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.

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.

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.

Mike has spent well over 50 years in Rugby League in many roles as a player, coach, manager at club and Canterbury schoolboy level.

He was also a referee for many years including over 25 years at premier level.

He is a previous member of the CRL Football Committee, and is very proud Life Member of both CRL & CRL Referees Association.

Outside of rugby league has been a school board trustee, business co-owner, and is still heavily involved in speedway as a senior referee and local club committee member .