RED AND BLACK REPORT 2026: EDITION NO.21
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 latest round of the NSWRL’s and QRL’s competitions, as well as the NRL’s Round 17 and the latest round of matches from the Super League in the UK.
Have we missed anyone? Email will@crfl.co.nz to let us know!
NRL
Hornby Panthers product Jordan Riki (12 runs for 103 metres, 37 tackles) and Burnham Chevaliers junior Siua Wong (11 runs for 105 metres, 38 tackles) both put in 80-minute second-row shifts at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.
Wong’s Sydney Roosters grafted out a 24-18 victory over Riki’s Brisbane Broncos.
Aranui Eagles product Jamayne Isaako’s pointscoring tear continued unabated in the Dolphins’ 26-24 eclipse of the Warriors. Isaako scored a two tries and kicked three goals – including the late match-winner from out wide – to pass 1,500 points in the NRL.
Chevaliers junior Kodi Nikorima has a blinder at five-eighth for the Dolphins, making a line-break and producing a try assist on top of 71 run metres and 25 tackles.
Halswell Hornets prop Tanner Stowers-Smith started up front for the Warriors, making eight runs for 65 metres and 19 tackles in 33 minutes – but his standout moment was a sensational try-saver on Nikorima during the first half.
West Coast product and ex-Hornets junior player Griffin Neame racked up 10 runs for 88 metres and 20 tackles off the bench in North Queensland’s 26-12 upset of Penrith.
NSW CUP
Riccarton Knights prop K-Ci Newton-Whare scored a first-half try, made five runs for 69 metres and 20 tackles in Melbourne’s 43-22 win over North Sydney.
After being the NRL side’s reserve on Saturday, Linwood Keas hooker Makaia Tafua flew to Canberra and played 80 minutes in the Warriors’ 34-16 loss to the Raiders. Tafua delivered the assist for all three Warriors tries, made a line-break among seven runs for 92 metres and topped the tackle count with 41.
Papanui Tigers forward Jason Salalilo made five runs and 30 tackles from the bench for the Warriors.
Making his second NSW Cup appearance – this time on the wing – Hornby Panthers’ Jackson Stewart scored an early try in Sydney Roosters’ 20-14 defeat of South Sydney.
Another Hornby young gun, Canterbury-Bankstown centre Sosaia Alatini, scored a try, made 13 runs for 140 metres, two line-breaks and had two try assists in a 64-10 demolition of Manly.
JERSEY FLEGG CUP
Channelling his older brother, Aranui Eagles winger Victory Isaako scored two tries and five goals in Melbourne Storm’s 34-14 win over Parramatta.
Hornby Panthers product, recent Queensland under-19s rep and NSW Cup regular Bishop Neal dropped back to Jersey Flegg and featured in the Warriors’ 30-22 loss to Canberra.
Northern Bulldogs five-eighth Bronson Reuben was on fire in Canterbury-Bankstown’s 28-18 win over Manly, scoring a second-half double and kicking three goals.
NSW WOMEN’S PREMIERSHIP
Linwood Keas’ rookie halfback Julliana Kolio scored another try for Cronulla in a 26-18 loss to Illawarra.
Hornby Panthers winger Manisha Seebeck crossed for two second-half tries in the Roosters’ 50-10 win over Wentworthville Magpies.
QUEENSLAND CUP
Northern Bulldogs product and Redcliffe veteran Sheldon Pitama started at lock in the Dolphins’ 34-10 win over Wynnum Manly, making six runs and 25 tackles.
West Coaster and ex-Eastern Eagles junior player Antonio Verhoeven played 50 minutes at centre, running the ball for 54 metres on seven carries.
SUPER LEAGUE
Aranui Eagles product and ex-NRL utility Daejarn Asi was at halfback in Castleford’s 20-14 loss to York, producing a try assist along with 12 runs and 14 tackles.
With Burnham Chevaliers junior Jazz Tevaga at lock, Wakefield Trinity’s charge continued with a 29-23 win over Huddersfield. Tevaga racked up 10 runs and 24 tackles.
