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Wellington Rugby League

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Wellington Rugby League is the local sporting body responsible for the administration of Rugby league in the Greater Wellington region . It is responsible for the local competition of the same name, as well as its representative team, the Wellington rugby league team .

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37-741: The Senior WRL competition involves 9 teams in the Premier Grade with most fielding a Reserve Grade team also: The 5 other clubs that aren't in the Senior WRL are: The winner is awarded the Appleton Shield, which has been in use since 1940. In 1912 four teams played for the Seigel Cup; Petone, Hutt, Athletic and Newtown. Petone won the first ever Wellington club competition. Wellington played its first game on 24 August 1908 when they took on Auckland at Victoria Park, Auckland in

74-541: A National Rugby League franchise to be based in the city. The franchise ultimately went to the Gold Coast who joined the NRL for the 2007 season. In 2007 reports emerged that the consortium was looking at the possibility of joining Super League however nothing ever eventuated. Randwick Kingfishers Upper Hutt Tigers Wellington Orcas Auckland rugby league team The Auckland rugby league team

111-480: A bad cut over his eye and he also later had to retire and was replaced by Billy Ghent. There is film footage of the match taken by Tarr Film and archived on the New Zealand Archive of Film, television and Sound Ngā Taonga website. In scoring on halftime Ben Davidson was knocked out. At the start of the second half Auckland attempted to replace him with Lou Brown who ran out on to the field. However

148-476: A finals spot in 2002, being on equal points but with a lower For and Against than the Marist Richmond Brothers . Unfortunately this was a high point for the franchise with the team never making the play-offs. In 2006, the then-unnamed Bartercard Cup franchises adopted the name of Wellington Orcas, after the unsuccessful NRL expansion bid. The Wellington Rugby League were awarded a place in

185-408: A key part of the local rugby league structure, providing a platform for teams outside the premier division to compete at a high level. The Sharman Cup features a structured format with regular season matches followed by playoffs and a grand final. City Rovers and Newton Rangers merged in the early 1900s. City Newton Dragons later merged with Point Chevalier to become 'City-Pt Chevalier'. Later

222-590: A meeting of 75 footballers and supporters, many of them prominent rugby union players in Wellington. The founding committee was chaired by W J Riorden and included Daniel Fraser . Will Appleton was president of the Wellington Rugby Football League between 1940 and 1958 and presented the Appleton Shield, which is used to this day as the premier club trophy. In 1990 Wellington defeated the touring Great Britain side 30-22. This

259-486: A structured format comprising a regular season, playoffs, and a grand final. Teams from various Auckland clubs participate, striving for the championship titles. These competitions are designed to ensure a high level of play and competitive balance, significantly contributing to the growth and development of rugby league in the Auckland region. The format encourages robust competition, enhances player development, and engages

296-702: Is Wellington's only victory over a touring side. Between 1994 and 1996, Wellington was represented by the Wellington City Dukes and Hutt Valley Firehawks in the Lion Red Cup . One player from the Dukes, Earl Va'a , later went on to represent Samoa in Rugby union . Both teams folded along with the competition in 1996. Wellington initially had two sides in the Bartercard Cup competition -

333-621: Is represented by the Counties Manukau rugby league team . The zone team is named the Akarana Falcons . Auckland played its first game on 24 August 1908 when they took on Wellington at Victoria Park, Auckland in the first provincial game of rugby league in New Zealand. The Auckland Rugby League had not yet been formed so the side was not an official one as such. Auckland had played against several touring teams over

370-564: Is the team which traditionally represents all of the clubs which play in the Auckland Rugby League competition. As well as a senior men's team there are also Auckland representative teams throughout the various age groups such as under 15s, under 17s, under 19s and under 21s. Under the new zone scheme introduced in 2010 the Auckland team represents the North Shore , East Auckland and West Auckland , while South Auckland

407-628: The Porirua Pumas and the Wainuiomata Lions , based in the city of Porirua and Lower Hutt suburb of Wainuiomata respectively. Results between the two were dissimilar - with Wainuiomata reaching the preliminary final in the first season, and Porirua coming last place in theirs. However, in 2002 it was decided that one team (later to be named the Wellington Orcas ) was needed in the competition. They narrowly missed out on

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444-704: The 2007 NRL season on 26 August 2007. The Warriors won 36–14 in front of a packed Mount Smart Stadium . The Akarana Falcons participate in the Albert Baskerville Trophy . This team represents the Hibiscus Coast Raiders , Richmond Bulldogs , Mt Wellington Warriors , Ponsonby Ponies , Glenora Bears , Ellerslie Eagles , Mt Albert Lions , Te Atatu Roosters , Bay Roskill Vikings , Northcote Tigers , Marist Saints , East Coast Bays Barracudas , Pt Chevalier Pirates , Waitemata Seagulls , Glenfield Greyhounds , New Lynn Stags and

481-893: The Auckland Region of New Zealand . Founded in 1909, the ARL has played a pivotal role in the development and promotion of rugby league in Auckland and beyond. The origins of Auckland rugby league trace back to July 19, 1908 when an official organisational body was formed at the Chamber of Commerce on Swanson Street, following dissatisfaction among players with the Auckland Rugby Union. The first clubs to form were North Shore Albions (July 23, 1909), Ponsonby United , City Rovers , and Newton Rangers . The inaugural organised club match took place on July 25, 1909, with North Shore Albions defeating City Rovers 44-24. In 1920,

518-652: The Manly Sea Eagles on 26 August 2007, when the Warriors won 36–14 in front of a packed Mount Smart Stadium . Auckland also beat the touring Australian side in 1989 by 26 points to 24 at Carlaw Park. Auckland represented New Zealand for most years in the Australian midweek competition (see Amco Cup ) in the 1970s and 1980s. Central Districts, Canterbury, Wellington, and South Island also fielded teams [1] . Auckland representative sides traditionally wear

555-795: The North Harbour Sea Eagles . In 1995 the Vulcans were replaced by the Auckland Warriors Colts. In 1996 Auckland City did not compete. Previously Auckland had a large representation in the Bartercard Cup , in its final seasons before it ceased to run Auckland was represented by the Auckland Lions , Waitakere Rangers , Harbour League , Counties Manukau Jetz and the Tamaki Titans . With

592-645: The Waiheke Rams . Auckland representative sides traditionally wear a blue jersey with a white double 'V', in the same style of the New Zealand national rugby league team jersey but with blue instead of black, this is still the jersey worn by the Auckland Vulcans NSW Cup team. Auckland has a good record against touring international teams, recording multiple wins over Australia , Great Britain / England and France . Auckland holds

629-637: The ARL purchased Carlaw Park from the Auckland Hospital Board, securing its future. The park continued to host major events until 2002, when it closed as a rugby league venue. The ARL has overseen various national competitions, including the Lion Red Cup (1994-1997), which saw notable successes by North Harbour and Counties-Manukau. The Bartercard Cup also featured Auckland teams, such as Mt Albert Lions and Auckland Lions, achieving significant successes. A pivotal moment in ARL history

666-450: The ARL secured a long-term lease for land, which was subsequently developed into Carlaw Park. The park officially opened on June 25, 1921, with a match between Auckland champions Maritime and City. Carlaw Park became a central venue for rugby league, hosting significant matches and events, including the 1924 and 1928 Lions tours. The park was known for its close proximity to the field, providing an immersive spectator experience. In 1974,

703-480: The England captain when seeing this objected as replacements were forbidden in the second half of rugby league matches at this time. Auckland were forced to play with 12 players for a time until Davidson recovered well enough to return to the field. The entire Auckland Provincial team were Auckland club players aside from Joe Menzies . Australian legend Dave Brown who was renowned for his point scoring feats and

740-529: The New Zealand Māori side, and a handful of others from the Waikato including former Auckland player Tim Peckham . They lost a tight match by 21 points to 20. Frank Burge was ordered off for disputing Wilson's try late in the match. Frank Delgrosso had to come on the replace George Davidson after he collided badly with teammate Clarrie Polson when they were both going after the ball. Polson received

777-472: The North Island. Some of those players included Jack Hemi , Angus Gault , Frank Pickrang , Jack Brodrick , Tom Chase , Jack Broughton, Tame Kawe, Pita Ririnui , George Nepia , Jim Murray, Aubrey Thompson, George Shilton and many others. Auckland Rugby League Steele Shanks Premiership Sharman Cup The Auckland Rugby League (ARL) is the governing body for the sport of rugby league in

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814-480: The Waikato region in the early decades as it was a sub-union of Auckland. It also does not include matches by or between Auckland Pākehā and Auckland Māori. In 1936 the first ever match was played between Auckland Pākehā and Auckland Māori. It became an annual fixture thanks largely to the efforts of the Manukau club which successfully recruited brilliant Māori footballers from around the Auckland region and much of

851-463: The community by providing exciting, high-stakes matches throughout the season. For a list of the major trophies awarded in Auckland club rugby league go to Auckland Club Rugby League Trophies (this includes player awards as well as team awards). Past decade winners: When the Lion Red Cup was started in 1994 Auckland was originally represented by four teams. The Auckland City Vulcans , The Waitakere City Raiders , The Counties Manukau Heroes and

888-817: The distinction of being (as of 2024) the last club or provincial side anywhere to defeat Australia when they defeated them 26–24 at Carlaw Park on the Aussie's 1989 Tour of New Zealand . The team for the match was: (fullback) Alf Chorley ; (three-quarters) L Nolan, George Smith, Albert Asher ; (five-eights) Alfred Jackson , Ronald MacDonald ; (halfback) Len Farrant; (forwards) Fred Jackson (captain), Charles Dunning , Jim Griffin , Alex Stanaway , Harry Fricker , and George Seagar . The emergency players named were (backs) Sid Riley , Arthur Carlaw ; (forwards) Joe Bennett , Jim Rukutai , and Bob Mitchell . Auckland won their first victory over an ‘international’ side when they defeated New South Wales by 10 points to 3. The game

925-517: The first provincial game of rugby league in New Zealand. During 1909, 1910 and 1911 Wellington continued to play a number of provincial games and, in 1909, defeated Auckland in Auckland, 22-19, the first of only five victories over Auckland in over 100 years. The Wellington Rugby League Association was officially formed on 23 May 1912 at the Trades Hall in Wellington when 1907-08 All Golds captain, Hercules Richard (Bumper) Wright presided over

962-460: The folding of the Bartercard Cup, Auckland rugby league team was awarded a place in the new six-team Bartercard Premiership , beginning in 2008. In 2009 the competition was mirrored by Under 18 and Under 16 grade competitions. The competition was replaced by the seven-team National Zonal Competition in 2010. Effectively Auckland club rugby league reverted to its regular form, with the zonal competition representing regional representative teams as in

999-715: The new six-team National Provincial Competition as the region Wellington . The team plays its home matches at Porirua Park. Wellington Rugby League was then placed in the NZRL National Competition as the replacement competition for the Bartercard Premiership , known as the " Wellington Orcas ". In 2004, working with the Wellington Rugby League, a consortium called the Southern Orcas was involved in bidding for

1036-588: The past. Auckland has played against several touring teams over the years though once the Auckland Warriors started playing in 1995 it diluted the standard of the side and they have not played against full international sides in recent years. Auckland famously beat Australia , England and France in the space of 21 days in 1977. A feat which the New Zealand Warriors commemorated by wearing replica strips in their Round 24 clash with

1073-481: The region. Established in 1910, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious rugby league competitions in New Zealand. The Steele-Shanks Premiership is Auckland Rugby League’s Women’s Premiership competition. Named to honour Cherie Steele-Shanks, a pioneer in women’s rugby league. Unveiled at the Annual 2023 ARL Awards Dinner, the cup recognises Cherie’s nearly five decades of contributions. The Sharman Cup serves as

1110-478: The two clubs separated, and then in 2004 City Newton folded, while Point Chevalier remained. Ponsonby United and Maritime merged to become Ponsonby-Maritime, they parted ways in 1983 and Ponsonby are still in existence. Navy merged with North Shore to become 'Navy/North Shore' however North Shore ceased to exist in 2009. Other teams to cease as their own entities include: The Fox Memorial Premiership, Steele-Shanks Premiership, and Sharman Cup competitions feature

1147-441: The years, though once the Auckland Warriors started playing in the 1995 ARL Premiership it diluted the standard of the representative side, and they have not played against full international sides in recent years. Auckland beat Australia, England and France in the space of 21 days in 1977. A feat which the Warriors commemorated by wearing replica strips in their clash with Australian club Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles in round 24 of

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1184-611: Was made up of players from Sydney University and Brisbane University. Auckland played the touring New South Wales team in front of 20,000 spectators at the Auckland Domain but was heavily defeated with Australian legend Frank Burge running in 5 tries. A few days after the match with New South Wales an Auckland provincial team took on the touring side. The Auckland team was largely made up of Auckland club players but also included Bill Te Whata who had played in Australia for

1221-490: Was marred by several acts of violence with the visiting side said to be at fault repeatedly. Near the end of the match Sid Deane was sent off for punching Billy Curran . New South Wales reversed their earlier loss with a comprehensive win over a disappointing Auckland effort. Charles Dunning and Bob Mitchell who had both been named to play originally were forced to withdraw due to illness and were replaced by Harry Fricker and Jim Griffin . The Australian University team

1258-526: Was once recognised by England's Northern Rugby Football Union as New Zealand's governing body for the game of rugby league. In 2009, the ARL celebrated its centenary. The Fox Memorial Premiership is the premier rugby league competition in Auckland, New Zealand. Named in honour of Edward Vincent Fox, a prominent figure in Auckland Rugby League, the competition represents the pinnacle of local rugby league talent and community engagement in

1295-462: Was referred to as "the Bradman of league" scored 10 of Australia's 16 points. This was the first match Australia had played in New Zealand since their 1919 tour. The Auckland team had been selected by Bert Avery and coached by Bert Cooke . Auckland competed well against a very strong England team before going down 22–16. Walter Cuthbert donated a trophy (a cap) for the best Auckland player which

1332-590: Was selected by an Mr. R.F. Anderton, the touring teams co-manager as being Steve Watene . It was presented to him at the Auckland annual prize giving in November. 1946 1949 1953 1954 1955 1960 1961 1962 1965 1969 1971 1974 1975 1977 1980 1981 1985 1988 1989 1990 1949, Auckland Colts 16 Australia 30 (Carlaw Park) 1984, Auckland 16 Great Britain 14 (Carlaw Park) This does not include matches by Auckland Province which typically had players from

1369-498: Was the inception of the Auckland Warriors (now New Zealand Warriors ) in 1995. Initially owned by ARL, the club struggled but was sold to a consortium including Tainui in 1998. The Warriors have since become a prominent team in both New Zealand and international rugby league. The ARL continues to be a major force in developing rugby league talent and promoting the sport across the Auckland region. The Auckland Rugby League

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