The 2006 New Zealand rugby league season was the 99th 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 New Zealand ( mi, Aotearoa ) is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It consists of two main landmasses—the North Island () and the South Island ()—and over 700 smaller islands. It is the sixth-largest island count ...

. The main feature of the year was the seventh 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

Auckland Lions The Auckland Lions were a rugby league club that had teams in both the New Zealand Bartercard Cup and the NSWRL Premier League. They were mostly drawn from the Mt Albert Lions Rugby League club. Mt Albert had a proud tradition in Auckland and had ...

won the Cup by defeating the

Canterbury Bulls The Canterbury rugby league team (also known as the Canterbury Bulls) are a rugby league team who represent the Canterbury Rugby League. They currently compete in the Albert Baskerville Trophy. Their home ground is Orangetheory Stadium in Chri ...

25–18 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 ...

co-hosted the Tri-Nations with Australia. Three tests were played in New Zealand; with the Kiwis defeating

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 ...

18–14 in Christchurch and 34–4 in Wellington and losing 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 ...

18–30 in Auckland. New Zealand lost the final, which was played in Sydney, 16–12 to Australia after Golden Point extra time. The first win against Great Britain was discounted after it was discovered that

Nathan Fien Nathan Fien (born 1 August 1979), also known by the nickname of "Fieny", is a former New Zealand international rugby league footballer who played as a and in the 2000s and 2010s. He last played for the St. George Illawarra Dragons in the Nat ...

was ineligible to play for New Zealand. 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's ...

, for the Tri-Nations New Zealand included;

Roy Asotasi Roy Asotasi (born 6 January 1982) is a former professional rugby league footballer who played as a in the 2000s and 2010s. A New Zealand international captain, he also played for Samoa. Asotasi played in the NRL for Australian clubs Canterbury ...

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 ...

Jason Jason ( ; ) was an ancient Greek mythological hero and leader of the Argonauts, whose quest for the Golden Fleece featured in Greek literature. He was the son of Aeson, the rightful king of Iolcos. He was married to the sorceress Medea. He w ...

and

Nathan Cayless Nathan Frederick Cayless (born 28 March 1978) is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1990s, 2000s and 2010s, and has coached in the 2010s. He played at representative level for New Zealand (captain), and ...

, David Fa'alogo,

Dene Halatau Dene Halatau (born 27 January 1983) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who previously played for the Wests Tigers and the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs of the National Rugby League. Halatau was part of the Wests Tigers ...

Shontayne Hape Shontayne Edward Hape (; born 30 January 1981) is a former professional rugby footballer, a dual-code rugby international. He played rugby union at centre for Montpellier, London Irish, Bath and England. He played rugby league for the Bradfor ...

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 ...

David Kidwell David Kidwell (born 23 April 1977) is a professional rugby football, rugby coach (sport), coach who is the defence coach at Los Pumas, the national rugby union team of Argentina, and a former rugby league player. As a player, he represented New ...

Simon Mannering Simon Alexander Mannering (born 28 August 1986) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 2000s and 2010s. He played for the New Zealand Warriors in the NRL. A New Zealand international second row forward, ...

Steve Matai Stephen Matai (born 5 August 1984) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who played in the National Rugby League (NRL )from 2005 to 2016. A New Zealand national representative centre, he played for Australian club the Ma ...

Frank Pritchard Frank Semu Pritchard (born 3 November 1983), also known by the nicknames "Cranky" and "Frank the Tank", is a former professional rugby league footballer who represented New Zealand and Samoa at international level. A , he played in the Nationa ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Tame Tupou Siokatame Gary Tupou also known as Tame Tupou and Gary Tupou (born 22 October 1982) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 2000s. He played at representative level for New Zealand, usually as a , but also ...

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 ...

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 ...

Brent Webb Brent Douglas Webb (born 9 November 1979) is a former New Zealand international rugby league footballer who played as a . He previously played for the New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, before moving the Leeds Rhinos and the Catalans Dragons i ...

and captain

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 ...

. Earlier in the year New Zealand had lost the ANZAC Test 12-50 to Australia and lost to Great Britain 14–46 in a June Test match.

Jake Webster Jake Ngapera Webster (born 29 October 1983) is a New Zealand international rugby league footballer who plays as a for the Keighley Cougars in Betfred League 1. He previously played as a and er for the Melbourne Storm and Gold Coast Titans i ...

Paul Whatuira Paul Whatuira (pronounced , born 31 July 1981) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who last played for the Parramatta Eels in the NRL in 2011. A New Zealand international , he won National Rugby League premierships with ...

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 ...

Sonny Bill Williams Sonny Bill Williams (born 3 August 1985) is a New Zealand heavyweight boxer, and a former professional rugby league and rugby union player and as of recently is working for Stan Sports. He is only the List of dual-code rugby internationals#New ...

Benji Marshall Benjamin Quentin Marshall (born 25 February 1985) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who played at or . He previously played for the Wests Tigers in two separate spells, St. George Illawarra Dragons, Brisbane Bro ...

and

David Faiumu David Faiumu (born 30 April 1983) is a former professional rugby league footballer who last played for the Huddersfield Giants in the Super League. A Samoa and New Zealand international representative forward, he previously played in the Natio ...

all appeared in the ANZAC Test but did not make the Tri-Nations squad.

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 ...

Willie Talau Viliamu "Willie" Talau (born 25 January 1976) is a former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1990s and 2000s. A Samoa national rugby league team, Samoa and New Zealand national rugby league team, New Zealand international rep ...

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 ...

, Ben Roberts, Alex Chan,

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. ...

Ali Lauiti'iti Alaimatagi "Ali" Lauitiiti (born 13 July 1979) is a former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1990s, 2000s and 2010s, as a . Both a Samoa and New Zealand international representative forward, Lauitiiti played for the New Ze ...

, David Solomona,

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 ...

Harrison Hansen Harrison Luther Mata'afa Hansen (born 26 October 1985) is a professional rugby league footballer who plays as a and for Toulouse Olympique in the Betfred Championship. He has played for Samoa and New Zealand at international level. He has al ...

and

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 ...

all appeared in the Great Britain Test but did not make the Tri-Nations squad.

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 ...

and

Louis Anderson Louis Manu Anderson (born 27 June 1985) is a New Zealand rugby league footballer who plays for Villegailhenc-Aragon XIII in the Elite Two Championship. A New Zealand former international representative forward, he previously played for the Ne ...

appeared in both mid-season Test matches but did not make the Tri-Nations squad. ---- ---- :This match was discounted after New Zealand were found guilty of fielding an ineligible player. ---- ---- During the Tri-Nations the Kiwis played a New Zealand Residents side in Greymouth and defeated them 34–4. The Residents team included Corey Lawrie, Shane Beyers, David Fisi'iahi,

Cliff Beverley Cliff Beverley (born 25 March 1977) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer. His preferred position was , although he was somewhat of a utility and spent considerable time at . Background Beverley was born in New Zealand. ...

Julian O'Neill Brian Julian O'Neill (born 14 October 1972) is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1990s and 2000s. Primarily a goal-kicking or and goal-kicker, during his 14-year top-grade career he played with sever ...

, Sala Fa'alogo,

Cooper Vuna Kerry Cooper Vuna (born 7 May 1987) is a professional rugby footballer who plays on the wing for Newcastle Falcons in Premiership Rugby. He played rugby league as a for the New Zealand Warriors and Newcastle Knights in the National Rugby Leagu ...

, George Tuakura and Wayne McDade.Coffey, John and Bernie Wood ''Auckland, 100 years of rugby league, 1909-2009'', 2009. , p.p.349-350. Earlier in the year the Residents had hosted a Trans Tasman Quadrangular Series, winning the final against Country 32–18. The Queensland Rangers, New South Wales Country and

Jim Beam Cup Jim or JIM may refer to: * Jim (given name), a given name * Jim, a diminutive form of the given name James * Jim, a short form of the given name Jimmy * OPCW-UN Joint Investigative Mechanism * ''Jim'' (comics), a series by Jim Woodring * ''Jim' ...

side all came to New Zealand for the tournament. The Residents side for the tournament included Steve Buckingham, Sala Fa'alogo,

Sonny Fai Sonny is a common nickname and occasional given name. Often it can be a derivative of the English word "Son", a name derived from the Ancient Germanic element *sunn meaning "sun", a nickname derived from the Italian name Salvatore (especially in N ...

Fabian Soutar Fabian Soutar (born 11 September 1986) is a professional rugby league footballer who is currently with the Easts Tigers in the Queensland Cup. His usual position is prop/second row. Early years Soutar was born in Wanganui, New Zealand on 11 Se ...

and Miguel Start. The side was coached by

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 Wainu ...

who was assisted by

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 ...

. Auckland hosted the 2006 Pacific Cup, which was won by

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 ...

. New Zealand Māori finished third. The Māori had already defeated Fiji in a January test match. Later in the season the New Zealand Māori team toured the

Cook Islands ) , image_map = Cook Islands on the globe (small islands magnified) (Polynesia centered).svg , capital = Avarua , coordinates = , largest_city = Avarua , official_languages = , lan ...

, losing a three match series 2–1. The New Zealand Māori side was coached by Dean Clark and included Paul Atkins,

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 Steve Skinnon.

Kevin Tamati Kevin Ronald Tamati (born 21 September 1953) is a New Zealand former rugby league representative player and coach. He played at representative level for New Zealand, New Zealand Māori, Auckland, Central Districts and Wellington, and professio ...

coached the team in the January match, which included Luke Goodwin.

National competitions

Bartercard Cup

The 2006 Bartercard Cup was the seventh season of the

competition run by the

. This season saw substantial change for the Cup as the number of clubs was reduced for the 2006 season from 12 to 10. The New Zealand Rugby League also decided to move towards a franchise model. As a result, there was a large number of clubs affected and all Auckland franchises were reviewed. The major changes were; the

Harbour League Harbour League were a franchise in the now defunct Bartercard Cup rugby league competition in New Zealand. They represented Aucklands North Shore City. They were formed in 2006 to take over from the Hibiscus Coast Raiders and the North Harbour ...

replaced 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 ...

and the North Harbour Tigers, the

Waitakere Rangers The Waitakere Rangers were a team in the now defunct Bartercard Cup Rugby league competition in New Zealand. They represented five clubs based in Waitakere City including the Glenora Bears who previously represented the City in the Bartercard Cu ...

replaced the

Glenora Bears The Glenora Bears are a rugby league football club based in Glen Eden, New Zealand who compete in Auckland Rugby League's Fox Memorial competition. History The club was established in 1931 Auckland Rugby League season, 1931 when the Auckland ...

to represent all of Waitakere City, the

replaced 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. ...

and the

Marist Richmond Brothers The Marist Richmond Brothers were a New Zealand rugby league franchise that played in the Bartercard Cup. They were a joint venture between two Auckland Rugby League clubs, the Richmond Bulldogs and the Marist Saints. In 2005 the competition was ...

, the

Tamaki Leopards The Tamaki Titans (originally Tamaki Leopards) were a franchise in the now defunct New Zealand rugby league Rugby league football, commonly known as just rugby league and sometimes football, footy, rugby or league, is a full-contact spor ...

replaced the

Otahuhu Ellerslie Leopards The Otahuhu Leopards are a rugby league club based in Otahuhu, Auckland. Founded in 1911, the club has produced 49 New Zealand national rugby league team players. The club competes in the Fox Memorial competition run by Auckland Rugby League. ...

and the

Eastern Tornadoes The Eastern Tornadoes were a New Zealand rugby league franchise that competed in the New Zealand Rugby League's Bartercard Cup and Auckland Rugby League's Super 12 competitions. They were formed to represent the rugby league clubs of East Auckla ...

and the Northern Storm were formed, to represent Northland. In addition the Wellington Franchise adopted the nickname the Orcas in support of the Southern Orcas

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 ...

bid. One game a week was shifted to a Monday night and played live on

Māori Television Māori or Maori can refer to: Relating to the Māori people * Māori people of New Zealand, or members of that group * Māori language, the language of the Māori people of New Zealand * Māori culture * Cook Islanders, the Māori people of the Co ...

The Teams

* Northland, who finished last, were coached by Geoff Morton and ran two training squads each week; one based in Whangarei and one based in Auckland. The Storm's first win was 40–22 against

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 ...

and was dedicated to co-founder, Anthony Murray who had died earlier that week. * Harbour were coached by

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 ...

and included Shaun Metcalf, Shaun Ata,

and Artie Shead. * Waitakere were coached by Bernie Perenara and included

, Lee Tamatoa, Gavin Bailey,

Matt Rua Matthew Rua (born 20 July 1977) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1990s and 2000s. A New Zealand international representative forward, he played in the National Rugby League for the Melbourne Storm, w ...

, Karl Guttenbeil, Scott Jones and

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 ...

.Bartercard Cup Rd 12 preview and teams
''leagueunlimited.com'', 16 June 2006 * Auckland were coached by

and included

Misi Taulapapa Misi Taulapapa (born 25 January 1982) is a Samoa international rugby league footballer who plays as a or er for Doncaster in Betfred League 1. He has previously played for the New Zealand Warriors and the Cronulla Sharks in the NRL, and the ...

Malo Solomona Malofou Solomona (born 10 May 1987) is a former Samoa national rugby league team, Samoa international rugby league footballer who plays on the for the Point Chevalier Pirates in the Auckland Rugby League. Background Solomona was born in Auckl ...

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. ...

, Anthony Swann, David Fisiiahi, Miguel Start,

Daniel O'Regan Daniel O'Regan (born 3 February 1988 in Auckland, New Zealand) is a New Zealand rugby league player who last played for the New Zealand Warriors in the National Rugby League competition. His position of choice is at . He is the nephew of former ...

, Steve Buckingham, Sala Fa'alogo, Wayne McDade and

. * Tamaki were coached by Dean Clark and included Paul Atkins, George Tuakura,

Constantine Mika Constantine Mika (born 14 September 1989) is a Samoa international rugby league footballer who plays as a or for Limoux Grizzlies in the Elite One Championship. He previously played for the Newcastle Knights in the NRL, Hull Kingston Rovers i ...

, Leeson Ah Mau and

. * Counties Manukau were 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 ...

and included

Kimi 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 ...

Willie Wolfgramm Willie Wolfgramm is a former professional rugby league and rugby union player who represented Tonga at two Rugby League World Cups and the 1993 Rugby World Cup Sevens. Background He is the cousin of fellow Tongan international Greg Wolfgramm ...

and Marvin Filipo. * The Waicoa Bay Stallions included

Sam Rapira Sam Rapira (born 8 April 1987) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who last played for Toulouse Olympique in the Betfred Championship. He played as a . A New Zealand international representative he previously played ...

Isaac John Isaac John (born 12 December 1988) is a former New Zealand professional rugby league footballer who previously played for the Mount Pritchard Mounties in the Intrust Super Premiership. A Cook Islands and New Zealand international representativ ...

and

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 ...

.Bartercard Cup Rd7 - Fixtures and Teams
''New Zealand Rugby League'', 12 May 2006 * Central were coached by

and included

Ricky Thorby Ricky Thorby (born 2 October 1985) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who last played for the North Queensland Cowboys in the National Rugby League. He previously played for the St. George Illawarra Dragons. His posi ...

and

Russell Packer Russell Packer (born 9 October 1989) is a former New Zealand professional rugby league footballer who played as a for the Wests Tigers, St. George Illawarra Dragons and the New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, and the New Zealand Māori and New ...

.Bartercard Cup Rd 4 teams & fixtures
''New Zealand Rugby League'', 14 April 2006 The Falcons played a game in New Plymouth, the first Bartercard Cup match in the region since the Taranaki Wildcats were excluded from the competition at the end of the 2003 season. * Wellington were coached by Paul Bergman and included

Mose Masoe Mose Masoe (born 17 May 1989) is a former Samoa international rugby league footballer who last played as a for Hull Kingston Rovers in the Betfred Super League. He previously played for the Sydney Roosters, Penrith Panthers in the NRL and wa ...

Ben Matulino Ben Andrew Matulino (born 3 January 1989) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 2000s and 2010s as a or . He played for the New Zealand Warriors and the Wests Tigers in the National Rugby League, NRL, ...

Alehana Mara Alehana Mara (born 6 November 1989) is a Vanuatu international rugby league footballer who plays for the Wynnum Manly Seagulls in the Queensland Cup. Mara previously played for the New Zealand Warriors in the National Rugby League. Early life ...

and Meli Koliavu. * Canterbury were coached by Phil Prescott and included Shane Beyers,

Richard Villasanti Richard Villasanti (born 20 May 1980) is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer who played in 1990s and 2000s. An Australia national representative forward, he played his club football in the National Rugby League for Balma ...

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 ...

, Joseph Pombo and Corey Lawrie.

Season Standings

The Playoffs

The playoff system used was the McIntyre Final Five System. This meant that: * Canterbury and Waitakere (being second and third respectively) got a double-chance, as did the Auckland Lions (minor premiers) and the other team that got to play in the Qualification Semi-final (Canterbury). * The Auckland Lions, being the minor premiers, did't have to play until the Qualification Semi-final. * Basically, the higher you were on the table, the easier your road to the Grand Final was.

= Grand Final

National First Division

Auckland Auckland (pronounced ) ( mi, Tāmaki Makaurau) is a large metropolitan city in the North Island of New Zealand. The List of New Zealand urban areas by population, most populous urban area in the country and the List of cities in Oceania by po ...

won the National First Division championship. They were coached by

and defeated

32–14 in the final at Wise Park.

Canterbury Canterbury (, ) is a City status in the United Kingdom, 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, Kent, River Stour. ...

and

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 ...

also competed. The squads were limited to players that had played less than three Bartercard Cup matches that season.

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

competition. They finished 10th out of 15 teams and failed to make the playoffs.

Club competitions

Auckland

The

Mount 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 Fox Memorial trophy, the Rukutai Shield (minor premiership) and the Roope Rooster. The Lions defeated 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 ...

, 49–6, in the final.

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 ...

won the Stormont Shield. The

Manurewa Marlins The Manurewa Marlins are a rugby league club based in Manurewa, New Zealand. In 2018 the Marlins will compete in Auckland Rugby League's Sharman Cup competition. Between 2000 and 2003 they competed in the national Bartercard Cup competition. N ...

won the Sharman Cup (Division Two) while

Hibiscus Coast The Hibiscus Coast is a populated area on a stretch of the Hauraki Gulf coast in New Zealand's Auckland Region. It has a population of making it the 11th most populous urban area in New Zealand, and the second most populous in the Auckland Re ...

won the Phelan Shield (Division Three). Richie Blackmore coached Otahuhu.

Canterbury

Hornby 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.

Other Competitions

Turangawaewae defeated the Pikiao Warriors in the Waicoa Bay championship. The Paikea Whalers defeated EITSA 42-18 to win the Eastern Alliance championship.Whalers leave EITSA floundering
''Hawke's Bay Today'', 21 August 2006

References

{{2006 in rugby league New Zealand rugby league seasons