The 1986 New Zealand rugby league season was the 79th season of rugby league that had been played in New Zealand. The main feature of the year was the Interdistricts Series competition that was run by the New Zealand Rugby League. Auckland won the series, defeating the other three inter-district teams.

International competitions

The New Zealand national rugby league team lost a three test series to

Australia Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a Sovereign state, sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australia (continent), Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous List of islands of Australia, sma ...

. Coached by Graham Lowe, the squad was: Darrell Williams, Joe Ropati,

Dean Bell Dean Bell, also known by the nicknames of "Mean Dean", and "Deano", is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer, and coach. A New Zealand international representative centre, he played his club football in England, Australia a ...

James Leuluai A'au James Leuluai (born 4 February 1957) is a New Zealand former international rugby league . Background He is the father of former Widnes Vikings player Macgraff Leuluai and Wigan Warriors and New Zealand international Thomas Leuluai, and th ...

Dane O'Hara Dane Bradford Mark O'Hara is a New Zealand former rugby league footballer who represented New Zealand. At the time of his retirement he held the record for most international matches for New Zealand. Early years O'Hara attended St. Paul's Colle ...

Olsen Filipaina Olsen Orekewa Filipaina (23 April 1957 – 10 February 2022) was a professional rugby league footballer who represented both New Zealand and Western Samoa. He played for the Balmain Tigers, Eastern Suburbs, and North Sydney Bears during his New ...

, Shane Cooper, Owen Wright, Wayne Wallace,

Kurt Sorensen Kurt John Sorensen (born 8 November 1956) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. Background He is the brother of fellow Kiwi international, Dane Sorensen, and the nephew of anothe ...

, Mark Graham,

Hugh McGahan Hugh Joseph McGahanMcGAHAN, Hugh Joseph 1982 - 90 - Kiwi #566

, Gary Prohm, Mark Elia,

Ron O'Regan Ronald Phillip O'Regan is a New Zealand former rugby league footballer, and coach who represented New Zealand between 1983 and 1986. His nephew, Daniel, played for the New Zealand Warriors. Playing career As a young boy he idolised players such ...

, Gary Kemble, Gary Freeman, Barry Harvey and

Brent Todd Brent Trevor Todd (born 5 December 1964) is a New Zealand former professional sportsman who has represented New Zealand at both rugby league football and water polo. His rugby league position was prop forward. Early years Todd played in the Ne ...

. Peter Brown,

Tea Ropati Tea Faa'tea Ropati (born 7 September 1964) is a former professional rugby league footballer who represented New Zealand and Western Samoa. Background Ropati was born in Auckland, New Zealand. Ropati is a member of the large Ropati rugby leagu ...

Marty Crequer Martin (Marty) Paul Crequer (born 28 June 1965) is a New Zealand former rugby league footballer who represented New Zealand. Playing career A Hornby junior in the Canterbury competition, Crequer was a Schoolboy Kiwi in 1979 and a Junior Kiwi ...

Dean Lonergan Dean Robert "Locust" Lonergan is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer, and current events promoter. He was the promoter of Jeff "The Hornet" Horn who won the WBO Welterweight World Championship against Manny Pacquiao in ...

, Adrian Shelford, Sam Stewart,

James Goulding James Wayne Goulding is a New Zealand former rugby league footballer who represented New Zealand five times. Playing career A Richmond Bulldogs player in the Auckland Rugby League competition, Goulding won the '' Bert Humphries Memorial Medal ...

Glenn Donaldson Glenn David Donaldson is an American musician most notable for his band The Reds, Pinks and Purples. The band's fourth release, ''Summer at Land's End'', was Bandcamp's album of the day on January 28, 2022. Early life Donaldson was raised in ...

and

Gary Mercer Gary Ivan Mercer (born 22 June 1966) is a New Zealand rugby league and rugby union coach and former professional rugby league footballer. A New Zealand international representative player, he has spent most of his career in Britain both playing ...

also played for the Kiwis in New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. New Zealand lost to Australia 8-22, 12-29 and 12–32. In the tour games the Kiwis defeated Newcastle 22–17, Riverina 14–16, Wide Bay 32-7 and

North Queensland North Queensland or the Northern Region is the northern part of the Australian state of Queensland that lies just south of Far North Queensland. Queensland is a massive state, larger than many countries, and its tropical northern part has been ...

46–6. In Papua New Guinea they defeated Island Zone 26–6, lost to Southern Zone 20-26 and then won the first Test against Papua New Guinea 36–26. They then lost the second Test match 22–24, a match which counted towards the 1988 World Cup. Lowe resigned in August and Tony Gordon was appointed coach in September.

Howie Tamati Howard Kevin Tamati (born 3 January 1953), generally known as Howie Tamati, is a New Zealand politician and former professional rugby league footballer and coach who played for New Zealand. He is the cousin of fellow international Kevin Tamati. ...

captained the New Zealand Universities side in the first World University Cup. The New Zealand side defeated Australia 14–10 in the final to win the trophy. The side also included John, Peter,

Iva Iva or IVA may refer to: Organizations * Independent Voters Association, a North Dakota U.S. political organization * Informationsvidenskabelige Akademi, a Danish university * Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences, (Swedish: ''Kungliga Ing ...

and

. The New Zealand Māori side competed in the Pacific Cup, winning the tournament by defeating Western Samoa 23 – 6 in the final. Coached by Richard Bolton, the squad included

, Dave Watson, Adrian Shelford, Mark Woods, Anthony Murray, captain Sam Stewart, Mark Horo, Tawera Nikau and

Mike Kuiti Michael James Kuiti (born 18 March 1963 in Foxton, New Zealand) is a New Zealand rugby league player who played professionally in England and represented New Zealand, including in test matches that counted towards the 1992 World Cup. Currently ...

Hugh McGahan Hugh Joseph McGahanMcGAHAN, Hugh Joseph 1982 - 90 - Kiwi #566

, Owen Wright, Tracey McGregor, Andrew Vincent and

Brendon Tuuta Brendon Ephia Tuuta (born 29 April 1965) is a New Zealand former rugby league footballer of Māori (Ngāti Mutunga) and Moriori descent. Tuuta played a variety of positions including and . He was known as "the baby-faced assassin" and had a r ...

all pulled out of the side due to injury or professional club commitments. The Māori side played a warm up game before the competition began, defeating Waikato 52–32. It was the first time in over two decades that the Māori side was comprised completely of Māori players, as the side had previously also picked Polynesian players. Mercer, Ramsay, Shelford, Stewart and Greene were named in the team of the tournament.

Bob Bailey Bob Bailey may refer to: *Bob Bailey (actor) (1913–1983), American radio actor *Bob Bailey (baseball) (1942–2018), American third baseman in Major League Baseball *Bob Bailey (ice hockey) (1931–2003), Canadian ice hockey right winger *Bob Bai ...

coached the Junior Kiwis. The side twice thrashed the Papua New Guinea juniors, 52-6 and 56–4. The team included Kevin Iro,

Paul Okesene Paul Okesene () (14 November 1967 – 15 September 2012) was a Samoan rugby league footballer who represented both Western Samoa and American Samoa. Background His brother, Hitro, also played international rugby league. Playing career A Manuka ...

, Dean Clarke,

Robert Piva Robert Piva (born 4 November 1966) is a former New Zealand international rugby league footballer who played in the 1980s and 1990s. A forward, Piva played for Wakefield Trinity and was a foundation player for the North Queensland Cowboys. Pla ...

, Tony Kemp, and Tawera Nikau.''1986 Lion Red Rugby League Annual'', New Zealand Rugby Football League, 1986. p. 146

Hugh McGahan Hugh Joseph McGahanMcGAHAN, Hugh Joseph 1982 - 90 - Kiwi #566

won the New Zealand Rugby League's Player of the Year award.''1986 Lion Red Rugby League Annual'', New Zealand Rugby Football League, 1986. p. 4 George Rainey was elected NZRL Chairman, replacing Ron McGregor.Coffey, John and Bernie Wood ''Auckland, 100 years of rugby league, 1909–2009'', 2009. .

National competitions

Rugby League Cup

Canterbury lost the

Rugby League Cup The Rugby League Cup is a New Zealand rugby league trophy that is contested between districts on a challenge basis. The trophy used to be known as the Northern Union Challenge Cup. It is the oldest rugby league competition in New Zealand. Histo ...

to Auckland 16–14 on

Queen's Birthday The King's Official Birthday (alternatively the Queen's Official Birthday when the monarch is female) is the selected day in the United Kingdom and most Commonwealth realms on which the birthday of the monarch is officially celebrated in those ...

. 6,500 watched the match in bad weather at the Addington Showgrounds.Canterbury had earlier defeated Waikato 48-14 and Wellington 30–9. Near the end of the season Auckland defended the cup against Canterbury, defeating them 22–8.''1986 Lion Red Rugby League Annual'', New Zealand Rugby Football League, 1986. p. 90

Interdistricts Series

The Travelseekers Interdistricts Series included Auckland, Northern Districts, Central Districts and the

South Island The South Island, also officially named , is the larger of the two major islands of New Zealand in surface area, the other being the smaller but more populous North Island. It is bordered to the north by Cook Strait, to the west by the Tasman ...

. Auckland defeated the South Island 38–8 at Carlaw Park. * Auckland were coached by

and included George Mann, Shane Horo, Darrell Williams,

Joe Joe or JOE may refer to: Arts Film and television * ''Joe'' (1970 film), starring Peter Boyle * ''Joe'' (2013 film), starring Nicolas Cage * ''Joe'' (TV series), a British TV series airing from 1966 to 1971 * ''Joe'', a 2002 Canadian animated ...

and

, Mark Elia, Shane Cooper, Gary Freeman, Peter Brown, Owen Wright,

Mark Bourneville Mark Trevor "Horse" Bourneville (born 30 June 1963) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer. He represented both New Zealand and France in international rugby league and is the only dual-international the two countries share. ...

, captain

, Paddy Tuimavave, George Mann,

Kelly Shelford Kelly Shelford (born 4 May 1966) is a New Zealand rugby league player who represented New Zealand, including in Test matches that counted towards the 1992 World Cup. Playing career Shelford was a Manukau Magpies junior and played for the club ...

and

. David Watson, Peter Ropati, Mark Horo,

Sam Panapa Samuel Lameko Panapa is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1980s and 1990s. He represented three countries in his career: Tokelau, New Zealand and Western Samoa. Panapa played his club football in Aucklan ...

and Brian McClennan all played for Auckland in the district final against Canterbury. * Northern Districts were coached by Tony Gordon and included

, Russell Stewart, Mark Woods and Glen Donaldson * Central Districts included

, Barry Harvey, Adrian Shelford, Sam Stewart and

George Lajpold George Turirua Lajpold is a New Zealand former rugby league footballer who represented New Zealand. Playing career Lajpold played for the Randwick Kingfishers club in the Wellington Rugby League competition and represented Wellington.''1984 Autex ...

. * The South Island were coached by Ray Heffenden and included

Phil Bancroft Philip William Bancroft is a New Zealand rugby league player who represented New Zealand in two Test matches in 1989. Playing career A Canterbury and South Island representative in the 1980s,''1986 Lion Red Rugby League Annual'', New Zealand Rug ...

, Esene Faimalo,

Ross Taylor Luteru Ross Poutoa Lote Taylor (born 8 March 1984) is a former international cricketer and former captain of the New Zealand national team. Batting predominantly at number four, when he announced his retirement from international cricket at ...

, captain Wayne Wallace,

and Wayne Dwyer.

Seasons Standings

National Provincial Competition

Canterbury defeated Bay of Plenty 16–0 to win the National Provincial Competition. They then played Auckland in a challenge match. Auckland won 22–8.

North Island First Division

* Northland achieved its first ever win in New Plymouth when it defeated Taranaki 10–9.''1986 Lion Red Rugby League Annual'', New Zealand Rugby Football League, 1986. p. 97 * Waikato were coached by Laurie Stubbing and included Tawera Nikau and Steve Rapira senior who both played for the Junior Kiwis. * The Bay of Plenty were coached by Tony Gordon and included

, Mark Woods, Russell Stewart and

. * Barry Harvey played for Taranaki. Taranaki defeated Midlands 32–18 to retain their place in the first division.

South Zone First Division

* Wellington were coached by

and included Tony Kemp,

Sonny Whakarau Sonny Whakarau (born 13 January 1966) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who played professionally in England and represented the New Zealand Māori. Playing career A Manawatu representative, Whakarau moved south in 1 ...

, Adrian Shelford,

and Sam Stewart. Kemp, Whakarau and Shelford had all moved into the province that season * Canterbury were coached by

Ray Haffenden Ray Kenway Haffenden is a New Zealand rugby league administrator and former player and coach who served as the New Zealand Rugby League's chairman. He currently serves as the NZRL vice-chairman. Playing career Haffenden played for the Linwood ...

and included Wayne Wallace, Barry Edkins,

, Esene Faimalo (at only 19),

and

.Coffey, John. ''Canterbury XIII'', Christchurch, 1987. * The

West Coast West Coast or west coast may refer to: Geography Australia * Western Australia *Regions of South Australia#Weather forecasting, West Coast of South Australia * West Coast, Tasmania **West Coast Range, mountain range in the region Canada * Britis ...

were coached by

Tony Coll Anthony Peter Coll ( – 14 May 2020) was a New Zealand professional rugby league footballer and coach who represented New Zealand in three World Cups. Early life and family Coll grew up on the West Coast. He was the son of Peter Coll—a West ...

and included Glen Gibb and Wayne Dwyer.

Second Division

* Manawatu included

Dick Uluave Stephen Jeffery "Dick" UluaveUluave, Stephen Jeffery (Dick) 1979 ...

and Peter Sixtus.

National Club Competition

The national club competition, called the

Lion Red Lion Red is a New Zealand lager beer brewed by Lion Breweries in Auckland, part of Lion. The beer is 4.0% alcohol. Because of its relatively low alcohol content it is widely regarded as an excellent 'session' beer, that is, a beer that can be co ...

League Nationals for sponsorship reasons, was won by the Te Atatu Roosters who defeated the Mount Albert Lions 36–10 in the final. The final was held at Carlaw Park.''1986 Lion Red Rugby League Annual'', New Zealand Rugby Football League, 1986. p. 88 In a qualifying match, Cooks (Invercargill) defeated St Kilda (Otago) 42–28.

Club competitions

Auckland

The Mount Albert Lions and Te Atatu Roosters dominated the club scene. Mt Albert defeated Te Atatu 31–4 in the final to give the Lions their third straight Fox Memorial.''1986 Lion Red Rugby League Annual'', New Zealand Rugby Football League, 1986. p. 101 The

Manukau Magpies The Manukau Magpies are a rugby league football club based in Mangere, a suburb of Auckland in New Zealand, who compete in the Auckland Rugby League. The club was established in March 1912 after a meeting in Onehunga (where they were originally ...

won the Roope Rooster and the Stormont Shield. Te Atatu won the Rukutai Shield. The Mount Albert Lions were coached by

Mike McClennan Michael James McClennan (26 January 1944 – October 2019) was a New Zealand rugby league footballer and coach who played for the New Zealand national team And Michael was also known as one of the top Rugby League Coaches and Mentors of his decad ...

and included

Riki Cowan Areariki Arthur Cowan "Riki" Cowan (born 28 December 1963) is a New Zealand rugby league footballer who represented New Zealand and the Cook Islands. Playing career Cowan represented Auckland and the New Zealand Māori side before being select ...

, Shane Cooper, Brian McClennan, Paddy Tuimavave,

and Dominic Clark while the Te Atatu Roosters were coached by

Brian Tracey Brian Tracey is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who represented New Zealand in the 1972 World Cup. Playing career Tracey played for the Ponsonby club in the Auckland Rugby League competition.Coffey, John and Bernie Wo ...

and included Shane and Mark Horo, Peter Brown, Mark Elia,

and

. The Northcote Tigers were coached by

John O'Sullivan John O'Sullivan may refer to: Sports *John O'Sullivan (cricketer) (1918–1991), New Zealand cricketer *John O'Sullivan (cyclist) (born 1933), Australian cyclist *John O'Sullivan (footballer) (born 1993), Irish footballer for Accrington Stanley *J ...

and included Gary Freeman,

and

and the

included

, Mike Patton,

Owen Owen may refer to: Origin: The name Owen is of Irish and Welsh origin. Its meanings range from noble, youthful, and well-born. Gender: Owen is historically the masculine form of the name. Popular feminine variations include Eowyn and Owena. ...

and Nick Wright and David Watson. The Otahuhu Leopards included

and David Pakieto and the

Mangere East Hawks The Mangere East Hawks are a rugby league based in Mangere, New Zealand. The Hawks compete in Auckland Rugby League's Fox Memorial competition. History The club was formed in 1963, the first fourteen junior teams took the field in 1964.''The Haw ...

included George Mann.

Wellington

The Upper Hutt Tigers defeated the Randwick Kingfishers 18–16 in the 18th minute of extra time to win the

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

grand final. Randwick included Sam Stewart,

and Tony Kemp while Adrian Shelford,

and

played for Upper Hutt.

played for St. George.''1986 Lion Red Rugby League Annual'', New Zealand Rugby Football League, 1986. p. 128

Canterbury

Hornby, for the third consecutive year, played Halswell in the grand final. Hornby won 20–5. Esene Faimalo played for Addington.

Mocky Brereton Maurice "Mocky" Patrick Brereton is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who represented New Zealand in the 1970 and 1972 World Cups and one match in the 1975 World Championship Series. Playing career Brereton was origin ...

was the club President of Marist-Western Suburbs. Hornby included

and Wayne Wallace.''1986 Lion Red Rugby League Annual'', New Zealand Rugby Football League, 1986. p. 133

Mark Broadhurst Mark Broadhurst (20 June 1974 in Barnsley, Yorkshire, England) is a former English right arm fast bowler and right-handed batsman, who played for Yorkshire from 1991 to 1994. He also appeared for Nottinghamshire in 1996. Broadhurst took pa ...

coached Papanui. Hornby defeated Runanga 40–20 at the Addington Show Grounds to retain the Thacker Shield.

Aranui High School Aranui High School was a large secondary school for years 9–13, in Christchurch, New Zealand. Aranui high school took its name from the suburb of Aranui, meaning 'big pathway' in Māori. Aranui High School was a coeducational alternative to oth ...

won the inaugural The Press cup.

Other Competitions

Portland won the Northland Rugby League grand final, defeating Moerewa 28–20. The Te Paatu Warriors won the Far North division. Portland then defeated Te Paatu 50–6 to advance into the National Club Competition. Huntly South defeated Taniwharau 20–11 to win the

Waikato Rugby League Waikato Rugby League is the local sporting body responsible for the administration of rugby league in the Waikato region of New Zealand. The WRL are represented by the Waikato rugby league team. They are currently part of the Upper Central Zone alo ...

grand final. Tapuwaeharuru won the Midlands final, defeating Pacific 18–8. Pikiao, who included

defeated the

Ngongotaha Chiefs The Ngongotaha Chiefs are a New Zealand rugby league club. They are from Ngongotahā in the Bay of Plenty. In 2000 and 2001 they competed in the Bartercard Cup but now they compete in the Bay of Plenty Rugby League competition. Notable players ...

18–12 in the Bay of Plenty Rugby League grand final. The Chiefs included Mark Woods and Russell Stewart. Kaiti won the Gisborne-East Coast final over Paikea. Omahu won the

Hawke's Bay Rugby League Rugby League Hawkes Bay is the local sporting body responsible for the administration of rugby league in the Hawke's Bay region of New Zealand. The RLHB run the local club competition and are responsible for the Hawke's Bay rugby league team. Th ...

grand final, defeating Flaxmere 24–14. The Waitara Bears defeated Marist 46–0 to win the Taranaki Rugby League title. Foxton won the

Manawatu Rugby League Manawatu Rugby League was formed in 1957. They are currently part of the Mid-Central zone along with Taranaki Rugby League. Kiwi Players Only one player from Manawatu has ever made the New Zealand national rugby league team. This was Kiwi number ...

grand final, defeating Wanganui United 32–13. Runanga won their eight consecutive West Coast Rugby League title, defeating Marist 50–22 in the grand final at

Wingham Park Wingham Park is a rugby league stadium in Greymouth, New Zealand. The ground is owned by the West Coast Rugby League. History Wingham Park is the home of rugby league on the West Coast and hosts the West Coast Rugby League grand final each year. ...

. Runanga included Glen Gibb and Bernie Green. St Kilda won the Otago final 22–18 over Mosgiel.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:1986 New Zealand Rugby League Season New Zealand rugby league seasons Rugby league season