PROUD MAGPIES SWOOP FOR LONG-AWAITED PRESIDENTS TOURNAMENT TRIUMPH
The stereotype of magpies liking shiny things is a common misconception, but Addington Rugby League Club is unmistakably still basking in its capture of the Presidents 10s Tournament trophy for the first time.
Addington Magpies capped a second straight unbeaten Presidents season by taking out the coveted 10s title in July at Crosbie Park – the culmination of a long-held goal for the team.
“It meant a lot to us. We’ve made the finals over the past three seasons but never quite managed to get across the line,” says Magpies Presidents player-coach Aidan Thompson.
“We went through the season undefeated again, and then came into the tournament where we finally achieved what we’d been working towards for many years.”
“Even one of our life members who played in this tournament years ago said they never got to hold that trophy. It’s a special feeling to finally bring it home for the club.
“It’s a huge credit to our boys that played – even myself, I was a player as well this season – and just to see the dedication.
“Each game we had to raise the bar, and that’s exactly what the boys did. By the time we reached the final, we were hungry and focused and that’s what got us across the line.”
The Magpies’ Presidents 10s Tournament success took on extra significance and poignancy following the passing of Addington chairperson Brian Barlow – known at the club as ‘Matua B’ – in February.
“[The tournament win] was a dedication to him as well,” says Thompson, who also serves as Addington’s president.
“He loved the Magpie Presidents team. We knew this win would have meant everything to him. It was a dedication to Matua B and what he stood for.
“We’ve been building for the past two and a half seasons. The brotherhood, the structure, and the trust, it all came together this year. The boys earned every bit of that trophy.
“The support from our whānau was incredible. They gave us the energy to keep pushing. That’s what Addington is all about, community, pride, and mana.”
Part of CRL’s 1912 foundation wave, Addington won premierships in 1982 under the coaching of Frank Endacott and again in 1989 with Lex Clarke at the helm. But the Magpies, who have produced Kiwis such as Jim Amos, Pat White and Brent Stuart, last featured in the top grade in 1997.
The club maintains a senior presence in CRL Division One, however, and are hopeful of returning to the 2026 CRL Bartercard Women’s Premiership after fielding a team in 2024.
The club’s junior numbers remain strong and a 15s teams is also in the pipeline for next year. Thompson asserts the Magpies’ sights are set on a renaissance.
“We’re working hard behind the scenes to rebuild and re-establish ourselves as a premiership club, slowly but surely.”
From nursery teams through to the old warhorses in the Presidents grade, the Magpies are eager for new players, volunteers and members.
“We are whānau-orientated, dedicated, hard working, passionate, and proud,” Thompson enthuses.
“Every player, volunteer, and supporter helps us grow.”
Historic Triumph for Addington Rugby League Club – Presidents Team Crowned 2025 Presidents 10’s Champions
By Jae Wickliffe-Thompson – ARLFCM Hēkeretari (Secretary)
History was made this season as the Addington Rugby League Club Presidents team claimed the Presidents 10’s Tournament title for the very first time in the competition’s history.
Drawn in Pool B, Addington showcased their depth and determination, playing four round-robin matches with grit and consistency. Their campaign rolled on into the semi-final against Papanui, before the grand final showdown with the Riccarton Knights. In an impressive showcase of hearty rugby league, and endurance, Addington outlasted their opposition to lift the Presidents 10’s trophy, a first in the club’s proud history.
The team’s dominance was clear across the tournament, finishing with an outstanding 19 points for and only 9 against, a statistic that underlines their defensive steel and attacking precision.
The squad
This proud, tight-knit squad, many of whom have been playing and building together for years, featured the following players:
Paasi Aho Lotoalahi, Cory Hall, Huikoma Mitchell, Nicolaas Stufkens, Peter Whall, Maska Hubbard, Jerome Swan-Taroa, Tene Peri, Tamati Terry, Shaun Dennis, William Kotua, Dylan Fox, Pete Stephens, Dave Tivalu, Juliuz Galovao, Quinten McCormick, Jimi Walker, and Zeb Sinnot.
Led by Coach/Player Aidan Thompson, Manager Jae Wickliffe-Thompson, and Assistant Coach/Player Peter Davis-Skudder, this squad delivered a season to remember, going undefeated in 2025, securing an unbeaten run for two consecutive years, and retaining the Fosters Cup, as a seniors side combination of our Division 1 and Presidents teams, for the third year running.
Pride in the stands
Addington’s supporters played their part too, ringing out the tournament with passion as they watched on in proud anticipation, backing their Presidents side created an atmosphere that lifted the squad through every challenge and made the historic victory even more special.
This remarkable achievement is a testament to the Addington culture and brotherhood. These players have grown together, honed their combinations, and developed the resilience to perform under pressure, qualities that turned promising performances into historic silverware.
Addington Rugby League Club can stand tall knowing their Presidents have written a new chapter in club history. The future looks bright, and this proud squad has set the standard for what it means to wear the Addington colours with mana.
Super proud of you all, and a season that will be remembered for years to come.
