Pathways opportunities have been enhanced for the 2027 season as the Auckland Rugby League and the One New Zealand Warriors continue to build on the local representative programme they jointly expanded this year.
Making a return is an under-20 men’s championship named in honour of rugby league great Ruben Wiki.
It means the 2027 programme, running from February to March, will now include three competitions for men and three for women underlining a commitment to both grow rugby league and boost the domestic pathway to the Warriors’ NRL and NRLW systems.
The boys’ and men’s side of the programme will comprise the Shaun Johnson Shield (under-15), Dean Bell Cup (under-17) and the Ruben Wiki Cup (under-20).
For girls and women the three competitions are the Georgia Hale Cup (under-16), the Apii Nicholls Cup (under-18) and the Kathleen Wharton Cup (open women’s grade).
“In partnership with the One New Zealand Warriors, we’re excited to announce the return of our representative competitions for 2027,” said Auckland Rugby League head of football TJ Ashford.
“With six competitions there are now more opportunities in one connected pathway for Auckland rugby league players.
“The major addition is the return of the Ruben Wiki Cup adding another important step to Auckland’s boys’ and men’s pathway which now begins with our Region of Origin and continues through the Shaun Johnson Shield, Dean Bell Cup and into the Ruben Wiki Cup.”
“The 18-20-year-old age group is an important stage in a player’s development, and we want to provide more opportunities for young men to stay involved in rugby league as they transition from youth football into senior football.”
Ashford said the Ruben Wiki Cup would provide a quality preseason representative and development environment, while also helping connect players with Auckland clubs for the regular season.
“It is also an important step towards our longer-term goal of building the player base required for a sustainable under-20 club competition in Auckland,” he said.
“Whether you’re already involved in the game, looking for your next opportunity or wanting to get back into rugby league, the Ruben Wiki Cup provides another chance to do so.”
One New Zealand Warriors recruitment and partnerships strategy manager Liam Turner said the early-season competitions had delivered significant benefits for the club.
“From last year's Kath Wharton competition, four players were signed into our NRLW squad while another five players earned train and trial agreements,” he said.
“From the Georgia Hale and Apii Nicholls competitions, 20 players were selected for a One New Zealand Warriors Harvey Norman high-performance camp.
“And from the Dean Bell and Shaun Johnson competitions, 65 players have been part of our boys’ pathway programme.
“That demonstrates just how valuable these competitions are for creating opportunities.”
Player registrations are now open for all six competitions:
Shaun Johnson Shield (under-15 boys) | Register HERE
Georgia Hale Cup (under-16 girls) | Register HERE
Dean Bell Cup (under-17 boys) | Register HERE
Apii Nicholls Cup (under-18 girls) | Register HERE
Kathleen Wharton Cup (open women’s) | Register HERE
Ruben Wiki Cup (under-20 men’s) | Register HERE
Shaun Johnson Shield (under-15 boys)
Players who were selected for and played in the 2026 under-14 boys’ Region of Origin campaign will automatically progress into the 2027 Shaun Johnson Shield teams.
Additional places will be available. All other eligible players who want an opportunity to be part of the programme are encouraged to register for the combine-style trial.
Team staff expressions of interest
People who want to contribute to the development of Auckland’s next generation of rugby league players are encouraged to put their names forward.
Expressions of interest are open for head coaches, assistant coaches, team managers and trainers.
Staff EOI: Register HERE
