The 2002 New Zealand rugby league season was the 95th 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 third season of the

Bartercard Cup The Bartercard Cup (successor of the Lion Red Cup) was the top level rugby league club competition in New Zealand from 2000 until 2007. For the entire life of the tournament it was sponsored by Bartercard. The cup was administered by the New Zeala ...

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

Mt Albert Lions The Mount Albert Lions are a rugby league club based in Mount Albert, New Zealand. The Lions home ground is at Fowlds Park. Their patron is the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Helen Clark. In 2008 and 2009 the Lions won the Fox Memorial. ...

won the Cup by defeating the

Hibiscus Coast Raiders The Hibiscus Coast Raiders are a rugby league club based on the Hibiscus Coast, New Zealand. They compete in Auckland Rugby League's Fox Memorial competition and between 2000 and 2005 were also involved in the Bartercard Cup competition. History ...

24-20 in the Grand Final.

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 ...

played

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 ...

at Wellington's

Westpac Stadium Wellington Regional Stadium (known commercially as Sky Stadium through naming rights) is a major sporting venue in Wellington, New Zealand. The stadium's bowl site size is . The stadium was built in 1999 by Fletcher Construction and is situa ...

in October and lost 24-32 before embarking on a five match tour of Great Britain and France. Coached by Gary Freeman the squad included:

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 in ...

Jason Cayless Jason Paul Cayless (born 15 January 1980) is a former New Zealand international rugby league footballer who played as a prop in the 2000s and 2010s. He played for the Parramatta Eels, Sydney Roosters and the Wests Tigers in the NRL and St Hele ...

Henry Fa'afili Henry Fa'afili (born 30 May 1980) is a Samoan-born New Zealand former professional rugby league and rugby union footballer who played in the 1990s, 2000s and 2010s. He played representative rugby league (RL) for New Zealand Secondary Schools, t ...

Awen Guttenbeil Awen Guttenbeil (born 14 March 1976) is a former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1990s and 2000s. Since retiring after a playing career spanning fifteen years, he went on to work as a broadcaster for Sky Network Televisio ...

Lance Hohaia Lance Koro Hohaia (born 1 April 1983), also known by the nickname of "The Huntly Hurricane", is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer. A New Zealand international representative utility back, he played in the NRL for the Ne ...

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; anglici ...

, captain

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 Stephen Peter Kearney (born 11 June 1972) is a New Zealand professional rugby league football coach who until 2020 was the head coach of the New Zealand Warriors in the NRL and a former player. A New Zealand national captain and second-row for ...

, Ali Lauitiiti,

Andrew Lomu Andrew Lomu (born 28 February 1979) is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer. He previously played as a for the Sydney Roosters, Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, Canberra Raiders and for the Brisbane Broncos in the NRL. Backgro ...

Francis Meli Francis Meli (born 27 April 1979) is a former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1990s, 2000s and 2010s. A Samoa and New Zealand international representative centre or winger, he played in the National Rugby League for New ...

Robbie Paul Robert Rawiri Hunter-Paul (born 3 February 1976) is a New Zealand former rugby league footballer. He has since become a business owner and television pundit, runninXtra Mile Marketing an inbound and digital marketing company. Robbie retired fr ...

Tony Puletua Anthony Puletua (born 25 June 1979), also known by the nickname of "TP", is a former professional rugby league footballer who last played for the Hull Kingston Rovers in the Super League. A New Zealand and Samoan international, Puletua previou ...

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 ...

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 ...

, Michael Smith,

David Solomona David Joseph Solomona (born 26 January 1978) is a former professional rugby league footballer, who last played for the Warrington Wolves in the Super League. He was regularly amongst the top off-loaders in the competition. Background Solomona ...

Richard Swain Richard Swain (born 2 July 1975) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1990s and 2000s. A New Zealand international , he played club football in Australia for the Hunter Mariners, Melbourne Storm (with ...

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 ...

Motu Tony Motu Iosefo Tony (born 29 May 1981) is a former New Zealand international rugby league footballer who played as a in the 2000s and 2010s. He previously played in the NRL for the New Zealand Warriors and the Brisbane Broncos before playing in t ...

Clinton Toopi Clinton James Te-Whata Toopi (born 29 February 1980) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league and rugby union footballer who played in the 2000s and 2010s. A New Zealand international representative , he played his club football in the ...

Matt Utai Matthew Utai (born 25 May 1981) is a former professional rugby league footballer who last played as a er for the Auburn Warriors in the Ron Massey Cup. A New Zealand and Samoa international representative, he previously played for the Wests Tig ...

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 Lea ...

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 national rugby league team, New Z ...

and

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 ...

. The

New Zealand Māori rugby league team New Zealand Māori rugby league team is a rugby league representative side made up of New Zealand Māori players. The side represents the New Zealand Māori Rugby league. Like its union counterpart, the rugby league team previously competed in ...

hosted

Tonga Tonga (, ; ), officially the Kingdom of Tonga ( to, Puleʻanga Fakatuʻi ʻo Tonga), is a Polynesian country and archipelago. The country has 171 islands – of which 45 are inhabited. Its total surface area is about , scattered over in ...

Rotorua International Stadium Rotorua International Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located on Devon Street West in the Westbrook suburb of Rotorua, New Zealand. It is currently used mostly for rugby union and rugby league matches, being one of three home stadiums for the ...

on 5 October, defeating them 50-6. The team was coached by Bernie Perenara and included

Chris Nahi Christopher Nahi (born 11 September 1973) is a former professional rugby league footballer. He has played representative rugby league for both the New Zealand Māori team and the Rest of the World side. Playing career Nahi played for the Fe ...

Aaron Heremaia Aaron Aspin Heremaia (born ) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who last played as a goal-kicking or for the Widnes Vikings in the Super League. Background Heremaia was born in Auckland, New Zealand. Playing caree ...

and

Jamie Cook Jamie Robert Cook (born 8 July 1985) is an English guitarist and songwriter. He is best known as the guitarist and a founding member of the indie rock band Arctic Monkeys, with whom he has recorded seven studio albums. Arctic Monkeys Jamie Coo ...

. The Tongan side had earlier defeated Auckland Māori 36-24 and the

Waicoa Bay Stallions The Wai-Coa-Bay Stallions were a rugby league team that represent the Upper Central Zone of the New Zealand Rugby League. The Zone comprises four districts: Waikato, Coastline Rugby League, Bay of Plenty, and Gisborne Tairawhiti Rugby League. The ...

38-30. The Waicoa Bay side was coached by

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 international representative forward, he played club football at a number of different club ...

and included

Andrew Leota Andrew Leota is a Tongan rugby footballer who represented Tonga in rugby league at the 2000 World Cup. Playing career Leota originally played rugby league, being named in the Tonga squad for the 2000 World Cup and representing Coastline bet ...

. New Zealand A toured France and the United States. They won matches against France A, France Juniors and the

United States The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territorie ...

but lost 16-19 to

France France (), officially the French Republic ( ), is a country primarily located in Western Europe. It also comprises of Overseas France, overseas regions and territories in the Americas and the Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic, Pacific Ocean, Pac ...

. The team was coached by

Gary Kemble Gary Edward Kemble (born 23 August 1956), also known by the nickname "Crayfish", is a New Zealand rugby league coach and former player. He has both played and coached the New Zealand national rugby league team. He is the current head coach of t ...

with

Aaron Whittaker Aaron Whittaker (born 9 July 1968) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer. A New Zealand international representative halfback, he played club football in Australia, England and New Zealand. Early years Whittaker grew up i ...

serving as trainer. The squad was Gavin Bailey, Wayne Barnett, Steve Buckingham,

George Carmont George Carmont (born 30 June 1978), also known by the nickname of "Chicken George" or "Gorgeous George", is a former Samoa international rugby league footballer who played as a for the Newcastle Knights in the National Rugby League (NRL) and t ...

David Fa'alogo David Fa'alogo (born 9 September 1980) is a former professional rugby league footballer played as a and in the 2000s and 2010s. He played for the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Newcastle Knights in the NRL, the Huddersfield Giants in the Super Le ...

, Chris Faifua,

Lee Finnerty Lee Finnerty (born ) is a New Zealand former rugby league footballer who played professionally for the Halifax Blue Sox. Playing career Finnerty joined the Marist Richmond Brothers in 2000 with the launch of the Bartercard Cup. Finnerty playe ...

, Daniel Floyd, Karl Guttenbeil, Eddie Hei Hei, Ricky Henry, Archie Ikihele,

Tevita Latu Tevita Leo-Latu (born 3 July 1981) is a professional rugby league footballer who plays as a for the Point Chevalier Pirates. He previously played for the New Zealand Warriors and the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in the NRL and the Wakefield Trin ...

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 Samoan ...

, Jonny Limmer, captain

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 ...

Hutch Maiava Hutch Maiava (born 26 October 1976) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who played for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in the NRL as a . He previously played for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and Hull F.C. Playing ...

Fuifui Moimoi Fuifui Moimoi (born 26 September 1980) is a rugby league footballer who plays as a . He most notably played for the Parramatta Eels in the National Rugby League (NRL) from 2004 to 2014, in addition to playing for Leigh Centurions in the RFL Cha ...

Tyrone Pau Tyrone Pau (birth unknown) is a former professional rugby league who played in the 2000s. He played at representative level for the Cook Islands, Auckland and the New Zealand Residents, and at club level for the Hibiscus Coast Raiders, Limoux Gri ...

, George Tuakura and Regan Wigg. Twenty six games were played between various New Zealand youth teams and equivalent Australian teams, with New Zealand winning twenty of them. Richard Bolton was the National Development Manager. Notable matches included the under-18

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 ...

defeating the

Wests Tigers The Wests Tigers are an Australian professional Rugby league, rugby league football team, based in the Inner West and South West Sydney. They have competed in the National Rugby League since being formed at the end of the 1999 NRL season as a j ...

elite training squad 34-26 and the

Australian Institute of Sport The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) is a high performance sports training institution in Australia. The Institute's headquarters were opened in 1981 and are situated in the northern suburb of Bruce, Canberra. The AIS is a division of the ...

side 58-10.''New Zealand Rugby League Annual 2002'',

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 ...

, 2002. p.182 The Junior Kiwis were coached by

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 ...

, managed by Kevin Fisher and included

Vince Mellars Vincent "Vinny" Mellars (born 27 January 1984) is a New Zealand rugby league and rugby union footballer who plays in the Centres. He has previously played in the NRL, Super League and Air New Zealand Cup and in the RFL Championship for Feathe ...

, Karl Johnson,

Zebastian Lucky Luisi Zebastian Lucky Luisi (born 22 December 1984), also known by the nicknames of "Lucky", "Zeb", "Zebba", is a New Zealand rugby league footballer who has competed in the Auckland Rugby League competition, his most recent club being the Howick Horne ...

Toshio Laiseni Toshio Laiseni (born 19 June 1985) is a Tongan former professional rugby league footballer who played as or er. Early career Laiseni was born in Nukuʻalofa, Tonga. Laiseni started his football at the Otahuhu Leopards before being selected ...

, Danny Bernard,

Jerome Ropati Jerome Ropati (born 23 November 1984) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who played his entire career for the New Zealand Warriors in the National Rugby League (NRL). Ropati also represented New Zealand, and was a memb ...

Thomas Leuluai Thomas James Leuluai (born 22 June 1985) is a New Zealand professional rugby league coach who is the assistant coach of the Wigan Warriors in the Betfred Super League and a former professional rugby league footballer who played for New Zealand ...

Evarn Tuimavave Evarn Tuimavave (born 28 June 1984) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who played as a . Playing career Born in Auckland, New Zealand, Tuimavave played his junior football for the Pt Chev Pirates, Richmond Rovers and ...

Epalahame Lauaki Epalahame Lauaki (born 27 January 1984) is a Tongan former professional rugby league footballer who last played for the Bradford Bulls in the Championship. Background Lauaki was born in Ha'apai, Tonga. He is the brother of former All Black ...

Kane Ferris Kane Ferris is a New Zealand rugby league player who previously played in the National Rugby League. His position of preference is Prop. Playing career A longtime representative of Canterbury age groups, he made the Junior Kiwis in 2002. He pl ...

, Roger Eliu,

Louie Anderson Louis Perry Anderson (March 24, 1953 – January 21, 2022) was an American stand-up comedian, actor, author and game show host. Anderson created the cartoon series ''Life with Louie'' and the television sitcom ''The Louie Show'', and wrote four ...

, William Raston, Jason McDougall,

Herewini Rangi Herewini Rangi is a New Zealand rugby league coach and former player who played one match in the NRL. He played as a or , who could also kick goals. Early years Rangi grew up in Huntly and played for the Taniwharau Rugby League Club. In 2001 ...

, Andrew Auimatagi,

Manu Vatuvei Manu Mapuhola Mafi-Vatuvei (born 4 March 1986), also known by the nickname "The Beast", is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer and convicted methamphetamine importer who was both a Tonga and New Zealand international repres ...

, Shaun Metcalf, Izraal Lo-Tam and Aoterangi Herangi. Shaun Metcalf,

Iosia Soliola Iosia Soliola (born 4 August 1986) is a former professional rugby league footballer who last played for the Canberra Raiders in the National Rugby League (NRL). He played for New Zealand and Samoa at international level. He previously played as ...

Rangi Chase Moutoa Lance "Rangi" Chase (born 11 April 1986) is a rugby league footballer who plays for the Rochdale Hornets in RFL League 1. He played at representative level for the New Zealand Māori before moving to Britain and playing for the Exile ...

, Samuela Moa,

Frank Paul Nuuausala Frank-Paul Nu'uausala (born 13 February 1987), also known by the nicknames of "Frank Paul the Wrecking Ball" or "Frank the tank", is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer. A New Zealand international representative forward, N ...

, Eliakim Uasi,

Adam Blair Adam Ngawati Blair (born 20 March 1986) is a New Zealand rugby league coach and former professional rugby league footballer who played as a forward and in the National Rugby League (NRL), and the New Zealand and the New Zealand Māori inter ...

, Dion Te Ahu and William Heta were included in the under-16 New Zealand side.

National competitions

Rugby League Cup

Otago defeated Tasman 42-28 to win 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 ...

on 8 September. Otago then defeated Canterbury "A" 52-34 and

Southland Southland may refer to: Places Canada * Dunbar–Southlands, Vancouver, British Columbia New Zealand * Southland Region, a region of New Zealand * Southland County, a former New Zealand county * Southland District, part of the wider Southland Reg ...

20-16.

Bartercard Cup

The 2002 Bartercard Cup was the third season of the

competition run by the

. After 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 ...

had withdrawn from the competition halfway through 2001 the New Zealand Rugby League had to consider the future of franchises. As part of this reorganisation the two Wellington teams, the

Porirua Pumas The Porirua Pumas were a team representing the Porirua region in New Zealand's Bartercard Cup Rugby league competition. The Pumas were one of two Wellington-based teams in the competition, the other being the Wainuiomata Lions. They were re ...

and the

Wainuiomata Lions The Wainuiomata Lions are a New Zealand rugby league club based in Wainuiomata, Wellington. They compete in the Wellington Rugby League competition. In the early 1990s, prior to the creation Lion Red Cup national league competition based on ...

both withdrew and were replaced by a combined Wellington Franchise. The

Central Falcons The Manawatu rugby league team are a rugby league team that represents the Manawatu Rugby League in New Zealand Rugby League competitions. They have the nickname the Mustangs and between 2002 and 2007 competed in the Bartercard Cup as the Centr ...

, from Manawatu, and

Taranaki Wildcats The Taranaki rugby league team (also known as the Taranaki Wildcats, formerly the Taranaki Sharks and the Taranaki Rockets) are New Zealand rugby league team that represents the Taranaki Rugby League. They currently compete in the NZRL National C ...

both joined the competition. 2002 saw the

win their first championship after an all Auckland final series.

The Teams

* Hibiscus Coast were coached by Tony Benson and included

, Vinny Dunn, Daniel Floyd,

Iafeta Paleaaesina Iafeta Iakopo "Feka" Paleaaesina (born 10 February 1983) is a New Zealand former rugby league footballer. He played as a for the New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, and for the Wigan Warriors, Salford City Reds and Hull F.C. in the Super League. ...

, captain

Anthony Seuseu Anthony Seuseu (born ) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer. His position of choice was as a . He is the younger brother of Jerry Seuseu. Playing career Early years A Counties Manukau Heroes player in the Lion Red Cup, ...

Jeremy Smith Jeremy Smith may refer to: *Jeremy Theron Smith a man charged with aggravated assault for wounding three women in Koreatown Dallas on 17 May 2022 *Jeremy Smith (Royal Navy officer) (fl. 1660s), British sailor * Jeremy C. Smith (born 1959), British b ...

Shannon Stowers Shannon Stowers is a former Samoa international rugby league footballer who played as a for the Auckland Lions in the NSWRL Premier League competition. Playing career Stowers played for the Hibiscus Coast Raiders in the 2002 Bartercard Cup. ...

Karl Te Mata Karl Temata (born 12 July 1978) is a former Cook Islands international rugby league footballer who played as a or er in the 2000s and 2010s. He played at club level for the Hibiscus Coast Raiders, New Zealand Warriors, London Broncos/ Harlequi ...

and Regan Wigg. * Northcote were coached by Geoff Morton and included Karl Johnson, captain

Ken McIntosh Kenneth McIntosh is a New Zealand rugby league coach and former player who currently coaches the East Coast Bays Barracudas. He played professionally with the Penrith Panthers. Playing career McIntosh began his career with the Northcote Tigers ...

, Matthew Spence, Jared and Damon Trott and

Brent Webb Brent Douglas Webb (born 9 November 1979) is a former New Zealand national rugby league team, New Zealand international rugby league footballer who played as a . He previously played for the New Zealand Warriors in the National Rugby League, ...

. * Glenora were coached by Dean Hunter and included captain Gavin Bailey, Karl Edmonson,

Sione Faumuina Sione Faumuina (born 27 March 1981) is a New Zealand professional rugby league footballer who plays for the Redcliffe Dolphins in the Queensland Cup. He joined the Castleford Tigers ( Heritage № 893) in the Super League at the start of the ...

and Lee Tamatoa. * Marist-Richmond were coached by Bernie Perenara and included

, Karl Guttenbeil, Ricky Henry,

Marcus Perenara Marcus Perenara is a New Zealand rugby league player who played professionally for the Parramatta Eels. He is the brother of Henry Perenara and the cousin of current All Blacks (rugby union) TJ Perenara and Sonny Bill Williams. Playing caree ...

Matthew Tuisamoa Matthew Tuisamoa is a former Western Samoa international rugby league footballer. Playing career Tuisamoa played for Auckland in 1991 and 1992.Lion Red Rugby League Annual 1991 ''New Zealand Rugby League'', 1991. p.p.133-146 In 1994 he played f ...

and Daniel Vasau. * Mt Albert, in their 75th season, were coached by John Ackland and included

Vinnie Anderson Vincent Manase Mohenoa "Vinnie" Anderson (born 2 February 1979) is a New Zealand professional rugby league footballer who is player/coach for Villegailhenc-Aragon XIII in the Elite Two Championship. A New Zealand international representative o ...

, Keneti Asiata, Andreas Bauer, co-captain Steve Buckingham, Sala and

, Peter Lewis, co-captain

Wayne McDade Wayne McDade (born 1 July 1981) is a former Samoa international rugby league footballer who played as a . Background McDade was born in New Zealand. Playing career A Richmond Bulldogs junior, McDade has appeared in the NSWRL Premier League for ...

and David Myles. * Otahuhu were coached by Dean Clark and included

Isaak Ah Mau Isaak Ah Mau (born 25 November 1982) is a former Samoa international rugby league footballer who played as a for the North Queensland Cowboys and the Brisbane Broncos in the NRL. Background Ah Mau was born in Auckland, New Zealand. He is the ...

, co-captain

Esau Mann Esau Mann (born 11 May 1971) is a Tongan former professional rugby league footballer who represented Tonga at the 2000 World Cup. He is a cousin and brother of fellow internationals Duane and George Mann. Playing career With the launch of the ...

Odell Manuel Odell Manuel is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer and the Australian Powerlifting champion. Early years Growing up in Auckland, Manuel was an Otahuhu Leopards junior and in 1997 was selected for the Junior Kiwis. Rugby ...

, co-captain

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 ...

Meti Noovao Meti Noovao is a New Zealand former rugby league footballer who played in the 1990s and 2000s. He played at representative level for the Cook Islands, and at club level for Otahuhu Leopards (two spells), Auckland City, Counties Manukau, Auckla ...

, Jonathan Smith, Butch Tua and George Tuakura. * Eastern were coached by

and included

David David (; , "beloved one") (traditional spelling), , ''Dāwūd''; grc-koi, Δαυΐδ, Dauíd; la, Davidus, David; gez , ዳዊት, ''Dawit''; xcl, Դաւիթ, ''Dawitʿ''; cu, Давíдъ, ''Davidŭ''; possibly meaning "beloved one". w ...

and

Paul Fisiiahi Paul Fisiiahi is a New Zealand rugby league footballer who represented Tonga at the 2000 World Cup and plays for the Howick Hornets. He is the identical twin of fellow Tongan International David.. Playing career In 2000 he joined the Eastern To ...

, Eddie and

Jeremiah Pai Jeremiah Pai is a New Zealand rugby league footballer who plays for the Point Chevalier Pirates. Early years He was first noticed when playing for the Eastern Tornadoes in the Bartercard Cup before making his National Rugby League debut for the ...

and

. * Manurewa were coached by Trevor Clark and included

, Cheyenne Motu and Neville Ramsey. * Taranaki were coached by Alan Jackson and included Cheaf Lee Fakavamoenga. Jackson himself played in one match, coming on as a substitute when his side was reduced to twelve men.''New Zealand Rugby League Annual 2002'',

, 2002. p.179 * Central were coached by

John Lomax John Avery Lomax (September 23, 1867 – January 26, 1948) was an American teacher, a pioneering musicologist, and a folklorist who did much for the preservation of American folk music. He was the father of Alan Lomax, John Lomax Jr. and Bess Lo ...

and Peter Sixtus and included

Weller Hauraki Weller Hauraki (born 18 February 1985) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who played as a or and played for the New Zealand Māori at international level. He has played for the Parramatta Eels in the NRL, and Crus ...

David Lomax David Walter Lomax (born 21 September 1970) is a New Zealand rugby league coach and former player who represented New Zealand. He is the brother of another international, John Lomax. Early years Lomax grew up playing rugby league for the Wainui ...

Billy Weepu Billy Weepu is a New Zealand former rugby league footballer who played for the Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL, and is now a news camera operator. He is the brother of rugby union player Piri Weepu. Playing career Early years Weepu started his ...

and Sonny Whakarau. * Wellington were coached by

Gerard Stokes Gerard James Stokes (1955 – 8 December 2020) was a New Zealand rugby league footballer who played in the 1970s and 1980s, and Coach (sport), coached in the 1980s through to the 2010s, who represented New Zealand national rugby league team, New ...

and included

Lusi Sione Lusi Sione is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who played for Workington Town and represented the Canterbury and New Zealand 'A'. Playing career Sione started his career in the Lion Red Cup, playing for the Canterbury ...

. * Canterbury were coached by Phil Prescott who was assisted by

Brent Stuart Brent Clifford Stuart is a rugby league coach and former player who represented New Zealand. Playing career Stuart was originally from the West Coast. He was educated at Marist Brothers High School, Greymouth. A West Coast and Canterbury rep ...

. The team included Chris Bamford, captain Shane Beyers,

Charlie Herekotukutuku Charlie Herekotukutuku (birth unknown) is a New Zealand rugby league footballer who currently plays for the Balmain Ryde Eastwood Tigers in the New South Wales Cup and the Mount Pritchard Mounties in the Bundaberg Red Cup. He plays as a , hal ...

, Corey Lawrie,

Tangia Tongiia Tangia Tongiia is a Cook Islands former professional rugby league footballer who played as a er in the 1990s and 2000s. He played at representative level for the Cook Islands, and at club level in New Zealand for the Papanui Tigers and the Can ...

and Vince Whare. Before the season started the Bulls played pre-season matches against the

Cronulla Sharks The Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks are an Australian professional rugby league club based in Cronulla, in the Sutherland Shire, Southern Sydney, New South Wales. They compete in the National Rugby League (NRL), Australasia's premier rugby league ...

in Timaru at Alpine Energy Stadium and against a Mainland XIII selection in Christchurch.

Seasons Standings

The Playoffs

= Grand Final

= Around 5000 watched the match, the last played at

Carlaw Park Carlaw Park was a multi-purpose stadium in Parnell, New Zealand, 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 aro ...

.Big game fitting Carlaw finale
''New Zealand Herald'', 16 September 2002 Sala Fa'alogo was the man of the match.

Awards

North Island Super Six

Coastline The coast, also known as the coastline or seashore, is defined as the area where land meets the ocean, or as a line that forms the boundary between the land and the coastline. The Earth has around of coastline. Coasts are important zones in n ...

Taranaki Taranaki is a region in the west of New Zealand's North Island. It is named after its main geographical feature, the stratovolcano of Mount Taranaki, also known as Mount Egmont. The main centre is the city of New Plymouth. The New Plymouth Dist ...

Waikato Waikato () is a Regions of New Zealand, local government region of the upper North Island of New Zealand. It covers the Waikato District, Waipa District, Matamata-Piako District, South Waikato District and Hamilton, New Zealand, Hamilton City ...

, Manawatu,

Bay of Plenty The Bay of Plenty ( mi, Te Moana-a-Toi) is a region of New Zealand, situated around a bight of the same name in the northern coast of the North Island. The bight stretches 260 km from the Coromandel Peninsula in the west to Cape Runawa ...

and

Wellington Wellington ( mi, Te Whanganui-a-Tara or ) is the capital city of New Zealand. It is located at the south-western tip of the North Island, between Cook Strait and the Remutaka Range. Wellington is the second-largest city in New Zealand by me ...

competed in the North Island Super 6. Wellington and Manawatu did not select players from the Wellington Franchise or

respectively.Wellington and Manawatu Teams
''rleague.com'', 20 September 2002

Waikato defeated minor premiers Wellington 46-30 at the Grand Final, held in Wellington. Waikato were coached by

and included

. Manawatu included

and

. Taranaki were coached by

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. ...

South Island Provincial Championship

Canterbury A Canterbury (, ) is a cathedral city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, situated in the heart of the City of Canterbury local government district of Kent, England. It lies on the River Stour. The Archbishop of Canterbury is the primate of th ...

Otago Otago (, ; mi, Ōtākou ) is a region of New Zealand located in the southern half of the South Island administered by the Otago Regional Council. It has an area of approximately , making it the country's second largest local government reg ...

, Tasman and 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 ...

competed in the South Island Provincial Championship. Otago won the title, defeating Canterbury A 23-22 in the Grand Final.

Phil Bergman Phil Bergman (born 12 February 1971) is a New Zealand former rugby league footballer who represented New Zealand Māori and played professionally for Paris Saint-Germain in the Super League. Playing career Bergman signed with the Auckland Warri ...

played for Tasman.

Mainland Super Ten

The Riccarton Knights defeated the Linwood Keas 42-22 to win the Mainland Super 10 championship. The

Thacker Shield The Thacker Shield is a rugby league football trophy awarded on an annual basis to the winner of a match between the champion clubs of the Canterbury Rugby League and West Coast Rugby League. History The shield was donated by Dr Henry Thacker in 1 ...

was contested as part of the Mainland Super 10, with the holder defending it at every home game. In 2003 the Thacker Shield returned to its original once a year inter-district challenge format. Super 10 Dreamteam; Fa'atali Sa (Papanui),

(Kaiapoi), Clinton Fraser (Sydenham), Hamish Barclay (Riccarton), Sam Lemalie (Linwood), Josh Reuben (Kaiapoi),

(Riccarton), Leon Hallie (Otago), Andrew Auimatagi (Linwood), Mathias Pitama (Kaiapoi), Andrew Tallott (Hornby), George Taunga (Southland) and Corey Lawrie (Hornby). Coach: Brent Ringdahl (Riccarton).

National Junior Competitions

The Kiwi Cup was the National Junior Competition for under-18s and was held between Akarana, Counties-Manukau, Waikato, Canterbury, Wellington and Manawatu. Akarana, who included

and

, defeated Counties-Manukau 42-22 in the final. Counties-Manukau included

. The Foundation Cup was the National Junior Competition for under-16s. The invited teams were Counties-Manukau, Wellington, Akarana, Canterbury, Waikato and Northland. Counties-Manukau, who included

Kim Uasi Eliakim Uasi is a Tongan rugby league footballer who played for Tonga as a at the 2008 World Cup. Background Uasi was born in Tonga. Playing career A Mangere East Hawks junior, Uasi has previously played for the Counties Manukau Jetz and Ha ...

and Willie Heta, defeated Wellington 28-6.

Australian competitions

The

New Zealand Warriors The New Zealand Warriors are a professional rugby league football club based in Auckland, New Zealand that competes in the National Rugby League (NRL) premiership and is the League's only team from outside Australia. They were formed in 1995 as ...

competed in the

National Rugby League The National Rugby League (NRL) is an Australasian rugby league club competition which contains clubs from New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory and New Zealand. The NRL formed in 1998 as a joint partnership ...

competition. They finished as minor premiers and went on to make the Grand Final before losing to the

Sydney Roosters The Sydney Roosters are an Australian professional Rugby league, Rugby League Football Club based in the Eastern Suburbs (Sydney) and parts of inner Sydney. The club competes in the National Rugby League (NRL) competition. The Roosters have won ...

30-8. St. Paul's College participated in the Australian Schoolboys Nutri-Grain Cup and made the quarter finals, defeating Erindale College 30-10 and St Dominics College 13-12, before being eliminated 10-6 by Patrician Brothers' College. St Paul's had won a National Schools competition to qualify for the Nutri-Grain Cup, defeating

Kelston Boys' High School Kelston Boys' High School ("KBHS") (Te kura tuarua o nga tamatane o kerehana) is an all-boys state secondary school in Kelston, a suburb in the Waitakere region of Auckland, New Zealand. It was created in 1963 when the roll of Kelston High Scho ...

20-12 in the Semifinal and

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 ...

16-6 in the Grandfinal.

Club competitions

Auckland

The

won the Fox Memorial trophy, defeating Otahuhu 44-40 in double extra time.Coffey, John and Bernie Wood ''Auckland, 100 years of rugby league, 1909-2009'', 2009. , p.333. The

Papakura Sea Eagles The Papakura Sea Eagles are an Auckland rugby league club based in Papakura. The Sea Eagles currently compete in the Fox Memorial competition run by the Auckland Rugby League. History The Papakura Rugby League Club formed in 1931. On March 26 th ...

won the Rukutai Shield (minor premiership). Earlier in the season the Hibiscus Coast Raiders had won the Roope Rooster cup, defeating Marist 64-4 in the final. Ellerslie won the Sharman Cup while the

Mount Wellington Warriors The Auckland Rugby League (ARL) is the governing body for the sport of rugby league in the Auckland Region of New Zealand. It is responsible for rugby league in the region, including both club and school rugby league. It began in 1910 when the fir ...

won the Phelan Shield. The Hibiscus Coast's Willie Bishop won the Best and Fairest award and the Bert Humphries Memorial Trophy as best back in the competition. Junior Asiata from Otahuhu won the Bert Humphries Memorial Trophy as best forward while Papakura's Stuart Heslop won the Most Improved award. Asiata also won the Rothville Trophy as player of the year while Bishop was awarded the Lance Painter Rosebowl as top goal kicker. Otahuhu's Shane Dance won the Lipscombe Cup as Sportsman of the Year. Papakura were coached by

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 ...

while Mount Albert included

Carl Doherty Carl Doherty (born 12 July 1975, in New Zealand) is a former professional rugby league footballer. His position of preference was Fullback. Playing career A Glenora Bears junior, in 1999 he shot to prominence when he was called up from the loca ...

and Manukau included

Ben Vaeau Ben Vaeau (born 7 January 1982) is a professional rugby league footballer who currently plays for Eastern Suburbs Tigers in the Queensland Cup. His position of preference is at prop. Playing career Vaeau played for the Manukau Magpies in the 20 ...

.''New Zealand Rugby League Annual 2002'',

, 2002. p.190

Wellington

The Randwick Kingfishers won 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 ...

title, defeating the

in the grand final.

Canterbury

Riccarton won the

Canterbury Rugby League Canterbury Rugby League is the regional body that administers rugby league in Canterbury, New Zealand. CRL manages local competitions from senior level down to age group competitions. Canterbury Rugby League also manages the Canterbury rugby lea ...

title, defeating Linwood 54-14 in the grand final.

and

Logan Edwards Samuel Logan Edwards (born 18 November 1968) is a New Zealand former rugby league footballer. Domestic career Edwards played for the dominating Canterbury provincial side of the early 1990s alongside such talent as Quentin Pongia, Mike Dorree ...

played for Riccarton.

played for Linwood.

Other Competitions

Turangawaewae and the

Taniwharau Rugby League Club The Taniwharau Rugby League Club is a rugby league club from Huntly, New Zealand. They compete in the Waikato Rugby League and WaiCoa club competitions. The club plays in a green and gold strip and are based at Waahi Pa Huntly. History Taniwhara ...

met in the inaugural Waicoa Bay grand final with Taniwharau winning 28-26. Turangawaewae won 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 ...

Premiership. The

defeated Pikiao to win the

Bay of Plenty Rugby League Bay of Plenty Rugby League is the local sporting body responsible for the administration of Rugby league in the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand. Following the restructuring of the New Zealand Rugby League they are part of the Upper Central Zone ...

competition. Te Paamu, who included

, defeated Kawerau 46-22 in the Coastline final. The Waitara Bears defeated Marist 26-12 in the

Taranaki Rugby League Taranaki Rugby League is the local sporting body responsible for the administration of Rugby league in the Taranaki region of New Zealand. The TRL are represented by the Taranaki rugby league team. They are in the Mid-Central zone along with the ...

grand final.Taranaki Grand Final Countdown
''rleague.com'', 11 July 2003 Linton, who included

Jesse Royal Jesse Te Ahukaramu Royal (born 22 March 1980) is a professional rugby league footballer from New Zealand who currently plays for the Kurri Kurri Bulldogs in the Newcastle Rugby League. He has previously played in the NRL for the Newcastle Knigh ...

, defeated Levin 48-26 in 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. Blenheim Central defeated Nelson 32-12 in the Tasman grand final while Suburbs won the

West Coast Rugby League West Coast Rugby League (WCRL) is the local sporting body responsible for the administration of rugby league in the West Coast, New Zealand, West Coast region of New Zealand, centred around Greymouth. The WCRL own Wingham Park and are represented ...

title by defeating Cobden-Kohinoor 28-20.

References

{{2002 in rugby league