ANNUAL REPORT2015/16

2

AFTER 17 YEARS, TO WIN THE ANZAC TEST, THAT’S A MASSIVE ACHIEVEMENT FOR NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE.

NZ KIWIS FORWARD MARTIN TAUPAU, AFTER THEIR 2015 ANZAC TEST VICTORY

“”

2

4

6

8

9

10

16

18

20

21

22

24

25

26

27

28

29

43

44

46

47

FROM THE CHAIRMAN & CEO

NZ KIWIS – ANZAC TEST WINNERS

JUNIOR KIWIS

KIWI FERNS

DEVELOPMENT

SCHOOLS

YOUTH

WOMEN

PREMIERSHIP

COMMUNITY

COACHES

REFEREES

COMMERCIAL

RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP 2017

AWARDS

FINANCIALS

AUDITOR’S LETTER

LIFE MEMBERS & DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDS

OUR PEOPLE

SPONSORS & PARTNERS

CONTENTS

Thanks to Photosport, Patrick Hamilton and Gerhard Egger for the photography in this report.

4 FROM THE CHAIRMAN & CEO

The year 2015 can be best summed up as a year of

consolidation.

On the field, the Kiwis consolidated their international standing by elevating to world #1 ranking with a mid-year test win against Australia in Brisbane – their third consecutive win against Kangaroos. Losing a close England test series was disappointing, but invaluable for blooding new players to widen the talent pool and the ongoing development of the “Te Iwi Kiwi” culture.

Following on from their debut at the 2015 Auckland Nines, the Kiwi Ferns secured another series win this year, although the Jillaroos won the mid-season Brisbane test. There is an opportunity for the game to leverage the increased interest in women’s rugby league to grow participation. This is part of the Rugby League World Cup legacy plan and a women’s game development plan is a 2016 project.

Zone boards commenced a governance training programme to compliment the NZRL governance work and to strengthen the strategic alignment across the game. It is important that we focus the game’s limited resources into prioritised areas for maximum return. Zone directors have been very receptive and we thank them for their voluntary commitment to the game over the past year.

Sport NZ’s new Community Sport Strategy, announced in December

2015, focuses on the participant, so rugby league’s focus on community and “more than just a game” is closely aligned and advanced. More than 70 clubs are engaged in programmes to improve club facilities, environments and behaviours. Club development is a key focus ahead of the 2017 World Cup. We appreciate the commitment of club volunteers, without whom the game could not operate, to raising the standards and capabilities of their communities. The Pirtek volunteer recognition programme acknowledges this commitment.

This year’s financial surplus is very pleasing. We have worked very hard to mitigate some of the risks we faced, securing long-term certainty of income with key funders. We acknowledge there is still work to be done regarding the potential funding shortfall in 2017, if sufficient reserves cannot be established to support “business as usual”. This is a key focus in 2016.We continue to partner closely with the Australian Rugby League Commission, as both parties’ interests are closely aligned.

The importance of New Zealand to the NRL competition has been acknowledged, providing a nursery that supplies 40% of talent into the professional game. We have pooled our broadcast rights to negotiate an improved long-term deal that will see more fixtures played in New Zealand from 2018. Having confirmed broadcast income to 2022, the NRL’s next key

projects are the player association negotiations and the implementation of its “Whole of Sport” strategy from 2018. Both of these will have long-term effects on the game in New Zealand.

We are now less than 18 months away from the Rugby League World Cup final on December 2, 2017. We are aiming to win two championships in quick succession, as the women’s tournament will be played at the same time as the men’s event. The World Cup is an opportunity to profile the game, rugby league’s diversity and appeal, and the good work being done by the rugby league community to encourage increased participation and funding.

We would like to acknowledge the ongoing contribution of boards and staff across NZRL and zones. Their commitment to the game, combined with their passion, underpins the progress the game has made. This progress is also hugely reliant on the support of funding partners. We would like to acknowledge Sport NZ and the regional sports trusts network, High Performance Sport NZ, our commercial sponsors, particularly Pirtek, and charitable trusts.

These are genuinely exciting times for the game.

Garry Fissenden, NZRL ChairmanAlex Hayton, NZRL Interim Chief Executive

Right: NZRL chairman Garry FissendenLeft: NZRL interim CEO Alex Hayton farewells former chief executive Phil Holden

4

THE WORLD CUP IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO PROFILE THE GAME, RUGBY LEAGUE’S DIVERSITY AND APPEAL, AND THE GOOD WORK BEING DONE BY THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

“

”

5

6 NZ KIWIS – ANZAC TEST WINNERS

Despite riding the crest of a wave, after winning the Four

Nations title, the Kiwis entered the 2015 Anzac Test as underdogs, with many claiming their success had come against an understrength Kangaroos outfit.

The New Zealand side enjoyed a relatively smooth build-up, despite the loss of rookie winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak to suspension, the second time he had been deprived of an international debut.

Missing from the Four Nations triumph were centre Dean Whare, second row Jason Taumalolo and prop Adam Blair, but they were replaced by fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, and props Sam Moa and Ben Matulino.

The test got off to a false start, when torrential rain and flooding around Brisbane caused a two-day postponement that only heightened the tension surrounding the occasion.

When the encounter finally kicked off, the Kiwis gave their rivals little chance, leading 26-6 at half-time and holding on for a 26-12 victory. Winger Manu Vatuvei crossed for two tries and took out the Charles Savory Medal for Man of the Match.

The result silenced the doubters, giving the Kiwis three straight wins over Australia for the first time since 1953. It broke a 17-year drought in the mid-season fixture and would elevate New Zealand to the world #1 ranking.

Their first defence of the position came on the end-of-year tour of England, where the home team emerged 2-1 winners from a hard-fought series.

With many of his front-line players unavailable through injury or illness, coach Stephen Kearney used the trip to test his depth, naming Blair and Issac Luke as co-captains, playing utilities Peta Hiku and Kodi Nikorima in the halves, and introducing four new players to test football.

New Zealand’s only win was a tough 9-2 outcome at London’s Olympic Stadium, but they did enough to retain the top world ranking, heading into 2016.

With both Australia (Mal Meninga) and England (Wayne Bennett) naming highly decorated new coaches, very little separates the top teams heading into the Rugby League World Cup 2017 in New Zealand and Australia.

ENGLAND WIN SERIES 2-1

NZ KIWIS

(Manu Vatuvei 2, Shaun Johnson & Shaun Kenny-Dowall tries; Johnson 5 goals)

26

12AUSTRALIA

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, May 3

NZ KIWIS

(Tohu Harris & Sam Moa tries; Issac Luke 2 goals)

NZ KIWIS

(Shaun Kenny-Dowall try; Issac Luke & Jordan Kahu goals; Kahu field goal)

NZ KIWIS

(Jason Nightingale, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck & Jordan Kahu tries; Issac Luke goal)

12

9

14

26ENGLAND

2ENGLAND

20ENGLAND

KC Stadium, Hull, November 1

Olympic Stadium, London, November 7

DW Stadium, Wigan, November 14

2015 ENGLAND TOUR

2015 ANZAC TEST

1-Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 2-Jason Nightingale, 3-Shaun Kenny-Dowall, 4-Peta Hiku, 5-Manu Vatuvei, 6-Kieran Foran, 7-Shaun Johnson, 8-Jesse Bromwich, 9-Issac Luke, 10-Ben Matulino, 11-Tohu Harris, 12-Kevin Proctor, 13-Simon Mannering ©, 14-Thomas Leuluai, 15-Martin Taupau, 16-Sam Moa, 17-Greg Eastwood, 18-Lewis Brown

Coach: Stephen KearneyAssistant coach: David KidwellAnalyst: Kelvin WrightTeam manager: Craig WalkerFootball manager: Nadene ConlonLogistics manager: Laurie HaleTrainer: Dayne NortonPhysiotherapists: John Love & Karl McDonaldDoctor: Simon MayhewAthlete support: Anthony Carbone & Joe WehbeMedia manager: Grant Chapman

Gerard Beale, Adam Blair (co-captain), Jesse Bromwich, Lewis Brown, Manaia Cherrington, Alex Glenn, Tohu Harris, Peta Hiku, Jordan Kahu, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Isaac Liu, Tuimoala Lolohea, Issac Luke (co-captain), Ben Matulino, Sam Moa, Jason Nightingale, Kodi Nikorima, Kevin Proctor, Curtis Rona, Siosiua Taukeiaho, Martin Taupau, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Dean Whare

Coach: Stephen Kearney Assistant coach: David KidwellAnalyst: Kelvin WrightTeam manager: Craig WalkerFootball manager: Nadene ConlonLogistics manager: Laurie HaleTrainer: Dayne NortonPhysiotherapists: John Love & Karl McDonaldDoctor: Simon MayhewAthlete support: Anthony Carbone & Joe WehbeMedia manager: Grant ChapmanHigh performance manager: Brent GemmellNZRL Patron: Sir Peter Leitch6

7

I THOUGHT THE DEFENSIVE EFFORT THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE GAME WAS PROBABLY THE FOUNDATION FOR THE VICTORY

STEPHEN KEARNEY, NZ KIWIS COACH

“

”7

8

After the drama of their 2014 encounter, won by the Junior

Kiwis at a rain-soaked Mt Smart Stadium, expectations were high for the next meeting.

The match-up on the Gold Coast did not disappoint, with the outcome again hinging on an attempt at goal in the dying moments.

New Zealand led shortly after half-time, when prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona laid the foundations for centre Watson Heleta to split the defence to score.

Man of the Match Tepai Moeroa scored for Australia to snatch back the advantage, but when Junior Kiwis wing Tony Tumusa

scored out wide, Zach Dockar-Clay had a chance to draw them even again with seven minutes remaining. His side-line conversion was waved away and the Junior Kangaroos hung on 22-20.

While bragging rights are important, the true value of this contest lies in its value as a breeding ground for future senior internationals.

Many of the players on display at Cbus Super Stadium have since made their NRL first-grade debuts, with some on the verge of breaking into the Kiwis and Kangaroos ranks for next year’s World Cup.

JUNIOR KIWIS

NZ JUNIOR KIWIS (Joseph Manu, Te Maire Martin, Watson Heleta & Tony Tumusa tries; Zach Dockar-Clay 2 goals)

2022JUNIOR

KANGAROOS

2015 JUNIOR KIWIS V JUNIOR KANGAROOS

Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast, May 2

1-Jamayne Isaako, 2-Tony Tumusa, 3-Taane Milne, 4-Watson Heleta, 5-Joseph Manu, 6-Te Maire Martin, 7-Zach Dockar-Clay, 8-Nelson Asofa-Solomona, 9-Sione Katoa, 10-James Fisher-Harris, 11-Lamar Liolevave, 12-Marata Niuko, 13-Jazz Tevaga, 14-Daniel Levi, 15-Braden Uele, 16-Toafofoa Sipley, 17-Renouf To’omaga, 18-Bunty Afoa

Head coach: Kelvin WrightAssistant coach: Ezra HoweManager: Carmen TaplinTrainers: Dayne Norton & Quentin PongiaPhysiotherapist: Simon Keepa

8

9 KIWI FERNS

Since NZRL embraced the Kiwi Ferns national team programme

in early 2015, the international opportunities for our women have continued to grow, with consecutive appearances at the NRL Nines and Anzac Tests.

Experienced provincial coach Alan Jackson was appointed for the 2015 Anzac curtain-raiser and he went into the clash without the services of several veterans, principally injured captain Sarina Fiso.

Then, he lost starting prop Krystal Murray to a shoulder injury early in the contest.

Midway through the second half, the game still hung in the balance at 10-10, but swung Australia’s way when debutant Mahalia Murphy scored twice within eight minutes.

The spectacle was a real eye-opener for league fans tuning into women’s league for the first time – NRL legend Darren Lockyer bestowed the nickname “Juke Box” on Ferns enforcer Teuila Fotu-Moala “because the hits just keep coming”.

The women’s acceptance as part of the NZRL high performance programme was never better demonstrated than the pre-test dinner, where Kiwi Ferns and Junior Kiwis players received jerseys from their Kiwis counterparts in a moving ceremony.

With an extended build-up to the 2016 Nines, Jackson cast his net far and wide, bringing several new players into an extended squad and five into a playing unit of 16.

They did not disappoint. After dropping the opening encounter of the three-game series, the Ferns returned to take both match-ups on Day Two, running away with the decider 21-7.

2015 ANZAC TEST

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, May 3

NZ KIWI FERNS 14(Shontelle Dudley, Maitua Feterika & Sharnita Woodman tries; Laura Mariu goal)

AUSTRALIA JILLAROOS 22

1-Janna Vaughan, 2-Atawhai Tupaea, 3-Nora Maaka, 4-Tasha Davie, 5-Shontelle Dudley, 6-Laura Mariu, 7-Rona Peters, 8-Kelly Maipi, 9-Sharnita Woodman, 10-Krystal Murray, 11-Teuila Fotu-Moala, 12-Hilda Peters, 13-Kahurangi Peters, 14-Georgia Hale, 15-Maitua Feterika, 16-Annabell Hohepa, 17-Krystal Rota, 18-Kristina Sue

Head coach: Alan JacksonAssistant coach: Bejay HewittManager: Anita Smith-McKinnonPhysiotherapist: Skye Renes Trainers: Junior Mautairi

2016 DOWNER NRL AUCKLAND NINES Eden Park, February 6/7

Half Georgia Hale, newly named as an NRL ambassador, controlled play on the second day and was deservedly named women’s player of the tournament.

With more and more opportunities opening up for our women players, the scene is set for this classic rivalry to develop even further in the build-up to the 2017 World Cup.

1-Sarina Fiso, 2-Mary-Jane Ale, 3-Matiua Feterika, 4-Nora Maaka, 5-Atawhai Tupaea, 6-Georgia Hale, 7-Kristina Sue, 8-Charmaine McMenamin, 9-Alex Cook, 10-Annetta Nuuausala, 11-Teuila Fotu-Moala, 12-Kelly Maipi, 13-Kahurangi Peters, 14-Tasha Davie, 15-Amber Kani, 16-Langi Veainu

Head coach: Alan JacksonAssistant coach: Grant PocklingtonManager: Anita Smith-McKinnonPhysiotherapist: Skye Renes Assistant physiotherapist: Sonya RogersTrainers: James Delacey

NZ WIN SERIES 2-1

NZ KIWI FERNS

NZ KIWI FERNS(Mary-Jane Ale & Tasha Davie tries)

NZ KIWI FERNS(Mary-Jane Ale, Langi Veainu, Kristina Sue & Sarina Fiso tries; Kahurangi Peters 2 goals)

09

21

8AUSTRALIA JILLAROOS

0AUSTRALIA JILLARROOS

7AUSTRALIA JILLARROOS

9

10 DEVELOPMENT

The NZRL National Performance Camp marks an important stage

of a young player’s rugby league career, elevating them above district and zone representative football for the first time.

It’s a chance for national selectors to assess their readiness for the next step and their progress is also monitored closely by NRL clubs, most of whom send representatives to national trials on the final day.

Through four days, the players must absorb on-field and off-field learnings that will ultimately contribute to how far they travel down their chosen professional and international career pathways.

This year, former Kiwis player and now head coach Stephen Kearney opened the camp and put the youngsters on warning that their performances were under scrutiny.

“These kids want to play in the NRL, but I want them to get the sense that playing for the Kiwis is the ultimate goal and playing in the NRL is just part of the journey,” he said.

Subjected to physical testing, a large on-field component based around skill development, and challenged with real-life lessons and choices in the classroom, the players get a true sense

of what their dreams look like and how attainable they are.

But they aren’t the only ones under the microscope, with coaches and managers also being assessed for their abilities at the next level.

2015 NATIONAL PERFORMANCE CAMPRotorua, July 12-15

NATIONAL 16S TRIALTeam Luke 28 (Alfred Smalley, Hayze Perham, Jonty Timoti, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Te Kahi Nathan & Joseph Raukawa tries; Perham & Raukawa goals) Team Mannering 20 (Joseph Taipari, Elijah Sufia, Dakota Edmonds-Taimani & Soane Hufanga tries; Taipari 2 goals)

NATIONAL 18S TRIALTeam Matulino 24 (Zae Wallace 2, Whitiora Davis & Tarquinn Alatipi tries; Morgan Harper 4 goals) Team Foran 18 (Caleb McLean, Delaney Chaney-Puata & Tristan Davies tries; Reuben Taylor 3 goals)

AWARDS

18s MVP:EZRA TULI (COUNTIES MANUKAU)

16s MVP:HAYZE PERHAM (UPPER CENTRAL)

INTEGRITY:KEANU LAUMATIA-PAKI (COUNTIES MANUKAU)

RESPECT:RORY FERGUSON (SOUTHERN)

LEADERSHIP:HAYZE PERHAM (UPPER CENTRAL)

COURAGE:SOANE HUFANGA (AKARANA)

PASSION:MORGAN HARPER (UPPER CENTRAL)

National 18s players at 2015 NZRL Performance Camp, Rotorua

10

11

BEHAVIOUR SPEAKS LOUDER THAN WORDS… REMEMBER, EVERYONE IS WATCHING NZRL TALENT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER DEAN WATKINS

”

”

11

NZ 18sIn a series that almost did not take place, due to financial constraints, the New Zealand age-group side proved no match for the Australian Schoolboys team, comprehensively losing both encounters played in Brisbane.

NZRL initially declined the Australian invitation, but with the NRL underwriting the visit, it went ahead and proved a tough lesson for the home-based teens.

After a confrontational haka, the rivals traded tries through the opening half of Game One, with New Zealand leading 18-14 shortly before the break.

But after the resumption, the Aussies scored 32 unanswered points to blow the contest wide open. The Kiwis eventually conceded 16 tries, including a hat-trick to fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen, and managed five of their own in response.

The second encounter was only slightlyless lopsided, and the result certainly delivered some home truths to visiting players and management.

NZ 16sAlthough no fixtures were scheduled for the NZ 16s side this year, NZ Rugby League followed through with the selection process and rewarded the top players in this age group with inclusion in a “merit team”.

“The selectors were extremely impressed with skills and attitude in an environment that was designed to test and challenge the players, both on and off the field,” said head coach Moerewa Armstrong.

NZ16s Daymon Abbey (Akarana), Hitaua Butler (Mid Central), Soane Hufanga (Akarana), Keanu Laumatia-Paki (Counties Manukau), Joseph Los’e (Mid Cantral), Lumafale Lualua (Wellington), Etene Nanai-Seturo (Counties Manukau), Te Kahu Nathan (Northland), Hayze Perham (Upper Central), Javvier Pitovao (Akarana), Jordan Riki (Southern), Sheldon Rogers (Upper Central), Alfred Smalley (Counties Manukau), Elijah Sufia (Counties Manukau), Chanel Tavita-Harris (Akarana), Jonty Timoti (Akarana), Caleb Uele (Akarana), Joshua Uta (Counties Manukau), Wesley Veikoso (Mid Central), Mikey Williams (Akarana)

AUSTRALIA SCHOOLBOYS

AUSTRALIA SCHOOLBOYS

70

36

NZ 18s

(Lewis Soosemea, Rory Marshall-Barton, Morgan Harper, Tyrone Nathan, Tarquinn Alatipi tries; Jackson Ferris 2 goals)

NZ 18s

(Jackson Ferris try & goal)

24

62015 NZ 18S V AUSTRALIAN SCHOOLBOYS

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, September 27

BMD Kougari Oval, Wynnum, October 1

Coach: Moerewa Armstrong Assistant coach: Peter ButlerManager: Teaukura MoetauaTrainers: Jon Renes & Ian Blake

Tarquinn Alatipi (Wellington), Whitiroa Davis (Akarana), Keanu Dawson (Upper Central), Josh Farrant (Akarana), Rory Ferguson (Southern), Jackson Ferris (Mid Central), Bostyn Hakaraia (Akarana), Morgan Harper (Upper Central), Phoenix Hunt (Counties Manukau), Kenese Kenese (Counties Manukau), Dean Kouka-Smith (Akarana), Rory Marshall-Barton (Counties Manukau), Tyrone Nathan (Counties Manukau), Fabian Paletua-Kiri (Mid-Central), Isaiah Papalii (Akarana), David Phillips (Counties Manukau), Chris Sio (Akarana), Lewis Soosemea (Counties Manukau), Auzzie Tuwhangai (Akarana)

Coach: Rod Ratu Assistant coach: Andrew AuimatagiManager: Elizabeth RichardsTrainers: Greg Davis & Junior Mautairi

12

NZ SCHOOLS SELECTIONStaring down a 22-4 deficit at half-time, the national schools tournament team produced an incredible second-half display to score 26 straight points and snatch victory.

Chosen from the top performers at the national schools tournament, the NZ team got off to a great start, with winger Michael Siale-Motu cross for the opening try, but could not add to that effort playing into the stiff southerly.

New South Wales ran in four tries and seemed to have matters well in hand, heading into the break.

Turning with the wind at their backs, the NZ schoolboys began to assert themselves, running in three tries, including a second to Siale-Motu and all converted by Bostyn Hakaraia, to draw even at 22-22.

They took toll of their exhausted opponents up the middle of the park and edged ahead with a try to winger Siave Tongoiu, before fullback Adam Wetere Pompey provided some icing on the cake.

NZ SECONDARY SELECTION (Michael Siale-Motu 2, David-John Phillips, Josh Uta, Siave Togoiu & Adam Wetere Pompey tries; Bostyn Hakaraia 3 goals)

30

NSW COMBINED HIGH SCHOOLS 22

2015 NZ SCHOOLS SELECTION V NSW COMBINED HIGH SCHOOLS

Massey Park, Papakura, September 21

1-Adam Wetere Pompey (Wesley College), 2-Michael Siale-Motu (Manurewa HS), 3-Fine Inisi (Westlake BHS), 4-Alfred Smalley (Otahuhu College), 5-Siave Togoiu (Southern Cross Campus), 6-Bostyn Hakaraia (Mt Albert Grammar), 7-Zae Wallace (Westlake BHS), 8-Isaiah Papalii (Mt Albert Grammar), 9-David-John Phillips (Manurewa HS), 10-Kenese Kenese (Manurewa HS), 11-Auzzie Tuwhangai (Mt Albert Grammar), 12-Dylan Clark (Tokoroa HS), 13-Chris Sio (St Paul’s College), 14-Phoenix Hunt (Otahuhu College), 15-Soane Hufanga (St Paul’s College), 16-Fuiva Takitaki (Southern Cross Campus), 17-Josh Uta (Manurewa HS), 18-Jan Sepuloni (Southern Cross Campus)

13

IT WAS A TEAM EFFORT. IF IT WASN’T FOR THE BOYS SCORING THAT TRY, I WOULDN’T HAVE HAD THE CHANCE… NO CREDIT TO ME, ALL TO THE BOYS

OTAHUHU COLLEGE CAPTAIN KOMITI VETENOTU REFLECTS ON HIS TEAM’S THRILLING NSST VICTORY

“

”14

15

16 SCHOOLS

FINAL PLACINGS1 OTAHUHU COLLEGE2 ST PAUL’S COLLEGE3 MT ALBERT GRAMMAR4 TAMAKI COLLEGE5 MANUREWA HS6 WESTLAKE BHS7 SOUTHERN CROSS CAMPUS8 TOKOROA HS9 KELSTON BHS10 ARANUI HS11 AORERE COLLEGE12 MANUKURA SCHOOL13 PAPATOETOE HS14 MT ROSKILLGRAMMAR15 WHANGAREI BHS16 ROSEHILL COLLEGE17 WESLEY COLLEGE (PLATE)18 ST THOMAS OF CANTERBURY19 FRANCIS DOUGLAS

MEMORIAL20 TRIDENT HS21 ONEHUNGA HS22 PAPAKURA HS23 JAMES COOK HS24 HOWICK COLLEGE

AWARDSVODAFONE WARRIORS PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT: PHOENIX HUNT (OTAHUHU COLLEGE)

MORE THAN JUST A GAME TEAM AWARD:FRANCIS DOUGLAS MEMORIAL COLLEGE

NZRL BEST CULTURAL SALUTE: JAMES COOK HIGH SCHOOL

COACH OF THE TOURNAMENT:TERRY TANGATA (TAMAKI COLLEGE)

MANAGER OF THE TOURNAMENT:BEN VAIPAATA (AORERE COLLEGE)

TRAINER OF THE TOURNAMENT: MIKE TALAEPA (MT ALBERT GRAMMAR)

BEST MATCH OFFICIALS PREMIER: CHRIS MCMILLANDEVELOPMENT: GRAEME HILL

GOT A TRADE? FAIR PLAY TEAM OF THE TOURNAMENT:ROSEHILL COLLEGE

IT’S NOT OK BEST & FAIREST AWARDSOVERALL: WETERE POMPEY (WESLEY COLLEGE)

PREMIER: JOSHUA UTA (MANUREWA HS)

DEVELOPMENT: STEVEN SNOXELL (FRANCIS DOUGLAS MEMORIAL)

Overlooked by most as contenders for this year’s

NZRL National Secondary Schools Tournament, Otahuhu College achieved an upset victory in the final for their second national title.

Captain Komiti Vetenotu guided his team to a dramatic comeback victory over traditional powerhouse St Paul’s College, kicking a conversion after the final siren for an 18-17 result.

With a few moments remaining, SPC seemed to have clinched their 16th title, when wing Daymon Abbey crossed for a try in the corner, but Otahuhu responded in kind at the other end, leaving Vetenotu with the game-winning kick.

With both teams huddled in prayer, he coolly slotted his kick to send his team-mates into rapture and his opponents into despair. “It was a team effort,” he insisted. “If it wasn’t for the boys scoring that try, I wouldn’t have had the chance. “No credit to me, all to the boys.”

Otahuhu seemed a longshot, when they drew their final pool game with Westlake Boys High and needed a countback to progress to the semis. In the final, they seemed out of contention, trailing 13-0 at half-time.

Titleholders Kelston would eventually finish ninth, after losing twice in pool play.

Meanwhile, traditional rugby union bastion Wesley College completed a successful crossover to the 13-a-side code, defeating St Thomas of Canterbury 18-12 in the development grade final. In 2014, Wesley dominated their pool games, only to fall to Papatoetoe High in the final stage.

Otahuhu College completed a unique double for the event, defeating James Cook High 8-4 in the first-ever secondary schools girls’ nines contest.

2015 NZRL NATIONAL SECONDARY SCHOOLS TOURNAMENT

WESLEY COLLEGE (Saia latu, Rueben Unga & Wetere Pompey tries; Pompey 3 goals)

18ST THOMAS OF CANTERBURY(Aukilani Tu’au & Klayton Waikato tries; Waikato 2 goals)

12

DEVELOPMENT FINAL

Bruce Pulman Park, Papakura, August 31-September 4

OTAHUHU COLLEGE (Sisilia Pomee & Rose Iakopo tries)

8JAMES COOK HS (Claudia Kiddie-Vai try)

GIRLS’ NINES

4

OTAHUHU COLLEGE (Pohiva Fonna, Alvin Vaisa & Komiti Vetenotu tries; Vetenotu 3 goals)

18ST PAUL’S COLLEGE(Daymon Abbey, Sione Fakapelea & Sione Ngahe tries; Beau Cordtz two goals, Dylan Tavita one field goal)

PREMIERSHIP FINAL

17

16

17

PHOENIX HUNT OF OTAHUHU COLLEGE, VODAFONE WARRIORS PLAYER OF THE NATIONAL SECONDARY SCHOOLS TOURNAMENT

17

18 YOUTH

Akarana Falcons successfully defended both crowns at the

“Got A Trade? Got It Made!” National Youth Tournament, repulsing the dual challenge of Counties Manukau Stingrays.

The South Aucklanders made their rivals work hard for 17s honours, leading 16-6 at half-time of the final.

But Akarana scored three tries after the break, drawing even when Jonty Timoti finished off a move that began with storming runs from Tupu Lisati and Solomon Vauvulagi.

The next side to blink would surely fall and unfortunately for Stingrays, it was them.

With the Falcons on attack, George Salu cut back across the grain and galloped

through the wrong-footed defence to score the winning try.

Mark Graham’s missed conversion gave Counties a sniff of a comeback, but they couldn’t find a reply and the Falcons held on 20-16.

Man of the Match went to Akarana five-eighth Jerome Mamea, while in victory, Graham (pictured left) was able to hold the championship trophy dedicated to NZ Kiwis legend and namesake, Mark Graham.

Earlier, Falcons drew first blood on finals day, with an all-the-way 22-14 victory over Stingrays in the 15s final.

Both sides took a while to settle into the big occasion, hampered by slippery under-foot conditions, but Falcons struck first with a try to second rower Asu Kepaoa, another before the break and another immediately after the restart.

Trailing 18-0, the Stingrays finally found some cohesion, and closed to within eight points with tries Nuku Malesala and Tyrone Hamilton.

Second row Micah Marsh sealed the Falcons triumph, when he spotted a gap and sprinted 45 metres for a try in the corner.

Kepaoa, who added a second try to his tally, was named Man of the Match.

18

19

FINAL PLACINGS1 AKARANA FALCONS

2 COUNTIES MANUKAU STINGRAYS

3 WELLINGTON ORCAS

4 AUCKLAND VULCANS

5 WAI-COA-BAY COLTS

6 NORTHERN SWORDS

7 SOUTH ISLAND SCORPIONS

8 CENTRAL VIPERS

AWARDSPLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT: PAUL TURNER (NORTHERN SWORDS)

MANAGER OF THE TOURNAMENT:TANIA HARRIS (COUNTIES MANUKAU STINGRAYS)

TRAINER OF THE TOURNAMENT:IAN BLAKE (SOUTH ISLAND SCORPIONS)

COACH OF THE TOURNAMENT:JOE RAU (NORTHERN SWORDS)

GOT A TRADE? GOT IT MADE! FAIRPLAY TEAM OF THE TOURNAMENT: AUCKLAND VULCANS

AWARDSPLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT: SOANE HUFANGA (AKARANA FALCONS)

MANAGER OF THE TOURNAMENT:SAM ATONI (WELLINGTON ORCAS)

TRAINER OF THE TOURNAMENT:SAM RAGG (COUNTIES MANUKAU STINGRAYS)

COACH OF THE TOURNAMENT:KEITH HANLEY (AKARANA FALCONS)

GOT A TRADE? GOT IT MADE! FAIRPLAY TEAM OF THE TOURNAMENT: SOUTH ISLAND SCORPIONS

MERIT TEAM:Lewis Afeaki (Auckland Vulcans), Dylan Brown (Northern Swords), Potusa Fuilala (Counties Manukau Stingrays), Domancy Fidow-Kele (South Island Scorpions), Nitoa Kairau (Counties Manukau Stingrays), Matagi-Blade Kamuheau (Akarana Falcons), Asu Kepaoa (Akarana Falcons), Michael Lemafa (Central Vipers), Micah Marsh (Akarana Falcons), Aitasi Matautu (Counties Manukau Stingrays), Regan McClennan (Akarana Falcons), Joseph Onyeke (Akarana Falcons), Matt Timoko (Akarana Falcons), Starford Toa (Akarana Falcons), Kakoi Togoiu (Counties Manukau Stingrays), Xavier Tuigamala (Auckland Vulcans), Paul Turner (Northern Swords)

AKARANA FALCONS(Asu Kepaoa 2, Micah Marsh & Zeniff Asa tries; Regan McClennan 3 goals)

22 COUNTIES MANUKAU STINGRAYSUenuku Malesala, Tyrone Hamilton & Aitasi Matutu tries; Daylee Dutton goal)15s FI

NA

LMan of the Match: Asu Kepaoa (Akarana)

FINAL PLACINGS1 AKARANA FALCONS

2 COUNTIES MANUKAU STINGRAYS

3 WAI-COA-BAY COLTS

4 AUCKLAND VULCANS

5 SOUTH ISLAND SCORPIONS

6 NORTHERN SWORDS

7 CENTRAL VIPERS

8 WELLINGTON ORCAS

MERIT TEAM:Joseph Afamui (Counties Manukau Stingrays), Mark Graham (Akarana Falcons), Soane Hufanga (Akarana Falcons), Samiuela Lauhingoa (Counties Manukau Stingrays), Peteroni Lilimaiava (Counties Manukau Stingrays), Junior Malau (Counties Manukau Stingrays), Jerome Mamea (Akarana Falcons), Etene Nanai-Seturo (Auckland Vulcans), Te Kahu Nathan (Northern Swords), Hayze Perham (Wai-Coa-Bay Colts), Alfred Smalley (Counties Manukau Stingrays), Rueben Taylor (Wai-Coa-Bay Colts), Jonty Timoti (Akarana Falcons), Joseph Uta (Counties Manukau Stingrays), Solomon Vasuvulagi (Akarana Falcons), Wesley Veikoso (Central Vipers), Jahmarl Weir (Central Vipers)

AKARANA FALCONS(Solomon Vasuvulagi, Hoane Hufanga, Jonty Timoti & George Salu tries; Mark Graham 2 goals)

20 COUNTIES MANUKAU STINGRAYS(Alfred Smalley 2, Sione Tuipulotu tries; Tyrone Nathan 2 goals)

1617s FIN

AL

Man of the Match: Jerome Mamea (Akarana)

14

2015 “GOT A TRADE? GOT IT MADE!” NATIONAL YOUTH TOURNAMENTPuketawhero Park, Rotorua, September 28-October 2

20

FINAL PLACINGS1 COUNTIES MANUKAU

STINGRAYS

2 AKARANA FALCONS

3 CENTRAL VIPERS

4 AUCKLAND VULCANS

5 WELLINGTON ORCAS

6 WAI-COA-BAY STALLIONS

7 CANTERBURY

When Counties Manukau needed a little inspiration

to defend their national women’s crown, they found it in veteran international Laura Mariu.

Carrying a heavy injury toll into the final against arch-rivals Akarana Falcons, the South Aucklanders had enough depth to repulse the challenge 34-0.

And, in their seventh game over three days, the experience and skill of Mariu provided the spark in a 22-point first half.

The Stingrays opened the scoring, when Mariu carved through the defence and laid off a perfect pass for Louisa Gago to storm over.

The lead reached double figures, after Langi Veainu fielded a wayward clearing kick and had too much gas for the Falcons to cover down the left side-line.

Mariu converted and then fed an inside ball to Kiwi Ferns team-mate Maitua Feterika for the third try. She provided her third try assist of the half for Karly Te Kawa and, by the break, Akarana were merely searching for some consolation.

They had barely ventured outside their own half through the opening 30 minutes, but pounded away at the Counties line for much of the second half, without reward.

Instead, the Stingrays showed they were capable of manufacturing points from inside their own territory. From a turnover and scrum feed, Veainu found some space and galloped 80 metres for her second try.

Mariu was duly named Most Valuable Player of the final, with captain Sarina Fiso earning overall tournament honours.

“If we had had to play one more game, we probably would only have fielded about five players,” Fiso admitted, surveying her battered crew afterwards.

“This was a hard battle, and the score probably didn’t reflect how hard it was and how hard it felt.”

Loaded with Kiwi Ferns internationals, the Stingrays were probably expected to carry the day, but Fiso paid tribute to team management for bringing the group together.

“They made a group of brilliant individual players into a great team and two months ago, you wouldn’t have believed that.”

This was the first women’s tournament officially hosted by New Zealand Rugby League, after absorbing the women’s programme over the previous 12 months.

WOMEN

2015 NZRL NATIONAL WOMEN’S TOURNAMENTPuketawhero Park, Rotorua, September 25-27

COUNTIES MANUKAU STINGRAYS (Langi Veainu 2, Joephay Daniels, Maitua Feterika, Louisa Gago & Karly Te Kawa tries; Lilieta Maumau 3 & Laura Mariu 2 goals)

34

AKARANA FALCONS

FINAL

0Most Valuable Player: Laura Mariu (Counties Manukau)

AWARDSMANAGER OF THE TOURNAMENT:RENEE PURU (CANTERBURY)

TRAINER/MEDIC OF THE TOURNAMENT:ALAN HORN (COUNTIES MANUKAU)

COACH OF THE TOURNAMENT:SHAUN CLARK (COUNTIES MANUKAU)

“MORE THAN JUST A GAME” FAIRPLAY TEAM:AUCKLAND VULCANS

BACK OF THE TOURNAMENT:ANNETTA NUUAUSALA (AUCKLAND VULCANS)

FORWARD OF THE TOURNAMENT: KRYSTAL MURRAY (CENTRAL VIPERS)

PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT:SARINA FISO (COUNTIES MANUKAU)

20

21 PREMIERSHIP

REGULAR SEASON PLACINGS1 COUNTIES MANUKAU STINGRAYS

2 CANTERBURY BULLS

3 WAI-COA-BAY STALLIONS

4 AKARANA FALCONS

5 WELLINGTON ORCAS

6 CENTRAL VIPERS

7 NORTHERN SWORDS

MERIT TEAM:1–George Edwards (Counties Manukau Stingrays), 2–Joseph Oti (Wellington Orcas), 3-Matt Sauni (Canterbury Bulls), 4–Simione Ma’amaloa (Counties Manukau Stingrays), 5–Andrew Tusiane (Counties Manukau Stingrays), 6–Tevin Arona (Canterbury Bulls), 7–Ray Talimalie (Counties Manukau Stingrays), 8–Saipani Aiolupo (Counties Manukau Stingrays), 9–Kruz Tupou (Counties Manukau Stingrays), 10–Chris Bamford (Canterbury Bulls), 11-Sione Feao (Counties Manukau Stingrays), 12–James Baxendale (Canterbury Bulls), 13–Nick Read (Wai-Coa-Bay Stallions), 14–Uila Aiolupo (Counties Manukau Stingrays), 15–Eli George (Northern Swords), 16–Erwin Sauni (Canterbury Bulls), 17–Jeremy Siulepa (Wai-Coa-Bay Stallions)

COUNTIES MANUKAU STINGRAYS (Sione Feao 2, Saipani Aiolupo, Reece Charlie, George Edwards, Joseph Price, Johny Henry tries; Mikaere Beattie 6 goals; Beattie field goal)

41 CANTERBURY BULLS (Danny Latu, Tevin Arona tries; James Baxendale goal)

2015 NZRL NATIONAL PREMIERSHIP FI

NA

L 10

Counties Manukau Stingrays carved out a resounding 41-10

victory over titleholders Canterbury Bulls in the NZRL National Premiership final, winning their first national title after falling short on several occasions over the history of the competition.

An extremely satisfied Counties Manukau coach Rod Ratu said gaining redemption played a big part in his dominant side’s build-up to the decider.

“It feels great, especially for the boys, particularly the ones that were there last year,” Ratu said.

“We were in that space last year leading into the final, so this year was about retribution and setting that straight.”

The Stingrays scored seven tries to two, but it was their relentless drive in defence and attention to key effort areas, such as kick chase, that underpinned the win.

They struck first after just five minutes, when a superb 40/20 by halfback Raymond Talimalie set up an attacking scrum and giant prop Saipani Aiolupo brushed off three defenders to power over for his seventh try of the season.

Counties Manukau were never headed from that point, with captain George Edwards blowing the game wide open with a try at the 35-minute mark and second-rower Sione Feao brushing off some tired defence to score on the stroke of halftime.

Trailling 22-4, the Bulls’ hopes of climbing back into the contest received a blow with a handling error in the first set after the resumption and Feao found a hole to stroll over for his second try during the Stingrays’ ensuing possession.

Game over.

The Counties Manukau squad was jubilant after the fulltime hooter sounded, elated with a victory that they felt was 12 months in the making. Second-rower King Vuniyawa was a popular man-of-the-match after a dynamic performance on both sides of the ball.

While the Stingrays and Bulls contested the season climax, spare a thought for Wai-Coa-Bay Stallions, who inflicted Counties’ only loss and shared their 5-1 regular-season record, but missed out on the final through countback.

Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland, October 17 Most Valuable Player: King Vuniyawa (Counties Manukau)

21

22 COMMUNITY

Over the past 12 months, the NZRL community programme

has grown in many areas, extending playgroups into more clubs, establishing a baseline of data for our “more than just a game” project with crown agencies, strengthening the volunteer pathway and developing a legacy plan for the upcoming World Cup.

By surveying our players and participants, we have broadened our insights and the results indicate that NZRL is making a positive impact on the decision-making of our elite junior players.

Teaming up with SportNZ, we undertook the Voice of the Community survey, and key findings from the project were the importance of a welcoming club environment and good volunteers, who are engaged with their players.

We continue to work on using the updated website to deliver key programmes for

our volunteers. The roll out of the re-branded LeagueSmart/Fundamentals campaign includes updated videos (core skills & referees) and free access through NZRL website.

LeagueSmart will become a compulsory module for all NZRL volunteers and will include volunteer packs (supported by ACC) to reward those completing the on-line modules.

Through the crown agency “more than just a game” collective agreement, NZRL and zones have connected clubs and districts to organisations like Safer Communities, It’s not OK and Water Safety NZ to help build a community hub around the clubs. This will continue to roll out, allowing clubs and districts to reach further into their community to provide well-being support for whanau, players and families.

A key programme within the agreement is the community playgroups that have

expanded into Northland and Huntly. Eleven clubs now have had playgroups established in their facilities. More than 200 children and 120 parents, who have not previously been involved in an educational curriculum programme, have joined up in the club-based programme.

This allows both the children and their caregivers to experience, socialise and become involved within the community in a safe and welcoming environment. With five more clubs coming on board in the near future, NZRL’s off-field community engagement is now being watched closely by other sports.

New Zealand, Australia & Papua New Guinea co-host the Rugby League World Cup in 2017 and in November 2015, Sport NZ confirmed investment into NZRL to deliver a leverage & legacy plan off the event.

22

NORTHLAND: HIKURANGAI STAGS

AUCKLAND: PT CHEVALIER PIRATES (MEN) MANUREWA MARLINS (WOMEN)

WAIKATO: HAMILTON CITY TIGERS

BAY OF PLENTY/COASTLINE:PACIFIC SHARKS

GISBORNE TAIRAWHITI:TAPUWAE

TARANAKI: BELL BLOCK MARIST DRAGONS

MANAWATU: WHITI TE RA

HAWKE’S BAY:NAPIER PANTHERS (MEN) HASTINGS RUGBY & SPORT (WOMEN)

WELLINGTON: TE AROHA EELS (MEN) LINTON COBRAS (WOMEN)

TASMAN: TAHUNANUI TIGERS

WEST COAST: SUBURBS

CANTERBURY: PAPANUI TIGERS (MEN) WOOLSTON RAMS (WOMEN)

OTAGO: SOUTH PACIFIC RAIDERS

SOUTHLAND: HE TAUAA

DISTRICT CLUB CHAMPIONS A leverage & legacy manager was employed to write and implement the plan which will deliver on four key pillars:

• Youth engagement – create clearer pathways, support & school/club connections

• Volunteers – enhance experience and capability, increase number of registered volunteers

• Diversity – increase opportunities on and off the field, develop women’s plan

• Facilities – advocate and support RL community to improve facilities

Two pilots will be trialled – “Be A Sport” will regulate side-line behaviour and “Global Games” will see a club-based Mod tournament run in Whakatane.

23

24 COACHING

In his first year with NZRL, coaching development manager

Gary Peacham has fully reviewed and developed our national coaching framework in alignment with Sport NZ and key stakeholders.

Primarily, that meant aligning NZRL coaching accreditations with NRL structures.

As the first step in providing a revamped “Fundamentals” course, an on-line course registration process was introduced and implemented nationally.

Other highlights for the year included:

- Consulted all seven zones and wider districts with changes

- Updated content for beginner and performance coaching levels. All zones now aligned and delivering consistent material.

- Developed and implemented a national core-skills module in conjunction with Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney.

- Developed and implemented a new managers L1 accreditation

- Up-skilled five new coach educators, who have been strategically placed to add capability within certain zones/districts

- Created a network of coach assessors around the country, who align and enforce the national coaching standards

- Managed a development officer conference, the first in three years

- Increased the quality of communication between NZRL and zones/districts, which in turn has increased the quality of coach education nationwide

- Attended and delivered at several zone development camps

- Held several coaching workshops around NZ, specific to the needs of local district coaches

24

25 REFEREES

This year, NZRL made huge strides in working collaboratively

throughout NZ, with the aim of raising the standard of match officials, seeking greater consistency and ultimately making a greater contribution to the game.

Learning platforms were greatly enhanced, with on-line LeagueSmart and mini/mod courses, and the use of social media channels for education.

Increased investment in the development of our community meant four paid referee coaches and 16 volunteer coaches were involved in a national referee coaching conference.

More than 30 referee courses and 600 participants have now experienced some form of referee accreditation.

INTERNATIONALKiwis v Australia (Anzac Test), Brisbane: Anthony Eliott (touch), Henry Perenara (video)

Global Games, Papua New Guinea: Kena Waikai

Melansian Cup Final, Papua New Guinea: Shane Rehm

Samoan Club Final: Chris McMillan

NRL Graded touch judges: Shane Rehm, Anthony Eliott & Kena Waikai

NRL Nines Squad: Shane Rehm, Anthony Eliott, Kena Waikai, Rochelle Tamarua, Chris McMillan, Nathan Barker Pringle & Jamal Thompson

Holden Cup/NSW Cup: Shane Rehm, Anthony Eliott, Kena Waikai, Rochelle Tamarua, Chris McMillan, Nathan Barker Pringle, Simon Taylor & Jamal Thompson

DOMESTIC National Premiership Final: Shane Rehm (referee), Aaron Donald & Henare Chadwick (touch)

Got A Trade? Got It Made! National 17s Final: Simon Taylor (referee), Tane Kaiwai & Henare Chadwick (touch)

Got A Trade? Got It Made! National 15s Final: Joseph Green (referee), Mack Seymour & Kena Waikai (touch)

National Women’s Final: Rochelle Tamarua (referee), Antoinette Grootjans & Gina Te Rongomou (touch)

NZ Schools Selection v NSW Combined High Schools: Kiko Puhipi Hibbs (referee), Antoinette Grootjans & Henare Chadwick (touch)

National Secondary Schools Final: Chris McMillan (referee), Joseph Green & Henare Chadwick (touch)

2015/16 REFEREE APPOINTMENTS

AWARDSNZRL DOMESTIC REFEREE OF YEAR :ADAM BURNS

NZRL SCHOOLS PREMIERSHIP REFEREE OF TOURNAMENT:CHRIS MCMILLAN

NZRL SCHOOLS DEVELOPMENT REFEREE OF TOURNAMENT:GRAEME HILL

GOT A TRADE? GOT IT MADE! YOUTH NATIONALS REFEREE OF TOURNAMENT:ROCHELLE TAMARUA

GOT A TRADE? GOT IT MADE! YOUTH NATIONAL TOURNAMENT REFEREE’S CHOICE :TANE KAIWAI

NZRL WOMEN’S NATIONAL TOURNAMENT COACHES’ CHOICE : ANTOINETTE GROOTJANS

25

2626 COMMERCIAL

The past year has been an exciting one, as we formed

several new partnerships and added new depth to existing relationships.

Principal sponsor Pirtek took its commitment to a new level, with the introduction of a monthly volunteer recognition campaign, rewarding and acknowledging the contributions of volunteers around NZ.

Fourteen volunteers received monthly recognition awards and were put forward for consideration at the annual NZRL awards.

Later in the year, we launched a campaign that linked NZ Kiwis and Pirtek, leaders on and off the field, using leadership messages. Billboards, featuring Kiwis captain Simon Mannering, went up around the country, a range of tiles appeared on all major digital sites and posters were in hot demand.

The dedicated Pirtek page on the NZRL website proved especially popular with visitors, sitting in the top 10 for the period of the campaign.

Elite team-wear specialist BLK re-signed for a further four years and continued to build on its previous success, with a range that included single-accent colours and our own NZRL icons, the Kiwi and Fern, to stand out from the crowd.

Revera staff member and ex-All White Mark Paston gave a fascinating speech at the annual sponsors and partners function, keeping the audience entertained with tales of his travels with football and how he came to have a career with the IT Cloud Services provider.

An extensive review of travel arrangements saw NZRL sign a three-year commercial contract with Air New Zealand and Orbit World Travel joined our family of sponsors, agreeing to be our official travel-management company. Both these relationships have saved the organisation time and money, and made travel, especially international team travel, significantly easier and more enjoyable.

Fuji Xerox joined Tranzit Coachlines in providing scholarships for players to attend the National Performance Camp, while Skills and Competenz joined forces under the Got a Trade? Got it Made! banner to provide opportunities for elite pathway players to plan careers outside of rugby league.

The Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns both benefited from tactical partnership commitments

around the Anzac trans-Tasman clashes against Australia. Got a Trade? Got It Made! featured on the upper back of the Kiwi Ferns jersey and Sky City was in the same location for the Kiwis.

VX Sport and Gray-Nicolls (Steeden) also renewed their relationships, and 2XU continued to keep the Kiwis in top-quality compression wear.

NZRL prides itself on delivering over and above its contracts to ensure that all sponsors and partners enjoy the benefits of being associated with a successful national sports organisation, and we were really pleased to receive this feedback from Pirtek.

“

”

Pirtek New Zealand has been associated with NZRL for a number of years now and throughout that time, the brand exposure and awareness created is unquestioned, both from a local and international perspective. The continued placement of the Pirtek brand, via NZRL, into television, print media, radio, merchandise and at games has allowed us to consistently leverage our business position and status.

To be associated with a successful national and international iconic team within New Zealand is something we are very proud of. The NZRL’s committed involvement also cascades into the lower grades, player development and, most importantly, community support and activity. This key element of NZRL places its in high regard when Pirtek considers sponsorship partners.

The NZRL operates with very strong core values and ethics that resonate through the Pirtek business. This integrity has helped to forge the partnership that we have in place today. The attention to detail, promptness, support and value that NZRL provides us as a sponsor/partner continues to encourage and enthuse us year in, year out.

The passion, dedication and enthusiasm of all personnel associated with NZRL certainly contribute to their and our success, on and off the field. We are extremely gratified to be principal sponsors of NZRL and we look forward to the future development of our partnership.

Chris Bourke, Pirtek NZ general manager

26

27 RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP 2017

In 2017, rugby league has a unique opportunity to showcase

all that is good about our game, when New Zealand and Australia co-host the Rugby League World Cup tournament.

Fourteen nations will contest 28 games over five weeks, with the final scheduled for December 2.

The full match allocation will be announced in July 2016 and will feature three pool matches to be held in Papua New Guinea.

The Women’s World Cup will run alongside the men’s event, while a Festival of World Cups will see police, defence force, university and wheelchair competitions take place in July 2017.

Last time the World Cup took place in this part of the world, New Zealand achieved an historic victory over Australia in the 2008 final at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.

That year, the Kiwi Ferns sealed a double celebration for New Zealand, defeating Australia in the women’s final for their third consecutive Cup victory.

But next year’s tournament will be about more than just on-field success.

For the first time, an independent organising committee will run the event, based in New Zealand and Australia, aiming to set a new benchmark for this exciting event.

The Rugby League World Cup in 2017 will have a strong focus on community engagement and ensuring a positive legacy for the sport in New Zealand.

In order to deliver this legacy, the NZRL community team has devised a programme based on four pillars – youth engagement, volunteers, diversity and facilities.

It’s a chance for New Zealand Rugby League to showcase, not just its high-performance capabilities, but also the “more than just a game” component of its philosophy.

27

28 AWARDS

Barnstorming Jesse Bromwich took out major honours at the 2015

NZRL Awards, named Kiwis Player of the Year.

The Melbourne Storm prop continued a steep upward trajectory over the previous two seasons, establishing himself as one of the premier front rowers in rugby league and carrying the national team with him.

In fact, he was named the game’s best prop by Rugby League World, after playing all four tests for the Kiwis over the year, helping them to an historic Anzac Test victory and the #1 world ranking.

“Jesse has elevated himself to one of the premier forwards in our game,” said Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney, who nominated Bromwich.

“His performances at club and international level over the past 20 months have seen him recognised as such. His contribution to the Kiwis team and its development through his input as part of the team’s

leadership group has been an integral part of the team’s success.”

In claiming the Steve Watene Medal, Bromwich headed off a quality field that included Melbourne club-mate Tohu Harris and record-breaking Sydney Roosters fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, now with the NZ Warriors.

“Being a kid from Manurewa, I never thought I’d be standing up here, so it’s unreal,” Bromwich told guests at the awards function in Auckland. “It’s unreal, and an honour for me and my family.”

Australian RL Commission chairman John Grant was on hand to announce Brisbane Broncos utility Jordan Kahu as Kiwis Rookie of the Year, while fellow international newcomer Tuimoala Lolohea (Warriors) took out Junior Player of the Year.

Counties Manukau forward Teuila Fotu-Moala, who starred for the Kiwi Ferns at the Anzac Test in May, was named Women’s Player of the Year.

2015 NZRL AWARDSAuckland, February 3, 2016

FEMALE VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR: LEANNE ANDERSON (SOUTHERN)

MALE VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR: SIMON ITULA (WELLINGTON)

GRASSROOTS CLUB OF THE YEAR: GLENFIELD RL (AKARANA)

DOMESTIC COACH OF THE YEAR: GRANT POCKLINGTON (AKARANA)

MATCH OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR: ADAM BURNS (SOUTHERN)

16S PLAYER OF THE YEAR: JOSH UTA (COUNTIES MANUKAU)

18S PLAYER OF THE YEAR: ATA HINGANO (NZ WARRIORS)

PREMIER PLAYER OF THE YEAR: RAYMOND TALIMALIE (COUNTIES MANUKAU)

JUNIOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR: TUIMOALA LOLOHEA (NZ WARRIORS)

WOMEN’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR: TEUILA FOTU-MOALA (COUNTIES MANUKAU)

KIWIS ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: JORDAN KAHU (BRISBANE BRONCOS)

KIWIS PLAYER OF THE YEAR: JESSE BROMWICH (MELBOURNE STORM)

28

29

NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE INC.

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2016

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

Directors’ report

The directors present the financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2016.

These consolidated financial statements reflect the overall state of the game controlled by the New Zealand Rugby League Inc. The seven zones have been consolidated with the society’s results.

The consolidated surplus for the year was $342,000 (2015: $32,000 deficit) and the consolidated excess of assets over liabilities was $2,030,000 (2015: $1,688,000).

Directors’ interests in transactions with the societyTotal remunerations and fees paid to directors and material transactions with parties related to directors are disclosed in note 16 to the financial statements.

AuditorsBDO Auckland were appointed auditors for the year ended March 31, 2016. 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

NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE INC.

Garry Fissenden (Chairman) Re-appointed June 2013

Ray Haffenden (Vice Chairman) Re-elected June 2013

John Bishop Appointed June 2009

Timothy Gibson Appointed June 2014

Jennifer Rolfe Re-appointed June 2015

Iva Ropati Resigned June 2015

Reon Edwards Elected June 2015

Tawera Nikau Elected June 2015

NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE BOARD MEMBERSThe following people held office as an NZRL director during the year:

DirectorDirector

30

FINANCIALS STATEMENTS

NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE REVENUE AND EXPENSE FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2016

NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS/EQUITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2016

GROUP

TOTALACCUMULATED

COMPREHENSIVE REVENUE & EXPENSES

RLWC RESERVE

$000S $000S $000S

BALANCE AS AT APRIL 1, 2014 - 1,720 1,720

Total comprehensive revenue and expenses for the year - (32) (32)

BALANCE AS AT MARCH 31, 2015 - 1,688 1,688

BALANCE AS AT 1 APRIL 1, 2015 - 1,688 1,688

Total comprehensive revenue and expenses for the year 300 42 342

BALANCE AS AT MARCH 31, 2016 300 1,730 2,030

20152016

GROUP NOTES $000S $000S

REVENUE FROM EXCHANGE TRANSACTIONS:

Coaching and development 211 195

REVENUE FROM NON-EXCHANGE TRANSACTIONS:

Match revenue 2,117 1,388

Charitable trust grants 1,392 1,211

Other grants 216 199

Sponsorship 4,211 4,841

New Zealand Racing Board 871 808Other income 146 91

9,164 8,733EXPENSES:

Employee benefits expenses 4 (4,699) (5,535)Depreciation expense 9 (70) (66)General expenses 5 (4,058) (3,169)

(8,827) (8,770)

SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) BEFORE NET FINANCING COSTS 337 (37)Finance income 23 23Finance costs (18) (18)NET FINANCE INCOME 6 5 5SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) FOR THE YEAR 342 (32)Other comprehensive revenue and expense - -TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE REVENUE AND EXPENSE FOR THE YEAR ATTRIBUTABLE TO OWNERS OF THE CONTROLLING ENTITY

342 (32)

31

NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2016

20152016

GROUPGROUPNOTES $000S $000S

ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents 7 1,161 1,318

Recoverables (non-exchange transactions) 8 704 877

Prepayments 34 135

1,899 2,330

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

Property, plant and equipment 9 1,593 1,6191,593 1,619

TOTAL ASSETS 3,492 3,949

LIABILITIES

CURRENT LIABILITIES

Loans 12 250 -Payables (from exchange transactions) and accruals

10 724 788

Deferred revenue 11 316 1,065Employee benefit liability 141 138Goods and service taxation 31 20

1,462 2,011NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

Loans 12 - 250- 250

TOTAL LIABILITIES 1,462 2,261EQUITY

Accumulated comprehensive revenue and expenses

2,030 1,688

TOTAL EQUITY 2,030 1,688TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 3,492 3,949

The above statements should be read in conjunction with the notes to and forming part of the financial statements.

32

NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2016

20152016

GROUPGROUPNOTES $000S $000S

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Proceeds from:

Coaching and development fees 356 263

Grants, sponsorship, match revenue, and the New Zealand Racing Board

8,234 8,350

Interest received 23 23

Payments to suppliers (4,020) (3,042)

Payments to employees (4,696) (5,609)

Net GST received / (paid) 11 (24)

Interest paid (18) (18)

NET CASH (OUTFLOW) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES (110) (57)

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Payments for purchase of property, plant and equipment

(47) (29)

NET CASH (OUTFLOW) FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES (47) (29)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Proceeds from draw down of loans - 250

NET CASH INFLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES - 250

Net (decrease) / increase in cash and cash equivalents

(157) 164

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 1,318 1,154

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT THE END OF YEAR 7 1,161 1,318

The above statements should be read in conjunction with the notes to and forming part of the financial statements.

33

NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE INC. NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2016

1. Reporting entityNew Zealand Rugby League Incorporated (the “Controlling Entity”) is a public benefit entity for the purposes of financial reporting in accordance with the Financial Reporting Act 2013.

These consolidated financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2016 comprise the controlling entity and its controlled entities (together referred to as the ‘Group’) and individually as ‘Group entities’.

2. Basis of preparation(a) Statement of compliance

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with New Zealand Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (“NZ GAAP”). They comply with Public Benefit Entity Accounting Standards Reduced Disclosure Regime (“PB Standards RDR”) Tier 2 not-for-profit, for which all reduced disclosure regime exemptions have been adopted. This is the Group’s first set of financial statements presented in accordance with PBE Standards RDR.

The Group qualifies as a Tier 2 reporting entity as for the current and prior period it has had between $2m and $30m operating expenditure.

These financial statements were authorised for issue by New Zealand Rugby League Board on June 9, 2016.

(b) Measurement basisThe consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis.

(c) Functional and presentation currencyThe financial statements are

presented in New Zealand dollars ($) which is the controlling entity’s functional and Group’s presentation currency, rounded to the nearest thousand.

There has been no change in the functional currency of the Group or any significant foreign operations of the Group during the year.

3. Significant accounting policiesThe accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to all periods presented in these financial statements and have been applied consistently by the Group.

The significant accounting policies of the Group are detailed below:

(a) Basis of consolidationi. Controlled entities

Controlled entities are entities controlled by the Group, being where the Group has power to govern the financial and operating policies of another entity so as to benefit from that entity’s activities. The financial statements of the Group’s controlled entities are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases.

Subsequent changes in a controlled entity that do not result in a loss of control are accounted for as transactions with controllers of the controlling entity in their capacity as controllers, within net assets/equity.

ii. Transactions eliminated on consolidation

Intra-group balances and transactions, and any unrealised income and expenses arising from intra-group transactions, are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

Unrealised losses are eliminated in the same way as unrealised gains, but only to the extent that there is no evidence of impairment.

iii. Difference in reporting periods

The controlled entities within the Group report under a December 31 reporting period. Upon consolidation, adjustments are made to consider the effects of significant transactions or events that occur between December 31 and March 31. The length of difference of these reporting periods remains consistent from period to period.

(b) Foreign currency transactionsTransactions in foreign currencies are translated to the respective functional currencies of Group entities at exchange rates at the dates of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the reporting date are retranslated to the functional currency at the exchange rate at that date. The foreign currency gain or loss on monetary items is the difference between amortised cost in the functional currency at the beginning of the year, adjusted for effective interest and payments during the year, and the amortised cost in foreign currency translated at the exchange rate at the end of the year.

Non-monetary items in a foreign currency that are measured based on historical costs are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction.

Foreign currency differences arising on retranslation are recognised in surplus or deficit.

(c) RevenueRevenue is comprised of exchange and non-exchange transactions. Exchange transaction revenue arises when one entity receives

34

assets or services, or has liabilities extinguished, and directly gives approximately equal value in exchange.

Non-exchange transaction revenue arises from transactions without an apparent exchange of approximately equal value. Non-exchange revenue includes grant, sponsorship and other revenue derived from activities that are partially funded by rates.

Revenue is recognised when the amount of revenue can be measured reliably and it is probable that economic benefits will flow to the Group, and measured at the fair value of consideration received or receivable.

The following specific recognition criteria in relation to the Group’s revenue streams must also be met before revenue is recognised.

i. Revenue from exchange transactions

Coaching and development

Coaching and development revenue consists of revenue sourced from players’ fees and levies. Revenue from these fees and levies will be recognised as the services associated are completed. Amounts received in advance for services to be provided in future periods are recognised as a liability until such time as the service is provided.

ii. Revenue from non-exchange transactions

Charitable trust grants and sponsorship

Revenue from grants and sponsorship is recognised when it becomes receivable unless there is an obligation to return the funds if conditions of the grant or sponsorship agreement is not met. If there is such an obligation, the grants are initially recorded as grants received in advance and recognised as revenue when

conditions of the contract are satisfied.

Match revenue and New Zealand Racing Board

Match revenue and New Zealand Racing Board revenue is recognised when the amount of revenue can be measured reliably and it is probable that economic benefits will flow to the Group, and measured at the fair value of consideration received or receivable.

(d) Short-term employee benefitsShort-term employee benefit liabilities are recognised when the Group has a legal or constructive obligation to remunerate employees for services provided within 12 months of the reporting date, and is measured on an undiscounted basis and expensed in the period in which employment services are provided.

(e) Finance income and finance costsFinance income comprises interest income on financial assets. Interest income is recognised as it accrues in surplus or deficit, using the effective interest method.

Finance costs comprise interest expense on financial liabilities and is recognised as it accrues in surplus and deficit, using the effective interest method.

Foreign currency gains and losses are reported on a net basis as either finance income or finance cost depending on whether the foreign currency movements are in a net gain or net loss position.

(f) Financial instrumentsThe Group initially recognises financial instruments when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

The Group derecognises a financial asset when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire, or it transfers the rights to receive the contractual cash flows in a transaction in which substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset are transferred. Any interest in transferred financial assets that is created or retained by the Group is recognised as a separate asset or liability.

The Group derecognises a financial liability when its contractual obligations are discharged, cancelled, or expire.

The Group also derecognises financial assets and financial liabilities when there has been significant changes to the terms and/or the amount of contractual payments to be received/paid.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount presented in the statement of financial position when, and only when, the Group has a legal right to offset the amounts and intends either to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

The Group classifies financial assets into loans and receivables, and financial liabilities into amortised cost.

Financial instruments are initially measured at fair value, directly attributable transaction costs.

Subsequent measurement is dependent on the classification of the financial instrument, and is specifically detailed in the accounting policies below.

i. Loans and receivables

Loans and receivables are financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market.

Loans and receivables are subsequently measured at

NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE INC. NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2016 CONT.

35

amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment losses.

Loans and receivables comprise of cash and cash equivalents, and receivables.

Cash and cash equivalents represent highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into a known amount of cash with an insignificant risk of changes in value, with maturities of three months or less.

ii. Amortised cost financial liabilities

Financial liabilities classified as amortised cost are non-derivative financial liabilities that are not classified as fair value through surplus or deficit financial liabilities.

Financial liabilities classified as amortised cost are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Financial liabilities classified as amortised cost comprise cash and cash equivalents (bank overdrafts), trade and other payables, and loans.

Trade and other payables are carried at amortised cost using effective interest method and due to their short-term nature they are not discounted.

(g) Property, plant and equipmenti. Recognition and measurement

Property, plant and equipment are initially shown at cost or at fair value in the case where an asset is acquired at no cost or for a nominal cost, less accumulated depreciation and any impairment losses. Cost includes any costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the items including the costs of bringing the asset

to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended.

ii. Additions

The cost of an item of property, plant and equipment is recognised as an asset if, and only if, it is probable that future economic benefits or service potential associated with the item will flow to the Group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably.

In most instances, an item of property, plant and equipment is recognised at its cost. Where an asset is acquired at no cost, or for a nominal cost, it is recognised at fair value as at the date of acquisition.

iii. Disposals

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount of the asset. Gains and losses on disposals are recognised in surplus or deficit.

iv. Depreciation

Property, plant and equipment depreciation is based on the cost of an asset less its residual value. For significant components of individual assets that have a useful life that is different from the remainder of those assets, those components are depreciated separately.

Depreciation is recognised in surplus or deficit on a diminishing value basis over the estimated useful lives of each component of an item of property, plant and equipment. Land is not depreciated.

The diminishing value depreciation rates are:

• Buildings 2.0% (2015: 2.0%)

• Motor vehicles 30.0% (2015: 30.0%)

• Plant and equipment 39.0% - 50.0% (2015: 39.0% – 50.0%)

• Furniture and fittings 10.0% - 20.0% (2015: 10.0% - 20.0%)

Depreciation methods, useful lives, and residual values are reviewed at reporting date and adjusted if appropriate.

(h) Leasesi. Classification and treatment

Operating leases

Operating leases are not recognised in the Group’s statement of financial position. Payments made under operating leases are recognised in surplus or deficit on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Lease incentives received are recognised as an integral part of the total lease expense, over the term of the lease.

36

4. Employee benefits expense

6. Net finance income

5. General expenses

2015

2015

2015

2016

2016

2016

GROUP GROUP$000S $000S

GROUP GROUP$000S $000S

GROUP GROUP$000S $000S

Short-term employee benefits 3,004 3,093

Defined employee contribution plan - Kiwisaver 77 73

Match fees, allowances and other employee related costs 1,618 2,369

TOTAL EMPLOYEE BENEFIT EXPENSES 4,699 5,535

Interest income – loans and receivables 23 23

Interest expense – liabilities at amortised cost (18) (18)

NET FINANCE INCOME 5 5

Administration and communication expenses 545 613

Allowance for impairment expense 9 4

Accounting and audit fees 76 70

Bad debts - 9

Coaching and development expenses 96 49

Directors fees 115 108

Event management expenses 398 420

Legal fees 141 136

Other expenses 20 24

Other professional service fees 371 184

Team expenses 350 361

Travel expenses 1,937 1,191

TOTAL GENERAL EXPENSES 4,058 3,169

37

The movement in the impairment allowance for recoverables from non-exchange transactions is presented below:

7. Cash and cash equivalents

8. Recoverables (non-exchange transactions)

2015

2015

TOTAL IMPAIRMENT

2016

2016

GROUP GROUP$000S $000S

GROUP GROUP$000S $000S

$000S

CURRENT ASSETS:

Current account 139 256

Call account 507 195

Donations account 295 296

League 4 Life (held on behalf of) 176 175

Foreign currency accounts 44 456

1,161 1,378

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

Overdraft facility - (60)

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS IN THE STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS 1,161 1,318

Recoverables (non-exchange transactions) 724 886

Allowance for impairment (20) (9)

NET RECOVERABLES FROM NON-EXCHANGE TRANSACTIONS 704 877

BALANCE AT APRIL 1, 2014 5

Charge for the year 4

BALANCE AS AT MARCH 31, 2015 9

Charge for the year 11

BALANCE AS AT MARCH 31, 2016 20

38

COST OR VALUATION

BALANCE AS AT APRIL 1, 2015 110 1,712 34 190 79 2,125

Additions - - 18 26 5 49

Disposals - - (9) (14) - (23)

BALANCE AS AT MARCH 31, 2016 110 1,712 43 202 84 2,151

ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION AND IMPAIRMENT

BALANCE AS AT APRIL 1, 2015 - 320 13 128 45 506

Depreciation - 28 11 26 5 70

Impairment - - - - - -

Disposals - - (5) (13) - (18)

BALANCE AS AT MARCH 31, 2016 - 348 19 141 50 558

NET BOOK VALUE

As at April 1, 2014 110 1,420 30 58 38 1,656

As at March 31, 2015 110 1,392 21 62 34 1,619

AS AT MARCH 31, 2016 110 1,364 24 61 34 1,593

9. Property, plant and equipment

Security held over items of property plant and equipment

At reporting date, certain land and buildings, with a carrying amount of $1,475,000 (2015: $1,502,000) are secured over the BNZ loan (see Note 12).

FREEHOLD LAND BUILDINGS MOTOR

VEHICLESPLANT &

EQUIPMENTFURNITURE & FITTINGS TOTAL

$000S $000S $000S $000S $000S $000S

10. Payables (from exchange transactions) and accruals

20152016

GROUP GROUP$000S $000S

Trade payables from exchange transactions 148 190

League 4 Life payable 176 175

Other accruals 400 423

724 788

GROUP

39

11. Deferred revenue

12. Loans

13. Financial instruments

2015

2015

CARRYING VALUE

2016

2016

GROUP GROUP$000S $000S

NON- CURRENT

LOANS & RECEIVABLES

FINANCIAL ASSETS

NON- CURRENT

TOTAL

CURRENTYEAR OF MATURITY

EFFECTIVE INTEREST

RATECURRENT

AMORTISED COST

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES

$000S

$000S

$000S

$000S

$000S $000S

$000S

Grant funding received in advance 3 25

Charitable trust donations received in advance 265 321

Other revenue received in advance 48 719

316 1,065

BNZ loan 7% - 8% 2016 250 - - 250

250 - - 250

Subsequently not measured at fair value

Cash and cash equivalents (assets) 7 1,161 1,161

Net recoverables from non-exchange transactions 8 704 704

Payables (from exchange transactions) & accruals 10 (724) (724)

Loans 12 (250) (250)

BALANCE AS AT MARCH 31, 2016 1,865 (974) 891

Subsequently not measured at fair value

Cash and cash equivalents (assets) 7 1,378 1,378

Net recoverables from non-exchange transactions 8 877 877

Cash and cash equivalents (liabilities) 7 (60) (60)

Payables (from exchange transactions) & accruals 10 (788) (788)

Loans 12 (250) (250)

BALANCE AS AT MARCH 31, 2015 2,255 (1,098) 1,157

(i) Security held

At reporting date, the BNZ loan was secured by first mortgage over certain items of property, plant and equipment (see Note 9). Post balance date the loan was repaid in full on June 3, 2016 (see Note 18).

GROUP

GROUP 2016

GROUP 2015

NOTES

40

15. Operating leases

14. Group entities

20152016

2016 2015$000S $000S

OWNERSHIP INTEREST

%%

Not later than one year 65 115

Later than one year and not later than five years 35 65

Later than five years - -

TOTAL NON-CANCELLABLE OPERATING LEASE PAYMENTS 100 180

Rugby League Northland zone of NZRL Inc. 100 100

Akarana zone of NZRL Inc. 100 100

Counties Manukau zone of NZRL Inc. 100 100

Upper Central zone of NZRL Inc. 100 100

Mid Central zone of NZRL Inc. 100 100

Wellington Rugby League zone of NZRL Inc. 100 100

Southern zone of NZRL Inc. 100 100

(i) Leases as lesseeThe future non-cancellable minimum lease payments of operating leases as lessee at reporting date are detailed in the table below:

The Group has entered into a number of material operating leases with Toyota New Zealand for the lease of motor vehicles. The leases are in the name of New Zealand Rugby League.

All controlled entities have a balance date of December 31, 2015.

There are no significant restrictions regarding to the transfer of loan repayments, and other funds from controlled entities.

A listing of the Group’s significant controlled entities is presented below:

41

Members of the governing body 115 7 people 108 6 people

Senior executive officers 368 2 FTE’s 355 2 FTE’s

483 463

16. Related party transactions

2015

2015

2016

2016

CURRENT AMOUNT

RECEIVABLE

NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS

NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS

CURRENT AMOUNT

RECEIVABLEFUNDING SUPPORT

REMUNERATIONREMUNERATION

FUNDING SUPPORT

$000S

$000S

$000S

$000S

$000S

$000S

$000S

$000S

RELATED PARTY

Rugby League Northland zone 72 2 102 3

Akarana zone 62 - 41 -

Counties-Manukau zone 39 3 29 -

Upper Central zone 63 7 105 8

Mid Central zone 82 - 111 2

Wellington zone 37 52 40 60

Southern zone 90 2 61 1

TOTAL 445 66 489 74

(i) Controlling entity and ultimate controlling entity

New Zealand Rugby League is the ultimate controlling entity.

Related party disclosures have not been made for transactions with related parties that are within a normal supplier or client/recipient relationship on terms and conditions no more or less favourable than those that it is reasonable to expect the entity would have adopted in dealing with the party at arm’s length in the same circumstances.

Related party transactions required to be disclosed

Funding Support - Zones

During the period the parent entity provided its subsidiaries with funding support, and had receivable balances outstanding, as outlined below:

(ii) Key management personnel remuneration

The Group classifies its key management personnel into one of two classes:• Members of the governing body• Senior executive officers, including the chief executive officer

Members of the governing body are paid an annual fees of $12,000 to $33,000 which is dependent on their role within the governing body. Senior executive officers are employed as employees of the Group, on normal employment terms.

The aggregate level of remuneration paid and number of persons (measured in ‘people’ for Members of the governing body, and ‘full-time-equivalents’ (FTE’s) for senior executive officers in each class of key management personnel is presented below:

42

17. Commitments and contingencies

(i) Commitments

The Group had no commitments of a capital nature as at March 31, 2016 (2015: $Nil).

(ii) Contingent liabilities

The Group had no contingent liabilities as at March 31, 2016 (2015:$Nil)

(iii) Contingent asset

The Group had no contingent assets as at March 31, 2016 (2015: $Nil).

18. Events after reporting date

(i) BNZ bank loanThe Group repaid in full the bank loan of $250,000 on June 3, 2016.

43

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

44 LIFE MEMBERS

1920 Stan Brice

1921 Duncan McLean

1926 Thomas Boswell, William Liversidge, Arthur Schofield, George Wheatley

1935 Arthur Harlock

1937 Lewis Binns, Cyril Snedden

1939 Ernest Stallworthy

1940 Wilf Davies, George Bassett

1941 Tonga Mahuta

1942 “Scotty” McClymont

1943 Lance Hunter

1946 Gordon Hooker

1947 Edward Chapman

1948 Owen Carlaw

1949 Thomas Smith, Leslie Bull

1950 Ivan Culpan, Harry Rogers

1953 Robert Doble, Jack Redwood OBE

1956 George Falgar

1957 Ernie Asher

1958 David Wilkie, William Swift

1961 John Watson, Roy Lash

1962 Dr Fred Gwynne

1963 Bill Moyle, Colin Siddle

1964 Tom Skinner KBE, Tom McKenzie

1966 “Ted” Knowling MBE

1968 George Plant

1969 Eric Bennett

1970 Dr Leo Cooney

1971 Arthur Chapman, Ray Cody MNZM, Doug Wilson

1972 Ces Mountford MBE, Ivan Stonex

1974 Archie Stuart BEM

1976 Trevor Wellsmore

1977 Keith Blow, Jack Williams

1978 Ron McGregor OBE

1980 Ken English

1981 Des Barchard

1982 Dr Brian Watson

1983 Les Huston

1984 Bill O’Callaghan JP, Tom Newton,

1985 Allen Gore*, Mel Clinton OBE,

1988 Bill Nesbitt, “Bud” Lisle* MNZM, Bill Whitehead* QSM,

1989 Bob Aynsley

1990 Jim Campbell* MNZM

1991 Bill Sorensen

1993 George Rainey

1994 “Ted” Gutberlet QSM, Tom McKeown*

2000 Crispin Easterbrook

2003 Ray Cranch* MZNM

2006 Gerald Ryan* ONZM, Don Hammond*

2007 Peter Kerridge* JP & MNZM

2008 Lory Blanchard MNZM, Bernie Wood MNZM

2009 Howie Tamati* MBE

2010 John Bray*

2012 David Robinson

2013 Ray Haffenden*, Trevor Maxwell*

2014 Mrs Cathy Friend* QSM

2015 Jack Fagan, Sel Pearson*, Brian Reidy

*current life member

44

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDS1977 Pat Bennett, Mrs Joan

English, John Lloyd, Les Pearson, George Stuart, Bill Scurr, Ray Turton

1979 Bill Grieve, Ray Cranch MNZM

1980 John Percival QSM

1981 Jim Courtney

1982 Bill Nesbitt, Bill Paki, Bert Payne, Bill Sorensen

1983 Gordon Blazey, Don Raynor

1984 “Bud” Lisle MNZM

1985 Dr Mutyala Satyanand OBE

1988 Lester Jobbitt, Bill Sewell, Eddie Todd

1989 John Haynes, Earle Pilcher

1991 John Beckwith, Mrs Joy Johansson, Mrs Lil Lawless QSM, Gus Malam, Joe Vivian

1992 Harvey Kreyl, Don Millar

1993 Mrs Esme Tamati

1994 Lory Blanchard MNZM, Peter Coll, Mrs Olivia Karu, Ross Lipscombe, Keith Roberts, Bob Tukiri MNZM, Peter Yaxley

1995 Dave Ahu

2003 Tere Tamati

2005 Des Jenkinson

2006 Mrs Cherie Steele-Shanks MNZM, Bernie Wood MNZM

2013 Mrs Sharon Bird, Richard Bolton, Bob Dragicevich, Graham Lowe ONZM & QSM, Mrs Christine Panapa, Grant Gibson, Ian Jenkins

2014 Kevin Bailey, Ray Fitiao, Dave McLeod, Sonny Rata

2015 Pat Carthy, Carey Clements EM, Gordon Gibbons, Graham Pitts

Special thanks to Carey Clements for painstakingly researching these lists. Due to the lack of records kept through the 1990s in particularly, there are still gaps … any assistance in filling these would be greatly appreciated.

45

46

NZRL StaffAlex Hayton INTERIM CHIEF EXECUTIVEKevin Bailey FOOTBALL EXPERTNadene Conlon NATIONAL OPERATIONS MANAGERJacon Cameron COMMUNITY GENERAL MANAGERBrent Gemmell HIGH PERFORMANCE GENERAL MANAGERJoe Harawira WELLBEING & EDUCATION MANAGERMarissa Holland NATIONAL PLAYGROUPS MANAGERRuth Harknett FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANTPhilippa Ivory ACTING COMMERCIAL GENERAL MANAGERGary Peachem NATIONAL COACHING MANAGERKirsty Sharp LEGACY MANAGERFrancie Stacey ADMINISTRATION MANAGERNaresh Unka ACTING CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICERLuke Watts NATIONAL REFEREE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

NZRL ZonesDuane Fyfe NORTHLAND GENERAL MANAGEREvelyn Brooker AKARANA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Kasey King COUNTIES MANUKAU GENERAL MANAGERSasho Stosic UPPER CENTRAL GENERAL MANAGERLisa Reweti MID CENTRAL GENERAL MANAGERJason Hemson WELLINGTON GENERAL MANAGERSteve Martin SOUTHERN GENERAL MANAGER

NZRL BoardGarry Fissenden – CHAIRMANRay Haffenden – VICE CHAIRMANJohn BishopReon EdwardsTim GibsonTawera NikauJennifer Rolfe

NZRL PatronSir Peter Leitch

NZRL PresidentHowie Tamati

In MemoriamVern Bakalich – KIWI #353

Sel Belsham – KIWI #367

Rex Cunningham – KIWI #291

Jimmy Edwards – KIWI #331

Ken English – KIWI #E28 & NZRL LIFE MEMBER

Jack Fagan – KIWI #401 & NZRL LIFE MEMBER

John Forrest – KIWI #306

George Menzie – KIWI #326, KIWIS COACH & LEGEND OF LEAGUE

Rex Percy – KIWI #368

Life MembersJohn BrayJim CampbellRay CranchAllen GoreCathy FriendRay HaffendenDon HammondPeter KerridgeBud LisleTrevor MaxwellTom McKeown Sel PearsonBrian ReidyGerald RyanHowie TamatiBill Whitehead

OUR PEOPLE

46

47 SPONSORS & PARTNERS

NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE THANKS ALL OUR SPONSORS AND PARTNERS FOR THEIR ONGOING SUPPORT OF THE GAME FROM THE GRASSROOTS TO THE KIWIS. WITHOUT YOUR FUNDING AND CONTRIBUTIONS, WE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO CONTINUE TO OFFER THE PROGRAMMES AND PATHWAYS WE HAVE DEVELOPED. YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE.

PRINCIPAL SPONSOR

FUNDING PARTNERS COMMUNITY SUPPORT

ASSOCIATE SPONSORS

SUPPORTING SPONSORS

EBOSS P O R TEBOSS P O R T

EBOSS P O R T

47

Rugby League House7 Beasley AvenuePenrose 1061PO Box 12 712Penrose 1642, Auckland

Phone: +64 9 525 5592Fax: +64 9 525 5596Email: admin@nzrl.co.nzWebsite: nzrl.co.nz