Kick off time - 12:30pm (Women) & 3:00pm (Men)
Tickets: Secure your spot here!
Broadcast: SkySport 4 or YouTube
Venue: Trusts Arena
 

The day is finally upon us, the countdown to the Return of Auckland is today. The best line-ups in Auckland will take on two impressive Aotearoa New Zealand Māori sides. This double-header will kick off at Trusts Arena from 12:30 pm, with the wāhine and the tane kicking off at 3:00pm. If you can’t make it, both games will be broadcast live on Sky Sport 4 and YouTube.

The four teams have some stand out players and familiar faces that will make for a massive contest to wrap up the huge 2023 rugby league season.

Auckland Women's vs Aotearoa New Zealand Māori Wāhine (12:30pm, Trusts Arena)

 

The opening game is set to be an absolute cracker between these two sides, with talent on both sides of the field. The importance of completing a high number of sets can not be understated, especially in this wet weather that will taper off just as the game gets underway. In hard fought games you look to your forwards to make strong carry's and dominant tackles. 

The powerful second row of Onjeurlina Hunt (Otahuhu) and Annessa Biddle (Otara) will look to bring that power for the Auckland side. A combo that both have a strong carry, elusive footwork and a habit of finding the tryline. The Aotearoa Māori will have their hands full defending these two as well as stopping the lethal outside backs, including City duo of Sarah Filimoeatu and Mele Hufunga.

Former Kiwi Ferns, Cristyl Stowers and Krystal Rota will be key for the Aotearoa New Zealand Māori side with their experience will provide a good base for getting their forwards running. Another one to watch will be Lisa Edwards Rua playing at fullback, she has had an unreal season for Howick and Vulcans, so will be looking to wrap it up with a third trophy win.

Not much separates the two squads on paper, making for an exciting contest that will be sure to go down to the wire. Come along to Trusts Arena from 12:30pm or tune in!

Auckland Men’s vs Aotearoa New Zealand Māori Tane (3:00pm, Trusts Arena)

The Men’s game will be an absolute battle as Auckland look to continue their dominance in the 2023 calendar. The Vulcans dominated the NZRL National Premiership, and now with the comeback of an Auckland team, the whole Auckland Rugby League community is buzzing. 

After his big year playing NSW Cup Eiden Ackland (Mt Albert) makes his long awaited representative return. The number 7 will be one of the key difference makers for the Auckland side, becoming the third generation of Ackland to pull on the jersey. Eiden is a team leader who can make big plays happen, he can do it with clever kicks, passes and that lethal right foot step.

Leading the forwards from the front will be Sione Fe’ao (Otahuhu) and Pat Sipley (Pt Chevalier). They’ve both had a great year in club and representative. To top it off they will run out to represent Auckland, leading the charge forward for their side, gaining big meters and quick play the balls.

Cole Waaka and Tyler Slade from the Aotearoa New Zealand Māori side will be dangerous with the ball in hand. Expect Cole to try to use his athletic abilities to get one on one with players to try to beat them. Tyler will try to gain control of the game with excellent tackling and time on the ground.

Join us for the hard hitting contest to wrap up the year at Trusts Arena from 3:00pm or tune in from wherever you are. Both games are shaping up to be massive encounters, bring on this afternoon!

Article added: Saturday 18 November 2023