ANNUAL REPORT 2014/15
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CONTENTS 4 FROM THE CHAIR 5 FROM THE CEO 6 NZ KIWIS – FOUR NATIONS CHAMPIONS 8 JUNIOR KIWIS 9 WOMEN IN LEAGUE 10 DEVELOPMENT 16 SCHOOLS 18 YOUTH 20 PREMIERSHIP 21 AWARDS 22 COMMUNITY 23 MATCH OFFICIALS
“
IT’S A DREAM, IN ALL REALITY, TO BE ABLE TO COME HOME AND LIFT THE TROPHY IN FRONT OF MY PEOPLE … 100%.
”
NZ KIWIS COACH STEPHEN KEARNEY
24 COMMERCIAL 25 FINANCIALS 37 AUDITOR’S LETTER 38 OUR PEOPLE 39 SPONSORS & PARTNERS Thanks to Photosport (photosport.nz) for most of the photographs in this report.
4 FROM THE CHAIRMAN
5 FROM THE CEO
“WE HAVE TRIED TO BE MORE
INCLUSIVE IN HOW WE MANAGE THE GAME IN NEW ZEALAND
W
”
W
hile our national teams were enjoying a superb year out on the field, our NZRL board was quietly making changes off the field. Not too long ago, our organisation had a reputation for poor governance and it has been a long, hard road back to a place where we can claim some credibility in this area. That process began with the Anderson Report in 2007 and has now reached a point where a recent Sport NZ study found us to be a potential governance exemplar for other national sporting organisations to strive for. When you think about it, that’s an incredible turnaround and a credit to all those who have contributed over the past few years. This year, we completed a total review of our governance operations, including a rewrite of our board charter and delegations. Last year, our members told us that we needed to promote board candidates who had come through our governance pathway at zone or district level.
hat a difference 12 months make.
This time last year, New Zealand Rugby League was dusting itself off from a few months that had seen us lose the World Cup under disappointing circumstances and deliver a disappointing financial result in the process, even if it was planned.
After many years of battling the odds on its own, NZ Women’s Rugby League has become part of the national body, where it is already benefiting from the resources and expertise we offer, and games against the Australians. We feel we’ve also made huge strides in our relationships with two major partners in developing rugby league in New Zealand – the Australia NRL and the NZ Warriors. The Aussies now realise that New Zealand is the second largest supplier of playing talent for the NRL and we are very close to convincing them that they should be contributing more towards developing that talent, both on and off the field. One disappointing aspect of the past 12 months, at least on the surface, is our small financial surplus. Our overall financial position has improved since last year, but not by as much as we hoped, due to a disappointing return from the Anzac Test in Sydney. Actually, we have done a tremendous job maximising the commercial value of our brands to end up in the black at all.
This year, with advice from our board, an independent panel has nominated two candidates that we feel will add significantly to the knowledge base of our group and are consistent with that message.
We rely heavily on international games for our income and this bottom line just shows the importance of securing more fixtures on this side of the Tasman, where we can reward our fans and gain control over our own financial destiny.
And we have tried to be more inclusive in how we manage the game in New Zealand, talking more with our zones at both board and operational levels in an effort to streamline our approach across the country.
Persuading the NRL of that has become a little easier after three straight wins over the world champion Kangaroos and securing the world #1 ranking … but that’s a story for another day. Garry Fissenden
Fast forward to now, where we find ourselves riding a wave of history, with the Four Nations Trophy in our possession, our first Anzac Test victory in 18 years, three straight wins over the world champion Australians and the #1 world ranking. Of course, some of those have come after the 2014/15 year in review, but the seeds were certainly sown over the previous 12 months. This kind of success is crucial to our game at all levels and one of our primary motivations for taking our three Four Nations fixtures last November across the country was to bring the international game and our Kiwis closer to our fans and wider community. We can now reflect on that campaign as being an outstanding result on all fronts, bouncing back from World Cup defeat, bringing our team and our community closer together, and leveraging that deep relationship between team and country for commercial benefit. It’s imperative that we continue to build that momentum at all levels, by staging more international games on home soil, to grow the Kiwis brand and drive increased commercial benefits. At the end of the day, our business model is reliant on the international game to fund our operations. The more international games we secure, the more we have to invest into growing the game. However, we remain focused on adapting our business to ensure we diversify our revenue streams to reduce the reliance on the Kiwis and this is a key goal for us moving forward.
Our organisation has worked tremendously hard to maximise the value of all our brands this year and has delivered above expectations in most areas, with one exception. Our NZRL surplus position this year, in itself positive, would have been so much better if the Anzac Test in Sydney had delivered a positive commercial return. This was an outcome largely out of our control. I’d like to thank the staff for the way they have come together as a team to produce programmes that not only make us stronger on the field, but also care for our community and encourage those on the periphery, whether they be fans or government agencies or sponsors, to become part of that community. Like our Kiwis on the field, we know our fans expect a lot from us as an organisation and will let us know when they think we can do better. After all, “passion” is one of our treasured values. But I have the highest confidence in the people we have on our roster and our ability to remain focused on our strategy for growth. It will continue to be challenging, but we are committed to delivering a sustainable platform for the game and creating a positive lasting legacy, a goal we are all united on in purpose. To achieve that goal, we must also work closely with several key external partners, like the NRL and the NZ Warriors, who both have a significant stake in developing rugby league in New Zealand. I’d like to acknowledge and thank our main commercial partner, Pirtek, for its continued commitment to us through to the next World Cup. We are grateful for their support. And I should also acknowledge the efforts of our seven zones and the way they are embracing our collective approach on operational priorities and improved alignment. It is not without challenges, but it’s crucial to the delivery of our vision of Te Iwi Kiwi – a stronger family, community and game. Phill Holden
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6 NZ KIWIS - FOUR NATIONS CHAMPIONS
A
fter the disappointment of losing their World Cup title in 2013, the NZ Kiwis and their management needed to take a long, hard look in the mirror. The culture that had taken them to the top needed an overhaul and that process began with the re-appointment of Stephen Kearney as coach for another two years. His first assignment on the road back to redemption was the Anzac Test in Sydney and his task was made even harder by a spate of injuries that ruled out as many as 16 players.
Kearney met that challenge with some innovative selections that saw second rower Tohu Harris named in the halves and Ben Henry making his test debut in the unfamiliar role of hooker. The team included four other newcomers, but Kearney had chosen players that were passionate about playing for their country and through the opening 40 minutes, they dominated their more illustrious rivals at Allianz Stadium. Eventually, the Kangroos’ experience took its toll, but even in defeat, the Kiwis had laid the foundations for the Four Nations later in the year. The tournament represented an opportunity, not only for the NZ side to reclaim some lost pride, but also to rekindle interest in international rugby league on their home turf, with games scheduled for Whangarei, Dunedin and the final in Wellington. Drawing largely on the same players that had fallen just short at the Anzac fixture, the Kiwis stunned Australia in their opening game, their third victory at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium in four years.Home encounters against Samoa and England resulted in hard-fought victories, enough to secure a spot in the final against the old foe.
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New Zealand once again jumped out to an early advantage, but were able to hold off the fast-finishing Australians to claim the silverware. Half Shaun Johnson was named Man of the Match in both back-to-back wins over the Aussies, the first in the same year since 1953. But the outcome was a triumph for Kearney, who had inspired his players to believe they could achieve something that seemed very unlikely just 12 months earlier. His reward – a contract extension through to the 2017 Rugby League World Cup on home soil.
2014 ANZAC TEST Gerard Beale, Adam Blair, Jesse Bromwich, Kenny Bromwich, Greg Eastwood, Tohu Harris, Siliva Havili, Ben Henry, Peta Hiku, Isaac John, Shaun Johnson, Simon Mannering (c), Sam Moa, Jason Nightingale, Kevin Proctor, Martin Taupau, Roger TuivasaSheck, Dean Whare
Coach: Stephen Kearney
Sydney, May 2
30 18
AUSTRALIA NZ KIWIS
(Jesse Bromwich, Tohu Harris & Sam Moa tries; Shaun Johnson 3 goals)
7
2014 FOUR NATIONS Gerard Beale, Adam Blair, Jesse Bromwich, Lewis Brown, Greg Eastwood, Sosaia Feki, Kieran Foran, Tohu Harris, Siliva Havili, Peta Hiku, Shaun Johnson, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Thomas Leuluai, Issac Luke, Simon Mannering, Suaia Matagi, Jason Nightingale, Kevin Proctor, Jason Taumalolo, Martin Taupau, Bodene Thompson, Manu Vatuvei, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Dean Whare
Coach: Stephen Kearney Assistant coach: David Kidwell Brisbane, October 25 NZ Kiwis 30 (Kevin Proctor, Lewis
Brown, Shaun Johnson, Dean Whare & Jason Nightingale tries; Johnson 5 goals)
Australia 12
Whangarei, November 1 NZ Kiwis 14 (Kieran Foran, Jason
Nightingale & Shaun Kenny-Dowall tries; Shaun Johnson goal)
Samoa 12
Dunedin, November 8 NZ Kiwis 16 (Jason Nightingale
& Manu Vatuvei tries; Shaun Johnson 2 goals)
England 14
FINAL
Wellington, November 15
NZ KIWIS
22 18
(Manu Vatuvei 2, Jason Nightingale & Shaun Johnson tries; Johnson 3 goals)
AUSTRALIA
“
WE’D WAITED QUITE A WHILE FOR THIS AND I’M JUST SO PROUD OF THE BOYS MAN OF THE MATCH, SHAUN JOHNSON
” 7
8 JUNIOR KIWIS
9 WOMEN IN LEAGUE NZ
women’s rugby league has a proud record of on-field success, achieved on little more than the sniff of an oily rag. Managed by a band of hard-working volunteers, the Kiwi Ferns had taken out the first three World Cup titles on offer, a feat that gained little public recognition back home. But, like their male counterparts, the Ferns lost their grip on that trophy in 2013, beaten by a better-resourced Australian team. Obviously, if that success was to continue, the women’s programme needed to lift its game to another level, by joining forces with the national body. That process began with the appointment of former assistant Rusty Matua to the head coaching role. With a fixture against the Jillaroos already scheduled for November, Matua assessed available talent at the women’s national tournament in May, watching as Counties Manukau easily retained their crown. The Stingrays accounted for a surprising Central Vipers outfit in the final, with several newcomers pushing their cases for national selection. The Vipers, under coach Alan Jackson, had been the find of the weekend, only assembling on the eve of the tournament, but passing unbeaten through pool play, until they met their match.
F
rom the time Kiwis-eligible wing Valentine Holmes opted to wear the Australian gold and green, the Junior Kiwis clash with the Junior Kangaroos promised something special. The NZ U20s boasted a line-up that included seven players from the NRL Holden Cup Team of the Year and were bent on revenge, after letting a halftime lead slip in the corresponding fixture the previous year. Scheduled as part of a doubleheader with the NZRL National Premiership final, the match was eventually played in torrential conditions, but produced a thrilling spectacle that began with the pre-match haka. Footage of the haka went viral on the internet, after the rivals teams went nose to nose and needed to be separated. 8
With only a few minutes left in the encounter, Holmes scored a try – his second – that locked the scores at 14-14. Half Te Maire Martin’s field goal broke the deadlock with barely a minute remaining on the clock, but the Junior Kangaroos had a chance to grab victory on the hooter, with a long-range penalty attempt for a late charge in midfield. Clint Gutherson’s shot at goal barely missed and the young NZ side were able to celebrate a nail-biting victory.
2014 JUNIOR KIWIS V JUNIOR KANGAROOS Auckland, October 18
Josh Ailoai, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Manaia Cherrington, Zach Dockar-Clay,
Addin Fonua-Blake, Watson Heleta, Danny Levi, Lamar Liolevave, Sam Lisone, Sam Malnuleleua, Te Maire Martin, Taane Milne, Kodi Nikorima, Chance Peni, Joseph Tapine, Adam Tuimavave-Gerard, Braden Uele
Coach: Brent Gemmell Assistant coach: Kelvin Wright
NZ JUNIOR KIWIS
15
(Watson Heleta, Chance Peni & Kodi Nikorima tries; Zach Dockar-Clay goal; Te Maire Martin field goal)
JUNIOR KANGAROOS
14
Keen to infuse the Kiwi Ferns with fresh talent, Matua promoted many of those who had impressed at the nationals and they rewarded him at Wollongong, where they faced the Aussies as a curtainraiser to the Kangaroos v Samoa Four Nations game. Trailing 8-0 at halftime, they hung tough and stole victory with tries to debutants Hilda Peters, Atawhai Tupaea and, in the final minute, Teuila Fotu-Moala.
2014 NZRL WOMEN’S NATIONAL TOURNAMENT
TOURNAMENT REFEREE: ANTOINETTE GROOTJANS
Manurewa, May 31/June 1
TOURNAMENT TRAINER: GENEVA WEBBER (WELLINGTON)
FINAL
TOURNAMENT MANAGER: JO LAURENSON (CANTERBURY)
COUNTIES MANUKAU STINGRAYS
66
(Maitua Feterika 5, Debbie-Atawhai Tupaea 3, Kelly Maipi 2, Sarina Fiso, Laura Mariu, Teuila Foto Moala, Shantelle Dudley tries; Mariu three goals, Kelley Leota & Fiso goals) Mid Central Vipers 4 (Sita Kuruyabuki try)
CENTRAL VIPERS
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FINAL PLACINGS 1 COUNTIES MANUKAU 2 MID CENTRAL 3 AKARANA 4 WELLINGTON 5 AUCKLAND 6 CANTERBURY
TOURNAMENT COACH: ALAN JACKSON (MID CENTRAL) TOP KICKER: LAURA MARIU (COUNTIES MANUKAU) TOP TRIES: ATAWHAI TUPAEA (COUNTIES MANUKAU) TOURNAMENT BACK: SARINA FISO (COUNTIES MANUKAU) TOURNAMENT FORWARD: TEUILA FOTU-MOALA (COUNTIES MANUKAU) PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT: ATAWHAI TUPAEA (COUNTIES MANUKAU)
2014 NZ KIWI FERNS V AUSTRALIA Wollongong, November 8
Victoria Apulu, Shantelle Dudley, Maitua Feterika, Sarina Fiso, Teuila Foto Moala, Georgia Hale, Te Aroha Hapuku, Chanel Huddleston, Iriana Huriwai-Sasulu, Tori Lauvao-Araia, Ebony Low, Kelly Maipi, Laura Mariu, Krystal Murray, Kimiora Nati, Rikki Rawleigh, Charlotte Scanlan, Atawhai Tupaea, Sharnita Woodman
Coach: Rusty Matua Assistant coach: Bejay Hewitt
NZ KIWIS FERNS
12
(Hilda Peters, Atawhai Tupaea & Teuila Fotu-Moala tries)
AUSTRALIA
8
Matua and his side would have another chance to take on their rivals early in 2015, when they played a three-game series as part of the NRL Auckland Nines. Again, the Ferns had the measure of the Jillaroos, taking out the first two encounters and stealing the show from their big-name NRL stars with their hard-tackling defence. With both NZRL and the NRL now committed to raising the profile of women’s rugby league, this can only be the start of a new era for the programme. 9
10 DEVELOPMENT
”
UCCESS IN FOOTBALL IS ABOUT TWO S THINGS – CONSISTENCY OF PERFORMANCE AND CONSISTENCY OF ATTITUDE.
P
”
erhaps the most important task facing NZRL each year is grooming our outstanding young talent for bigger and better things, whether they be on the field or off it.
With this in mind, NZRL has been fortunate to partner with the “Got A Trade? Got It Made!” programme that can advise these young men on the options available to them in the workforce.
New Zealand has become a significant breeding ground for international and professional football, with the National Youth Competition bulging with potential NRL and Kiwis representative players.
NATIONAL PERFORMANCE CAMP
The NZ Warriors’ recent dominance of the NYC is an indication of the quality of player coming out of our age-group ranks, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg, with most other clubs also enjoying the benefits of the trans-Tasman trade. NZRL development camps and agegroup tournaments have become a veritable feeding frenzy for NRL scouts, so the national body has a responsibility to protect these youngsters, who can see their dreams so close to fruition. Most of these players have no idea how big the jump and the obstacles still facing them, even if they do attract the scouts’ attention. So the work of wellbeing & education manager Joe Harawira, jointly supported by NZRL and the NRL, has become integral in helping junior players and their parents make the right career decisions. Sometimes, that means guiding players towards studies and apprenticeships, so they have something to fall back on. 10
Rotorua, July 13-16 About 80 young players gathered in Rotorua for four days of hands-on guidance from some of rugby league’s keenest minds. Fourteen of those attended under scholarships from Tranzit, while another seven were sponsored by Pirtek. Canterbury Bulldogs coach Des Hasler was the special guest, telling the boys that developing good habits was key to making it in the NRL. “Success in football is about two things – consistency of performance and consistency of attitude.” Other guests included World Cupwinning Kiwis captain Nathan Cayless (Kiwi #699) and fellow internationals Tony Iro (Kiwi #606), Duane Mann (Kiwi #609), Daryl Halligan (Kiwi #635), Nigel Vagana (#672), Jerry Seuseu (Kiwi #692), Jerome Ropati (Kiwi #716), and Henry Perenara (Kiwi #690), now a professional NRL match official. Veteran SKY league commentator
Stephen McIvor gave the players a lesson in how to handle the media, while each underwent NRL Careerwise assessments. “Some of you are going to be ‘gamebreakers’ in footy, but there’s no reason why you can’t be gamebreakers in other ways as well,” said Iro, NZRL high performance general manager. The camp culminated in national trials for the NZ 16s & NZ 18s teams. Team Vatuvei defeated Team Wiki 34-16 in the 16s game, with Dylan Clark’s tryscoring double earning him MVP honours, while Mose Esera also took out individual honours, as Team Jones edged Team Mannering 42-34 in the 18s trial.
Awards
18s MVP: MOSE ESERA (AKARANA) 16s MVP: DYLAN CLARK (UPPER CENTRAL ZONE) INTEGRITY: ENOCH TAUTOLO (WELLINGTON) RESPECT: LUKE TIPENE (AKARANA) LEADERSHIP: ERIN CLARK (AKARANA) COURAGE: RORY FERGUSON (SOUTHERN) PASSION: FRUEN SAMOA (WELLINGTON)
OF YOU ARE GOING TO BE ‘GAMEBREAKERS’ ” SOME IN FOOTY, BUT THERE’S NO REASON WHY YOU CAN’T BE GAMEBREAKERS IN OTHER WAYS AS WELL. ” TONY IRO, FORMER NZRL HIGH PERFORMANCE GENERAL MANAGER.
NZ 16s
NZ SECONDARY SCHOOLS
With the Kiwis scheduled to take on Samoa in Whangarei, as part of the Four Nations tournament, the national bodies took the opportunity to arrange a curtainraiser between their 16s sides.
At the culmination of the national schools tournament, NZRL selected a side to take on the touring NSW Combined High Schools in Auckland.
But the visitors struck back with two quick tries to put the contest out of reach.
The choice of Westlake Boys High School was significant, given that institution’s proud history in rugby union and its recent adoption of a league programme under Kiwis legend Hugh McGahan.
NZ Secondary Schools
Like the senior encounter, the age-group game produced a close finish that almost produced an upset. The home side grabbed the early initiative and were never headed, but had to survive a spirited comeback from the Samoans, many of whom were based in New Zealand. Such games are crucial to the development of international rugby league in both countries and hopefully this will be the first of many more in the future.
NZ16s
Morgan Harper, Steven Marsters, Tarquinn Alatipi, Lewis Soosomea, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Hayze Perham, Boston Hakaroa, Kenese Kenese,Tuteauru Maipi, Viliami Tosi, Dylan Clarke, Jerome Mamea, Rory Ferguson, Donovan Briggs, Enoch Tautolo, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Wesley Veikoso, Josh Aileone
2014 NZ 16S V SAMOA 16S
Whangarei, November 1
NZ 16s
32
(Morgan Harper 2, Rory Ferguson 2, Steve Marsters, Etene Nanai-Seturo & Wesley Veikoso tries; Harper 2 goals)
SAMOA 16s
26
Coach: Jeff Whittaker Assistant coach: Peter Rikiriki
The NZ side included many who would double up for the national 18s the following week and after trailing 10-6 at halftime, they took the lead through a converted try from Aorere College’s Lewis Soosemea.
Tise Aivalu, Erin Clark, Beau Cordtz, Zion Ioka, Charlie Kaipati, Nic Lui-toso, James Mafi, Tyler Mohi, Brandon Nangaiti, Junior Paunga, Reuben Porter, Michael SailiMotu, Peter Scanlan, Lewis Soosemea, Cyrus Timo-Latu, Scott Tofa-Timoteo, Viliami Tosi, David Tuisane, Eddie Wulf
Head coach:Andrew Auimatagi Assistant coach:Dave McDermott
2014 NZ SECONDARY SCHOOLS V NSW COMBINED HIGH SCHOOLS
Westlake BHS, September 23
NZ SECONDARY SCHOOLS
16
Brandon Nangaiti, Lewis Soosemea & Peter Scanlan tries; Zion Ioka 2 goals)
NSW COMBINED HIGH SCHOOLS
28
NZ 18s One of the challenges facing our national teams programme is keeping our farflung talent connected to their NZ roots.
no race of Game Two, easing out to 24-0 by halftime and never allowing the Residents to make a meaningful comeback.
With such a steady stream of players heading across the Tasman at an early age, pursuing their rugby league dream or simply chasing a better lifestyle, it’s easy for them to lose their “Kiwi-ness” and wind up playing for another country.
For several of the Taurahere, this series would prove a useful step along the representative pathway, with Isaako, wing Joseph Manu and prop James Fisher-Harris claiming Junior Kiwis honours in 2015.
This year, the NZRL high performance programme began reaching out to those Australianbased players through the Taurahere movement, selecting a New South Wales side to face the NZ Residents in conjunction with the national youth tournament in Rotorua. Many of the visitors were already part of the NRL youth competition, while their hosts still had that ahead of them on that pathway. These fixtures would show them just how far they needed to lift their game to achieve that next level.
NZ18s
Joseph Apikotoa, Erin Clark, Mattais Heimuli, Mafoa’aeata Hingano, Jamel Hunt, Zion Ioka, Nick Lui-Toso, Dre Melvin, Christian Mika, Tyler Mohi, Ofahiki Ogden, Fabien PaletuaKiri, Reuben Porter, Joseph Price, Ken Tofilau, Fuaimamao Uta, Tiaan Wilkins, Eddie Wulf, Logan Yates
Coach: Tom Ball Assistant coach: Moehewa Armstrong
Taurahere 18s
The Residents began the series strongly and led 18-10 at halftime of Game One, but two second-half tries from centre Jack Williams and a winning conversion from fullback Jamayne Isaako saw the Taurahere home 20-18.
Sione Afemui, Harry Barsdell, Harlan Collins, Chevy Ellis, Poasa Fa’amausil, Faitatoa Faitatoa, Kalani Going, James Fisher-Harris, Haimona Hiroti, Jamayne Isaako, Paora Kemp, Daniel Lillicoat, Joseph Manu, Moses Mc Greal, Marcel Owen, Sifa Talakai, Johnathan Tufuga, Netana Vi, Jack Williams
With a few more days to develop combinations, the Taurahere made
Head Coach: Rangi Hiroti Assistant coach: Ezra Howe
12
2014 NZ 18S V TAURAHERE 18S Rotorua, September 29
TAURAHERE 18s
20
(Jack Williams 2, Kalani Going & Sioni Afemui tries; Jamayne Isaako 2 goals)
NZ 18s
18
(Logan Yates, Tyler Mohi & Connor Purcell tries; Zion Ioka 3 goals)
Rotorua, October 3
TAURAHERE 18s
30
(Jamayne Isaako, Jack Williams, Paora Kemp, Faitatoa Faitatoa & Moses McGreal tries; Isaako 5 goals)
NZ 18s
10
(Tiaan Wilkins & Fabien PaletuaKiri tries; Richard Timoti goal)
13
KIND OF SUCCESS IS “ THIS CRUCIAL TO OUR GAME AT ALL LEVELS.
”
NZRL CEO PHIL HOLDEN
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15
16 SCHOOLS
17
K
elston Boys High School defeated St Paul’s 20-10 in the NZRL Schools Nationals final to defend the crown they had snatched the previous year and become only the second school to win consecutive titles, perhaps another dynasty in the making.
But the tournament also showed that league in schools was becoming more competitive, with South Auckland teams Aorere College, Manurewa High, Otahuhu College and Southern Cross Campus showing where the true strength of this programme lay.
St Paul’s College had long provided the benchmark for secondary schools rugby league in New Zealand, winning 15 national titles in 20 years and seven of those consecutively (2004-10).
That was further illustrated in the development grade, where Papatoetoe High defeated Wesley College in the final.
Along the way, it had produced an impressive list of players that included all-time greats like Mark Graham, Stacey Jones, James Leuluai and Nigel Vagana. But after their semi-final exit from the 2013 national tournament, there was a sense that tide was turning.
2014 NZRL SCHOOLS NATIONAL TOURNAMENT Papakura, September 1-5
PREMIERSHIP FINAL KELSTON BOYS HIGH SCHOOL
20
(Junior Pauga 3 & Austin Mausitama tries; Brayden Brown & Zion Ioka goals)
ST PAUL’S COLLEGE
10
(Gerar Vili & Chris Sio tries; Beau Cordtz goal)
DEVELOPMENT FINAL PAPATOETOE HIGH SCHOOL
26
(Kelepi Holi, Lusa Crouch, Vili Kaufononga, Charles Makasini & Vinze Quines tries; Foga Autagavaia 3 goals)
WESLEY COLLEGE
16
(Aria Cerei, Xavier Johanssn & Ma Latai tries; Cerei 2 goals)
While our game remains a hard sell in schools that are still part of the national obsession with rugby union, the emergence of traditional rugby powers like Kelston and Wesley shows the way for others to follow. Rugby league has more to offer young New Zealanders than just a game. By finding a way beyond the closed door, it shows itself at its best.
FINAL PLACINGS
AWARDS
1 KELSTON BHS 2 ST PAUL’S COLLEGE 3 AORERE COLLEGE 4 MANUREWA HS 5 OTAHUHU COLLEGE 6 SOUTHERN CROSS CAMPUS 7 ROTORUA BHS 8 TOKOROA HS 9 MT ALBERT GRAMMAR 10 WESTLAKE BHS 11 WESTERN SPRINGS COLLEGE 12 PAPAKURA HS 13 PAPATOETOE HS 14 WESLEY COLLEGE 15 ARANUI HS 16 NORTHCOTE COLLEGE 17 FRANCIS DOUGLAS MEMORIAL COLLEGE 18 MT ROSKILL GRAMMAR 19 WHANGAREI BHS 20 GREYMOUTH HS 21 ONE TREE HILL COLLEGE 22 PAKURANGA COLLEGE 23 ROSEHILL COLLEGE 24 TAITA COLLEGE
IT’S NOT OK BEST & FAIREST OVERALL CYRUS TIMO-LATU (ARANUI HS) IT’S NOT OK BEST & FAIREST PREMIERSHIP PHOENIX HUNT (OTAHUHU COLLEGE) OVERALL ISAIAH COOPER-TETEVANO (TOKOROA HS)
GOT A TRADE? GOT IT MADE! TEAM FAIRPLAY PAKURANGA COLLEGE MATCH OFFICIALS DEVELOPMENT TONY CUCCURRULLO MATCH OFFICIALS PREMIERSHIP KIKO PUHIPI-HIBBS BEST TRAINER TIMOTHY MORETON (GREYMOUTH HS) BEST MANAGER BILLY MAEA (TOKOROA HS) BEST COACH TE IWI NGARO WARU (ARANUI HS) BEST CULTURAL SALUTE ARANUI HS MORE THAN JUST A GAME AWARD TOKOROA HS VODAFONE WARRIORS PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT ERIN CLARK (MANUREWA HS)
KELSTON BHS – ANOTHER DYNASTY IN THE MAKING? 16
17
15s
FINAL
18 YOUTH
AKARANA FALCONS
17
(Aso Kepaoa, Elijah Sufia & Dylan Tavita tries; Tavita 2 goals & field goal)
COUNTIES MANUKAU STINGRAYS
Man of the Match: Dylan Tavita (Akarana)
AWARDS
MERIT TEAM:
FINAL PLACINGS 1 AKARANA FALCONS
1 Etene Nanai-Seturo (Counties Manukau) 2 Steven Marsters (Counties Manukau) 2 COUNTIES MANUKAU 3 Cameron Iopu (Akarana) STINGRAYS 4 Semisi Kioa (Counties Manukau) 3 WELLINGTON ORCAS 5 Elijah Sufia (Akarana) 6 Hayze Perham (Wai-Coa-Bay) 4 CENTRAL VIPERS 7 Chanel Harris-Tavita (Akarana) 5 WAI-COA-BAY STALLIONS 8 Wesley Veikaso (Mid Central) 9 Daymon Abbey (Akarana) 6 AUCKLAND INVITATION 10 Soane Hufanga (Akarana) 7 SOUTH ISLAND SCORPIONS 11 Joey Lose (Mid Central) 12 Talem McGregor (Wai-Coa-Bay) 8 NORTHERN SWORDS 13 Johua Uta (Counties Manukau) 14 Joseph Taipari (South Island) 15 Caleb Uele (Akarana) 16 Wiremu Ryan (Wai-Coa-Bay) 17 Lumafale Lualua (Wellington)
Halfback Dylan Tavita provided the inspiration with time winding down to steer his 15s side to a 17-16 win over Counties Manukau, successfully defending the title they won last year. With only a few moments left, the Falcons trailed Stingrays 16-10, but Tavita scored a try and converted to lock the scores at 16-16.
RIP LUKE TIPENE
Then, as the match manager reached for the final hooter, Tavita was on the spot again to slot a field goal from 30 metres
18
to steal victory. He was duly named Man of the Match for his efforts. The Stingrays had made most of the running through the first half, leading 10-6 at the break, but were unable to withstand Akarana’s fast finish and the brilliance of Tavita down the stretch. Wing Steven Marsters had two tries for Counties, which took out the “Got A Trade? Got It Made!” Team Fairplay Award. Stingrays fullback Etene NanaiSeturo was also named Vodafone Warriors 15s Player of the Tournament. Akarana were more in control of the older division finale, leading their South Auckland rivals all the way. But, ahead 10-0 at halftime, they allowed the Stingrays back into the contest.
Soon after the NZRL Youth Nationals, the rugby league community was shocked and saddened by the sudden death of Akarana 17s captain Luke Tipene. Tipene was an outstanding young man, who had represented his zone and his country with great pride and commitment. That attitude was recognised at the 2014 NZRL National Performance Camp, where he won the “Respect” award.
The Falcons were just 16-14 up with a few minutes remaining, but gained some breathing room with a try to Junior Ugapo in the right corner. At 20-14, Counties still had a chance to tie the score and were camped on the try-line when the final hooter sounded, sealing double heartbreak for Stingrays supporters. Prop Amoni Tufui was one of Akarana’s tryscorers and earned Man of the Match honours. Counties second row Tamati Ioane-Niko was named Vodafone Warriors 17s Player of the Tournament, while Wellington Orcas took the “Got A Trade? Got It Made!” Team Fairplay Award.
As a member of the NZ Warriors development squad, he had a bright future in front of him, tragically cut short. News of his death broke the day NZ 16s played Samoa in Whangarei, two teams filled with youngsters who had played against or alongside Tipene. His Glenora club celebrated his memory at the start of the 2015 season, with a field day that featured local and Warriors teams.
17s FINAL PLACINGS
FINAL
Akarana Falcons swept both titles on offer in thrilling finishes at the Got A Trade? Got It Made! NZRL National Youth Tournament at Rotorua’s Puketawhero Park.
AKARANA FALCONS
20
BEST MANAGER: WILLIE SIMON (SOUTH ISLAND)
BEST TRAINER: JASEN MCCARTHY
(AKARANA)
BEST COACH: TAI ARONA (SOUTH ISLAND)
GOT A TRADE? GOT IT MADE! TEAM FAIRPLAY: COUNTIES MANUKAU STINGRAYS VODAFONE WARRIORS PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT: ETENE NANAI-SETURO (COUNTIES MANUKAU)
OUNTIES MANUKAU C STINGRAYS
14
(Josh Farrant, Amoni Tufui, Luke Tipene & (Lawrence Leaupepe, Kenese Kenese & Junior Ugapo tries; Don Broughton 2 goals) Lopeti Mafi tries; Henry Pei goal)
Man of the Match: Amoni Tufui (Akarana)
MERIT TEAM:
1 Morgan Harper (Wai-Coa-Bay) 2 Elijah Mercury (Counties Manukau) 2 COUNTIES MANUKAU 3 Tarquinn Alatipi (Wellington) STINGRAYS 4 Zaylin Inu (Akarana), 3 WELLINGTON ORCAS 5 Dean Kouka-Smith (Akarana) 6 Bostyn Hakaraia (Auckland Invitation) 4 AUCKLAND INVITATION 7 Luke Cummings (Wellington) 8 Ezra Tuli (Counties Manukau) 5 WAI-COA-BAY COLTS 9 Rory Ferguson (South Island) 6 SOUTH ISLAND SCORPIONS 10 Kenese Kenese (Counties Manukau) 11 Tamati Ioane-Niko (Counties Manukau) 7 NORTHERN SWORDS 12 Sitili Tupounuia (Akarana) 8 CENTRAL VIPERS 13 Dylan Clark (Wai-Coa-Bay) 14 Tele Nanae (Counties Manukau) 15 Amoni Tufui (Akarana) 16 Peni Misinale (Auckland) 17 Enoch Tautolo (Wellington)
1 AKARANA FALCONS
16
(Alfred Smalley 2 & Steven Marsters tries; Etene Nanai-Seturo & Regan Wilde goals)
AWARDS BEST MANAGER: NEIHANA FLIN (WELLINGTON) BEST TRAINER: WILLIE DICKSON (NORTHLAND) BEST COACH: KEITH HANLEY (AKARANA) GOT A TRADE? GOT IT MADE! TEAM FAIRPLAY: WELLINGTON ORCAS VODAFONE WARRIORS PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT: TAMATI IOANE-NIKO (COUNTIES MANUKAU)
MAN OF THE MATCH: AMONI TUFUI (AKARANA) COACHES’ CHOICE REFEREE: TIM WALKER BEST REFEREE: KENA WAIKAI
19 19
20 PREMIERSHIP
21 AWARDS
I
f there was ever a lesson in never giving a season away, the 2014 Pirtek National Premiership provided it. The competition quickly developed into a three-way race between defending champions Akarana Falcons, perennial challengers Counties Manukau Stingrays and outsiders Canterbury Bulls. In fact, the Bulls held an upper hand, after an early upset of the Falcons, but eventually fell to the Stingrays and slipped seemingly out of contention on points differential by the end of the regular season.
NZRL AWARDS
Instead, third-placed Canterbury faced fourth-placed Wai-Coa-Bay Stallions. The Upper Central Zone side earned their unexpected promotion with a win in the penultimate round, but believed their campaign was long over with a bye in the last.
KIWI PLAYER OF THE YEAR: SIMON MANNERING (NZ WARRIORS)
KIWI ROOKIE OF THE YEAR JASON TAUMALOLO
By the time they lined up for the final, the Stallions hadn’t played for three weeks and were quickly 18 points down after the opening 20 minutes.
The final loomed as another showdown between the Auckland rivals, as it had been the previous two seasons.
They grabbed two tries before halftime to rekindle some hope of a comeback, but the Bulls were too good, fulfilling the promise they had shown all season with a 40-8 victory.
But, in the days leading up to the title game, judicial protests saw both Counties Manukau and Akarana penalised for fielding ineligible players, and relegated out of the season climax.
Canterbury half Toi Sepuloni emerged as star of the show, crossing for two tries and kicking six goals for half his team’s points.
(NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS)
JUNIOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR SAM LISONE (NZ WARRIORS)
DOMESTIC PLAYER OF THE YEAR 16s: RORY FERGUSON (SOUTHERN)
DOMESTIC PLAYER OF THE YEAR 18s: REUBEN PORTER
2014 PIRTEK NATIONAL PREMIERSHIP
FINAL
(AKARANA)
40
(Toi Sepuloni 2, Manu Weepu, Cyrus timo-Latu, Ken Tofilau, Erwin Sauni & Bruce Havea tries, Sepuloni 6 goals)
WAI-COA-BAY STALLIONS
NZRL RESIDENTS SELECTION:
1 CANTERBURY BULLS
1 Ken Tofilau (Canterbury) 2 George Edwards (Counties Manukau) 3 Lafu Feagaiga (Counties Manukau) 4 Zebastian Luisi (Counties Manukau) 5 Jeremiah Faaumuumu (Akarana) 6 Willie Stowers (Counties Manukau) 7 Cody Walker (Akarana) 8 Eddie Purcell (Akarana) 9 Jethro Friend (Counties Manukau) 10 Soape Kavaliku (Akarana) 11 Dion Snell (Counties Manukau) 12 Malakai Houma (Akarana) 13 Agaese Fiso (Canterbury) 14 Manu Weepu (Canterbury) 15 Eko Malu (Counties Manukau) 16 Chris Bamford (Canterbury) 17 Semisi Mau (Akarana)
3 COUNTIES MANUKAU STINGRAYS 4 AKARANA FALCONS 5 CENTRAL VIPERS 6 WELLINGTON ORCA 7 NORTHERN SWORDS
8
(Isaac Robinson & John Koko tries)
FINAL PLACINGS 2 WAI-COA-BAY STALLIONS
20
CANTERBURY BULLS
N
Z Kiwis captain Simon Mannering took out NZ rugby league’s top honour for 2014, named Kiwis Player of the Year at the annual national awards. In a year to remember, Mannering (Kiwi #731) brought up 200 NRL games for his NZ Warriors club, scoring two tries in a victory over Newcastle Knights. After taking out Warriors Player of the Year for the fourth time, he took that form into the international season, leading the Kiwis to the Four Nations crown and toppling Australia twice in the process. Among those Mannering headed off for the accolade was Shaun Johnson, later awarded the prestigious Rugby League World Golden Boot.Johnson, Mannering, prop Jesse Bromwich, second rower Kevin Proctor, centre Dean Whare and winger Manu Vatuvei were all named in the magazine’s World XIII. Back in New Zealand, second rower Jason Taumalolo was named Kiwis Rookie of the Year, finally fulfilling the promise he had shown since he was first called into the national squad as a teenager.
Counties Manukau wing Atawhati Tupaea took out women’s honours, after leading all tryscorers at the national tournament and crossing again in her Kiwi Ferns debut against Australia, while Canterbury’s Ken Tofilau missed out on the NZ 18s Player of the Year, but secured the senior prize for his work during the Pirtek National Premiership. Rugby league was recognised nationally, when the Kiwis and Stephen Kearney were among the team and coaching finalists at the Halberg Awards, while the Four Nations victory was also considered in the People’s Choice Favourite Sporting Moment category. While none were successful, the game was left celebrating the induction of Stacey Jones (Kiwi #665) to the NZ Sporting Hall of Fame, the eighth league exponent to earn this honour. Meanwhile, Vatuvei was voted NRL “Favourite Son” as part of the competition’s Women In League celebrations, while Kiwis Siliva Havili, Jason Nightingale, Sam Perrett and Jerome Ropti, along with Junior Kiwi Mason Lino, were among NRL academic nominees for 2014.
DOMESTIC PLAYER OF THE YEAR PREMIERS: KEN TOFILAU (SOUTHERN)
WOMEN’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR: ATAWHAI TUPAEA (COUNTIES MANUKAU)
MATCH OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR: ANTHONY ELIOTT VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR - MALE: JASEN MCCARTHY (AKARANA)
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR - FEMALE: MAREE HAWKINS (UPPER CENTRAL)
GRASSROOTS CLUB OF THE YEAR: HORNBY PANTHERS (SOUTHERN) 21
22 COMMUNITY
23 MATCH OFFICIALS W
hen CEO Phil Holden launched his 2014-17 NZRL strategy plan last year, one of the more ambitious goals was an appointed referee for every game. Recruitment and retention of game officials in any sport are always a challenge, and the keys are good training and a clear career pathway that rewards those putting in the effort. Like players, officials need to know there are opportunities for advancement. Last year, 300 referees went through the NZRL match official pathways, from mini/mods to level 2, and the success of the NZRL Referee Academy, under development manager Luke Watts, will see development and implementation
O
ne aspect that separates New Zealand Rugby League from other national sporting organisations is the “more than just a game” philosophy. Probably more than any other code in New Zealand, rugby league really has put significant resource and support into its community, and is proactive in finding ways to improve the lives of those that gravitate towards the game. Perhaps the best example of this approach has been through our NZRL Community Playgroups, a preschool programme based at several of our South Auckland clubs. Now in its second year, the programme has proved so successful, it is expanding to new clubs and new territories, and more government agencies have signed on to build on this initiative. On the eve of the Four Nations final in Wellington, NZRL entered an exciting new agreement with MoE, Accident Compensation Corporation, NZ Police and the Health Promotion Agency that will lead to a more collective approach from government agencies.
22
The initiative will see the NZRL community: •e ngaged in education through playgroups and well child checks, whanau learning plans and career aspiration development to move into the next stage of education or into employment •c onnected to each other, through more Safe Communities work and community hubs • leading their community, through Leaguewise workshops that grow players’ skills and knowledge of how to contribute positively to the wider rugby league community NZRL reaches 40,000 players, and their families and fans across the country, many of them in Maori and Pasifika communities. To help us learn more about our community, we are streamlining our online registration process, so our participants can enrol themselves, cutting back on hours of work currently done by administrators.
The past 12 months have seen several other developments that should help us care for our people through our new Community Sport Plan. A key to this goal is continuing to work hard with our seven zones and further aligning our efforts to that common purpose. Several of our zones have introduced programmes focused on improving the standard of side-line behaviour through anti-bullying messages, a goal that was re-inforced through the presence of the “It’s Not OK” campaign at the NZRL Schools National Tournament. Bringing NZ Women’s Rugby League under the NZRL umbrella will ensure that this important part of our game has more opportunities to fulfil its potential. The coming year should see further advances in how we educate our coaches, players and referees at all levels, with launch of a new NZRL website that helps deliver these lessons more effectively, a new referees strategy and, with the arrival of new national coaching manager Gary Peacham, an updated coach education programme.
of similar programmes throughout the country. This progress has been recognised at the highest levels, with 10 officials now boasting experience in NRL competition, whether that be first grade, the National Youth Competition or the Auckland Nines. As NZRL pushes for more international football to promote the players pathways, so will local officials benefit from opportunities at the highest level of the game. With that in mind, Anthony Eliott was named Match Official of the Year at the NZRL Awards, having displayed his skills in six test matches and 15 NRL games during the 2014/15 seasons.
2014/15 MATCH OFFICIAL APPOINTMENTS Kiwis v Australian Kangaroos (Anzac Test): Anthony Eliott (touch),
NZRL Schools National Tournament Premier Final – Kiko Puhipi Hibbs
Got A Trade? Got It Made! NZRL National Youth Tournament 15s Final: Tane Kaiwai (referee),
Fiji v Samoa: Shane Rehm (touch)
(referee), Rochelle Tamarua & Simon
17s Final: Kena Waikai (referee),
NRL Telstra Premiership:
Premier Referee of Tournament – Kena
Henry Perenara (video)
Henry Perenara (referee), Anthony Eliott (touch)
NRL Holden Cup: Shane Rehm (referee), Kena Waikai (touch), Jamal Thompson (touch), Chris McMillan (touch), Kiko Puhipi Hibbs (touch), Rochelle Tamarua (touch), Anthony Eliott (touch) NSW Cup: Shane Rehm (referee),
Jamal Thompson (referee), Aaron Donald (referee), Aaron Kesha (touch), Chris McMillan (touch), Kiko Puhipi Hibbs (touch), Rochelle Tamarua (touch)
NZRL Women’s National Tournament Final: Rochelle Tamarua (referee),
Gina Te Rongomau & Antoinette Grootjans (touch)
Referee of Tournament: Antoinette Grootjans
Buttery (touch) Waikai
Development Final – Nathan Barker Pringle (referee), Henare Chadwick & Peter Sherwood (touch)Development Referee of Tournament – Tony Cuccurullo
NZ Secondary Schools v NSW Combined High Schools: Chris McMillan (referee), Kiko Puhipi Hibbs & Antoinette Grootjans (touch)
NZ 18s v Taurahere Game One: Kena Waikai (referee), Nathan Barker Pringle & Henare Chadwick (touch)
Game Two: Nathan Barker Pringle (referee), Kena Waikai & Tane Kaiwai (touch)
Logan Strange & Lindsay Dunlop (touch) Nathan Barker Pringle & Henare Chadwick (touch)
NZRL Premiership Final: Jamal Thompson (referee), Chris McMillan & Tony Arnel (touch) Junior Kiwis v Junior Kangaroos: Shane Rehm (referee),
Kena Waikai & Anthony Eliott (touch)
Four Nations: Anthony Eliott (touch), Henry Perenara (referee & video) NZ 16s v Samoa 16s: Kiko Puhipi
Hibbs (referee), Tane Kaiwai & Henare Chadwick (touch)
Kiwi Ferns v Australian Jillaroos: Rochelle Tamarua (touch) Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines: Shane Rehm, Kena Waikai, Aaron Donald, Chris McMillan, Rochelle Tamarua
23
24 COMMERCIAL
NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE INC. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2015
26 DIRECTORS’ REPORT
T
he key commercial focus for 2014 was maximising the benefit of the Four Nations tournament in New Zealand and diversifying our sources of revenue.
One of the real NZRL successes over the past 12 months has been the growth in merchandise sales. Official apparel partner BLK produced a new range of gear that included fashion items and a specially designed “Te Iwi Kiwi” jersey for the Four Nations contest against Samoa. Our distribution channels also moved into the online space. As a result, apparel sales increased 427% over the course of that tournament. Under new commercial general manager Sarah Lewis, NZRL was able to engage a wide variety of sponsors and tactical partners across a range of categories, successfully leveraging value out of each. One of those campaigns - the Legendary Mates promotion of safe drinking, with DB/Cheers - made the short list of three for an NZ Sport and Recreation Award in the commercial partnership category. 2014 saw the conclusion of the Pirtek partnership contract term. This partnership has been successfully renewed until the end of 2017, with a fresh approach to the deal structure, and Pirtek will continue to be the primary jersey sponsor for the Kiwis and Junior Kiwis. Another long-standing contract that expired in this financial period was the Autex partnership. Autex has featured on the NZ Kiwis jersey, but has decided to refocus their investment into grassroots rugby league. Autex owner and NZRL life member David Robinson had been an incredible supporter of our game before his death in late 2014. We cannot begin
to express our sadness at his passing, but we are grateful for all he did for rugby league. An exciting new partnership was formed with The Skills Organisation and Competenz under the Got a Trade?, Got it Made! banner. The partnership involves investment in the elite development programmes run by NZRL, ensuring our emerging league stars are educated about pathways for their future, on and off the field. The Vodafone Warriors also invested in the elite development programme in a formal capacity.
Key relationships included:
PIRTEK ›› “Best Seat in the House” rewarded loyal fans with sideline seats, drinks, food and clothing for two people per half of the NZ-based Four Nations games ›› “Fluid Transfer System” rewarded early arrivals at NZ Four Nations games with a free drink cup, labelled with a lucky number that entered a draw to win a signed Kiwis jersey
REVERA ›› Four Nations postcards entered a draw for a signed Kiwis jersey
GOT A TRADE? GOT IT MADE! ›› Skills/Competenz combined to sponsor Youth Elite Development
27 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE 27 STATEMENT OF MOVEMENTS IN MEMBERS’ FUNDS 28 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
›› Spoke at the National Performance Camp (16s & 18s)
29 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
›› Naming rights sponsorship of NZRL Youth National Tournament (15s & 17s), where it conducted one-to-one career sessions with players
37 INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
NEW SPONSORS ›› Vodafone Warriors ›› 2XU ›› TAB ›› stuff.co.nz ›› DB/Cheers
›› Re-signed as principal sponsor of the Kiwis for another three years, January 2015 ›› Introduced new Volunteer of the Month programme, where two winners per month progress to NZRL supreme awards, with a further 70 winners to be named in November ›› Providing scholarships for youth academies
25
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
FINANCIALS STATEMENTS
NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE INC.
NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE INC. STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2015
Directors’ Report The Directors present the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2015.
Significant Changes in the Society’s State of Affairs For the year ended 31 March 2015, the New Zealand Rugby League Inc had a surplus of $16,000 (2014: $1,235,000 deficit) and an excess of assets over liabilities of
state of the game controlled by the New Zealand Rugby League Inc. The seven Zones have been consolidated as subsidiaries (refer note 1). The consolidated deficit for the year was $32,000 (2014: $1,078,000 deficit) and the consolidated excess of assets over liabilities was $1,688,000
BDO Auckland were appointed auditors for the year ended 31 March 2015. The audit is conducted on a group basis with one audit fee paid for and recorded in the books of New Zealand Rugby League Incorporated. For and on behalf of the Board
(2014: $1,720,000).
2015
NOTES
$1,441,000 (2014: $1,425,000).
Significant Changes in the Group’s State of Affairs
Total remuneration and fees paid to Directors and material transactions with parties related to Directors are disclosed in note
Match Revenue Charitable Trust Grants
9
New Zealand Racing Board Other Income TOTAL OPERATING REVENUE
Director
2
LESS: OPERATING EXPENDITURE OPERATING (DEFICIT)/SURPLUS
GROUP $000S
SOCIETY $000S
1,388
1,270
999
857
1,212
197
1,192
285
5,040
4,344
4,651
3,825
23
7
34
20
808
808
718
718
263
78
241
32
8,734
6,704
7,835
5,737
8,766
6,688
8,913
6,972
(32)
16
(1,078)
(1,235)
Gain/(Loss) from Derivatives NET (DEFICIT)/SURPLUS FOR THE YEAR
-
-
-
-
(32)
16
(1,078)
(1,235)
11 to the financial statements.
NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE INC. STATEMENT OF MOVEMENTS IN MEMBERS FUNDS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2015
NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE BOARD MEMBERS The following people held office as an NZRL Director during the year:
Garry Fissenden (Chairman)
26
SOCIETY $000S
REVENUE
Sponsorship
Director
2014
GROUP $000S
Interest Income
Directors’ Interests in Transactions with the Society
These consolidated financial statements reflect the overall
Auditors
GROUP
Re-appointed June 2013
Ray Haffenden (Vice-Chairman)
Re-elected June 2013
John Bishop
Appointed June 2009
Scott Carter
Resigned June 2014
Meng Foon
Resigned June 2014
Timothy Gibson
Appointed June 2014
Jennifer Rolfe
Appointed March 2011
Iva Ropati
Elected June 2012
Opening Balance as of 1 April 2014
SOCIETY
R/E
RLWC13
TOTAL
R/E
RLWC13
TOTAL
$000S
$000S
$000S
$000S
$000S
$000S
1,720
-
1,720
1,425
-
1,425
Net (Deficit)/Surplus for the Year
(32)
-
(32)
16
-
16
Transfer from RLWC2013 Reserve
-
-
-
-
-
-
Closing Balance as at 31 March 2015
1,688
-
1,688
1,441
-
1,441
Opening Balance as at 1 April 2013
1,848
950
2,798
1,710
950
2,660
(1,078)
-
(1,078)
(1,235)
-
(1,235)
950
(950)
-
950
(950)
-
1,720
-
1,720
1,425
-
1,425
Net (Deficit) for the Year Transfer to RLWC2013 Reserve Closing Balance as at 31 March 2014
27
NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE INC. STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 31 MARCH 2015
NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE INC. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2015 1. Statement of Accounting Policies
2015
NOTES
A. Reporting Entity
2014
GROUP $000S
SOCIETY $000S
GROUP $000S
SOCIETY $000S
1,688
1,441
1,720
1,425
-
-
-
-
1,688
1,441
1,720
1,425
MEMBERS FUNDS Retained Earnings RLWC2013 Reserve
TOTAL ACCUMULATED FUNDS REPRESENTED BY: CURRENT ASSETS 3
1,012
863
403
185
11
-
74
-
87
Cash and Cash Equivalents
4
1,318
612
1,154
340
Loans to Districts and Affiliates
6
-
-
-
-
2,330
1,549
1,557
612
Trade and Other Receivables Inter-Group Balances
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS NON-CURRENT ASSETS Property Plant and Equipment
5
1,619
1,561
1,656
1,597
TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS
1,619
1,561
1,656
1,597
TOTAL ASSETS
3,949
3,110
3,213
2,209
The financial statements presented here are for the parent reporting entity New Zealand Rugby League Inc (the “Society”). The Society is an incorporated society under the Incorporated Societies Act 1908. Financial statements for the Society and consolidated financial statements are presented. The consolidated financial statements comprise the Society and its subsidiaries, together referred to as the “Group”. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting practice in New Zealand and New Zealand Financial Reporting Standards. New Zealand Rugby League Inc. is responsible for the promotion and administration of Rugby League in New Zealand.
The Society and Group qualify for differential reporting as they have no public accountability and are not considered large within the terms of reference of the Framework for Differential Reporting. All available differential reporting exemptions allowed under the framework for differential reporting have been adopted.
D. Consolidation
- - - - - -
CURRENT LIABILITIES Goods and Services Taxation
20
2
44
22
Trade Creditors and Accruals
7
1,645
1,357
959
604
Charitable Trust Grants
9
321
35
332
-
25
25
158
158
2,011
1,419
1,493
784
250
250
-
-
250
250
-
-
1,688
1,441
1,720
1,425
Grants in Advance
TOTAL LIABILITIES NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES BNZ Loan
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
8
B. Measurement Base The financial statements have been prepared on the basis of historical cost. The financial statements have been prepared using the New Zealand dollar as the functional and presentation currency. All financial information has been rounded to the nearest thousand.
NET ASSETS
C. Differential Reporting Approved for and on behalf of the Board of Directors:
28
Director
Director
19 June 2015
19 June 2015
Date
Date
These financial statements are a general purpose financial report which has been prepared recognising the Framework for Differential Reporting. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (GAAP) in New Zealand and Financial Reporting Standards (NZ FRS).
-
The Group consolidated financial statements comprise the following entities: Rugby League Northland Zone of NZRL Inc. Akarana Zone of NZRL Inc. Counties Manukau Zone of NZRL Inc. Upper Central Zone of NZRL Inc. Mid Central Zone of NZRL Inc. Wellington Rugby League Zone of NZRL Inc. Southern Zone of NZRL Inc. The Zones have been established as the delivery mechanism of the national Game Plan working with Clubs and District Leagues. For accounting reporting purposes, the seven Zones are considered to be in-substance subsidiaries of New Zealand Rugby League Inc. due to the deemed level of control and are therefore consolidated into the Group. All Zones have a reporting date of 31 December. The purchase method is used to prepare the consolidated group financial statements, which involves adding together like items of assets, liabilities, equity, income and expenses on a line-by-line basis. Investments in subsidiaries held by the Society are accounted for at cost in the separate statements of the Society.
Transactions Eliminated on Consolidation Intergroup balances, and any unrealised income and expenses arising from intra-group transactions are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements.
E. Specific Accounting Policies The following particular accounting policies which materially affect the measurement of surplus and financial position have been applied.
(i) Accounts Receivable Accounts Receivable are stated at expected realisable value after due allowance for all bad and doubtful debts. Bad debts are written off during the period in which they are identified.
(ii) Property, Plant &
Equipment
Land is recorded at cost. All other owned items of property, plant and equipment are initially recorded at cost and depreciated as outlined below. Items of property, plant or equipment are written down immediately if impairment in the value of the asset causes its recoverable amount to fall below its carrying amount. The impairment is recognised in the Statement of Financial Performance. Where an item of property, plant or equipment is disposed of, the gain or loss recognised in the Statement of Financial Performance is calculated as the difference between the net sale price and the carrying amount of the asset.
29
1. Statement of Accounting Policies (continued)
2. Operating Expenses 2015
GROUP $000S
Depreciation
(iv) Income Tax
Depreciation is calculated on all assets with the exception of land, over their estimated useful lives. Property, Plant and Equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Buildings 2.0% DV Motor Vehicles 30% DV Plant & Equipment 39.0% - 48.0% DV Furniture & Fittings 11.0% - 20.0% DV
(iii)
Revenue Revenue is measured at the fair value of consideration received or recoverable.
a) Fundraising and Revenue Grants Fundraising and Revenue Grants income is recognised as income when it becomes receivable unless the Society has a liability to repay the Fundraising and Revenue Grants if the requirements/ conditions of the specific revenue are not fulfilled. A liability is recognised to the extent that such conditions are unfulfilled at the end of the reporting period.
b) Match and Sponsorship Revenue Match revenue is recognised when the match is held. Sponsorship revenue is recognised in accordance with the terms of the sponsorship agreement.
c) Interest Income Interest revenue is recognised in the Statement of Financial Performance as it accrues, using the effective interest method.
30
The Society and its subsidiaries are not-for-profit organisations, and all hold a Certificate of Exemption from
Exchange differences arising on the translation of monetary assets and liabilities are recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Performance.
Income Tax.
(v)
Goods and Services Tax The financial statements have been prepared using GST exclusive figures, except for accounts payable and accounts receivable which are stated inclusive of GST.
(ix) Trade Marks The Society expenses all costs associated with trade marks in the financial period in which they are incurred rather than establishing an Intangible Asset to be amortised over the period of the Trade Mark.
Accrual is made for the Society’s liabilities for employee benefits arising from services rendered (salaries, wages and bonuses) by employees to balance date. Employee benefits that are expected to be settled within one year have been measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liability is settled on an undiscounted basis.
(vii) Leases Payments made under operating leases are recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Performance on a basis representative of the pattern of benefits expected to be derived from the leased asset.
SOCIETY $000S
Bad Debt Write-Off
9
-
10
-
3
-
(2)
-
66
42
58
45
45
45
40
40
3
3
11
11
Depreciation Fees Paid to Auditor of Society and Group - Audit of financial statements - Other Fees (IT, Taxation) Interest Expense Leasing Costs Personnel Event Management Travel
18
18
-
-
199
140
211
126
5,643
4,318
5,651
4,199
420
258
425
241
1,191
910
1,241
1,076
49
90
144
295
F. Changes in Accounting Policies There have been no changes in accounting policies. All policies have been applied on bases consistent with those used in previous years.
3. Trade and Other Receivables
2015
2014
GROUP $000S
SOCIETY $000S
GROUP $000S
SOCIETY $000S
Trade Receivables
240
92
297
110
Less: Provision for Doubtful Debts
(9)
-
(5)
-
Sundry Receivables
646
643
89
60
Prepaid Expenses
135
128
22
15
1,012
863
403
185
4. Cash and Cash Equivalents 2014
2015
GROUP $000S
Transactions
Monetary assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rate at balance date.
GROUP $000S
Provision for Doubtful Debts
(vii) Foreign Currency Foreign currency transactions are translated to New Zealand currency at the exchange rates ruling at the dates of the transactions.
SOCIETY $000S
INCLUDE:
Coaching and Development
(vi) Employee Entitlements
2014
SOCIETY $000S
GROUP $000S
SOCIETY $000S
Current Account
256
6
319
152
Overdraft Facility
(60)
(60)
-
-
Call Account
195
-
304
-
Donations Account (note 10)
296
35
344
-
League 4 Life (held in trust)
175
175
159
159
Foreign Currency Accounts
456
456
28
29
1,318
612
1,154
340
31
Cash and Cash Equivalents The Society’s banking facility is with the Bank of New Zealand. The Society operates five bank accounts, including Australian Dollar and British Pound foreign currency accounts. The Donations Account is used to “ring fence” charitable trust grants until the authorised purpose falls due. The associated liability to
repay is Charitable Trust Grants as detailed in note 9. There is a timing difference between the recognition of grant income and the actual release of grant cash.
Society’s property at 7 Beasley Avenue, Penrose, Auckland. At balance date the Society had drawn $60k (2014: $Nil). This facility is repayable on demand.
rate of 12.1% with the Bank of
The Society holds another account with the Bank of New Zealand in trust for the League-4-Life Foundation, which it manages under direction from the Trustees, and hence a liability is recognised to the
New Zealand secured against the
League-4-Life Foundation.
All accounts are interest earning using BNZ’s published rates. The Society has a $200,000 overdraft facility at an interest
6. Loans to Districts and Affiliates 2015
Whangarei City and Districts Rugby League Less: Provisions for Write-Offs Total Loans
2014
GROUP $000S
SOCIETY $000S
GROUP $000S
SOCIETY $000S
49
49
49
49
(49)
(49)
(49)
(49)
-
-
-
-
The Society holds a registered mortgage for the Whangarei loan secured over Jubilee Park, Whangarei.
5. Property, Plant and Equipment SOCIETY 2015 COST $000S Freehold Land
ACCUM DEPN
BOOK VALUE
DEPRECIATION
$000S
$000S
$000S
110
-
110
-
1,712
320
1,392
28
-
-
-
-
Plant and Equipment
107
82
25
8
Furniture and Fittings
80
46
34
6
2,009
448
1,561
42
Buildings Motor Vehicles
SOCIETY 2014 Freehold Land
110
-
110
-
1,712
291
1,421
29
-
-
-
-
Plant and Equipment
102
74
28
10
Furniture and Fittings
78
40
38
6
2,002
405
1,597
45
Buildings Motor Vehicles
Freehold Land Buildings Motor Vehicles Plant and Equipment Furniture and Fittings
Buildings Motor Vehicles Plant and Equipment Furniture and Fittings
32
GROUP $000S Trade Creditors
190
2014
SOCIETY $000S
GROUP $000S
SOCIETY $000S
111
160
62
Provisions for Annual Leave
138
75
104
37
Accruals
423
350
346
283
League 4 Life Payable
175
175
159
159
Income in Advance
719
646
190
63
1,645
1,357
959
604
Trade payables generally have terms of 30 days and are interest free. Trade payables are not discounted. The Society has a $60,000 credit card facility with the Bank of New Zealand (Group facility $63,000). outstanding (2014: $9,000).
ACCUM DEPN
BOOK VALUE
DEPRECIATION
$000S
$000S
$000S
110
-
110
-
1,712
320
1,392
28
34
13
21
8
190
128
62
24
79
45
34
6
2,125
506
1,619
66
GROUP 2014 Freehold Land
2015
At balance date, the Society had $10,000 outstanding (2014: $9,000) and the Group had $10,000
GROUP 2015 COST $000S
7. Trade Creditors and Accruals
The Society holds a bank account with the Bank of New Zealand for the League-4-Life Foundation, which it manages under direction from the Trustees (refer Note 4).
8. BNZ Loan
110
-
110
-
On 10 June 2014, the Society executed a long-term loan agreement for $250,000 with the BNZ bank for
1,712
292
1,420
29
the purpose of restructuring the working capital deficit. The loan is an interest only loan, repayable in June
34
4
30
2
162
104
58
21
78
40
38
6
2,096
440
1,656
58
2016. The Existing Registered Mortgage over the property at 7 Beasley Avenue, Penrose, Auckland has been applied as security.
33
9. Summary of Charitable Trust Donations Received
11. Related Party Transactions
01.04.14
31.03.15
BALANCE
GRANTED
EXPENSE
REFUND
BALANCE
$000S
$000S
$000S
$000S
$000S
ZONES Transactions and amounts outstanding with Zones
Society Cuesports Foundation
-
5
5
-
-
Lion Foundation
-
100
65
-
35
NZ Community Trust
-
100
100
-
-
Pub Charity
-
15
15
-
-
Southern Trust
-
12
12
-
-
-
232
197
-
35
GROUP Air Rescue
-
14
14
-
-
ASB
6
60
41
-
25
Bendigo
-
6
6
-
-
First Sovereign
2
-
2
-
-
Four Winds
5
38
18
-
25
Infinity Lion Foundation Mainland Mana Community Trust
-
31
28
-
3
49
188
174
1
62
-
25
10
-
15
10
20
10
-
20
165
491
505
3
148
2
15
4
-
13
21
69
80
-
10
Pegasus
-
7
6
1
-
Pelorus
2
7
9
-
-
Pub Charity
-
82
81
1
-
Southern Trust
2
69
70
1
-
NZ Community Trust Otago Community Trust Oxford Trust
TAB
68
21
83
6
-
Trust Waikato
-
15
15
-
-
Wellington Community Trust
-
10
10
-
-
Whangarei District Council
-
2
2
-
-
Youthtown
-
45
44
1
-
332
1,215
1,212
14
321
10. Lease Commitments SOCIETY AND GROUP
2015 $000S
2014 $000S
Payable: Within the Year Later Than 1 Year and not More Than 5 Years Later Than 5 Years Total Lease Commitments
115
105
65
87
-
-
180
192
NZRL FUNDING SUPPORT $000S
CURRENT AMOUNT RECEIVABLE $000S
CURRENT AMOUNT PAYABLE $000S
2015
102
3
-
2014
100
3
-
2015
41
-
-
2014
54
-
-
2015
29
-
-
2014
23
1
-
2015
105
8
-
2014
88
9
-
RELATED PARTY Rugby League Northland
Akarana
Counties Manukau
Upper Central
Mid Central
Wellington
Southern Total
2015
111
2
-
2014
95
5
-
2015
40
60
-
2014
29
62
-
2015
61
1
-
2014
97
7
-
2015
489
74
-
2014
486
87
-
District Leagues
Director Fees
At balance date the Society had payables outstanding to District Leagues of $Nil (2014: $Nil), and receivables outstanding from District Leagues (excluding loans as detailed in note 8) of $Nil (2014: $Nil).
Total directors fees paid or accrued
As at balance date there were loans outstanding from District Leagues of $49,000 (2014: $49,000) which has been fully provided for as detailed in note 6.
for the year was $108,000 (2014: $119,000). Total expense reimbursed to or
12. Trade Mark Costs The cost of trade marks for the year ended 31 March 2015 was $29,000 (2014: $1,000).
paid on behalf of directors was $28,000 (2014: $57,000). Total remuneration paid to directors in their capacity as
13. Capital Commitments The Society has no capital
employees of the Society was $Nil
commitments as at 31 March 2015
(2014: $Nil).
(2014: $Nil).
All lease commitments relate to motor vehicles arranged by New Zealand Rugby League with Toyota New Zealand. The leases are in the name of New Zealand Rugby League and are on-charged to the Zones.
34
35
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT 14. Contingent Liabilities The Society has no contingent liabilities as at 31 March 2015 (2014:$Nil)
15. Subsequent Events The May 2015 Anzac test match was postponed 48 hours due to an extreme weather event. Additional event and team costs have been incurred, the final impact of which has not yet been quantified as at this report’s date.
16. Going Concern The Directors have prepared the financial statements on a going concern basis. The 2016 budget for the Society reports a surplus and positive working capital. Forecast revenue is susceptible and sensitive to the risks that not all sponsorship and grant income can be reliably confirmed and that gate takings are reliant on attendance at events. The Society is in discussion and negotiation with various parties to achieve the levels of funding required in the forecast period and beyond. Due to the commercial sensitivities and confidentiality of these parties and ongoing discussions and negotiations, it is not appropriate for the Board to disclose further details in the financial statements. The Board is confident that funding will be achieved.
36
There are several key events that occur beyond the next financial period that may have a longterm bearing to the business model under which the Society presently operates: • A ll national sports organisations are currently engaged with Sport New Zealand’s community sport application process for three year investment schedule commencing 1 July 2016. The outcome of all applications will be notified in December 2015. The Society currently receives $750,000pa. • H igh Performance Sport New Zealand’s two year campaign investment also expires 30 June 2016. The application process has not yet commenced. The Society currently receives $350,000pa. • T he BNZ loan $250,000 is due for repayment in June 2016. Initial discussions with the BNZ have indicated ongoing support for the Society’s banking requirements. If required, the Society could further leverage the property at 7 Beasley Avenue, Penrose, Auckland (valuation $1.85million at October 2013). • T he Society is co-hosting the 2017 Rugby League World Cup with the Australian Rugby League Commission. The Board has not incurred any financial exposure through the tournament structure and
the costs associated with this tournament will be covered from World Cup revenues. If required, the Board would review its cost structure, to ensure its long-term financial sustainability. The largest cost is personnel, some of which is externally funded against outcomes. Any business model restructuring would include prioritising programmes & services, and the Society’s ability to fund the wider Group and game through direct financial support or provision of services. For the reasons outlined above, the Board considers it appropriate to continue to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis. The Board’s view is the funding, plans and options available to the Society will meet any uncertainties as regards going concern. If the NZRL was unable to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, due to forecasts not being met, adjustments may have to be made to reflect the fact that assets may need to be realised at amounts other than those at which they are currently included in the Group’s Statement of Financial Position and the Group may have to provide for further liabilities that may arise. In addition, the Society may have to reclassify assets and liabilities as current.
37
38 OUR PEOPLE
39 SPONSORS & PARTNERS NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE THANKS ALL OUR SPONSORS AND PARTNERS FOR THEIR ONGOING SUPPORT OF THE GAME FROM THE GRASSROOTS TO THE ELITES. WITHOUT THEIR FUNDING AND CONTRIBUTIONS, WE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO CONTINUE TO OFFER THE PROGRAMMES AND PATHWAYS WE HAVE DEVELOPED. THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE. PRINCIPAL SPONSOR
NZRL Staff
NZRL Zones
In Memoriam
Phil Holden - CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Kevin Bailey - FOOTBALL EXPERT Jacob Cameron - COMMUNITY
Alex Smits - NORTHLAND GENERAL
MANAGER
Tom Baxter
Evelyn Brooker -
Grant Chapman -
COMMUNICATIONS
Kasey King -
Nadene Conlon -
NATIONAL
Sasho Stosic -
Neville Denton – KIWI #359 Len Jordan – KIWI #287 Josh Liava’a – KIWI #518 Bob Neilson – KIWI #348 Keith Roberts – KIWI #366 David Robinson - NZRL LIFE MEMBER Ray Roff – KIWI #350 Jim Sparnon – KIWI #419 Ernie Wiggs – KIWI #431 Peter Yaxley – INTERNATIONAL
GENERAL MANAGER
MANAGER
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Brent Gemmell -
NATIONAL HIGH
PERFORMANCE GENERAL MANAGER
Joe Harawira -
WELLBEING & EDUCATION MANAGER
Ruth Harknett - FINANCIAL
ACCOUNTANT
Alex Hayton -
AKARANA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MANAGER COUNTIES MANUKAU GENERAL MANAGER UPPER CENTRAL
GENERAL MANAGER
Lisa Reweti -
MID CENTRAL GENERAL
MANAGER
Jason Hemson -
WELLINGTON
GENERAL MANAGER
Steve Martin -
SOUTHERN GENERAL
MANAGER
– KIWI #320,
LEGEND OF LEAGUE
ASSOCIATE SPONSORS
EBOS SPORT EBOS SPORT EBOS SPORT
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
REFEREE
CHIEF FINANCIAL
OFFICER
Philippa Ivory - MARKETING & SPONSORSHIP EXECUTIVE Sarah Lewis -
MANAGER
COMMERCIAL GENERAL
Gary Peacham -
NATIONAL COACHING
MANAGER
Casey Smith - EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROJECT MANAGER Francie Stacey -
ADMINISTRATION
NZRL Board Garry Fissenden - CHAIRMAN Ray Haffenden - VICE CHAIRMAN John Bishop Tim Gibson Jennifer Rolfe Iva Ropati
MANAGER
Vano Varoma -
ADMINISTRATION
SUPPORT
Dean Watkins - NATIONAL TALENT
NZRL Patron
Luke Watts -
Sir Peter Leitch
MANAGER
NATIONAL REFEREE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Life Members John Bray Jim Campbell Ray Cranch Ken English Allen Gore Cathy Friend Ray Haffenden Don Hammond Peter Kerridge Bud Lisle Trevor Maxwell Tom McKeown Gerald Ryan Howie Tamati Bill Whitehead
FUNDING PARTNERS
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
NZRL President Howie Tamati 38
39
Rugby League House 7 Beasley Avenue Penrose 1061 PO Box 12 712 Penrose 1642, Auckland Phone: +64 9 525 5592 Fax: +64 9 525 5596 Website: www.nzrl.co.nz