A refreshed representative programme set to kick off in 2026 has been jointly launched by the Auckland Rugby League and the One New Zealand Warriors.
The programme has been expanded to feature five competitions including two additions for the women’s game, reflecting a combined commitment to boost the domestic pathway to the NRLW and the growth of rugby league in Auckland.
Building on the successful 2025 U19 girls’ initiative between Auckland and Northland, a new U19 girls’ competition has been introduced named in honour of Apii Nicholls.
The long-serving Kiwi Ferns fullback is a role model for the women’s game, having come through Auckland Rugby League’s grassroots system and the Ōtāhuhu Leopards. She was in the inaugural Warriors NRLW team in 2018 and captained the side in this year’s return to the premiership.
A new senior women’s competition has also been launched, named after the legendary Kathleen Wharton, who sadly passed away in 2024.
Wharton was a respected figure in the women’s game representing both the Warriors and the Kiwi Ferns. After she retired she continued to give back to the game through coaching and governance, playing a pivotal role in advancing women’s rugby league in Auckland, Northland and New Zealand.
These new competitions create an exciting and meaningful pathway from local football to the Warriors’ NRLW system.
“We’re thrilled to work with the Auckland Rugby League to bolster the women’s game in the region,” said One New Zealand Warriors NRLW manager Nadene Conlon.
“This will provide great opportunities for local players to come through and chase their dream of playing for the Warriors.
“We saw evidence this year of players coming straight out of grass roots football to play for the Warriors in the NRLW, not least Ivana Lauitiiti who started the year as a development player and is now about to make her Test debut for the Kiwi Ferns.”
Alongside the two new competitions named after Apii Nicholls and Kath Wharton, the other three championships continue for the Shaun Johnson Shield (U15 boys), Georgia Hale Cup (U15 girls) and Dean Bell Cup (U17 boys). The age grades for these competitions have been adjusted slightly to align with the Warriors’ pathways.
These three championships will feature four representative teams from Auckland reflecting the growth of the game in Auckland and the commitment to provide more aspiring players with opportunities to play representative rugby league.
Other districts will be able to enter teams into competitions with details to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
The goal is to build meaningful and inspiring competitions in Tāmaki Makaurau that capture the imagination of the next generation and create genuine elite pathways which encourage young stars to stay in New Zealand, develop locally and contribute to the growth of rugby league in Auckland.
"These competitions mark an exciting step forward for our partnership and for the game of rugby league,” One New Zealand Warriors recruitment and partnerships strategy manager Liam Turner.
“Both organisations have collaborated closely behind the scenes to bring this vision to life and create a high standard of competition that players can truly look forward to.
“We’re thrilled to be launching these competitions with Auckland Rugby League, and we can’t wait to see them kick off in early 2026."
The Auckland Rugby League’s partnership with the One New Zealand Warriors will also include access to coaching development opportunities, ensuring coaches have the skills and resources to develop Auckland’s best talent.
Key Dates
Trials: Dates and registrations below
Pre-season: Starting the week of November 24, 2025 and finishing week of December 15, 2025
Pre-competition training: Starting the week of January 12, 2026
Competition start date: January 31, 2026
Grand finals day: March 14, 2026
Registration details and trial information is available below.
Shaun Johnson Shield (under-15 boys)
Trial date: Saturday, November 8 | Cornwall Park | 9.00am
Register for trials here
Dean Bell Cup (under-17 boys)
Trial date: Saturday, November 8 | Cornwall Park | 12.30pm
Register for trials here
Georgia Hale (under-16 girls)
Trial date: Tuesday, November 11 | Cornwall Park | 5.30pm
Register for trials here
Apii Nicholls Cup (under-19 girls)
Trial date: Saturday, November 15 | Venue TBC | 10.00am
Register for trials here
Kathleen Wharton Cup (open women's)
Trial date: Saturday, November 15 | Venue TBC | 2.00pm
Register for trials here
Representative staff roles (2026)
The Auckland Rugby League is pleased to invite applications for the following representative roles for the 2026 representative season:
Shaun Johnson Shield (under-15 boys)
Georgia Hale Cup (under-16 girls)
Dean Bell Cup (under-17 boys)
Apii Nicholls Cup (under-19 girls)
Kathleen Wharton Cup (open women)
Register here
