Archive for April 2016
ARANUI EAGLES 2016 SEASON PREVIEW
The Eagles have missed the finals for the past three seasons, but a strong pre-season performance – reaching the Challenge Cup final, where they went down to a powerful Linwood combination – showed what the side is capable of under incoming coach Christian Swift. Coach: Christian Swift Last season: 6th (won 4, lost 10) Pre-season:…
Read MoreCELEBRATION LIONS 2016 SEASON PREVIEW
The Lions are rebuilding their squad after the loss of some of the region’s most prominent veterans, but there’s still enough class and experience in their ranks to make an impression in 2016 under new coach Steve Fenika. Coach: Steve Fenika Last season: 5th (won 5, lost 7, drew 2) Pre-season: “It’s been really good,”…
Read MoreHALSWELL HORNETS 2016 SEASON PREVIEW
After taking out the premiership in 2014, the Hornets plummeted to second-last with just three wins last season. But the rebuilding club is confident of rediscovering its competitive edge in 2016. Coach: Rob Faalilo Last season: 7th (won 3, lost 11) Pre-season: “It’s been pretty good. We’ve had really good numbers compared to last year.…
Read MoreHORNBY PANTHERS 2016 SEASON PREVIEW
Jed Lawrie takes the head coach reins after serving a long apprenticeship under Brent Stuart, and he’s aiming to maintain the Panthers’ heavyweight status with a strong squad. Canterbury Bulls half Tevin Arona will miss the first half of the season due to concussion, but Hornby boast enough key-position depth to overcome that setback. Coach:…
Read MoreLINWOOD KEAS 2016 SEASON PREVIEW
Following their extra-time loss in the 2015 grand final, the Keas have signalled their intentions by taking out the pre-season Challenge Cup. Recently-appointed Canterbury Bulls coach Andrew Auimatagi has a number of key additions at his disposal as the club aims to go one better in the 2016 Masetti Cup. Coach: Andrew Auimatagi Last season:…
Read MoreNORTHERN BULLDOGS 2106 SEASON PREVIEW
Coming off consecutive wooden spoons and a winless 2015 season, a promising pre-season campaign has signalled the beginning of a new era for the proud Bulldogs. Coach: Te Hira Niha Last season: 8th (lost 13, drew 1) Pre-season: “We’ve been getting good numbers at training and everyone’s fitting in well. We had a good win…
Read MorePAPANUI TIGERS 2106 SEASON PREVIEW
The Tigers broke a 17-year title drought under the tutelage of Shane Endacott in 2015, but the local legend knows he has a tough task ahead of him leading a new-look line-up to back-to-back premierships. Coach: Shane Endacott Last season: 1st and premiers (won 14, lost 2, drew 1) Pre-season: “(It’s been) up and down,…
Read MoreRICCARTON KNIGHTS 2016 SEASON PREVIEW
After two seasons back in the top-four picture, Chris Hansen and the Knights – with a relatively stable squad and a couple of handy acquisitions from the union ranks – are aiming to take the next step this year. Coach: Chris Hansen and Sam Brown Last season: 4th and beaten preliminary finalists (won 9, lost…
Read MoreGlover humbled by CRL life membership
Life membership to any organisation is recognition of a person’s long service and monumental contribution. But despite a premier-grade refereeing career spanning 27 seasons – and giving up countless hours on the field and behind the scenes for the sport he loves – Mike Glover was floored by his recent life membership honour from Canterbury…
Read MoreNew addition to the CRL Board
At the 2016 Canterbury Rugby League AGM, held at the Celebration Lions Centre last night, clubs elected Craig Reynolds and Llew Timpson to the Board of Canterbury Rugby League. From Kaiapoi, Craig has been on the Canterbury Rugby League Board for a number of years and had retired by rotation but offered himself for re…
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