2010 New Zealand rugby league season

The New Zealand rugby league season 2010 was the 103rd season of rugby league that was played in New Zealand. The main feature of the year was the new National Zonal competition run by the New Zealand Rugby League. The premier teams competed for the Albert Baskerville Trophy, which was won by Auckland when they defeated Counties Manukau 14 - 6 in the Grand Final.

Auckland v Counties Manukau in the Albert Baskerville Trophy final
Auckland v South Island in an Albert Baskerville Trophy match
Auckland v South Island in an Albert Baskerville Trophy match

International competitions
See also: 2010 Rugby League Four Nations and List of New Zealand Kiwis matches

Five test matches took place in New Zealand in 2010. First New Zealand hosted Samoa in a warm up match to the 2010 Four Nations, defeating them 50-6. It was the first time the two nations had played each other in a test match.[1] As part of the Four Nations competition New Zealand played England, Australia and Papua New Guinea in Wellington, Auckland and Rotorua respectively. England and PNG also play each other as a curtain raiser to the New Zealand vs Australia match. The match against England celebrated a centenary of international rugby league in New Zealand and the English and Kiwis both wore 1910 style jerseys to mark the occasion.[2] New Zealand went on to win the tournament, defeating Australia 16 - 12 in the final at Suncorp Stadium.

Coached by Stephen Kearney, the team consisted of: Antonio Winterstein, Bronson Harrison, Greg Eastwood, Adam Blair, Sika Manu, Junior Sa'u, Fuifui Moimoi, Frank Pritchard, Nathan Fien, Jason Nightingale, Jeremy Smith, Issac Luke, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Frank-Paul Nuuausala, Sam Perrett, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Lewis Brown, Lance Hohaia, Simon Mannering, Ben Matulino, Manu Vatuvei, Benji Marshall (C) and Thomas Leuluai.

The Samoan side featured seven former New Zealand internationals, Tony Puletua, Francis Meli, Ali Lauitiiti, David Faiumu, David Solomona, Harrison Hansen and Ben Roberts.[3]

Earlier in the year New Zealand lost 8-12 to Australia. Aaron Heremaia, Zeb Taia and Steve Matai played in this match but did not make the Four Nations squad.

The Junior Kiwis, originally scheduled to play two matches against the England youth side, instead hosted the Junior Kangaroos in two curtain raisers to Four Nations matches. The team was coached by David Kidwell and included: Pakisonasi Afu, Martin Taupau (C), Glen Fisiiahi, Sebastine Ikahihifo, Mark Ioane, Shaun Johnson, Siuatonga Likiliki, Sam Lousi, Nafe Seluini, Carlos Tuimavave, Bill Tupou, Drury Low, Matthew McIlwrick, Sam Mataora, Isaac Maliota, Kane Morgan, Lama Tasi, Dean Whare and Jason Taumalolo.[4] They lost to Australia 16-24 but won the second match 32-20 after trailing 0-20 at halftime.[5]

The New Zealand Māori rugby league team played England in a curtain raiser to the New Zealand v Samoa test match.[6] After trailing 18-0 the Māori came back to draw the match 18-all. The team was coached by Richie Blackmore and Mark Horo and consisted of: Kevin Locke, Sandor Earl, Timana Tahu, Clinton Toopi, Arana Taumata, Rangi Chase, Jeremy Smith, Willie Heta, Aaron Heremaia, Weller Hauraki, Justin Horo, Bodene Thompson, Kevin Proctor, James Tamou, Sam McKendry and Russell Packer.[3]

The Kiwi Ferns played two matches against their English counterparts, winning the series 2-0.[7]

A New Zealand Residents team was expected to compete in an end-of-season international fixture, but the team pulled out at the last minute.[8] The Residents still assembled and took part in an opposed training session with the New Zealand Kiwis.[9] The team was co-coached by Ken McIntosh and Brent Stuart and included James Blackwell (Counties Manukau), Junior Salevao (South Island), Shaun Metcalf (Auckland), Matt Wanoa (Wellington), Bureta Faraimo (Wellington), Matt Everitt (Wellington), Trent Wallace (Auckland), Karl Edmondson (Auckland), Darin Kingi (Counties Manukau), Jaye Pukepuke (South Island), Alfred Penese (Wellington), Tane Hart (Auckland), Saulala Houma (Auckland). Bench: Suaia Matagi (Auckland), George Mafi (Wellington), Hemi Kemp (Wellington) and Pauly Tuuta (Heartland).

At the New Zealand Rugby League awards Shaun Kenny-Dowall was named the International Player of the Year while Lewis Brown won the International Rookie award.[10] Shane Rehm was the Referee of the year, Saulala Houma won the Domestic award and Matt Duffie won the Junior player of the year. Nathan Cayless was given a special recognition award.[11] Benji Marshall later won the World Golden Boot Award as best international player while Shaun Kenny-Dowall finished second in the voting and was named at centre in the international team of the year.[12] At the Maori Sports Awards Stephen Kearney won Coach of the Year while Henry Perenara won the umpire/referee award.[13] Richie Blackmore won the Coach of the Year award at the Counties Manukau Sporting Excellence Awards while the Counties Manukau under 17 side, coached by Blackmore, won the Junior sportsteam award.[14]

National competitions

Rugby League Cup

Canterbury currently holds the Rugby League Cup, having won it from Auckland in 2009.[15] The Cup was not defended in 2010.

National Zonal competition
Auckland v South Island in Round Five

Following the Sparc funded review and restructure of the New Zealand Rugby League, seven new zonal teams competed in the 2010 National Zonal competition.[16] Under 15's and Under 17's competitions were also to be held as curtain raisers to the senior matches.[8] The Premiers competed for the Albert Baskerville Trophy which was won by Auckland, who defeated Counties Manukau 14 - 6 in the Grand Final.

Teams

The seven zones are;[15]

*Gisborne and Hawkes Bay are included in Wellington Zone for administration purposes but their players play in the Upper Central and Mid-Central representative teams respectively.

Season standings
Team Pld W D L B PF PA Pts
Auckland 650112328612
Counties Manukau 6402123214210
Wellington Orcas 6402118810010
South Island 6402119612610
Waicoa Bay Stallions 630311861728
Heartland 610511321464
Northern Swords 60061464402

Source:[23]

Round 1
Home Score Away Match Information
Date Venue
South Island 28-6 Heartland 29 August Rugby League Park, Christchurch
Wellington 22-8 Waicoa Bay 29 August Fraser Park, Wellington
Auckland 28-16 Counties-Manukau 15 September Mt Smart Stadium No.2, Auckland
  • Bye: Northern
Round 2
Home Score Away Match Information
Date Venue
Northern 10-86 Counties-Manukau 5 September Lindvart Park, Kaikohe
Auckland 18-24 Wellington 4 September Cornwall Park, Auckland
Waicoa Bay 36-18 Heartland 5 September Resthills Park, Hamilton
  • Bye: South Island
Round 3
Home Score Away Match Information
Date Venue
South Island 34-36 Waicoa Bay 11 September Burnham Military Camp
Heartland 14-24 Auckland 12 September Clifton Park, Waitara
Wellington 74-0 Northern 12 September Porirua Stadium, Wellington
  • Bye: Counties-Manukau
Round 4
Home Score Away Match Information
Date Venue
Northern 16–64 South Island 19 September Jubilee Park, Whangarei
Counties Manukau 42–12 Waicoa Bay 19 September Bruce Pulman Park, Papakura
Heartland 10–18 Wellington 19 September Arena Manawatu, Palmerston North
Auckland defeated the South Island 28-4 in Round Five

Bye: Auckland

Round 5
Home Score Away Match Information
Date Venue
Auckland 28-4 South Island 25 September Cornwall Park, Auckland
Waicoa Bay 72-8 Northern 26 September Blake Park, Tauranga
Counties Manukau 34-30 Wellington 26 September Bruce Pulman Park, Papakura

Bye: Heartland

Round 6
Home Score Away Match Information
Date Venue
South Island 36-20 Counties Manukau 3 October Rugby League Park, Christchurch
Heartland 58-6 Northern 3 October Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth
Waicoa Bay 22-48 Auckland 3 October Puketawhero Park, Rotorua

Bye: Wellington

Round 7
Home Score Away Match Information
Date Venue
Wellington 20-30 South Island 10 October Porirua Stadium, Wellington
Counties Manukau 34-26 Heartland 10 October Bruce Pulman Park, Papakura
Northern 6-86 Auckland 10 October Okura Park, Whangarei

Bye: Waicoa Bay

Grand Final
Home Score Away Match Information
Date Venue
Auckland 14 - 6 Counties Manukau 17 October Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland

Mark Graham Cup

The Under 17 competition was named after Mark Graham. Counties Manukau beat Auckland 22 - 12 in the final to become the inaugural holders of the Mark Graham Cup.

Nathan Cayless Cup

The Under 15 competition was named after Nathan Cayless. Counties Manukau beat Wellington Orcas 30 - 16 in the final to become the inaugural holders of the Nathan Cayless Cup.

Australian competitions
The Club Championship (left) and the Toyota Cup (right)

New Zealand Warriors
Main article: 2010 New Zealand Warriors season

The New Zealand Warriors competed in the National Rugby League competition, finishing fifth in regular season before being eliminated after losing their Qualifying Final. The Warriors also fielded an under-20 side in the Toyota Cup who finished second in the regular season before going on to win the Toyota Cup Grand Final. This was the club's first grand final win at any level. The club also won the Club Championship for being the best performing club during the regular season (combined NRL and Toyota Cup results).

Auckland Vulcans

The Auckland Vulcans competed in the NSW Cup competition finishing ninth out of twelve teams and missing the finals by just one point.

Club competitions

Auckland
Main article: 2010 Auckland Rugby League season
See also: Auckland Rugby League club trophies
Otahuhu and Mt Albert play in the Fox Memorial grand final

Eight teams competed in the Lion Red Fox Memorial first division which was won by the minor premiers Otahuhu Leopards after they defeated the defending champions, the Mount Albert Lions, 22-18.

East Coast Bays won the Sharman Cup while the Point Chevalier Pirates, coached by Awen Guttenbeil and Stacey Jones, won the Phelan Shield.

Wellington

Eight teams competed in the Wellington Rugby League's Premier Appleton Shield in 2010. The Porirua Vikings defeated the Wainuiomata Lions 18-10 at Fraser Park on 14 August. The Lions had earlier finished the regular season as minor premiers.

Upper Hutt College won the secondary schools Stephen Kearney Cup competition by defeating Rongotai College 30-16. They are unbeaten in secondary schools rugby league since 2007.[24]

Canterbury

Eight teams competed in the Canterbury Rugby League's Harringtons Premiership in 2010. The Papanui Tigers won the minor premiership.[25] The Tigers lost 6-22 in the grand final which was won by the Hornby Panthers at Rugby League Park on 15 August.

In March, prop Vince Whare was banned for ten years following a positive test for cannabis after a 2009 Bartercard Premiership match.[26] Whare had previously been warned and fined in 2005 and banned in 2006 for two years for the same offence.

Phil Prescott coached Halswell.[27]

Other competitions

The Hamilton City Tigers won the Waikato Rugby League competition, defeating Taniwharau Rugby League 19-12 to claim the Lion Breweries Trophy.[28]

Clubs from the Bay of Plenty, Coastline and Gisborne districts played in a full round championship.[29] The Otumoetai Eels won the competition, defeating the Ngongotaha Chiefs 24-18.[30] The Waikato and Tri-district champions were then scheduled to meet in a play-off however the match was called off after the Otumoetai Eels and Waikato Rugby League could not agree on sharing the revenue.[31] Matthew Spence was the Turangi Dambusters' player-coach while David Peachey played for the Taupo Phoenix.[32][33]

The Paikea Whalers and Tapuae met in the Gisborne Tairawhiti Rugby League grand final.[34]

The Waitara Bears defeated the Marist Dragons 32-22 in the Taranaki Lile Shield premier grand final at Yarrow Stadium.[35] The Coastal Cobras and Hawera Hawks were the semi-finalists.[36]

The Feilding Falcons defeated the Marist Dragons 20-18 to win the combined Taranaki-Manawatu Western Division.[37] Later in the season the Falcons defeated the Linton Cobras 32-6 to also win the Manawatu Rugby League competition.[38]

The Stoke Cobras won the Tasman rugby league competition, defeating the Tahuna Tigers 34—26 in a grand final that was attended by Simon Mannering and Micheal Luck.[39]

Blair Sims was named the West Coast Rugby League's player of the season.[21]

The Lone Star Hawks won the Otago Rugby League grand final, defeating the Todd Engineering Pirates 28-12.[40]

The Winton Warlords upset favourites He Tauaa 30-22 to win the Southland Rugby League grand final.[41]

See also

References
  1. "League: Kiwis to play Samoa for first time". The New Zealand Herald. 2 June 2010. Retrieved 15 September 2011.
  2. Centenary Test marks first International on home soil Archived October 23, 2010, at the Wayback Machine rleague.com, 22 October 2010
  3. "League: Tahu confirmed in NZ Maori squad". The New Zealand Herald. 8 October 2010. Retrieved 15 September 2011.
  4. Nine NYC-winning Warriors named in Jnr Kiwis Archived 2016-01-30 at the Wayback Machine NRL.com, 6 October 2010
  5. "League: Second half Junior Kiwis blitz squares Aussie series". The New Zealand Herald. 1 November 2010. Retrieved 15 September 2011.
  6. "NZ Maori rugby league to play England". Stuff.co.nz. 6 August 2010. Retrieved 15 September 2011.
  7. Kiwi Ferns end Test series against England with a win New Zealand Rugby League, 18 October 2010
  8. Tony Smith Bulls' Name may be Scrapped in Rejig The Press, 25 May 2010
  9. New Zealand Residents New Zealand Rugby League
  10. "League: NZ player of the year named". The New Zealand Herald. 22 October 2010. Retrieved 15 September 2011.
  11. Brown collects NZRL Rookie of the Year award rleague.com, 23 October 2010
  12. Marshall wins the 2010 Golden Boot Award Archived 2010-12-06 at the Wayback Machine nrl.com, 3 December 2010
  13. Kearney & Perenara win at Maori Sports Awards Archived 2010-12-08 at the Wayback Machine nrl.com, 6 December 2010
  14. League Winners at Counties Manukau Sports Awards nzrl.co.nz, 10 December 2010
  15. Geoff Longley It's go the South Island, No Bull The Press, 4 June 2010
  16. NZRL Zonal District Draw 2010 New Zealand Rugby League
  17. Auckland gulps up Shore league The Aucklander, 25 August 2010
  18. Lawton, Aaron (25 July 2010). "Blackmore hired then fired in bizarre NZRL musical chairs". Sunday News. Retrieved 15 September 2011.
  19. Best of two for league The Aucklander, 27 August 2010
  20. Third in line but still class The Press, 20 September 2010
  21. "Blair Sims". The New Zealand Herald. 24 November 2010. Retrieved 15 September 2011.
  22. Win lifts Southland Rams The Southland Times, 2 August 2010
  23. nzrl.co.nz
  24. In Touch November/December 2010 New Zealand Rugby League, 10 December 2010
  25. Anthony Morgan and Johnny Bonnar (26 July 2010). "Papanui Tigers seal minor premiership". The Press. Retrieved 15 September 2011.
  26. Prop's ban 'sends message' about drugs - Kemp The Press, 5 March 2010
  27. Smith, Tony (18 June 2011). "Shane Endacott keeps league family tradition". The Press. Retrieved 15 September 2011.
  28. Richens, Matt (26 July 2010). "Finally Tigers bag prize". Waikato Times. Retrieved 15 September 2011.
  29. Make-over revamps local league The Daily Post, 21 January 2010
  30. Eels face Waikato champs Bay of Plenty Times, 6 August 2010
  31. Eels' final demand costly Bay of Plenty Times, 9 August 2010
  32. Star Spence in roving Dambusters role The Daily Post, 13 July 2009
  33. Kilgallon, Steve (3 April 2011). "'Big risk' in Taupo NRL match for organisers". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 15 September 2011.
  34. Tapuae smoke Eels The Gisborne Herald, 29 September 2010
  35. Hills, Murray (9 August 2010). "Tuuta provides honey for Bears". Taranaki Daily News. Retrieved 15 September 2011.
  36. Bird, Tony (2 August 2010). "Marist to meet Bears in rugby league final". Taranaki Daily News. Retrieved 15 September 2011.
  37. Monthly Newsletter, Issue 3 Taranaki Rugby League, June 2010. from http://www.trl.org.nz/ Archived 2010-06-02 at the Wayback Machine
  38. News Manawatu Rugby League, accessed 21 January 2011
  39. In Touch New Zealand Rugby League, June 2010
  40. Rugby League Otago, accessed on 21 January 2011
  41. Burdon, Nathan (26 July 2010). "Warlords' counter-attack clinches district title". The Southland Times. Retrieved 15 September 2011.
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