Newsletter 2005

INTERNATIONAL
MASTERS OF RUGBY LEAGUE
TOURNAMENT 2005

Palmerston North, New Zealand

The Masters of Rugby League NZ held their 12th Annual International Rugby League Tournament 2005 in the fine city of Palmerston North, NZ.

This was a very successful tournament with 38 teams, 19 New Zealand referees, and 8 Australian referees taking part, making it the biggest international senior rugby league event in New Zealand, creating rugby league history in New Zealand.

The last tournament in Sydney, Australia, 2004 had 52 teams taking part, which was the largest International rugby league event in the world, being the only such event of its kind in the world of rugby league.

Teams that participated 2005 season

Referees who took part

We also had some ex-New Zealand internationals playing

There were a number of players 60 years and over as well as a huge number of ex-provincial representative players.

Saturday 08 October 2005 - First Day of Games

The tournament got off to a good start. The weather had got beyond a joke with 200mm of rain falling in the past 25 days in Palmerston North. For the Aussies, the rain was a novelty especially for the Queenslanders who had not seen a lot of it for five years.

After the welcoming speeches and the teams march pass, the New Zealand team members performed the welcoming haka for all the guest teams, officials, and sponsors. About 50 warriors took part in this event.

All the games were played in the right spirit in atrocious conditions - freezing cold, lightening, thunder, rain and wind – great rugby league weather! But this did not let the players show some great ball skills that we feel is missing in today’s game. Fifteen hundred supporters were cheering and laughing as the players slipped and slid in the mud and were in ankle deep water. Other than the weather we had no problems, the games were well refereed, but we had a few minor injuries.

After the games, it was back for prize giving and social music - great stuff.

Sunday - Rest Day, Church.

Monday 10 October 2005 - Second Day of Games

Another great day with the weather being excellent and a good crowd was in attendance, estimated 1200 people. The games were played in great spirit once again but the pace had slowed, but the game was the real winner of rugby league. Prize giving, POD awards, then we had a teams Karaoke which every team had to enter - excellent night.

Tuesday 11 October 2005 - Golf Day

About 80 players took part in this event that was held at Manawatu Golf Day which is one of the top ten golf courses in New Zealand. Weather was fine with sun shining all day.

Wednesday 12 October 2005 - Last Day of Games

By now, some players had played up to eight games. The games today were the final ones for the team's, games still being played well and going great with younger players playing with older players, teaching them how to play the game with skills and passing moves. But the pace started to tell a bit after three games and socialising for five days.

Prize giving, POD awards were held, and then we had a sports auction of teams sports gear that was donated by them. The monies raised went to the local Rescue Helicopter Trust.

After that we named the players for the New Zealand and Australia representative teams in all age groups to play on Friday afternoon for the following team categories.

  • Grade
  • Shorts
  • Name
  • 35-39
  • White
  • Stallions v Mustangs
  • 40-49
  • Black
  • Masters
  • 50-59
  • Red
  • Nifty Fifties
  • 60+ years young
  • Gold
  • Legends play with tags (cannot be tackled)

This night was another great night.

Thursday 13 October 2005 - Rest day

Friday 14 October 2005 - FMG International Stadium, Palmerston North

Today’s games are the final ones being our international representative games in all age groups. The first game was 60+ Gold Shorts

Legends NZ v Australia

Again, the atmosphere at the park was incredible with the players at this age showing a magnificent display of rugby league. The Legends game is played on a modified field and they wear tags and cannot be tackled - safety first. After the game, both teams applauded the crowd for their support during the week then they formed a tunnel for the next game to come on, clapping and shaking hands. The next game was 35-39 White shorts

Australia Stallions v New Zealand Mustangs

This game was good. Both teams played well in good spirit, these players will set the format for the future Masters of Rugby League tournaments with some great tries scored. They too formed a tunnel for the next game. 50-59 Red shorts

Nifty Fifties New Zealand v Australia

Again, I think this age group is what Masters Tournaments are about. They showed they have lost none of their ball skills but may be a bit slower running. But this was a great game to watch and as before, at the end of the game the players formed a tunnel for the next game. 40-49 Black shorts

Masters New Zealand v Australia

This was the main game after three days of team’s games. These players put on a tremendous show of rugby league for their age. Well this was one of the best games all week; you had to be there to witness these players. Again this game didn’t fail to amaze the large crowd who should enormous support to both teams playing as if they thought they were at a full international test match. The game was played in very good spirits and was a magnificent display of football - an excellent game.

All master’s games ended in a draw. After these games, a prize giving and farewell function was held.

Award winners

  • Grade
  • Name
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • 35-39
  • Stallions / Mustangs
  • Jamie Collison
  • Tommy Bidois
  • 40-49
  • Masters
  • Ken Wiggens
  • Darren Ranganui
  • 50-59
  • Nifty Fifties
  • Gary London
  • Jeff Reihana
  • 60+
  • Legends
  • John Wilkinson
  • Clive Creed

Representative Games POD

  • Grade
  • Name
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • 35-39
  • Stallions / Mustangs
  • Darren Ford
  • Hamish Ruohotaua
  • 40-49
  • Masters
  • Glen McGrath
  • William Kuiti
  • 50-59
  • Nifty Fifties
  • John Burns
  • Bryan Knight
  • 60+
  • Legends
  • Laurie Walker
  • Harry Stowers

Other

  • Blow-up Sheep Award
  • Brought a ram by mistake
  • Australian Referees
  • Undie 500
  • Streak
  • Chris Heinemyer
  • Best Karaoke Team
  • Helensvale, QLD
  • New Lynn
  • Best-Dressed Team
  • St Marys, NSW
  • Te Atatu
  • Supporters Cup
  • Blacktown, NSW
  • Glenora
  • Golf Team Trophy
  • Manukau Cougars
  • NZ Charity Auction
  • Donation $4925.00
  • Square Trust Rescue Helicopter
  • Referees of the Tournament
  • Derek Shuttleworth
  • Shane Clements

Referees

We had three female referees at the Masters for the first time, who refereed very well, as well as Manawatu Referees, Auckland Referees, and our visiting Australian Referees.

The Masters Committee would like to say a special thank you to all those who took part. We would like to take this moment to acknowledge and thank a number of people who have lent us support. Firstly, Manawatu Rugby League, Sport Manawatu, Palmerston North City Council, Medical Staff, the countless volunteers who gave up their time, and the teams, their supporters and our sponsors for their support for this tournament. Without their support, this tournament would not have happened.

Last but not least, to the Masters of Rugby League here in New Zealand and our Australia Committees. Thanks for all your help in 2005.

See you all next tournament on the Gold Coast, Qld, Australia in 2006.

All Friday International Games are available on DVD form MRLNZ Inc at NZ$20.00.

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