Jordan Friend

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Jordan is a respected Sport Administrator with over 12 years experience. He has a strong

Huge congratulations to Winitana Maui Winitana-Patelesio, who has been selected for the Cook Islands Aitu 🇨🇰The Wellingt...
06/10/2026

Huge congratulations to Winitana Maui Winitana-Patelesio, who has been selected for the Cook Islands Aitu 🇨🇰

The Wellington-born ho**er/half will proudly represent his Kuki ‘Āirani whakapapa, wider whānau and the Wellington Rugby League community.

The St Pat’s Silverstream alumni turned an open trial opportunity into a train-and-trial opportunity, before hustling his way into becoming a regular for both the NZ Warriors Pathways SG Ball and Flegg squads.

Late this season, Maui earned his opportunity in NSW Cup and made an immediate impact, showing his versatility across ho**er, half and lock.

His composure, skill and leadership have continued to shine when given opportunities — and now he gets the chance to represent on the international stage.

A huge achievement and one to watch. 🇨🇰

A huge congratulations to Jacob Laban who has been named in the very strong NZ Kiwis Kiwis squad for the 2026 Rugby Leag...
06/10/2026

A huge congratulations to Jacob Laban who has been named in the very strong NZ Kiwis Kiwis squad for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup 🇳🇿

He’ll be joined by The•Team’s Leo Thompson, Naufahu Whyte and Isaiah Papali’i.

The Lower Hutt product has enjoyed a breakthrough year, playing 25 of a possible 26 games for the Warriors, including 22 starts.

His consistency was recognised by his teammates, being named the Warriors’ 2026 Players’ Player of the Year.

Now, he gets the opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the NRL’s leading players.

This honour follows his selection for the New Zealand A squad in 2023, and strong performances for the Māori All Stars sides in 2025 and 2026.

A massive achievement for Jacob, his whanau & inspiring for his community 👏

Congrats to Francis Junior Manuleleua , who caps a breakthrough year in the NRL by being named in the 𝐓𝐎𝐀 𝐒𝐀𝐌𝐎𝐀 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋...
05/10/2026

Congrats to Francis Junior Manuleleua , who caps a breakthrough year in the NRL by being named in the 𝐓𝐎𝐀 𝐒𝐀𝐌𝐎𝐀 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 squad for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup 🇼🇸

Whilst he started the year strongly in NSW Cup, international rugby league wasn’t even on the radar — so to finish the season with this huge honour is a blessing for Francis & his family.

He’ll be joined by The•Team’s Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Jazz Tevaga and Newcastle teammate Pasami Saulo.

Jazz Tevaga is fresh off a strong debut season in Super League, helping Wakefield Trinity claim their maiden Super League Premiership. 👏

Huge honour for Leka tavalu & Demitric Vaimauga to be named in the Tonga Rugby League squad for the upcoming 2026 Rugby ...
05/10/2026

Huge honour for Leka tavalu & Demitric Vaimauga to be named in the Tonga Rugby League squad for the upcoming 2026 Rugby League World Cup 🙌

They’ll be joined by The•Team’s State of Origin x Tongan trio of Robert Toia, Stefano Utoikamanu and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki.

A special shout-out to The•Team’s Salesi Foketi , who is in line to earn his international debut.

The NRL Premiership winner is another proud graduate of the NZ-based Hakula Tonga programme.

A very impressive squad named and no doubt continue to carry on the legacy built by those before them.

Proud of our The•Team representatives named in the NRL Grand Final game-day squads. 🙌Especially proud given how many hav...
04/10/2026

Proud of our The•Team representatives named in the NRL Grand Final game-day squads. 🙌

Especially proud given how many have come through New Zealand pathways and communities before reaching the biggest stage in rugby league.

Francis Manuleleua — a Papatoetoe Panthers junior who played rugby at King’s College before progressing through the NZ Warriors, NZRL and Counties Manukau representative pathways.

Salesi Foketi — started with Papakura Sea Eagles, following in his dad’s footsteps, before playing a leading role with Manurewa Marlins and St Paul’s College, while also representing Hakula Tonga and Kotahitanga sides.

Naufahu Whyte— came through a number of West Auckland clubs, playing a key role for Kelston Boys’ First XV before progressing through NZRL, Hakula and Akarana representative teams.

Rob Toia — one of many NRL prospects to hail from Māngere, before relocating to Redcliffe as a youngster and continuing his development in Australia.

And while Pasami Saulo and Tommy Talau, both have strong connections to New Zealand.

Pasami has represented the NZ Māori All Stars, with his family travelling across the Tasman to support him, while Tommy is the son of Taranaki product and former Kiwi international Willie Talau.

I am are proud for our small part in helping these athletes progress and inspire the next generation of NZ prospects.

Remembering my great-uncle, Cameron Bell, who sadly passed away aged 87.Whilst the NZ rugby league community were tuned ...
23/09/2026

Remembering my great-uncle, Cameron Bell, who sadly passed away aged 87.

Whilst the NZ rugby league community were tuned into the NRL finals at Eden Park on Sunday, our whānau and our game lost a tōtara.

Uncle Cameron was one of 13 siblings, including my Nan, Cathy Friend. They shared Scottish, Tapuika and Ngāti Pūkenga whakapapa, with the family settling in the Onehunga–Māngere Bridge area after moving up from the Bay of Plenty.

He leaves behind a legacy for our whanau and within the rugby league community — as a player, coach and pioneer.

My assumption is the he would have been one of the first Māori to work as a Coach in professional sport. He coached Carlisle in England from 1990-94, where my old man & other whanau members played. He also coached our beloved Manukau Magpies, Auckland rep and Counties Manukau Heroes in the Lion Red Cup.

As international level, he was the head coach of Aotearoa Māori, and led the side to the 2000 Rugby League World Cup — an important moment for Māori rugby league.

Uncle Cam was also one of my whanaunga who inspired me to play a role in rugby league.

Rest easy Uncle Cam. ❤️

Thoughts are with Aunty Jan, Dean, Toni + all my Bell whanaunga.

Huge congratulations to bensenmanu & Wavell Warriors on winning the Australian National School Boy title 🙌🏆The Broncos-c...
16/09/2026

Huge congratulations to bensenmanu & Wavell Warriors on winning the Australian National School Boy title 🙌🏆

The Broncos-contracted forward made the move from manurewahsrugbyleague to Wavell three years ago. Since then, there have been plenty of setbacks and challenges along the way, making this achievement even sweeter.

Winning a National School Boy title is one of those memories you’ll hold onto for the rest of your career.

The Langer Cup and National School Boy titles now add to the Cyril Connell Premiership Bensen was part of earlier this year — a huge season.

Congrats to all our The•Team clients selected in the NZ Rugby Under 18 national representative sides. 🇳🇿Special mention ...
14/09/2026

Congrats to all our The•Team clients selected in the NZ Rugby Under 18 national representative sides. 🇳🇿

Special mention to Tyreek from St Kentigerns College, who has earned selection in the NZ Rugby Schoolboys squad. 👏

The Whangārei youngster has taken massive strides this year after making the move to the mid-field, making his mark in the First XV while continuing to embrace opportunities across both codes.

Cruz has also featured in rugby league, representing Kotahitanga and Aotearoa NZ Māori Rugby League in recent Pasifika Youth Cups.

It’s never about which code you choose — it’s about putting your best foot forward and making the most of every opportunity.

NRL aspirations on hold… for now. 👀🏉

05/09/2026

Cronulla Sharks Pharrell Gray MoM worthy performance in the Jersey Flegg semi-final versus Wests Tigers. 95m try, 65m line break & try assist + try assist from a grubber behind the defensive line.

Congratulations to tobycrosby_athlete , who has signed with Warrington Wolves until the end of the 2028 season. 🐺The Gre...
10/08/2026

Congratulations to tobycrosby_athlete , who has signed with Warrington Wolves until the end of the 2028 season. 🐺

The Greytown product began his footy journey in the rugby union system at St Pat’s Silverstream before progressing through the Wellington Rugby Academy.

From an Under-21 open trial, Toby has continued to work his way up, spending time with two leading NRL clubs including helping the Warriors win the NSW Cup Premiership and National Championship last season.

An English-eligible prop, Toby grew up aspiring to play professional footy in the UK, so the opportunity to join a great club like Warrington is an exciting next step in his career.

Just as exciting is the opportunity to continue his development under Coach Sam Burgess — one of the best middle forwards of the NRL era.

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