Panthers are kings of the kids in Canterbury

The Warriors are likely to enjoy majority crowd support this Saturday evening at AMI Stadium, but the Penrith Panthers may have convinced a few hundred Canterbury kids to change their NRL allegiances this week. After holding an open training session at Christchurch Boys High School yesterday, the Panthers visited Hornby club later that afternoon and…

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Panthers break new ground for league at Boys’ High

It’s a school steeped in rugby union history, producing more than 40 All Blacks in its 135-year existence. But the Penrith Panthers broke new ground on Wednesday when the NRL side trained on Christchurch Boys’ High School’s rugby field ahead of their premiership encounter with the New Zealand Warriors at AMI Stadium on Saturday. With…

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ARANUI EAGLES 2016 SEASON PREVIEW

The Eagles have missed the finals for the past three seasons, but a strong pre-season performance – reaching the Challenge Cup final, where they went down to a powerful Linwood combination – showed what the side is capable of under incoming coach Christian Swift. Coach: Christian Swift Last season: 6th (won 4, lost 10) Pre-season:…

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CELEBRATION LIONS 2016 SEASON PREVIEW

Celebration Lions

The Lions are rebuilding their squad after the loss of some of the region’s most prominent veterans, but there’s still enough class and experience in their ranks to make an impression in 2016 under new coach Steve Fenika.  Coach: Steve Fenika Last season: 5th (won 5, lost 7, drew 2) Pre-season: “It’s been really good,”…

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HALSWELL HORNETS 2016 SEASON PREVIEW

Halswell Hornets

After taking out the premiership in 2014, the Hornets plummeted to second-last with just three wins last season. But the rebuilding club is confident of rediscovering its competitive edge in 2016. Coach: Rob Faalilo Last season: 7th (won 3, lost 11) Pre-season: “It’s been pretty good. We’ve had really good numbers compared to last year.…

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HORNBY PANTHERS 2016 SEASON PREVIEW

Hornby Panthers

Jed Lawrie takes the head coach reins after serving a long apprenticeship under Brent Stuart, and he’s aiming to maintain the Panthers’ heavyweight status with a strong squad. Canterbury Bulls half Tevin Arona will miss the first half of the season due to concussion, but Hornby boast enough key-position depth to overcome that setback. Coach:…

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LINWOOD KEAS 2016 SEASON PREVIEW

Linwood Keas

Following their extra-time loss in the 2015 grand final, the Keas have signalled their intentions by taking out the pre-season Challenge Cup. Recently-appointed Canterbury Bulls coach Andrew Auimatagi has a number of key additions at his disposal as the club aims to go one better in the 2016 Masetti Cup.  Coach: Andrew Auimatagi Last season:…

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PAPANUI TIGERS 2106 SEASON PREVIEW

Papanui Tigers

The Tigers broke a 17-year title drought under the tutelage of Shane Endacott in 2015, but the local legend knows he has a tough task ahead of him leading a new-look line-up to back-to-back premierships. Coach: Shane Endacott Last season: 1st and premiers (won 14, lost 2, drew 1) Pre-season: “(It’s been) up and down,…

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RICCARTON KNIGHTS 2016 SEASON PREVIEW

Riccarton Knights

After two seasons back in the top-four picture, Chris Hansen and the Knights – with a relatively stable squad and a couple of handy acquisitions from the union ranks – are aiming to take the next step this year. Coach: Chris Hansen and Sam Brown Last season: 4th and beaten preliminary finalists (won 9, lost…

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