offi cer to commence soon, senior clubs we now have 6 in Nelson and Marlborough have 1 bringing the total amount of teams in our senior competition to 7. That’s all from me and stay tuned for more goings on in Rugby League at the “TOP OF THE SOUTH!”

Paul Lafotanoa Chairman Tasman Rugby League inc. For more details please go to www.tasmanrugbyleague.co.nz Show of support: Sir Peter Leitch was in Nelson yesterday for a speaking engagement. Photo: COLIN SMITH/FAIRFAX NZ

NZ not ready for The side, from the proud east Christchurch suburb, prevailed over another out-of-town side, Wellington’s Toa, in the decider 20-6. The side was delighted with their success, and made missing the opening round of the Christchurch two NRL teams knock-out competition well worthwhile. While lots of the team had played rugby sevens previously, nines was something new. “Just had to use the ball, spread it out, it’s pretty much like 13s but with more width,” Captain Ropiha said. “It makes LEAGUE given it is in the rebuilding stage Josh Reich and its residents are still healing. a big difference [having only nine players], you still get six tackles so it makes it that much harder, because you’re doing While a second team could help more work, and you have to go back 10 metres. “It was pretty full-on.” “This year we’re hoping to take it out. This is the Nelson would undoubtedly benefit a young Nelson player get noticed, from a second South Island based the Warriors still had a strong net- best start you could get, pretty much, and it’s good for morale.” In the semifi nals Aranui beat the Wanderers Wolves NRL team, but Sir Peter Leitch – work that helped them identify better known as the Mad Butcher players with promise. 20-10, and Aranui beat the Richmond Rabbits 26-6. The Tasman Rugby League’s 2012 Smokefree Bin Inn Cup series – says the chances of it happening Despite that, Glenn’s introduc- are unlikely. tion was a massive positive for the begins in a fortnight with a triple-header at Tahunanui Sir Peter was in Nelson yester- club. day to talk at a function to raise ‘‘He brings to the table credi- funds for both Tasman Rugby bility. He’s a very much respected League and sick Nelson boy businessman, and he brings a lot Phoenix Stafford. of credibility to the game.’’ Photos from the Tasman Rugby League 9’s over the weekend Speaking to the Nelson Mail be- Sir Peter said while league fore the event, Sir Peter said the played second fiddle to rugby purchase of half the New Zealand union in the Nelson region, it had Warriors by multi-millionaire a major influence on the sport in Owen Glenn was a massive coup general. for the club. It was the former home of However, the subsequent Warriors captain Simon suggestion that a second Kiwi Mannering, and the Bergman fam- team gain entry to the competition ily had done a huge amount for the was a big stretch. sport. ‘‘Personally, I think they are fly- He also admired the passion and ing kites. I don’t believe New Zea- hard work of those fostering the land is big enough for two teams. game through the Tasman Rugby ‘‘I think if they put another team League, all of whom were it will weaken the strength of the volunteers. Warriors.’’ After a year spent battling It was only natural that some health worries, Sir Peter said he young players would leave New was cutting back slightly on his Zealand, either for money or an league commitments, but would overseas experience, and a second still help out where he could, in- team would not stop that. cluding continuing to support the Referee’s- Nines He also didn’t think Christ- people of Christchurch and run- church was ready to support a ning his rugby league museum in new professional sports team, Manurewa.

Champions of the 2012 Pro Rugby League Nelson Nines - Aranui Eagles

Ball Boys

7 Teams for our local competition in 2012 TEST MATCH SPECIAL! Special Offer for Mad Butcher Club Members and everyone who receives this Newsletter VIP PACKAGE Relax with your guests and enjoy access to a Premium club lounge and prime under cover Reserved Seats in the North Stand. Your HOSPITALITY PACKAGE includes: WE’RE GOING INTO BATTLE... SO RALLY YOUR TROOPS & WIN • Exclusive access to the Level 5, North Stand see over for details >> Premium Club Lounge pre and during the match. • Category 1 under cover seat located on Level 5, North Stand out side Hospitality Lounge • VB Test Match Programme * • Carvery meal • Two complimentary beverages (standard house beer, wine or soft drink) WIN • Access to a dedicated cash bar • Dedicated reserved table for 10+ bookings tickets Normal price $150 per person SPECIAL OFFER TO MAD BUTCHER CLUB for you & MEMBERS AND NEWSLETTER RECIPIENTS - OONLYNLY $101$101 perper personperson 4 mates This is defi nitely a VERY SPECIAL OFFER PLUS for our loyal Mad Butcher Club members Book your next holiday at a signed and newsletter recipients -

Flight Centre before 06 April *Be in to win NZRL prize pack: Two prize packs to be won. To enter & be eligible entrants must book & pay a deposit of at least $200 from 11 March to 06 April 2012 December at any Flight Centre store in New NZRL 2012 Zealand. Winner(s) will be drawn at random on Wednesday 11 March 2012 & will be notified by phone or 2012 & go into the draw to see email. Judges decision is final. Competition entrants must be 18 years or over to qualify.The prize winner(s) To book your tickets contact: SIR PETER on will recieve 5 x general admission tickets to the VB Test Match on Friday 20 April 2012 at Eden Park and a signed NZRL rugby jersey which will be couriered to the winner post match, and no later than Friday 11 May 2012. Employees of any travel agency, airline, Flight Centre (NZ) Ltd & members of the employee’s the Kiwis live at Eden Park! rugby jersey immediate family are not eligible to enter. Flight Centre reserves the right to verify the validity of entries & to disqualify any entry that is not in accordance with these terms & conditions. Flight Centre’s standard 021-936-105 terms and conditions apply, please refer to www.flightcentre.co.nz/about-us/legal/booking-terms-condition PROMOTION CODE: NZRLMAR12 FCA1122020

NZRL WOULD LIKE TO WISH ALL OF OUR KIWIS ...... Broncos ...... North Cowboys Glenn Fisiiahi...... Warriors ...... ...... Konrad Hurrell ...... Warriors ...... Brisbane Broncos ...... North Queensland Cowboys Krisnan Inu ...... Warriors ...... ...... Parramatta Eels ...... Warriors Matthew McIlwrick ...... Canberra Raiders Ben Roberts ...... Parramatta Eels Kevin Locke ...... Warriors Joshto Papalii ...... Canberra the Vodafone Raiders Sam Warriors, McKendry ...... JuniorSimon Warriors Mannering ...... Warriors & ...... Canterbury Bulldogs Nafe Seluini ...... Penrith Panthers Alehana Mara ...... Warriors FrankAuckland Pritchard ...... Canterbury Vulcans Bulldogs ...... South on making Rabbitohs the GrandBen Matulino ...... Warriors Final! Jeremy Smith ...... Cronulla Sharks ...... Russell Packer...... Warriors ...... Manly Sea Eagles Eddie Pettybourne ...... South Sydney Rabbitohs ...... Warriors More than just a game ...... Manly Sea Eagles ...... St George Dragons ...... Warriors ...... ...... St George Dragons Elijah Taylor ...... Warriors Matthew Duffie ...... Melbourne Storm Shaun Kenny-Dowall ...... Carlos Tuimavave...... Warriors ...... Melbourne Storm Frank-Paul Nuuausala ...... Sydney Roosters Bill Tupou...... Warriors ...... Melbourne Storm ...... Sydney Roosters Manu Vatuvei...... Warriors Junior Sa’u ...... Jared Waerea-Hargreaves .....Sydney Roosters ...... KalifaBEST Faifai Loa...... North WISHES Queensland Cowboys Lewis FOR Brown...... Warriors SUNDAY ...... Wests Tigers A successful 2012 season.

NEW ZEALAND We look forward to seeing you at Eden Park, 20 April RUGBY LEAGUE® GO THE WARRIORS! GO THE KIWIS!

www.nzrl.co.nz integrity respect leadership courage passion

8602233AA

Check out these great new items in Sir Peter’s Museum NRL shop And many more Warriors Stationery Set - only $7.50 special offers…. Warriors Quilt Cover - only $90 each The People’s Museum and NRL Shop Warriors Jersey Key Ring - only $15 Warriors Kids 2 Warriors Hand Towels - only $20 Heritage Jersey open every Saturday from 10am - 2pm Warriors Back Packs - only $37 each - Blue Warriors Blankets - only $35 each 23 Holmes Road, Manurewa ONLY $66 Warriors Dressing Gowns - only $95 each while stocks last www.sirpetersmuseum.co.nz Warriors High Bounce Balls - only $5 each DEAKER ON SPORT Wednesday night at 8.30pm on Sky Sport 2

PORTS OF AUCKLAND ENTER

w ROUND w NOW w . ro u z n .n THE BAYS dth co ebays. THIS SUNDAY START TIME 9.30AM Supporting these great charities

The Newsletter Team Here are the team that help me make the newsletter each week, Between the four of us we make the newsletter happen - and like everything it is a team effort David Kemeys David Jones Sisima Inglis Editor at Large Creative Director Graphic Designer A VERY BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORSHIP PARTNERS! Without our sponsors fantastic support the Mad Butcher Club wouldn’t be as great as it is. If you get the opportunity to support them please do whenever you can!

®

Suburban Newspapers Auckland