Vodafone Warriors

The New Zealand Warriors are a professional rugby league football club based in Auckland, New Zealand. They compete in the National Rugby League (NRL) premiership and are the only team from outside Australia. Coached by Ivan Cleary and captained by Simon Mannering, the Warriors are based at Mt Smart Stadium in the southern Auckland suburb of Penrose.

For the 1995 season the newly-formed Auckland Warriors became the first off-shore club to be admitted to the Australian Rugby League's premiership when it expanded to twenty teams. As a result of the mid-1990s' Super League war, Auckland left the ARL to compete in the Super League competition of 1997, before joining the re-unified NRL the following year. They re-branded themselves the New Zealand Warriors in 2001. Over sixteen seasons the Warriors have reached one grand final and claimed one minor premiership (both in 2002), reached the play-offs 6 times, and provided the majority of the New Zealand national team's players.

VODAFONE WARRIORS SQUAD:

Back row: Saulala Houma, James Gavet, Elijah Taylor, Bill Tupou, Sione Lousi, Manu Vatuvei, Jeremy Latimore, Ben Matulino, Krisnan Inu, Russell Packer, Feleti Mateo, Ukuma Ta'ai, Matt Robinson, Upu Poching

Middle row: Brett Seymour, Shaun Berrigan, Joel Moon, Jake Lillyman, Steve Rapira, Sam Rapira, Micheal Luck, Isaac John, Glen Fisiiahi, Ben Henry, Shaun Johnson, Ivan Penehe

Front row: Kevin Locke, Jerome Ropati, Alehana Mara, Lewis Brown, Simon Mannering (Captain), Ivan Cleary (Coach), James Maloney, Lance Hohaia, Aaron Heremaia, Pita Godinet.

THE WARRIORS OUT AND ABOUT:

Kidz First Auckland trip

After Kidz First Charity Golf Day the Vodafone Warriors visited Kidz First Children’s Hospital in South Auckland to provide a boost for the many children under the care of the hospital. The visit was a great opportunity for the players to spread some cheer to some young and less fortunate fans and allowed them to take their minds off of football leading into the beginning of a busy season.

Charity Golf Day to Benefit Kidz First Children's Hospital

The team took part in a round of golf to benefit the Kidz First Children's Hospital. A total of 28 teams consisting of many of the Vodafone Warriors sponsors and corporate members played at the Titirangi Golf Club, with most teams including player from the Vodafone Warriors. Along with the golf tournament, an auction for memorabilia and items donated by sponsors was held. Among the items auctioned were signed jerseys worn by past Vodafone Warriors Steve Price and Ruben Wiki in their milestone 300th NRL games.

Northland Appearances

The NRL and NYC teams travelled to Whangerei early before a trial match at Toll Stadium this season to make appearances for autograph signings and pictures with fans.The Vodafone Warriors Simon Mannering, Lance Hohaia and others visited the Matarau school to run drills, play Backyard League and take photos with the students. Others visited theWhangarei Base Hospital or made appearances at Liquor King and Stirling Sports stores.

PikeRiver Mine Charity Match

Vodafone Warriors CEO Wayne Scurrah and Newcastle Knights CEO Steve Burraston came together to schedule a match between their two sides in the wake of November’s Pike River mining tragedy. The game was supported by the NRL and NZRL with proceeds going to the mining relief fund and the West Coast Rugby League. The team spent four days in Greymouth making appearances for autograph signings and pictures. The players took part in a breakfast for the families of miners who were lost, a kids' carnival at the Suburbs club and Waitangi Day celebrations.

Sky City Kidz First Christmas Party

The full Vodafone Warriors squad were on hand at the Sky City Convention Centre. The players spent the day designing t-shirts and taking pictures with children who were patients of the Kidz First Children’s Hospital. Mayor Len Brown, former world champion shot putter Valerie Adams and champion boxer Shane Cameron were also in attendance.

Pics

TOKI

Go The Warriors!!!

THE END