RED AND BLACK REPORT 2026: EDITION NO.2
The Red and Black Report shines a spotlight on Canterbury Rugby League juniors featuring in Australia’s and Britain’s elite and lower-grade competitions.
A host of Canterbury products were in action in the second round of the NSWRL junior reps competitions, as well as the NRL’s Pre-season Challenge and the Super League’s opening weekend.
Have we missed anyone? Email will@crfl.co.nz to let us know!
NRL
A pair of Canterbury juniors provided some bright spots in the Warriors’ disappointing 33-18 loss to Manly in their initial trial hit-out in Napier on Saturday.
Halswell Hornets prop Tanner Stowers-Smith led the Warriors’ run metres (134) and tackle (39) counts in an impressive display up front.
Meanwhile, livewire Linwood hooker Makaia Tafua – a Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup regular in 2024-25 – scored a sensational solo try in the latter stages and finished with four runs for 56 metres.
Hornby Panthers’ Jackson Stewart, a SG Ball title winner and Jersey Flegg debutant last year, made the most of his opportunity in Sydney Roosters’ NRL trial.
Playing alongside the likes of Burnham Chevaliers junior Siua Wong (who had 10 runs for 96 metres and 31 tackles) in the 42-26 loss to Wests Tigers, Stewart scored a brilliant 40-metre kick-and-chasse try and made two line-breaks among four runs for 73 metres.
Formerly with Wests Tigers and Manly, Halswell Hornets utility back Oliver Lawry got a taste of the NRL in South Sydney’s 28-24 Charity Shield win over St George Illawarra. Lawry made two runs and six tackles off the bench in the upset.
Hornby Panthers prop Felix Faatili was a standout in Cronulla’s 40-6 loss to Parramatta, churning through 14 runs for 115 metres and 18 tackles in 35 minutes off the bench in a milestone outing for the tyro.
Eastern Eagles’ Antonio Verhoeven latched onto a kick to score a try in his first outing in Brisbane Broncos colours, helping his side to a come-from-behind 26-14 win over Sunshine Coast Falcons. The Greymouth product shot to prominence last season in Burleigh Bears’ Mal Meninga Cup success.
Aranui Eagles product and Kiwi Test winger Jamayne Isaako racked up 106 metres on 10 carries as the Dolphins went down 24-12 to Gold Coast on Thursday.
SG BALL CUP
Linwood Keas junior and Warriors under-19s halfback Rico Lemalie produced an excellent try assist in a 36-12 loss to South Sydney.
Keas clubmate Amasio Tiatia was at hooker, Hornby Panthers’ Micah Sula lined up at prop and Linwood product Lennox Tuiloma came off the bench.
Hornby Panthers’ Isaiah Savea started in the second-row for Melbourne Storm after coming off the bench in Round 1 and scored a second-half try in a 44-14 win over St George Illawarra Dragons.
HAROLD MATTHEWS CUP
There was a six-strong Canterbury contingent in the Warriors’ line-up for the second week in a row as the two-time defending champs lost 28-16 to South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Riccarton Knights’ Lennox-Rua Limu-Franklin started on the wing, Timaru-based Hornby Panthers player Jackson Robinson was at halfback, Sydenham Swans’ Kenny Lafituanai lined up at prop, the Knights’ Christiano Elia played lock, and Swans duo Hemiata Togia and Thomas Christensen came off the bench.
A trio of Canterbury juniors tasted their maiden Harold Matts victory as Sydney Roosters outlasted Illawarra Steelers 22-12.
Sydenham’s Leonjay Salevao played on the wing, while Swans clubmate Seu Fidow came off the bench for the Roosters. Strapping Hornby Panthers forward Riley Smart lined up in the second-row for the Tricolours.
After cooling their heels with the Round 1 bye, Linwood Keas hooker Kaci Heath and Sydenham Swans lock Evander Tafua featured in Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs’ 28-6 defeat of Canberra Raiders on Saturday.
TARSHA GALE CUP
Linwood Keas junior and Canterbury age-group rep Olive Connolly was promoted to the starting front-row after debuting for Penrith off the bench last week.
Connolly helped the Panthers to a 26-12 victory over South Sydney Rabbitohs at St Marys on Saturday as she impressively works her way back from a 2025 season derailed by injury.
SUPER LEAGUE
Aranui Eagles’ Daejarn Asi lined up at halfback as Castleford Tigers went down to heavyweights Wigan Warriors in the Super League’s opening round.
Have we missed anyone? Email will@crfl.co.nz to let us know!
