The 2011 New Zealand rugby league season was the 104th season of rugby league that had been played in New Zealand. The main feature of the year was the National Competition run by the New Zealand Rugby League. The premier teams competed for the Albert Baskerville Trophy, which was won by the Auckland Pride when they defeated the South Island Scorpions 44 - 34 in the Grand Final.
International competitions
The New Zealand national rugby league team were going to host the ANZAC Test for the first time since 1998, as the match was originally announced to be played in Christchurch's AMI Stadium on 6 May. However, following the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake this decision was reviewed and on 4 March it was announced the match would be played at the Skilled Park on the Gold Coast. New Zealand lost the match 10–20. New Zealand were coached by Stephen Kearney and included Lance Hohaia, debutant Matt Duffie, Simon Mannering, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Jason Nightingale, captain Benji Marshall, Kieran Foran, Steve Rapira, Nathan Fien, Sam McKendry, Adam Blair, Bronson Harrison, Jeremy Smith, Isaac Luke, Ben Matulino, Fuifui Moimoi and debutant Lewis Brown. Greg Eastwood and Gerard Beale were in the squad as 18th and 19th man respectively.
The Kiwis were to play a Test match against the Cook Islands in Rarotonga on 7 October, however this was later called off due to the unavailability of 29 players.Kiwis' league test against Cook Islands called off The Press, 28 September 2011
The Kiwis lost to Australia 42–6 on 16 October in Newcastle before heading to England to compete in the Four Nations tournament in October and November.Kiwis left reeling after ugly defeat New Zealand Herald, 17 October 2011 The Kiwis lost to Australia 12–26, bet Wales 36–0 before losing to England 6–28 to end their Four Nations campaign. The squad for these Test matches was Gerard Beale, Alex Glenn, Jeremy Smith, Kieran Foran, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Bill Tupou, Adam Blair, Sika Manu, Kevin Proctor, Lewis Brown, Kevin Locke, Simon Mannering, Ben Matulino, Russell Packer, Elijah Taylor, Fuifui Moimoi, Sam McKendry, Jason Nightingale, Nathan Fien, Issac Luke, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Benji Marshall (c) and Thomas Leuluai. Steve Matai, Shaun Johnson, Krisnan Inu and Manu Vatuvei were originally selected but withdrew from the squad.Inu Withdraws from Kiwi Touring Team nzrl.co.nz, 10 October 2011 New Zealand lost their first Four Nations match 26–12 to Australia.
In response to the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake a Legends of League charity match was organised at Mount Smart Stadium on 10 March.Legends Turn Out in Support of Appeal nzrl.co.nz, 1 March 2011 The teams were, New Zealand: Richie Barnett, Sean Hoppe, David Kidwell, Ruben Wiki (C), Sam Panapa, Olsen Filipaina, Stacey Jones, Joe Vagana, Monty Betham, Jerry Seuseu, Kurt Sorensen, Tawera Nikau and Hugh McGahan. Bench: Gary Freeman, Duane Mann, Paul Rauhihi, Logan Swann, Dean Affleck (TradeMe winner), Quentin Pongia, Awen Guttenbeil, Dean Bell and Francis Leota. Australia: David Peachey, Hazem El Masri, David Myles, Tea Ropati, Nathan Blacklock, Scott Hill, Clayton Friend, Mark Horo, Ben Elias (C), Craig Smith, Paul Langmack, John Hopoate, Kevin Campion. Bench: Jason Death, James Goulding, Bruce McGuire, Mark Bosnich, Billy Peden, John Cornwell (TradeMe winner), Jason Williams and Alex Chan.Final Line-Ups Confirmed For Legends Of League Charity Match nzrl.co.nz, 6 March 2011 New Zealand won 32–22 and the match raised over $100,000.Legends of League raise more than $100,000 for Earthquake Appeal rleague.com, 10 March 2011
Auckland won the Women's National Tournament. The Kiwi Ferns will play a Test against Australia on 15 October in the Gold Coast.
The New Zealand Residents played a match against the New Zealand Māori Residents on 30 October, winning 32–22.NZ Residents Premiers staff named rleague.com, 14 October 2011 The Residents team was coached by Brent Stuart, assisted by Brent Gemmell and included Philip Pese (Auckland), Junior Salevao (South Island), Ruben Williams (Waicoa Bay), Bruce Havea (South Island), Peta Hiku (Counties Manukau), Matt Everitt (Wellington), Hayden Karena (Waicoa Bay), Jaye Pukepuke (South Island), Darren Kingi (Counties Manukau), Soape Kavaliku (Auckland), Suaia Matagi (Auckland), James Baxendale (South Island), Manu Mau (Auckland). Interchange: Kyle Leka (South Island), Dwayne Waterman (Wellington), William Heta (Counties Manukau), Manu Weepu (South Island). Reserve: Richard Graham (Mid Central).NZ Residents premiers team 2011 named leagueunlimited.com, 17 October 2011 The New Zealand Māori Residents included Api Pewhairangi, Rusty Bristow and Jeremiah Pai.
The Junior Kiwis defeated the Junior Kangaroos 28–16 in a one off test match as a curtain raiser to the Newcastle Test match.Junior Kiwis turn on second half power in Newcastle rleague.com, 17 October 2011 The squad was coached by David Kidwell and included Kenneath Bromwich and Tohu Harris (Melbourne Storm), Sosaia Feki, Siliva Havili, Omar Slaimankhel, Sio Siua Taukeiaho, Carlos Tuimavave, Adam Henry, Sebastine Ikahihifo, Samiuela Lousi, Agnatius Paasi and John Palavi (Warriors), Ben Murdoch-Masila (Wests Tigers), Josh Papalii (Canberra Raiders), Andrew Pelasio (Penrith Panthers), Michael Parker-Walshe, Jason Taumalolo and Wayne Ulugia (North Queensland Cowboys).Junior Kiwis dominated by NYC Grand Finalists rleague.com, 5 October 2011
The Under-18 New Zealand side played two matches against the Australian Schoolboys in New Zealand. They won the first match 28–26 before losing the second 16–40.Australian Schoolboys defeat NZ Residents 18s in 2nd Test rleague.com, 9 October 2011 The New Zealand Under-16 side drew a match against a Queensland Academy of Sport team 14-all.NZ Residents 16's & 18's Coaches, Managers & Trainers Applications Closing nzrl.co.nz, 28 June 2011 Queensland Academy of Sport earlier played New Zealand Māori under-16's side.NZ Resident 16s & QLD Academy of Sport Report rleague.com, 18 October 2011
Benji Marshall won the New Zealand Rugby League's Kiwi Player of the Year award while Shaun Johnson won the Kiwi Rookie of the Year award.Marshall, Johnson honoured New Zealand Herald, 2 November 2011 Jason Taumalolo was the Junior Player of the Year while Matt Everitt (Wellington) was the Domestic Player of the Year, Akenehe Pereira (Wellington) was the Women's Player of the Year and Henry Perenara was the Match Official of the Year. The Porirua Vikings were the Grassroots Club of the Year.Perenara's refereeing career given another boost rleague.com, 2 November 2011 Benji Marshall won Rugby League International Federation's Standoff of the Year award.Benji Marshall alone keeps NZ flag flying The Press, 4 November 2011
At its annual general meeting the New Zealand Rugby League appointed Sir Peter Leitch as Patron, replacing Helen Clark. Trevor Maxwell was reappointed President of the NZRL for a further two years while Meng Foon was elected as an elected Director for the next three years. NZRL Chairman Scott Carter was appointed the Rugby League International Federation's chairman in June - the first New Zealander to hold the position. On 31 May NZRL Director Mark Gosche was elected the Chairperson of the Asia-Pacific Rugby League Confederation.
National competitions
Rugby League Cup The Rugby League Cup is currently held by Canterbury, who did not defend it in 2010.
National Competition 2011 was the second year of the National Competition. Auckland zone were the defending champions. Under 17 and Under 15 competitions were again held alongside the senior competition. Auckland, Counties Manukau and the South Island adopted new nicknames in 2011 while the Heartland side renamed itself the Central Vipers.
Auckland was coached by Brent Gemmell, who was assisted by Ken McIntosh. The team included Malo Solomona, Kitiona Pasene, Sala Fa'alogo and Jeremiah Pai.Orcas fail to halt Auckland charge towards shield The Press, 19 September 2011 The Counties Manukau Stingrays were coached by Rusty Matua and included Anthony Gelling, Roman Hifo and Rusty Bristow. Brent Stuart coached the South Island Scorpions. Mike Culley and Mike Dorreen coached the Under-17 side while Tom Ball and Jeff Whittaker again guided the South Island 15s. They held a trial match on 21 August.
Auckland Pride won all three grades.Clean sweep for Auckland Pride and Merit teams named rleague.com, 31 October 2011
Season standings TeamPldWDLBPFPAPtsAuckland Pride6501123013012South Island Scorpions6402121811210Counties Manukau Stingrays6402119613410Wellington Orcas630311521628Central Vipers630311241708Waicoa Bay Stallions620411801566Northern Swords60061823182 Source:National Competition nzrl.co.nz
Schedule
Round 1 HomeScoreAwayMatch InformationDateVenueSouth Island Scorpions20-32Wellington Orcas28 AugustDenton Park, HornbyCentral Vipers30-16Counties Manukau Stingrays28 AugustFarndon Park, CliveNorthern Swords18-82Auckland Pride28 AugustArnold Rae Park, Kaitaia Bye: Waicoa Bay Stallions
Round 2 HomeScoreAwayMatch InformationDateVenueSouth Island Scorpions82-0Northern Swords4 SeptemberDenton Park, HornbyWaicoa Bay Stallions16-52Counties Manukau Stingrays3 SeptemberBlake Park, TaurangaWellington Orcas38-18Central Vipers4 SeptemberFraser Park, Wellington Bye: Auckland Pride
Round 3 HomeScoreAwayMatch InformationDateVenueAuckland Pride34-10Central Vipers11 SeptemberCornwall Park, AucklandWaicoa Bay Stallions22-24South Island Scorpions11 SeptemberDavies Park, HuntlyNorthern Swords20-42Wellington Orcas11 SeptemberLindvart Park, Kaikohe Bye: Counties-Manukau Stingrays
Round 4 HomeScoreAwayMatch InformationDateVenueCounties Manukau Stingrays48-24Northern Swords18 SeptemberBruce Pulman Park, PapakuraWellington Orcas20-34Auckland Pride18 SeptemberFraser Park, WellingtonCentral Vipers32-28Waicoa Bay Stallions18 SeptemberJohnston Park, Feilding Bye: South Island Scorpions
Round 5 The Scorpions dedicated their win over Auckland to Blair Sims, a Scorpions player who died in the Pike River Mine disaster.Scorpions dedicate win to Pike River miner The Press, 26 September 2011 HomeScoreAwayMatch InformationDateVenueWellington Orcas18-30Counties Manukau Stingrays24 SeptemberFraser Park, WellingtonNorthern Swords4-40Waicoa Bay Stallions25 SeptemberSimson Park, MoerewaSouth Island Scorpions30-20Auckland Pride25 SeptemberWingham Park, Greymouth Bye: Central Vipers
Round 6 HomeScoreAwayMatch InformationDateVenueCounties Manukau Stingrays20-22Auckland Pride2 OctoberBruce Pulman Park, PapakuraWaicoa Bays Stallions42-4Wellington Orcas2 OctoberPuketawhero Park, RotoruaCentral Vipers10-38South Island Scorpions2 OctoberTikorangi Sports Ground, Waitara Bye: Northern Swords
Round 7 If the South Island Scorpions had defeated the Counties Manukau Stingrays they would have hosted the final.Scorpions lose, miss out on home final The Press, 10 October 2011 If Counties Manukau had won by over 50 points they would have made the final instead of the South Island. HomeScoreAwayMatch InformationDateVenueAuckland Pride40-32Waicoa Bay Stallions8 OctoberBruce Pulman Park, PapakuraCounties Manukau Stingrays30-24South Island Scorpions9 OctoberBruce Pulman Park, PapakuraNorthern Swords16-24Central Vipers9 OctoberToll Stadium, Whangarei Bye: Wellington Orcas
Final The final was refereed by Shane Rehm and Auckland led 20–10 at halftime. Auckland's Suaia Matagi was named man of the match.Auckland Pride retain National title rleague.com, 18 October 2011 HomeScoreAwayMatch InformationDateVenueAuckland Pride44-34South Island Scorpions15 OctoberMassey Park, Papakura
Upper Central Zone Waikato defeated Coastline 32–0 on 23 April. Coastline then lost to the Bay of Plenty 20–14 on 4 June in Tauranga.Bay of Plenty regain bragging rights Bay of Plenty Times, 6 June 2011 Waikato then defeated Bay of Plenty 44–12 at Puketawhero Park in Rotorua on 2 July to win the tri-series.
South Island Zone competition