Manawatu Rugby League

Manawatu Rugby League was formed in 1957.^[1] 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 Kiwis. This was Kiwi number 456, Dick Uluave, who played two tests in 1979.

National Competitions

Main article: Manawatu rugby league team

In 1997 Manawatu had a team in the Lion Red Cup. This team was known as the Manawatu Mustangs.

Between 2002 and 2007 Manawatu Rugby League fielded a side in the national Bartercard Cup. This team was known as the Central Falcons. However Manawatu was not invited to field a side in 2008's new Bartercard Premiership.

Representative Football 2007

Manawatu U16's

• Round 1 Manawatu 14 Vs Wellington 34
• Round 2 Taranaki 42 Vs Manawatu 0
• Round 3 Manawatu 34 Vs Nelson 22

Overall Placing: 3rd

Manawatu U15's

• Round 1 Hawkes Bay b Manawatu 20 - 10
• Round 2 Wellington d Manawatu 58 - 0
• Round 3 Taranaki b Manawatu 29 - 16
• Round 4 Gisborne b Manawatu 20 - 8
• Round 5 Manawatu b Horowhenua 30 - 16

Overall Placing: 5th

2008

In 2008 there is talk of a U13's Competition taking part.

Regional Competitions

Western Alliance

Western Alliance was created in 2003 when clubs from Taranaki, Wellington and Manawatu competed in a 12-team regional competition. However in 2004 all Wellington clubs pulled out to work on their own local competition. In 2007 Kia Ora Warriors ended Waitara's two-year reign as Western Alliance champion with a resolute, 29-20 win in the grand final.

Teams that competed in the 2007 Western Alliance were:

• Waitara Bears
• Linton Cobras
• Feilding Falcons
• Coastal Cobras
• Marist Dragons
• Western Suburbs Tigers
• Kia Ora Warriors
• Hawera Hawks
• Taitoko United
• Castlecliff Seagulls

Premier Grade

• Castlecliff Seagulls
• Kia Ora Warriors
• Feilding Falcons
• Taitoko United
• Linton Cobras
• Foxton Rebels

Cartown Cup

• Marton Bears
• Waiouru Bobcats
• Linton Cobras
• Taitoko United
• Wanganui Vikings 1
• Whiti Te Ra
• Kia Ora Warriors
• Foxton Rebels
• Dannevirke Tigers
• Wanganui Vikings 2

References

1. ^ Official site