Founded 1908 | Ground(s) Pukekura Park | |
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Nickname(s) Sharks
Wildcats
Rockets | ||
Taranaki rugby league grandfinal 2015
Taranaki Rugby League is the local sporting body responsible for the administration of Rugby league in the Taranaki region of New Zealand. The TRL are represented by the Taranaki rugby league team. They are in the Mid-Central zone along with the Manawatu Rugby League.
Contents
Taranaki rugby league prospects
Regional Senior Competition
Five Taranaki senior clubs compete in the Western Alliance, alongside five clubs from the Manawatu-Wanganui region. Taranaki clubs in the Western Alliance include:
History
The Taranaki Rugby League was founded with the help of Adam Lile, one of the members of the 1907-1908 "All Golds" tour.
In 2008 the Taranaki Rugby League named its Team of the Century: Dave Watson; Babe Hooker; Ron McKay; Willie Talau; Ernest Buckland; Tony Kemp; Issac Luke; Bruce Gall; Howie Tamati; Wille Southorn; Graeme West; Adam Lile; Barry Harvey. Bench: Jack McLeod; Fred White; Lance Moir; Jim Parker; Charles Hunt.
Referee of the century: Graham Church. Coach of the century: Alan Marshall. Player of the century: Wille Southorn.
Lion Red Cup
Between 1994 and 1996, the Taranaki region was represented by the Taranaki Rockets in the Lion Red Cup competition. The Rockets were notable for having Willie Talau on their roster, who now competes in the European Super League with St. Helens.
Bartercard Cup
Taranaki was represented in the Bartercard Cup competition for two years by the Taranaki Wildcats. They finished in last place both seasons, before folding at the completion of the 2003 season.
National Provincial Competition
Taranaki Rugby League were awarded a place in the new six-team National Provincial Competition which began in 2008. In the first season the team finished in sixth place.