Celebrating 25 Years of the Kiwi Ferns

Our Pirtek Volunteer of the Month award celebrates and recognises heroes from our grassroots rugby league community across Aotearoa for their hard mahi, dedicated to our game. This award is given to volunteers who display the core values of The Kiwi Way: being family first, innovative, inclusive, respectful, and humble.

We are proud to announce our second winner for 2026, the Pirtek Volunteer of the Month award for May goes to Tyson Salanoa from Linton Cobras in Palmerston North, Manawatū.

Tyson Salanoa, affectionately known by his players as "Coach Sole", is a proud coach at Linton Cobras Rugby League as well as a representative Manawatū Mustangs side.

Tyson, alongside his best friend and fellow coach “Coach Bugsy” (Kev), consistently draws enough players to field two full teams for Linton’s youth grade. As a coach, Tyson is reliable, dedicated, and unwavering in his commitment to his players and teams. He spends much of his spare time preparing for trainings and game days, arrives early to set up, and is often the last to leave, ensuring every child is safely collected or personally transporting them home when required. For Tyson, these rangatahi are far more than players - he prioritises their physical and emotional wellbeing and never places the game above their needs.

Tyson also established the first rugby league academy in Manawatū, the MAU (Mana Aso Uma, Mana Everyday) Sport Mentoring Academy, in partnership with the Youth Nu’u Trust. The programme brings together Pasifika and Māori values, rugby league, youth wellbeing, support, and community. This no-cost initiative provides wellbeing support to young men from intermediate age through to Year 11, using rugby league as a vehicle for personal development and connection.

He is deeply committed to ensuring local players can access opportunities outside the region, so they're able to experience different coaching environments, playing styles, and pathways while building confidence and their own player profiles. These opportunities include representative trials, One New Zealand Warriors clinics and games, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs clinics, cultural rugby league festivals, and more. Tyson often organises transport so groups of players can attend and not miss out.

Tyson finds ways to reduce barriers that may prevent young people from participating in rugby league, working closely with whānau to keep tamariki and rangatahi engaged in the sport and in physical activity. His approach is grounded in leadership, respect, trust, and genuine friendship, which has played a significant role in keeping many local young people and their families within the game.

He also draws strongly on the Te Whare Tapa Whā model, recognising that all dimensions of a young person’s hauora, wellbeing, are essential to helping them show up and thrive each day. Tyson’s impact is felt in the way the young men in his teams and community train, speak to one another, and carry themselves out in the wider community.

Chris Bourke, CEO of Pirtek shared, "Congratulations to Tyson Salanoa on being named the Pirtek Volunteer of the Month for May.

"Tyson's commitment to creating opportunities for young people, developing future leaders, and strengthening his community through rugby league perfectly reflects the values that Pirtek is proud to support."

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Know a volunteer who does exceptional mahi? Help us celebrate these grassroots heroes by nominating them for the next Pirtek Volunteer of the Month award.

‍Each monthly winner will receive $200 worth of vouchers and have their story shared across our channels.

Make a nomination here: https://share.hsforms.com/2Lq4cbueQRVCRwqK8vsfK_Qsy1ug

Members of the Wheel Kiwis squad were recognised at the recent Healthvision Festival of Disability Sport Awards, with players and staff acknowledged for their achievements both on and off the court.

Wheel Kiwis wider squad member Jack Brown received the Emerging Talent Award, which recognises athletes who are new to their sport and have demonstrated significant promise, commitment, dedication, and sportsmanship. Jack is a highly talented wheelchair athlete who has made an immediate impact in wheelchair rugby league. Prior to November 2025, he had no experience in the sport, yet he was selected for the Wheel Kiwis squad to compete in the inaugural NRL Wheelchair Rugby League Championship on the Gold Coast. During the campaign, the Wheel Kiwis secured three victories and finished mid-table against strong and experienced state opposition in just their second appearance as a representative side.

Jack played an important role in the team's success, proving to be an outstanding addition to the squad. Since the tournament, he has continued to apply himself and has been invited into the wider Wheel Kiwis squad as preparations continue for the 2026 Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup in Australia. Although new to the sport, Jack has adapted quickly and consistently demonstrates energy, enthusiasm, and a genuine commitment to improving his game. He is one of the most proactive members of the wider squad, regularly engaging with teammates, sharing his training sessions, and encouraging others to do the same.

Wheel Kiwis Assistant Coach Robert ‘Tiny’ Graham was awarded Coach & Volunteer of the Year in recognition of his outstanding contribution to disability sport and wheelchair rugby league. A New Zealand Army veteran, Tiny served nearly 27 years as a Warrant Officer Class One, during which he was deployed on three operational tours to Bosnia, Bougainville and East Timor, and was posted to Tonga as the NZDF Technical Advisor to His Majesty’s Armed Forces, Tonga and Military Advisor to the NZ High Commissioner.

Tiny has been heavily involved in sport since young playing rugby league for Taniwharau among other codes, including rugby union for which he featured in a number of representative sides. Since 2017, he has been a member of the New Zealand Defence Force Invictus Team, representing New Zealand at the international Invictus Games, which brings together wounded, injured, and sick serving and former service personnel.

Tiny competed at Prince Harry's Invictus Games in Toronto (2017) and Sydney (2018). Since 2019, he has coached the New Zealand Invictus Team's wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby sides at the Düsseldorf 2023 and Vancouver 2025 Games and will continue in the role for Birmingham 2027. Wheel Kiwi #3, Tiny represented New Zealand against Australia in 2024 before taking on the role of Wheel Kiwis Assistant Coach in 2025. He has been instrumental in the growth and success of wheelchair rugby league in New Zealand and is highly respected by his colleagues. As a coach, volunteer, administrator, and advocate, he continues to be a driving force behind the sport's development.

Wheel Kiwis wider squad members Kauri Murray and Nikia Fa'atau were also nominated for Male Sportsman of the Year in recognition of their achievements and contributions through wheelchair basketball. Their nominations highlight the depth of talent within the wider Wheel Kiwis programme and the strong connections across New Zealand's adaptive sports community.

We congratulate Jack, Tiny, Kauri, and Nikia on their well-deserved recognition and nominations.

The biggest event on the secondary school rugby league calendar is back as the NZRL National Secondary Schools Tournament returns to Auckland this September. The 2025 tournament was the biggest in the event’s history with 60 teams from across Aotearoa taking part, and the 2026 edition is on track to surpass that milestone.

Currently, 71 teams from across the motu have expressed interest in participating in this year’s tournament, with 50% of those teams travelling from outside of Auckland as the game continues to grow outside of the rugby league hub.

Following continued growth and strong participation numbers, the U15 Boys Tournament will be held as a standalone event from Tuesday 1 September to Thursday 3 September at Walter Massey Park in Mangere.

The Senior Secondary Schools Tournament will follow, taking place from Friday 4 September to Sunday 6 September at Bruce Pulman Park, Papakura, featuring three grades:

• Open Girls Championship
• Boys Championship
• Boys Premiership

The expanded format will allow more teams to participate while enhancing the overall tournament experience for players, coaches, and supporters. Sanctioned by New Zealand School Sport, the tournament is open to all secondary schools, including composite teams. It aims to provide an inclusive and accessible environment for all students, from established rugby league schools, to developing schools, and those new to the sport.  

While offering rangatahi the opportunity to showcase their talents on the field, the tournament also uses rugby league as a vehicle to build school pride. It provides students with the chance to play alongside their mates and represent their school and community, while reinforcing the importance of balancing education, wellbeing, and sport.

Since the return of the tournament following COVID-19 disruptions, it has seen over 150% growth. This significant increase reflects the rising popularity of rugby league within secondary schools and the commitment of schools to providing rugby league opportunities, supported by the growing visibility and accessibility of the game across Aotearoa.

With rugby league at an all-time high in New Zealand, rangatahi now have more opportunities than ever to progress through the game. NZRL representative tournaments and competitions complement those offered by the New Zealand Warriors, creating clear development opportunities for aspiring players.  

Limited spaces remain available across all grades and entries are open to all secondary schools, including composite schools. Schools wishing to participate are encouraged to complete the Expression of Interest form as soon as possible to secure a spot before capacity is reached.  

Must be completed by a member of school staff, entries close on Monday 15 June 2026: sporty.co.nz

State of Origin champion and NRLW Grand Finalist Kennedy Cherrington has officially pledged allegiance to the Kiwi Ferns for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup and beyond.

This follows the IRL’s decision to remove the tier system for women’s nations and the modernisation of Origin eligibility rules, now allowing Cherrington to represent New Zealand, while still being eligible for New South Wales.

Widely regarded as one of the best forwards in the women’s game, Cherrington has made six Test appearances for the Jillaroos since 2022, and is a five-time Māori All Star.

Although Australian-born, Cherrington spoke on her deep connection to Aotearoa through her Māori whakapapa, with ties to Northland’s Ngāti Hine and Ngāpuhi on her father’s side, and Ngāti Tūwharetoa from Korohe, and the East Coast-based Ngāti Ruapani ki Waikaremoana, on her mother’s side.

“My connection to Aotearoa has always been a big part of who I am. This decision is about honouring my whakapapa, my whānau, and my culture.  

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“As soon as the rules changed, I was on the phone to (coach) Ricky Henry straight away and I wanted to let him know that I would love to be in the selection pool for the Rugby League World Cup.

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“Earning a Kiwi Ferns jersey is something I’ll work hard for, and it would mean the world to me to represent New Zealand”, she said.

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New Zealand Rugby League GM of Football and High Performance Motu Tony commented, “Kennedy is a highly talented player with deep pride in her Māori heritage and excellent experience, making her a valuable addition to our current player pool.  

“As with all players, Kennedy will progress through the standard selection process, but we’re excited she has committed her international future to New Zealand, and to potentially see her in the Kiwi Ferns jersey at the World Cup this year.”

The Kiwi Ferns open their World Cup campaign against Fiji Bulikula at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium on October 18 before meeting France at Christchurch’s new indoor venue, One NZ Stadium, on October 25 and the Papua New Guinea Orchids at Cbus Super Stadium on October 31.

We congratulate Lemalu Fred Ah Kuoi, New Zealand Kiwi #522 and NZRL Legend of League, on his appointment to the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours.

This significant milestone comes in recognition of Ah Kuoi's outstanding services to rugby league and the community, spanning a lifetime of heavy involvement in rugby league as a national and international representative player, and a grassroots coach, administrator, and supporter.

Ah Kuoi made his international rugby league debut for the New Zealand Māori team at the age of 18 in 1975, before debuting for the Kiwis later that same year, on the wing against Australia at Carlaw Park.

He captained the Kiwis for six tests in the 1980s, and at the age of 23 was the youngest Pasifika player to captain the Kiwis. He led the team to a historic 3-0 win against the touring Lions team in 1984, and would go on to play 47 games and 28 Tests for the Kiwis throughout his decorated career.

His contribution to the game extended beyond the field and into the community through his continued involvement with his beloved local club, the Richmond Rovers in Grey Lynn, Auckland, both during and after his professional career. He coached the Richmond Premier men's team for 10 years and became a founding director of the Richmond Rovers Rugby League Academy, a free development programme which has run for eight years to help young rugby league players excel in all areas of life.

After living in the United States for 17 years, Ah Kuoi returned to New Zealand in 2015 and established the ‘WAI - Who Am I’ course, delivered through the Department of Corrections to help mentor and develop young offenders in the community through physical training, discipline, and life coaching.

Congratulations Fred on this phenomenal and well-deserved achievement.

We very sadly acknowledge the passing of Wellington Rugby League great Ron Farrell.

Ron leaves behind an enduring legacy as the most capped Wellington representative ever, playing 81 games for the region over a renowned 12-year tenure from 1963 to 1975.

In 1966, Ron was selected as a reserve for the Kiwis in their second test against Great Britain, and in 1975, he went on to captain his Waterside club to their only ever Appleton Shield win in the Wellington Premiership.

A proud Ngāti Porou man, the talented prop, loose-forward, and second-rower was also a champion for Māori rugby league.

Ron was a gifted cross-code athlete as a competitive tennis player, and is fondly remembered as being a role model to young up-and-coming rugby league and tennis players alike.

We offer our deepest sympathies to Ron's whānau, friends, and the Wellington community at this deeply sad time, moe mai rā, Ron.

Auckland-based company Benefitz have partnered with New Zealand Rugby League as official print and signage suppliers.

In addition to printing and signage, Benefitz offers a broad range of services encompassing design, advertising, exhibitions, publishing, and web development.

NZRL General Manager of Communications and Marketing Amy Thomason shared,  

“Since first connecting with Benefitz in 2025, their services and support have been outstanding, especially in helping us brand Go Media Stadium and Eden Park during the Pacific Championships.

“We’re very excited to bring them on board as official partners and look forward to working alongside them again this year, especially throughout our World Cup campaign.”  

Benefitz Senior Account Manager Dan Ellensohn said, "We offer a wide range of solutions that add real value for NZRL when organising events, Amy and the team have experienced this first-hand at Go Media Stadium and Eden Park.

“The key is we produce these solutions at our solar-powered state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, offering advantages in efficiency and overall value. Benefitz also has a track record of 38 years of innovation, and as a team, we love working on events.

“We are excited about this partnership with NZRL, particularly with rugby league being on such a growth curve in New Zealand."

In a first for the region, Rugby League Hawke’s Bay is set to host the NZRL Men’s Premiership North pool, alongside the National Women’s Premiership, and the National Men’s and Women’s Championship tournaments.  

The action will unfold across one historic weekend from September 12-13 at Mitre 10 Sports Park, which boasts eight fields, a grandstand, and additional world-class facilities in the heart of Hastings.

RLHB Chairman Anthony Taueki Chairman shared, “This landmark occasion marks the very first time Rugby League Hawke’s Bay has been entrusted to host an NZRL event of this scale and we are truly grateful for the opportunity, the partnership, and the belief shown in our region.  

“Hosting these prestigious national tournaments is more than just rugby league, it is a powerful opportunity to showcase Hawke’s Bay on a national stage, strengthen our local league community, boost regional economic growth through visitors and tourism and prove that our region is ready, capable, and deserving of future major tournaments.  

“We invite our entire region to stand with us, show up, support, and help make this unforgettable weekend a true celebration of rugby league excellence.”

David McMeeken, NZRL National Football Operations Manager said,  

“The work done by Rugby League Hawke’s Bay across the region has been outstanding, and the strong relationships formed by Rugby League Hawke’s Bay with Napier City Council, Hastings District Council and the Hawke’s Bay Sports Park team, have played a huge role in making these events possible.

“There’s real momentum building for rugby league in Hawke’s Bay. From growing participation at grassroots, through to the return of the Hawke’s Bay Men’s representative team at the 2025 North Island Championship, the District continues to show its commitment to developing and strengthening the game.

“NZRL are excited to bring our national tournaments to Hawke’s Bay and showcase the region on a national stage. These tournaments are about more than a game, they are an opportunity for Districts and Zones to share their pride and passion, and celebrate and represent their communities.”  

This year will introduce a revised Premiership structure, featuring a tournament format that replaces the previous weekly competition model. The Men’s Premiership will continue to operate across two (2) pools; North and South. The top two (2) teams from both the North Island and South Island tournaments will progress to the national semi-finals in Auckland on Saturday 26 September, before the Grand Final is played on Sunday 27 September.

The South Island Men’s Premiership tournament will be hosted at Ngā Puna Wai in Christchurch, an exceptional venue which previously hosted Premiership fixtures and the 2025 National Youth Tournament.  

The Women’s Premiership tournament will see all teams compete in Hawke’s Bay, with the top two (2) finishing teams advancing directly to the National Grand Final in Auckland on Sunday 27 September, alongside the men’s final.

We are deeply saddened that one of our rugby league whānau, Eugene Hanna of the Glenora Bears, has tragically passed away.  

First and foremost, we send our sincere condolences to his whānau, friends, teammates, and all who knew and loved Eugene in such a difficult time.  

This is truly heartbreaking and something we never want to see happen, and we are currently working alongside Auckland Rugby League, his club and other appropriate people.

NZRL places the utmost importance on player safety and welfare and work hard to prevent such tragic outcomes. We have rigorous head injury and concussion protocols in place and work with our rugby league community to ensure appropriate resources and education are provided year-round.  

We urge anyone who sustains a head injury or experiences any symptoms to follow the guidelines in place, seek the appropriate medical advice and treatment, and only return to play when advised and appropriate.  

You can find more concussion information and resources here: nzrl.co.nz/concussion

Ronald Griffiths has joined the Kiwi Ferns as an Assistant Coach ahead of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup campaign.

Widely regarded for his success in the women’s game, Griffiths brings extensive experience and achievement to Ricky Henry’s coaching staff.  

Henry shared his enthusiasm to have Griffiths join the team, “Ron brings a winning record, a wealth of experience and a strong understanding of the women’s game.  

“His leadership, authenticity, and football knowledge will build confidence within the group and enhance our culture and connection. I’m looking forward to working alongside him as we build towards the World Cup.”  

As Head Coach of the Newcastle Knights NRLW side from 2022 to 2023, Griffiths guided the club to back-to-back Premiership titles before moving into the Knights’ NSW Cup Head Coach role in 2024.  

Griffiths has called Aotearoa home since 2025, when he relocated with his whānau to take on the Warriors NRLW Head Coach role in their return to the competition.

Last year, he also coached the Indigenous All Stars men’s side before taking charge of the Cook Islands Moana women’s team during the Pacific Championships, and returning to All Stars duties earlier this year in Rotorua.

“The opportunity to represent New Zealand, it’s really important to me. I do it well and I do it with pride.

“Talking with Ricky around his philosophy, I think we’re going to be a great match because he’s got a certain skill set and I’ve got a different skill set. Being able to drive his vision, the Kiwi Fern vision, I think that's my strength and that’s going to help us at the back end of the year.”

The Kiwi Ferns will begin their World Cup campaign in Newcastle, Australia, on Sunday 18 October.  

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Kiwi Ferns Coaching Staff  

Head Coach: Ricky Henry  

Assistant Coaches: David Faiumu, Ana Fotu, Ronald Griffiths

We very sadly acknowledge and mourn the recent passing of Wayne Robertson, New Zealand Kiwi #508.

Wayne was a renowned and talented forward from Auckland who had an illustrious career, playing rugby league in Auckland, Brisbane, and Canterbury, in addition to playing three Tests for New Zealand.

A nephew of 1940s-50s Kiwis Maurice and Bruce Robertson, Wayne played for Brisbane Rugby League grand finalists Norths in 1967, earning selection in the Brisbane representative team before returning home to Auckland in 1968 to play for Ponsonby.

Venturing to the South Island, Robertson helped Hornby win the 1969 title and represented Canterbury. Returning home to Auckland in 1971, he toured Queensland with NZ Colts in 1973.

At age 27, Wayne went on to make his Test debut for the Kiwis, coming off the bench to replace Lindsay Proctor during the first Test win over Great Britain in 1974. Wayne would go on to play all three Tests against the Lions that year, starting in the second-row in the remaining two Tests, both won by the tourists.

Robertson was a standout at prop for Auckland against Australia in 1975 before being lured back to Hornby (along with fellow Auckland Kiwis Robert Jarvis and Murray Wright) in 1976. Despite making himself unavailable for Canterbury selection, he won the D.V. Syme Rosebowl as the 1976 CRL Sportsman of the Year winner, courageously playing on with a suspected broken arm later in the season.

Auckland’s best and fairest award winner in 1979 after joining Te Atatu, Robertson brought a long and distinguished top-level career to an end the following season.

Off the field, Wayne was a creative spirit. Operating out of his art studio in Howick, he became a celebrated painter, capturing the essence of the game’s spiritual home with his famed Carlaw Park prints. He was admired by many as a man of immense character, who gave back to the game after his playing days through coaching at Glenora and Richmond.

Wayne's contribution to the game was immense, and he leaves behind a lasting legacy of love and dedication to rugby league. We offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to the Robertson family, his beloved clubs and communities across, and all who were fortunate enough to know Wayne.

New Zealand Rugby League today announces the appointment of Andrea Nelson MNZM as its new Chief Executive, ushering in a new chapter for one of the most iconic sporting organisations in Aotearoa.

Andrea brings more than two decades of senior leadership experience across national and international sport, major global events, governance and commercial strategy.

Her appointment comes at a time of significant momentum for rugby league in New Zealand – from record participation growth and expanding pathways for wāhine and rangatahi, through to packed stadiums, growing broadcast audiences and continued success on the international stage.

NZRL Chair, Justin Leydesdorff, says the appointment panel were thrilled by the calibre of candidates for the role. Andrea stood out as an exceptional leader with both world-class experience and a genuine connection to the game and its communities.

“Andrea brings an incredibly rare combination of strategic leadership, operational delivery and authentic passion for rugby league.

“She’s worked at the highest levels of governance and commercial sport, and understands what it takes to grow organisations in complex environments. But equally as important to the code, she demonstrated a deep understanding of community sport and people.

“We wanted a leader who could sit across the table from the biggest decision-makers in international rugby league, but who would also happily pick up a tea towel at a local club on the East Coast. Andrea is that person,” says Justin.

Andrea has led major international sporting events - as NZ General Manager for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup and helped lead the delivery and commercial development of the Oceania Cup, the precursor to the Pacific Championships.

She also held senior leadership roles across some of the world’s largest sporting organisations and events, including the London Olympic and Paralympic Games, FIFA U20 World Cup, ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, Chair NZ Events Association and CEO Gymnastics New Zealand.

New Zealand will head into this year’s Rugby League World Cup campaign with the Kiwis, Kiwi Ferns and Wheel Kiwis teams all strongly positioned on the world stage.

Nelson said returning to rugby league felt like a natural homecoming.

“I’m thrilled and honoured to be entrusted with the role of Chief Executive of NZRL.

“Being part of delivering the 2017 Rugby League World Cup in Aotearoa was a career highlight. While I’ve continued to work across sport since then, rugby league has always held a special place for me, so this in many ways feels like a homecoming,” she says.

“I am a huge believer in the power of sport to change lives for the better, and that sits at the heart of rugby league’s ‘More Than a Game’ kaupapa. Rugby league’s greatest strength has always been, and always will be, its people, and I look forward to working together to shape the future of the game.”

The appointment follows a sustained period of growth and transformation for rugby league in New Zealand under the leadership of exiting CEO, Greg Peters.

Participation numbers across the community game have continued to grow strongly in recent years, with wāhine and rangatahi participation more than doubling since 2021. In 2024, wāhine made up 20 percent of the national player base, while rangatahi accounted for 30 percent.

The sport’s premier youth tournaments have also experienced major growth, including more than 60 teams competing at the 2025 NZ Secondary Schools tournament – a 320 percent increase over seven years.

At the elite level, rugby league continues to thrive, with more than 38,000 fans attending last year’s Pacific Championships match at Eden Park – the largest rugby league crowd in Aotearoa in more than a decade – while television audiences for both the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns continue to climb.

Founded in 1910, NZRL remains one of New Zealand’s most storied sporting organisations, with rugby league continuing to play a vital role in communities across Aotearoa, particularly among Māori and Pasifika communities.

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