CRL News
FLASHBACK FRIDAY: CARROLL’S ORIGIN DEBUT MATCH-WINNER
In the wake of this week’s bombshell State of Origin eligibility announcement, Flashback Friday revisits the concept’s greatest moment involving a Canterbury-born player – Tonie Carroll’s sensational debut match-winner in the opening encounter of the 1998 series. Born in Christchurch, Carroll left the Canterbury region as a youngster and represented Queensland and Australia at schoolboy…
Read MoreDEDICATION UNDERPINS REFEREE VIVAS’ RAPID NSWRL RISE
Three years ago, Porfi Vivas was a novice junior referee still getting to grips with rugby league’s rulebook. But on Sunday the 26-year-old enjoyed yet another milestone on his meteoric rise with the whistle, controlling his first match in the Harold Matthews Cup – the New South Wales Rugby League’s elite under-17s competition. Vivas received…
Read MoreRED 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…
Read MoreRED AND BLACK REPORT 2026: EDITION NO.1
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 opening round of the NSWRL and QRL junior reps competitions, as well as the NRL’ Pre-season Challenge and the British Challenge Cup. Have…
Read MoreCEO’S MESSAGE: BUILDING ON CRL’S SUCCESS IN 2026
Welcome to another exciting Canterbury Rugby League season packed with events, initiatives and progress for our game. CRL is exceptionally proud of what was achieved in 2025 by its participants, volunteers and the wider rugby league community. Headlining the highlights reel for 2025 was the hosting of the NZRL National Youth Tournament at Ngā Puna…
Read MoreWARRIORS 2026 JUNIOR SQUADS STACKED WITH CANTERBURY PRODUCTS
Fifteen Canterbury players have been named in the Warriors’ squads to compete in the NSWRL 2026 junior competitions, the SG Ball Cup (under-19s) and Harold Matthews Cup (under-17s). Six Canterbury Rugby League clubs and four Ōtautahi Christchurch schools are represented in the Auckland-based teams, who take on sides from Sydney, Wollongong, Canberra, Melbourne and Central…
Read MoreCANTERBURY RUGBY LEAGUE 2025: A YEAR OF GROWTH AND ACHIEVEMENT
As 2025 draws to a close, we’re reflecting on an action-packed year in which the Canterbury Rugby League community has gone from strength to strength. Flourishing playing numbers, achievements from our juniors in Australian competitions through to international level, valuable partnerships established, thrilling senior club competitions and the historic and overwhelmingly successful staging of the…
Read MorePAPANUI TIGERS’ RETURN TO MEN’S PREMIER STATUS IN 2026 CONFIRMED
Canterbury Rugby League is pleased to announce the CRL Board endorsed Papanui Tigers’ return to our premier men’s grade at Monday’s Board meeting. As per Canterbury Rugby League’s by-law requirements, Papanui will enter teams in the 2026 CRL Whitehead Plumbing & Gas Men’s Premiership and CRL ISC Sports Canterbury Cup Premier Reserves competitions. Papanui Tigers…
Read MoreDIXON AND HOETA STEP INTO CLUB PRESIDENT ROLES
Grassroots rugby league would cease to function without the tireless efforts of female volunteers and administrators, and the girls and women’s game is growing exponentially. Meanwhile, the increasing influence of wahine in leadership roles in the Canterbury Rugby League community is reflected by two recent club president appointments: Lydia Dixon (Northern Bulldogs) and Rebekah Hoeta…
Read MoreRED AND BLACK REPORT 2025: EDITION NO.30
The Red and Black Report shines a spotlight on Canterbury Rugby League juniors featuring abroad. A host of Canterbury products have been in action during the recently concluded international schedule. PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIPS MEN Aranui Eagles product Jamayne Isaako kicked 16 goals across New Zealand’s three victories as the Kiwis took out the Pacific Championships. The…
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