Phil is a career academic as well as being a father, husband, rugby league trainer, gym owner and aspiring DIY aficionado.

Phil has been a lecturer at the University of Canterbury since 2008 and has designed and delivered courses in Māori and Indigenous Studies and the Bachelor of Sport Coaching. His primary research focus is dedicated to the aspirations of Māori and Pasifika youth in their quest for professional sporting careers with a focus in rugby league.

As a former rugby league player, and lifetime fan of the sport Phil recognises the need for support and pathways within the sport and is excited at the prospect of being a part of the CRL Board.

Wally started playing rugby league as a ten year old for Linwood in 1962 and played through all the age groups making Canterbury Representative teams throughout the grades.

In 1969 he captained the Under 17s Canterbury and Southern Zone teams and went on to be selected for the Under 17s Kiwi team. In 1971 he had his first season for the Linwood Premiers and played over 400 games for the Keas over 15 seasons. He then hung up his boots and retired from playing and started coaching.

He played his first game for the Canterbury Rugby League senior representative team in 1972 and was the captain for many years. Over his 45 plus games for the province he was very fortunate to be coached by Cary Clark in 1975 when they won the N.P.C and Rothmans Cup beating Auckland at Carlaw Park. He played in the Australian Amco Cup Competition in 1976 when Canterbury was invited, and then later with the South Island side when they won the district Championship.

Wally was also selected in the Kiwi team under coach Ces Mountford in the 1981 test series win over France that was played in New Zealand.

A selector for the Canterbury team which was coached by Frank Endacott in the early 1990’s. He then took over the coaching role when Frank joined the Warriors in 1994 and went on to win the N.P.C Championship Final over Auckland.

He was a board member of the CRL Junior Board and then the Senior Board of Control in the mid to late 90’s.

Outside of rugby league he has held many positions on boards such as Chairman of Canterbury Surf Life Saving , Board Member of N.Z Surf Life Saving, and Chairman of the Board at South Brighton School. Wally still has a lot to give to the game which has been a major part of his life and he is very proud to have received a Queens Service Medal for services to Rugby League and Surf Life Saving in 2011.

This was not only an award for him but to his family whom have been such a great support team over many years.

Anei au, tētahi uri nō Tainui waka e mihi ana ki a koutou katoa. Janelle is an avid rugby league fan and long time supporter of Canterbury Rugby League. She has managed various teams for CRL during her son’s playing career here in Canterbury and has been a manager for Canterbury Māori Rugby League also. Janelle aspires to grow rugby league here in Canterbury and seek to ensure our young players have pathways into professional careers that provide the support and guidance they require to be successful.

Janelle is a trained teacher by trade and has been an education consultant for 10 years, specialising in supporting organisations to strengthen their cultural capabilities and uphold their responsibilities to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. A fluent speaker of Te Reo Māori and an advocate for culturally responsive ways of working, Janelle will support the board to ensue we are meeting the cultural needs of all of our players. Janelle has several positions on other boards over many years and has a wealth of expertise and experience in governance.

With a long association with the Hornby Rugby League club, Janelle looks forward to our sport continuing to flourish and grow and she is honoured to be part of the CRL Board. Ngā mihi nui.

Daisy played for the Canterbury Women’s and local club teams and is a keen advocate and mentor for women and rangatahi.

Graduating from the University of Canterbury with a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) in 2018, Daisy’s professional background works across the NGO, business, government, education and community sectors as well as being a consultant.

She holds several management and director roles and as the 2017 NZ Slam Poetry Champion, she went on to perform 2 poems at TEDx Christchurch 2018. One about getting her traditional Samoan “Malu” tattoo and the other poem “WHAKAMANA”, is an anthem to the fierce wāhine in her Rugby League Team.

Jason is a seasoned business professional and accomplished senior representative rugby league player with extensive experience both in New Zealand and internationally. His journey in rugby league has seen him achieve notable successes, including winning Premiership and Lion Red Cup titles. Additionally, he has contributed to the development of rugby league talent as a coach for Canterbury and South Island age groups, showcasing his strong leadership and coaching abilities.

In his professional career, he has leveraged his formal training as a Rugby League Coach alongside over 25 years of management and sales expertise. He is recognised as a proven new business generator, consistently driving growth and innovation. His leadership style is characterised by its challenge and effectiveness, underpinned by strategic planning and adept team management skills. He prides himself on building strong customer rapport, tailoring communication to meet client needs, and nurturing lasting relationships.

His strengths lie in strategic planning and a commitment to delivering exceptional service to both clients and staff. With a diverse product experience and leadership qualities honed through years of experience, he is well-equipped to excel in various industries and looks forward to being part of moving the game forward on the Canterbury Rugby League Board.

Mel boasts a rich history as a distinguished sports administrator and highly accomplished manager within the realm of rugby league. Her extensive tenure spans across New Zealand and various national and regional platforms, punctuated by a series of remarkable achievements. Noteworthy among these accomplishments includes guiding numerous teams to prestigious tournaments and nurturing talent that has progressed to professional ranks.

She has effectively utilised her formal training in sports management along with more than ten years of hands-on experience in operations, event coordination, and strategic planning throughout her professional journey. Her management style is characterised by its meticulous organisation, attention to detail and unwavering commitment to providing comprehensive support to teams and players.

With a diverse background spanning national, regional, and age-group teams, she is well-equipped to excel in various rugby league management roles. Her leadership qualities, honed through years of experience, have been instrumental in nurturing talent and contributing to the growth and success of rugby league in New Zealand.

Jodie has had a lifelong passion for Rugby League which began as a schoolboy, playing for the Papanui Tigers, where he developed his skills and made a connection with the game. His commitment to rugby league continues to grow, coaching and managing junior grades for the Halswell Hornets, and pulling the Tiger jersey back on to play Presidents grade and more recently, Masters grade.

Jodie’s leadership as a coach and mentor to the next generation of Rugby League talent has been instrumental in shaping young players and fostering a love for the game in the community.

In addition to his contributions to Rugby League, Jodie is the General Manager for a reputable local business, where he combines his strategic acumen with his ability to lead and inspire teams. A proud father of two, he enjoys balancing his professional achievements and coaching responsibilities with his role as a dedicated parent.

Jodie would love to see the return and addition of more clubs to premier status by ensuring the juniors coming through have the right support and pathways to increase the growth, player pool, and sustainability of Rugby League in Canterbury,