The 1996 New Zealand rugby league season was the 89th season of

rugby league Rugby league football, commonly known as just rugby league and sometimes football, footy, rugby or league, is a full-contact sport played by two teams of thirteen players on a rectangular field measuring 68 metres (75 yards) wide and 112 ...

that had been played in New Zealand. The main feature of the year was the final season of the

Lion Red Cup The Lion Red Cup was a New Zealand domestic rugby league competition that ran from 1994 to 1996 sponsored by brewers Lion Nathan. It was created due to the increase in public awareness of domestic rugby league due to the Auckland Warriors being a ...

competition that was run by the

New Zealand Rugby League The New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) is the governing body for the sport of rugby league football in New Zealand. SPARC, 2009: 13 The NZRL was founded on 25 April 1910 in preparation for a tour of Great Britain that same year.Coffey and Wood ''T ...

. The Counties Manukau Heroes won the Cup by defeating the

Waitakere City Raiders The Waitakere City Raiders were a New Zealand rugby league club that represented Waitakere City in the Lion Red Cup from 1994 to 1996. Notable players Notable players included;Rick Andrew Anthony Edwards, Boycie Nelson, David Bailey, Ben Ly ...

34–22 in the Grand Final. With the outbreak of the

Super League war The Super League war was a commercial competition between the Australian Rugby League (ARL) and the Australian Super League to establish pre-eminence in professional rugby league competition in Australia and New Zealand in the mid-1990s. Super ...

the

sided with the Super League organisation.

International competitions

The

New Zealand national rugby league team The New Zealand national rugby league team ( Māori: Tīma rīki motu Aotearoa) has represented New Zealand in rugby league since 1907. Administered by the New Zealand Rugby League, they are commonly known as the Kiwis, after the native bird of ...

hosted both

Papua New Guinea Papua New Guinea (abbreviated PNG; , ; tpi, Papua Niugini; ho, Papua Niu Gini), officially the Independent State of Papua New Guinea ( tpi, Independen Stet bilong Papua Niugini; ho, Independen Stet bilong Papua Niu Gini), is a country i ...

and

Great Britain Great Britain is an island in the North Atlantic Ocean off the northwest coast of continental Europe. With an area of , it is the largest of the British Isles, the largest European island and the ninth-largest island in the world. It is ...

in 1996, winning all five matches. New Zealand were coached by

Frank Endacott Frank Morris Endacott , also known by the nickname of "Happy Frank", is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer, and coach. Background His son, Shane, also played rugby league. Playing career Endacott played for Addington an ...

and included;

Richie Barnett Richie Barnett (born 21 April 1971) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1990s and 2000s. A New Zealand international representative , he also captained the side during his career, during which he pla ...

Richard Blackmore Sir Richard Blackmore (22 January 1654 – 9 October 1729), English poet and physician, is remembered primarily as the object of satire and as an epic poet, but he was also a respected medical doctor and theologian. Earlier years He was born ...

, Marc Ellis, Syd Eru,

Sean Hoppe Sean, also spelled Seán or Séan in Irish English, is a male given name of Irish origin. It comes from the Irish versions of the Biblical Hebrew name ''Yohanan'' (), Seán (anglicized as ''Shaun/ Shawn/ Shon'') and Séan (Ulster variant; angli ...

Mark Horo Mark Gregory Horo (born 27 March 1963) is a New Zealand rugby league coach and former footballer who played in the 1980s and 1990s. A New Zealand international representative, he played club football in New Zealand for Te Atatu and in Australia ...

Tony Iro Tony Roy Iro (born 30 May 1967) is a professional rugby league coach who is the head coach of the Cook Islands national rugby league team and a former professional rugby league footballer. He is a former New Zealand international representativ ...

Stacey Jones Stacey William Jones (born 7 May 1976) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer, who has been named amongst the greatest New Zealand has ever produced. He played as a , but he has also briefly played at during his disting ...

, Stephen Kearney,

Gene Ngamu Gene Robert Ngamu (born 27 January 1974) is a New Zealand former rugby league footballer. He played mainly as a or , and is probably best known for his combination with Stacey Jones at the Auckland Warriors and the Kiwis. Early years Ngamu s ...

Quentin Pongia Quentin Lee Pongia (9 July 1970 – 18 May 2019) was a New Zealand rugby league footballer who represented New Zealand in the 1990s and 2000s. Background He was the grandson of fellow Kiwi international Jim Calder. His sister Megan Tahapeehi ...

, captain

Matthew Ridge Matthew John Ridge (born 27 August 1968) is a New Zealand television presenter, and a former rugby union and rugby league footballer. A fullback in both codes, Ridge played rugby union for Auckland and became an All Black, but never won an in ...

Tyran Smith Tyran Carl Smith (born 15 March 1974) is a New Zealand former rugby league footballer who played in the 1990s and 2000s. He along with Darrien Doherty and Blake Green are the only three players in the game's history to date to have the distin ...

, Logan and Anthony Swann, John Timu,

Joe Vagana Joseph Sonny Vagana (born 21 January 1975), also known by the nickname of "Big Joe", is a former professional rugby league footballer who played as a Prop forward in the 1990s and 2000s. During his career Vagana played for the Auckland Warriors, ...

Ruben Wiki Ruben James Wiki (born 21 January 1973) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1990s and 2000s. A New Zealand international representative centre-turned-prop forward, he retired with the record for most ...

and Grant Young. Marc Ellis became the countries 36th

dual-code rugby international A dual-code rugby international is a rugby footballer who has played at the senior international level in both codes of rugby, 13-a-side rugby league and 15-a-side rugby union. Rugby league started as a breakaway version of rugby in Northern Eng ...

.''Lion Red Rugby League Annual '96'',

New Zealand Rugby Football League The New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) is the governing body for the sport of rugby league football in New Zealand. SPARC, 2009: 13 The NZRL was founded on 25 April 1910 in preparation for a tour of Great Britain that same year.Coffey and Wood ''T ...

, 1996. p.51 PNG toured first and were defeated 62-8 in Rotorua and 64-0 in Manawatu. They also lost tour matches to the Lion Red Cup XIII, 22-24, and New Zealand Māori side, 14-40. Great Britain then arrived for a three match series. They were defeated 17-12 at Ericsson Stadium, 18-15 in Manawatu and 32-12 at

Lancaster Park Lancaster Park, also known as Jade Stadium and AMI Stadium for sponsorship reasons, was a sports stadium in Waltham, a suburb of Christchurch in New Zealand. The stadium was closed permanently due to damage sustained in the February 2011 eart ...

in Christchurch. Great Britain drew with the Lion Red Cup XIII but lost to the New Zealand XIII and the New Zealand Māori sides. The Lion Red Cup XIII also played both sides and embarrassed the Great Britain Lions when they held them to a 22-all draw at

Carlaw Park Carlaw Park was a multi-purpose stadium in Parnell, a central suburb of Auckland, New Zealand. It neighboured the Auckland Domain's Northern end. It was primarily used for rugby league and had a peak spectator capacity of around 28,000 in the 1 ...

. The team was coached by

Graeme Norton Graeme Norton is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer and coach (sport), coach. He became coach of the New Zealand national rugby league team in 1997. Initial career After a playing career with the Northcote Tigers, Norton ...

and included

Boycie Nelson Boycie Nelson is a New Zealand coach who is the assistant coach of the New Zealand Warriors Holden Cup team and former rugby league former footballer who played as a goal-kicking . Playing career New Zealand Nelson grew up playing rugby league ...

, Tama Hohaia, Marlon Gardiner, Richard Stewart, David Bailey, captain Tukere Barlow,

Ben Lythe Ben Lythe (born 14 October 1975 in New Zealand) is a former professional rugby league footballer. His position of preference was at Halfback. He was also a noted goalkicker. Early years Hailing from West Auckland, Lythe played for the Mt Albe ...

, Don Stewart, Leamy Tato, Anthony Edwards, Gareth Adams, Jonathan Hughes, Corrie Jamieson, Cheaf Lee Fakavamoeanga, Vilai Kelemete, Vai Afoa and Gus Malietoa-Brown. Another New Zealand combination containing Warriors reserves players then managed to defeat Great Britain 30-22 at Fraser Park. The team was: David Murray,

Iva Ropati Iva Lewis Ropati is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1980s and 1990s, and high school principal. He played at representative level for New Zealand, Auckland and Taranaki, and at club level for the Ota ...

, Anthony Swann,

Whetu Taewa Whetu Taewa (born 19 October 1970) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who represented New Zealand six times between 1989 and 1996. Playing career New Zealand Whetu was born on the West Coast, New Zealand and started p ...

, Richard Stewart;

Shane Endacott Shane Endacott (born ) is a New Zealand rugby league coach and former player. His position of preference was Five Eighth; however, he was also often used at lock, hooker or in the centres. He is the son of New Zealand national rugby league team ...

, Aaron Whittaker,

Brady Malam Brady Malam (born 14 March 1973) is a New Zealand former rugby league footballer. His preferred position was at . Early years A junior from the Glenora club, Malam played for Auckland at before bulking up and moving to in his late teens. He ...

Denvour Johnston Denvour Francis Johnston is a New Zealand rugby league footballer who represented New Zealand in 1993. Playing career Johnston played for the Randwick Kingfishers club in the Wellington Rugby League competition. He represented the Cook Islands a ...

Hitro Okesene John Haitrosene "Hitro" Okesene () (born 22 September 1970), also known by the nickname of "Nitro",Coffey and Wood ''The Kiwis: 100 Years of International Rugby League'' is a former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1990s ...

Tony Tatupu Kuripitone "Tony" Tatupu is a former professional rugby league footballer. He played as a and in the and represented both New Zealand and Western Samoa. Tatupu is the uncle of the rugby league footballer; Matthew Wright. Playing career Tatup ...

, Bryan Henare,

Logan Swann Logan Swann (born 10 February 1975) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who represented New Zealand. Swann is related to several other international rugby league players, notably cousins Willie Swann and Anthony Swann ...

. Subs: Meti Noovao,

Mark Faumuina Mark Faumuina (born 2 October 1971) is a former Western Samoa international rugby league footballer. Playing career An Otahuhu Leopards junior, Faumuina represented Auckland, playing for the Under 17's in 1987 and the under 18's in 1991. In 199 ...

Jerry Seuseu Jerry Seuseu (born 19 April 1974) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1990s and 2000s, as a . He represented New Zealand and Samoa at international level. After retirement he became Wellbeing and Educa ...

, Darryn Avery. Tukere Barlow captained the Lion Red Cup XIII against Papua New Guinea. The New Zealand Māori rugby league team was involved in the 1996 Pacific Challenge, a replacement for the postponed

Oceania Cup The Oceania Cup is an international men's field hockey competition organised by Oceania Hockey Federation (OHF). It is held every two years to determine which teams will receive an automatic berth to the Men's FIH Hockey World Cup and Summer Olymp ...

. New Zealand Māori won both their matches, defeating Tonga 28-18 and Western Samoa 39-16. The Māori side included Frank Watene,

Paul Rauhihi Paul Rauhihi (born 3 July 1973) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who represented New Zealand. Rauhihi played in both the National Rugby League and Super League as a . Background Rauhihi was born in Porirua, New Zeal ...

and

Matthew Sturm Matthew Sturm (born 13 December 1972) is a former professional rugby league footballer who played in New Zealand and in the Super League. Since 2007 he has been part of the Mount Albert Lions, as a player till 2012 and now part of the coaching s ...

Doc Murray David "Doc" Murray (born 10 August 1972) is a New Zealand rugby league coach and former player. His position of preference was as a . New Zealand career Murray started his rugby league career playing for the Ellerslie Eagles club in the Auckl ...

Gavin Hill Gavin Lyle Hill (born 11 December 1965) is a New Zealand former rugby union and rugby league footballer who played in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, and coached rugby union the 2000s. He resided in Wellington for 10-years before moving back to A ...

, Sonny Whakarau, and

Tawera Nikau Tawera Nuieia Nikau (born 1 January 1967) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1990s and 2000s. A New Zealand national rugby league team, New Zealand international representative forward, he played club ...

were all added to the squad for the match against Papua New Guinea, which the Māori won 40-14. The Māori team then finished an undefeated season by upsetting Great Britain 40-28. The New Zealand Māori side was:

; John Farrar, Ricky Henry,

, Jason Walker; Jamie Stevens, Paul Howell;

, Tukere Barlow,

, David Pearce,

(capt). Substitutes: Neville Ramsay, Marlon Gardiner, George Milner, Sonny Whakarau. Coach:

Cameron Bell Cameron Bell (born 18 September 1986) is a Scottish football coach and former player. Bell played as a goalkeeper for several Scottish clubs and once for the Scotland national team. Bell began his senior career with Kilmarnock and, after loa ...

coached the New Zealand Nines team that competed in the Super League Nines tournament in Fiji. The side won the title, New Zealand's first world trophy.''Lion Red Rugby League Annual '96'',

, 1996. p.48 The squad consisted of captain

, John Kirwan, Stephen Kearney,

Nigel Vagana Nigel Faletoese Vagana (born 7 February 1975), also known by the nicknames of "Pablo", and "Chiko", is a former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1990s and 2000s, as a and . A New Zealand and Samoa international represen ...

, Mark Carter,

Henry Paul Henry Paul (born 10 February 1974), also known by the nickname of "HP", is a former dual-code international rugby league and rugby union footballer. Paul represented New Zealand in rugby league and England in rugby union and rugby sevens. He ...

and

Latham Tawhai Latham Tawhai (born 23 August 1972) is a rugby league coach and former player from New Zealand. He has also represented his country in softball. Playing career A Northcote Tigers junior, Tawhai played in the Auckland Rugby League competition be ...

. The New Zealand University side competed in the Student World Cup and finished third behind Samoa and Australia.International Competition 1996
''The Vault'' The

Junior Kiwis The Junior Kiwis side represents New Zealand in the sport of rugby league. They are commonly known as the Junior Kiwis, after the native bird of that name. Since 2010, they are an under-20s side, with players selected from the NRL, Intrust Super ...

played five matches as curtain raisers to the five test matches. They won all five matches. Coached by Lex Clarke and managed by

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 ...

, the Junior Kiwis included

Joe Galuvao Joe Galuvao (born 8 July 1978) is a former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1990s, 2000s and 2010s in the NRL. A Samoa and New Zealand international second row forward, he played for the Auckland Warriors, Parramatta Eel ...

Lesley Vainikolo Lesley Paea 'I'muli Vainikolo (born 4 May 1979) is a former professional rugby league and rugby union footballer. A dual code international, he has played for the New Zealand Kiwis in rugby league and England in rugby union. He began his caree ...

, David Kidwell, Hare Te Rangi, Robert Henare, Frank Watene, Matthew Rua,

Monty Betham La’auli Montgomery Junior "Monty" Betham (born 12 March 1978) is a professional boxer, and former professional rugby league footballer. A New Zealand international representative and , he played club football for the New Zealand Warriors i ...

Kylie Leuluai Kylie Leuluai (born 29 March 1978) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer. A New Zealand Māori and Samoa international representative , he most notably played at club level for the Leeds Rhinos in the Super League. He ...

and

Phillip Leuluai Phillip Leuluai (born 16 July 1977) is a former Samoa international rugby league footballer who played as a or occasional for the Salford City Reds in the Super League. Background Leuluai in Greenlane, Auckland, New Zealand. He is of Samoa ...

. A New Zealand under-18 team coached by Trevor McLeod bet Fiji under 18s in a two match series. The squad included

, captain David Solomona, Odell Manuel and Kyle Leuluai. A New Zealand under-16 team played a three match series in Australia, winning all three. The team was coached by Jeff Whittaker and included

David Vaealiki David Ioane Vaealiki () (born 13 November 1980) is a New Zealand former rugby league and rugby union footballer who most recently played for SC Albi. He has represented New Zealand in rugby league and previously played in the National Rugby Le ...

, Mark Leafa, Wairangi Koopu and David Fa'alogo.

won the

's player of the year award.

National competitions

Inter Zone Challenge

A North Zone, representing the Waitakere City, Counties Makukau, North Harbour, Waikato and the Bay of Plenty franchises played a three match series against South Zone, representing the Taranaki Rockets, Manawatu Mustangs,

Hawkes Bay Unicorns The Hawke's Bay rugby league team are a New Zealand rugby league team that represents the Hawke's Bay Rugby League in New Zealand Rugby League competitions. They are nicknamed the Unicorns. They competed in the Lion Red Cup between 1994 and 1996 ...

, Hutt Valley Dolphins,

Wellington City Dukes The Wellington City Dukes were a New Zealand rugby league club that represented Wellington City in the Lion Red Cup from 1994 to 1996. In 1997 one of the two Wellington Rugby League sides that competed in the Super League Challenge Cup was also ...

Christchurch City Shiners The Christchurch City Shiners were a New Zealand rugby league club that represented Christchurch in the Lion Red Cup from 1994 to 1996. They were administered by the Canterbury Rugby League. Feeder clubs included Addington, Sydenham and Linwood ...

and the Canterbury Country Cardinals.New Zealand Competitions 1996
''The Vault'' North Zone won the three matches 22-16, 21-14 and 38-16.
''The Vault'' North Zone were coached by

Brian McClennan Brian "Bluey" McClennan (born 16 February 1962) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer and coach. He was previously the head coach of the New Zealand national team (with whom he won the 2005 Tri-nations) and then England' ...

and included Willie McLean,

Brian Jellick Brian Andrew Jellick is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1990s and 2000s. A New Zealand international representative er, he played his club football in New Zealand, England and Australia. Playing care ...

, captain

Clayton Friend Clayton Ivan Friend (born 1964) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1980s and 1990s. He played at representative level for New Zealand, and at club level for Carlisle (two spells), North Sydney Bears a ...

Stuart Lester Stuart Lester (born 8 February 1975) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who played professionally for Wigan. His brother, Aaron, played professionally for the Auckland Warriors and Whitehaven. Playing career Lester ma ...

and Frank Watene.''Lion Red Rugby League Annual '96'',

, 1996. South Zone were coached by Andy Moore and included

Earl Va'a Earl Va'a (born 1 May 1972)
Scrum.com is a former

and Yogi Rogers.

Rugby League Cup

Auckland rugby league team, Auckland defeated the West Coast rugby league team, West Coast 48-10 in a Rugby League Cup challenge to retain the cup. Auckland included Esau Mann,

and

. Auckland rugby league team, Auckland defeated Canterbury rugby league team, Canterbury 24-20 at

to retain the Rugby League Cup.Coffey, John and Bernie Wood ''Auckland, 100 years of rugby league, 1909-2009'', 2009. . Auckland were coached by Dominic Clark and included

, Duane Mann, Don Stewart (rugby league), Donald Stewart,

, Willie McLean and Frank Watene. Canterbury included Blair Harding, Mark Nixon (rugby league), Mark Nixon and Paul Koloi.

Lion Red Cup

Due to the postponement of Super League (Australia), Super League in Australia several top Australian referees were available to referee matches in the Lion Red Cup. These included Steve Clark (referee), Steve Clark.

Teams

* The North Harbour Sea Eagles had a new coach in Dominic Clark.Rockets shoot down North Harbour
''Sunday Star-Times'', 10 March 1996 The squad included Paki Tuimavave,

, Mike Setefano, Artie Shead, Don Stewart and

. * The

finished the year as minor premiers and went on to make the final but could not over come Counties Manukau. The side was coached by Del Hughes and included

, Willie McLean,

, Julian O'Neill (New Zealand), Julian O'Neill and David Bailey. * The champion Counties Manukau Heroes side was coached by

and included

, Esau Mann,

, Charlie Kennedy,

, Meti Noovao, Francis Leota, Duane Mann, Frank Watene, Dean Clark (rugby league), Dean Clark, Gus Malietoa-Brown and

. * The Waikato Cougars played their last game at Trust Bank Park in July. The team was coached by Joe Gwynne and included Darryl Fisher, Tama Hohaia and captain Tukere Barlow. Mark Woods (rugby league), Mark Woods played the first two rounds for Waikato before transferring to Bay of Plenty. * The Bay of Plenty Stags were the big improvers of the competition, making the finals after coming last in the previous two years. They were coached by Lawrence Brydon who took over near the end of the 1995 season. During the season its business manager, former New Zealand national rugby league team, Kiwi coach Tony Gordon (rugby league), Tony Gordon, was suspended and investigated by the

. He was later cleared of all charges. The team was captained by Mark Woods (rugby league), Mark Woods and included Patrick Kuru. * The Taranaki Rockets were coached by former Kiwi Howie Tamati. The squad included

and Willie Talau. * The Manawatu Mustangs replaced the Auckland Warriors Colts. They were coached by Peter Sixtus. * the

were coached by Mark Elia who also played in one match. * The Hutt Valley Dolphins abandoned the Hawks name altogether in 1996. The team were coached by Ken Laban included

Earl Va'a Earl Va'a (born 1 May 1972)
Scrum.com is a former

were coached by Mike Edmonds. * The

were coached by Geoff Carr. Carr was sacked mid season and replaced with Mark Vincent. * The Canterbury Country Cardinals were coached by Gerard Stokes and included Paul Koloi, Blair Harding, Lusi Sione, Mark Nixon (rugby league), Mark Nixon and Paul Johnson (New Zealand), Paul Johnson.

Standings

The playoffs

Two time defending champions the North Harbour Sea Eagles were eliminated in the second round when they lost 14-20 to Waikato Cougars, Waikato, despite the Cougars having twelve men for most of the second half.

= Grand Final

= The Grand Final was played in front of a disappointing crowd of just under 2,000 fans at

.''Lion Red Rugby League Annual '96'',

, 1996. p.65 Jim Stokes refereed the match which Waitakere City led 16-8 at halftime. However Counties Manukau came back to win 34-22 and claim their first Lion Red Cup.

Awards

* Player of the Year:

(Counties Manukau) * Coach of the Year:

(Counties Manukau) * Rookie of the Year: Darryl Fisher (Waikato) * Captain of the Year: Mark Woods (rugby league), Mark Woods (Bay of Plenty) * Best and Fairest: Paul Howell (Wellington City) * Most Tries: Cheaf Lee Fakavamoenga (21 – Counties Manukau) * Most Goals:

(109 – Waitakere City) * Most Points:

(240 – Waitakere City) * Referee of the Year: Jim Stokes (Canterbury)

Inter-Club Knockout Series

Cobden-Kohinoor defeated the Kaikohe Lions 40-22 in the Inter-club knockout series. The series was for provinces which did not have a team in the Lion Red Cup.

Australian competitions

The Auckland Warriors competed in the Australian Rugby League competition finishing 11th out of 20 teams. The Reserve Grade team made the grand final, losing to the Cronulla Sharks reserve team 14-12.

Club competitions

Auckland

The Otara Scorpions won the Auckland Rugby League Fox Memorial for the first time. They defeated Otahuhu Leopards, Otahuhu 36-28 after the match went into triple extra time. Otahuhu were the minor premiers and also won the Stormont Shield. The Manurewa Marlins won the pre-season Roope Rooster tournament. The Glenora Bears won the second division Sharman Cup. Peter Feau (Otahuhu) won the Lipscombe Cup as Sportsman of the Year,

won the Rothville Trophy as Player of the Year, Milton Ross (Ellerslie) won the Burt Humphries Trophy as the Most Improved Forward while Lionel Periera (Manurewa) was the Most Improved Back. Ronald Kite (Otara) won the John Hyland Memorial Cup as coach of the year. Otahuhu included Francis Leota,

and Odell Manuel.

Wellington

The Randwick Kingfishers won the Wellington Rugby League's Appleton Shield, defeating Paremata 38-8 in the Grand Final.New Zealand Competitions
''The Vault'' Zane Clarke played for Randwick.

Canterbury

Hornby won the Canterbury Rugby League's Pat Smith Trophy, defeating Halswell 22-16 in the Grand Final. The Thacker Shield was not contested due to Waro-rakau having other commitments. Halswell's Darryn Avery won the Outstanding Player of the Year award. Tony Sweetman (Linwood) won sportsman of the year. Shane Beyers (Halswell) and Don Aitken (Hornby) shared the Junior Sportsman of the Year award. Wayne Wallace coached Hornby who included Mark Nixon (rugby league), Mark Nixon.

Other Competitions

The Bay of Islands defeated Whangarei 28-24 in an inter-district match. The Kaikohe Lions beat the Hokianga Pioneers 22-21 after extra time in the Bay of Islands competition while the Whangatauatia Mountain Men beat the Pawarenga Broncos 24-12 in the Far North competition and the Takahiwai Warriors beat the Otaika Eagles 12-4 at Jubilee Park in the Whangarei premiership. Turangawaewae won the Waikato Rugby League grand final. Taniwharau were the minor premiers in all four grades. The Waitara Bears defeated Western Suburbs 29-16 in the Taranaki Rugby League grand final.Taranaki Grand Final Countdown
''rleague.com'', 11 July 2003 The Putaruru United beat Pikiao 35-8 in the Rotorua Midlands final while Kaiti beat Turanga 36-12 in the Gisbourne-East Coast Premiership. The Turanga Panthers won the Gisborne-East Coast title. Taradale defeated Tamatea 32-0 in the Hawke's Bay Rugby League championship. Otaki Whiti Te Ra defeated Kia Ora 27-20 in the Manawatu Rugby League Final. Waru-rakau retained the West Coast Rugby League title, defeating Marist in the Grand Final. Marist included Wayne Dwyer. Otago rugby league team, Otago did not play a representative fixture during the season for the first time in over 80 years. The Otago competition featured four teams. The Gore Cup, a fixture between the champion Otago and Canterbury clubs, was contested for the first time since 1929. Eastern Suburbs defeated South Pacific 44-32. He Tauaa won the Southland Rugby League Grand Final, defeating the Wakitipu Cougars 22-18. The Cougars had played in the Otago competition in 1995.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:1996 New Zealand Rugby League Season 1996 in New Zealand rugby league, New Zealand rugby league seasons