CRL News
BULLDOGS OVERWHELM BARBARIANS FOR DIVISION ONE TITLE
Northern Bulldogs broke down Ashburton Barbarians’ impressive early resistance to run away with the CRL Division One grand final 40-20 at Ngā Puna Wai. Experienced campaigners Nathaniel Tirikatene and Cameron Godfrey both scored two tries in a dominant Bulldogs display. The bruising Barbarians made an outstanding start, with winger David Toala blazing away for a…
Read MoreHIGH-ACHIEVING FEAVERS LOOKS FORWARD TO SECOND CANTERBURY GF
Jack Feavers’ appointment to his second straight CRL Whitehead Plumbing & Gas Men’s Premiership grand final comes on the back of recent milestones that reflect his rapid progress in the refereeing ranks. Over the past couple of years Blenheim-based Feavers has racked up thousands upon thousands of kilometres to referee senior Canterbury Rugby League matches…
Read MoreYOUTHFUL PANTHERS OUT TO CAP STUNNING SEASON WITH GF VICTORY
Hornby has taken the CRL Bartercard Women’s Premiership by storm in the club’s first season back in the competition, culminating in a grand final appearance this Sunday after ending Linwood’s reign in last week’s sudden-death semi. Youthful exuberance and attacking flair have been trademarks of the Panthers’ campaign – traits they won’t be trying to…
Read MoreSHORTHANDED SWANS RELYING ON EXPERIENCE TO REGAIN WOMEN’S TITLE
If Sydenham Swans bounce back from consecutive CRL Bartercard Women’s Premiership grand final heartbreakers by inscribing their name on the trophy for 2024, it will be a nod to the squad’s experience and depth after losing a host of key players. Former Kiwi Ferns rep Bunty Kuruwaka-Crowe, a multiple grand final player of the match…
Read MoreCRL PREMIERSHIP DECIDERS: A GRAND HISTORY
The Pat Smith Trophy has been Canterbury Rugby League’s ultimate prize for more than half a century, awarded to the winning side in each year’s Grand Final since a playoffs system replaced the first-past-the-post format to decide the premiership in 1967. Sunday’s Men’s Premiership decider between Hornby Panthers and Halswell Hornets on Happy Hire CRL…
Read MoreHORNETS SOAKING UP GRAND FINAL BREAKTHROUGH – BUT THE JOB’S NOT DONE
Qualifying for the club’s first Pat Smith Trophy Challenge in a decade – on top of their Canterbury Cup side also reaching the decider – and ending Linwood Keas’ quest for a 10th straight grand final, it’s already been a watershed season for Halswell Hornets. After getting past the bogey of three consecutive preliminary final…
Read MoreNO ROOM FOR SENTIMENT AS PANTHERS CHASE GRAND FINAL GLORY
After his team parlayed a late-season form spike into another grand final opportunity, Hornby Panthers coach Jed Lawrie is determined that his and fellow club legend James Baxendale’s impending departure won’t be a distraction ahead of Sunday’s showdown with Halswell Hornets at Ngā Puna Wai. Lawrie quickly doused any notion of sentimentality being a motivating…
Read MoreRED AND BLACK REPORT 2024: EDITION NO.27
The Red and Black Report shines a spotlight on Canterbury Rugby League juniors featuring in Australia’s elite and lower-grade competitions. Canterbury products were in action in the latest rounds of the NRL, NSW Cup, Queensland Cup, Jersey and Flegg Cup (NSWRL under-21s). NRL Former Hornby winger and Super Rugby star Solomon Alaimalo made his sixth NRL…
Read MoreHORNETS END KEAS’ REIGN IN PRELIMINARY FINAL STUNNER
Halswell Hornets have earned their first grand final berth since 2014 – and for the first time in 10 years the Pat Smith Trophy Challenge will not feature Linwood Keas – after an unforgettable CRL Whitehead Plumbing & Gas Men’s Premiership preliminary final on Saturday. The third-placed Hornets overcame an early 12-point deficit at Linwood…
Read MoreFLASHBACK FRIDAY: EX-CHEVALIER TEVAGA MAKES NRL DEBUT
Flashback Friday looks back at the NRL debut of Burnham Chevaliers junior Jazz Tevaga, following news the lionhearted Warriors stalwart will be parting ways with the club at the end of the season. The Warriors confirmed they could not find room for the off-contract veteran on their 2025 roster. Papakura’s finest 💙💚❤️ The One NZ…
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