2023 Auckland Rugby League season

The Fox Memorial Shield competition began after a 3-week grading competition. Due to covid disrupted seasons the Auckland Rugby League decided that “2023 will work as a bridge between the 2022 shortened season and by 2025 will see a return to a more exclusive Fox Memorial Premiership competition”. The 3 year plan is for the top 4 teams in the 2023 Sharman Cup to qualify for the qualifying competition in 2024 with 4 pools once more, with the 2025 season seeing only 8 teams in the Fox Memorial premiership, down from the 12 teams that there will be in 2023 and 2024.[1] The women's competition features just the one grade with seven teams in it, down from two grades in 2022 with 13 total teams. The Pt Chevalier and Ponsonby clubs have fielded a combined side named "City" and they will play matches at Victoria Park. The Mt Albert club is fielding a team for the first time in a few seasons, named the "Lionesses". The women's competition saw a new grand final trophy named after Cherie Steele-Shanks "whose pioneering efforts began nearly five decades ago when, in 1976, she became a pivotal member of the Glenfield Rugby League club committee". She served as chair, secretary and treasurer and "left an unforgettable mark" on the game after "creating the New Zealand Women's Rugby League committee in 1996" with the first national women's tournament following.[2] Both the men's and women's competitions will feature a match each Wednesday night at North Harbour Stadium which will be screened live on Sky TV.

On Tuesday, August 15 Auckland Rugby League celebrated their 2023 season award night in the Mad Butcher Lounge at Mt Smart Stadium. Sione Feao (Ōtāhuhu) won the George Rainey Men's Player of the Year award, while Lavinia Tauhalaliku (City) won the Cathy Friends Women's Player of the Year award. The Sharman Cup Player of the Year award went to Tony Siligi (New Lynn).[3]

Fox Memorial Premiership

Women's Premiership

Sharman Cup

The 4 pools for qualifying were as follows with seedings in brackets based on the 2021 finishing positions:[5]

Freedom Vahaakolo scored his first points for Pt Chevalier in their 24–12 win over Manukau at Moyle Park. The match saw an even first half with the teams level at the break 6-6 before Pt Chevalier opened up an 18–6 lead and held on. The Māngere East - Pakuranga match was the live streamed match of the round and saw the home team, Māngere, winning 30–10. It was a tight first half with just 2 tries scored before it opened up in the second with Māngere scoring 5 tries and Pakuranga 2, including 1 to Counties-Manukau U20 representative Stanley Hingano.[8]

Pt Chevalier trounced Māngere East 90-4 at Walker Park, though both teams had already progressed to the Fox Memorial competition. At Ti Rakau Park, Manukau won easily 50-16 with Omni Mesake scoring 4 tries for the winners.

The match between Bay Roskill and Richmond at Blockhouse Bay Reserve was filmed by Petes Filming. The home side, Bay Roskill won 30-28 holding off a late Richmond comeback.[13]

Bay Roskill continued their good early season form, beating Mt Albert 32–16 with former Warrior Ben Henry, who had now been playing for Bay Roskill for several seasons scoring one of their 6 tries. Josh Tanielu kicked 4 goals to add to his 2 tries. Richmond beat Hibiscus Coast 24–18 in a tight match at Grey Lynn Park with Connor Hohepa converting all 4 of their tries. For Hibiscus Coast former St Helens player, Nathan Ashe scored one of their 3 tries.

Richmond thrashed Mt Albert at Fowlds Park 46-0 to comfortably secure their place in the Fox competition after jumping out to a 26-0 lead in as many minutes. If Hibiscus Coast had been able to defeat Bay Roskill then Mt Albert would have found themselves competing for the Sharman Cup but Bay Roskill over turned a 6-10 half time deficit to win 32-16 to record their third straight win and confine Hibiscus Coast to the Sharman Cup competition for 2023.

In Glenora's 34–12 win over Northcote at the Birkenhead War Memorial, Kadiyae Ioka scored a double and kicked 3 goals, while for Northcote Kevin Locke converted Northcote's 2 tries. In Marist's 2 point win over Papakura, Emmanuel Cerei crucially had his kicking boots on, converting all 4 of Marist's tries.

Marist went out to a 24-6 halftime lead over Glenora before the match evened up in the second half, while Northcote took an early 4-0 lead but were ultimately over powered by Papakura who went ahead 28-16 before Albert Talakai scored a consolation try for the visitors.

Howick v Te Atatū at Paparoa Park.

Ōtāhuhu were fielding a similar team to the previous season and beat Ōtara relatively comfortably 34–16 with William Stowers converting 5 of their 6 tries. Former Widnes Vikings player and son of James Leuluai, Macgraff Leuluai was playing for Ōtara once more. Howick led from the start against Te Atatū who hung around, playing into a strong easterly wind to only trail 20–10 at halftime before the teams traded tries through the second half. Former Parramatta Eels, New Zealand Warriors, and London Broncos player Api Pewhairangi was playing for Te Atatū for the 3rd consecutive season and he scored a try and kicked 3 goals. Brooklyn Harris was on debut for Howick and looked sharp throughout, scoring a try in a man of the match performance.[26]

Jamel Hunt and Connor Taurua-Purcell of Ōtāhuhu.

Te Atatū jumped out to a 16–4 lead against Ōtāhuhu before letting in 3 tries before halftime with repeat sets and disputed refereeing calls. The teams traded tries in the second half with Te Atatū having chances to level when the score was 32-28 after crafty young hooker Khalan Clyde crossed twice from dummy half. An Ōtāhuhu break from their own half led to a 76th minute try to seal their 38–28 win. At Ngati Ōtara Park the home side started strongly, scoring 3 tries and taking a 16–6 lead into halftime before rolling on to a 28–10 win. Ben Plummer reporting in the Times Online reported "fifteen minutes in, and with momentum now very much in the home side's favour, the Scorps didn't waste their opportunity to post first points, going up 6-0. Otara's ... remained disciplined in defence, ran hard and maintained a high completion rate for such wet conditions. This saw them get a roll on, stacking on two further tries before the Hornets would eventually cross late in the half through reserve Nukurua Ngere. With the score at 16-6, Howick gave away a penalty on the hooter, which in turn resulted in a sin bin... The penalty goal was subsequently kicked by Otara, leading into the sheds at half time with an 18-6 scoreline... Once again though, Otara weathered the storm with their united defensive line and swung the momentum back in their favor just as Howick were returned to the full complement of 13 players. The Scorps didn't look back from here and they would go on to extend their lead, scoring two further converted tries, taking the score to 28-6".

Te Atatū v Ōtara at Jack Colvin Park.

With Ōtāhuhu the only team certain to have already secured qualification going into round 3 for the Fox, both games had a lot riding on them. Te Atatū needed a 10-point win over Ōtara to guarantee a place but after securing a 26-4 halftime lead they were able to control their fate going on to win 48–4. Fine Vakautakakala was outstanding for Te Atatū, scoring 2 tries and carrying strongly throughout the game, while Paterika Vaivai made his season debut for Te Atatū after previously being unavailable due to his playing for the New Zealand Warriors New South Wales Cup side in previous weekends. The Ōtara outside backs looked threatening on attack but struggled to secure much ball. The match was live streamed with Petes Filming.[31] Despite losing at home, Howick were able to move through due to Ōtara's heavy loss.

There were several matches with no named scorer of particular tries and goals, and the Mt Albert v Hibiscus Coast match had no scorers submitted whatsoever so this table is indicative only, though these particular scorers records are near complete.

Te Atatū v Richmond: (Clockwise) Soakai Taufa being tackled, Jeremiah Poutu fielding a kick, Benjamin Kosi out of dummy half, and Api Pewhairangi attempting to score.

Pt Chevalier and Glenora played in the first televised Wednesday night match on 3 May at North Harbour Stadium. Pt Chevalier won in wet conditions by 26 points to 12 to take home the Stormont Shield (competed for by the finalists from the previous year). Patrick Sipley scored their first try after 15 minutes before Tane Rapira added a second 4 minutes later. They scored 3 more in the second half including a 50 metre effort from Freedom Vahaakolo and a 100 metre run from Ollie Tuimavave. Kevin Locke transferred from Northcote during the week and debuted for Glenora, scoring a try and kicking 2 goals. The first round Saturday matches were played in wet conditions across Auckland. Manukau overturned an 18-0 deficit at Blockhouse Bay Reserve to triumph 24-22 over Bay Roskill with 4 second half tries. Ōtāhuhu had a comfortable 6 try to 1 win over Mt Albert at Bert Henham Park. Ioritana Leifa scored a double and Antonio Adams converted 4 tries. Te Atatū lost to Richmond in an error riddled performance with Richmond scoring two tries immediately after half time to Carlos Henry and Connor Hohepa, enabling them to stretch out to a comfortable lead which they held. Hohepa also kicked 4 form 4. Papakura continued their excellent early season form, moving out to a 26-16 lead before Marist scored a consolation try to Doux Kauhiva at Prince Edward Park. Howick had a comfortable 46-4 win over Māngere East at Paparoa Park with a short piece written about the Howick club's fortunes in the Times Online by Ben Plummer. Lonnie Papani and Rahs Tuivai-Lopa both scored a double for the winners with Reuben Tolovae converting 7 of their 8 tries.[35]

Te Atatū v Manukau

In the televised match Richmond recorded a second consecutive 20-0 shut out, this time of Ōtāhuhu, with Soakai Taufa securing a double in the wet conditions. Marist shared the try scoring around with 7 different try scorers, with Emmanuel Cerei converting 6 of them. Māngere East had opened the scoring in the third minute but were dominated after that and could only manage a late first half try and consolation try near the end of the match. Papakura at Prince Edward Park pushed Pt Chevalier, who have won 36 consecutive first grade matches all the way, and in fact took the lead midway through the second half before a Presley Seumanu try levelled the scores at 20-20. Francis Leger's conversion gave the Pirates a lead they would not relinquish. At Jack Colvin Park a Roosters side with several injuries and lineup changes, scored a gutsy 12-6 win over Manukau. Roosters winger Paorostarr Manning scored first after some slick handling enabled him to dive over in the scoreboard corner, before Dawson Mele replied for the visitors after some nice hole running to make it 4-4 at the break. A 58th-minute penalty to Karekake Holamotu put the Magpies up 6-4, but Manning scored his second try in the corner after some nice build up play to put Te Atatū back in front. Then with 8 minutes to go hooker Khalan Clyde dived over from dummy half to all but secure the win. Bay Roskill scored a very rare victory over Glenora, holding on to win 32-30 with Justus Leaoseve scoring a hat trick for the winners. The Vikings led from the 6th minute and were up 32-18 with ten minute to go before Glenora scored two late tries. Kevin Locke kicked 5 from 5 for the Bears.

Māngere East on attack early in the match.

Samuel Lulia scoring Māngere East's first try.

Christian Sifakula has charged down Api Pewhairangi's kick and is about to score.

Ihaka Brown sliding through a gap to score for Te Atatū.

Delaney Chaney Puata about to gather a kick and score in the corner.

Robin Herbert has received a pass from Khalan Clyde and is off to score the Roosters final try.

In the televised Wednesday night match Bay Roskill opened the scoring in the 4th minute and had much of the ball and territory but Mt Albert replied with three converted tries between the 14th and 26th minutes to take an 18-4 lead. Bay Roskill scored on the stroke of halftime and twice more early in the second half to Ariki Honetana-Paea. Mackenzie Kata was then sent off for Bay Roskill after headbutting Trent Schaumkel midway through the second half with winger Josh Colavanua scoring twice soon after for Mt Albert to push the game beyond doubt. The Saturday matches were marked by atrocious weather with 50 knot Westerly winds and driving rain throughout Auckland. At Walter Massey Park the home side, Māngere East struggled early and despite playing with the wind found themselves down 16-0 in as many minutes after Fine Vakautakakala, Delaney Chaney-Puata, and Jacob Rutherford scored for the Roosters and Api Pewhairangi converted two of them in his return. Māngere then began tackling and running with more gusto and scored twice, the second a brilliant try to Christian Sifakula who charged down a kick and ran 30 metres to slide over, with Samuel Lulia converting from out wide to make it 16-12 at the break. Te Atatū used the conditions to play the game in Māngere's half and gradually wore them down, scoring 4 tries including a brilliant effort from Chaney-Puata who chased an angled grubber kick and collected it as he dived full length into the in goal, and on full time live wire hooker Khalan Clyde cut through from halfway and put Robin Herbert in under the posts. At Ōtāhuhu it was not a day for the home team's goal kicker, with 7 unconverted tries including doubles to Tonga Mikaele and Fiohiva Fainga'a. It didn't matter however with Marist only managing 2 converted tries. Richmond ground out a 12-6 win at Grey Lynn Park with Siave Togoiu's 59th minute try proving the difference. At Walker Park, Pt Chevalier held on to the Roope Rooster trophy and extended their unbeaten stretch in first grade games. Lorenzo Filimaua scored a simple try in the 18th minute after Ollie Tuimavave spun out of a tackle and threw a basketball style pass to him. Howick scored in the 27th minute to returning NZ Warriors NSW Cup player Tahi Baggaley. Pt Chevalier then scored 2 unconverted tries before Howick pulled it back to 16-12 in the 62nd minute but the Pirates iced the game 8 minutes later with a try to Brody Tamarua. At Moyle Park, Glenora won in the dying stages with a 77th minute try to Kadiyae Ioka after the score had been locked at 10-10 from the 50 minute mark.

Chaz Brown launches for the try line but ultimately losing it in the collision

Papakura on attack.

On Wednesday night Manukau and Māngere East fought out a scrappy match with Manukau ultimately showing their class by winning 32-8 with a 6 try to 2 performance. In the match of the round Pt Chevalier took on Ōtāhuhu at Bert Henham Park and were able to continue their remarkable winning streak with a 14-6 victory. Dylan Tavita and Matthew Whyte scored for the winners, while Makaia Tafua scored Ōtāhuhu's only try late in the match. Richmond once again proved far too strong for Mt Albert with Jeremiah Poutu scoring a double and Connor Hohepa converting all of their six tries. Nestley Daniels scored twice for Marist in their home win over Bay Roskill by 24 to 12. Bay Roskill crossed for 3 unconverted tries, 2 to Josh Tanielu. In a tight battle at Harold Moody Park, it took 22 minutes for the first try to be registered with Heemi Davis crossing in the right corner. Glenora had come close to scoring on several other occasions but the try sparked the Papakura attack to life and they scored twice before halftime to take a 10-4 lead into the break. A converted try to Edwin Amituanai early in the second half leveled things up at 10-10 before the ever lively Joseph Price pounced on an error by Kevin Locke in the in goal after Reece Joyce had placed a perfectly weighted kick into the in goal to put the Sea Eagles back up by six following William Pompey's conversion. Papakura had a player sin-binned for a play the ball tangle and Glenora scored in the following set with a try by Israel Levi in the 62nd minute. The conversion from out-wide missed and the game moved up and down the field several times over the final quarter but Papakura hung on for the 2 point win. At Paparoa Park the local side overcame Te Atatū 25 points to 12. The Roosters led 12-6 at the break with 2 converted tries to 1 before the Hornets came home strong.

Hikoirangi Paki of Te Atatū making a tackle

In the Wednesday night match Papakura scored an upset with a well deserved 25-16 win over Howick. The match was live on Sky Sports and streamed on Youtube.[62] Lewis Soosemea scored a double as they pulled out to a 25-12 lead which they held on to. Te Atatū Roosters had another gutsy win over the much larger Ōtāhuhu Leopards at Jack Colvin Park. Paterika Vaivai was making his second appearance for Te Atatū for the season, making a comeback from injury for the New Zealand Warriors NSW Cup side who he had played 7 matches for thus far. Geronimo Doyle who had also been playing for the NSW Cup side was at fullback for Ōtāhuhu. For Te Atatū, Hikoirangi Paki scored a double including a spectacular leap to take a Kahil Johnson bomb early in the match. Robin Herbert scored an unusual try with the Roosters hooking a tight head on a halfway scrum with Herbert able to scoot away and score untouched.

Herbert scoring in the corner after a scrum win against the feed caught the Leopards out.

The Roosters sealed the match late with prop Fine Taukautakala bursting through a hole on halfway and he used a combination of pace, footwork and strength to make it to the try line. Fiohiva Fainga'a scored a double for the visitors, including a spectacular burst down the right hand sideline leaving would be tacklers in his wake. It was more impressive given he had gone down with an ankle injury minutes earlier. The Leopards will lament a couple of blown tries late, especially Sione Feao who went over the dead ball line in an effort to score closer to the posts. At Murray Halberg Park the Marist Saints scored 5 tries as did the Glenora Bears but the difference was the boot of Emmanuel Cerei who converted all 5 of Marist's tries. Doux Kauhiva crossed twice for the Saints. Glenora had opened the scoring early with a try to the experienced Phillip Kingi. In a battle for the Carol Redman Cup, Richmond continued on their winning ways, avenging a grading round loss to the same opponents, with a 40-26 win. Jeremiah Poutu scored in each half and Beau Cordtz converted 6 of their 7 tries. For Bay Roskill the game was over midway through the second half when Richmond blew the score out to 34-12 but they came home strongly with tries to Nixon Leaso, Joel Leaoseve, and then Zion Tanielu close to full time. Pt Chevalier trailed early to Manukau but then blew them off the field with 9 tries to 9 different players. They were missing the services of regular kicker Fancis Ledger and only converted 4 of their 9 tries. With the win Pt Chevalier joined Richmond as the two only unbeaten sides with 5 from 5 and a clear 4 point lead over their nearest rivals.

Kevin Locke shaping to kick with Chaz Brown and Anthony Goulton outside. Left to right on defense are Api Pewhairangi, Semisini Lopeti, and Paterika Vaivai.

Ihaka Taka-Brown taking the ball into Siuatonga Likiliki. Glenora veterans Phillip Kingi and Zac Tippins are covering from the left.

In the televised match on Wednesday night from North Harbour Stadium the Richmond (5-0) and Manukau (2-3) sides played out a tight 22-20 match.[68] The Magpies started strongly and led 12-0 after 20 minutes with a try to Riccardo Taunga Arama in the 9th minute and then ten minutes later Samuel Nati scored a clever individual try, grubbering through the line for himself. Richmond struck back just before halftime with a try in the left corner to Jeremiah Poutu after a flick offload from Carlos Henry. Early in the second half Nicholas Halalilo, who was returning from the New Zealand Warriors NSW Cup team, where he had played 9 matches, scored to put the Bulldogs ahead. Immediately after Ropati Tupa'i scored a clever try from a last tackle chip. Manukau replied with two tries on the right edge to regain the lead with Samuel Nati orchestrating their attack. Crucially he was unable to convert either of the tries. In the 75th minute Richmond converted a sustained attack into a try to Isaiah Sofa and Beau Cordtz's calm conversion gave them the win. The match between Te Atatū and Glenora for the Dennis Williams Cup saw the visiting Glenora side retain the trophy with a close 16-12 win. They controlled the first half and scored twice, to former Rooster, Anthony Goulton, and Kevin Locke, with Locke converting both. The second half saw Te Atatū score immediately after the break from a spilled bomb, with Semisini Lopeti getting over. The Roosters spent a huge amount of time in the Bears half but were unable to score with last tackle plays falling flat several times. Then against the run of play the Bears scored in the 69th minute after securing the ball from a contested bomb on the Te Atatū 20 metre line, and from the ensuing movement Siuatonga Likiliki slid over in the right corner.

Paterika Vaivai carrying the ball into the Glenora defense with Zac Tippins looming.

In the 76th minute Robin Herbert broke through on halfway and kicked ahead, and keeping the ball on the toe scored a brilliant individual try to the right of the posts to give the Roosters a chance but they were unable to create anything with the full time whistle going shortly after. Ōtāhuhu crashed to their third straight defeat, going down at home to Howick who got their noses in front in the second half after the Leopards led 6-4 at halftime. Jacob Paulo received his blazer for making his 50th first grade appearance for the Leopards. Papakura controlled the match at Prince Edward Park and raced out to a 28-4 lead after 27 minutes before the Vikings worked their way back into the game but never really threatened to win. For Papakura, Stedman Lefau scored a double and William (Tuhi) Pompey kicked 5 goals. At Fowlds Park in Mt Albert the visiting Marist Saints dominated the first half and took a 26-6 lead into halftime. Takaia Williams scored twice for the Saints, with Emmanuel Cerei kicking 4 goals to move to 97 points for the season. At Walker Park the Pt Chevalier Pirates made short work of Māngere East, winning 80-6 to move top of the table on point percentage.

Te Atatū attacking Marist's left edge in the first half.

Pt Chevalier winger Juelz Baker is met by the cover defense after a sprint to the line.

The Wednesday night match saw Marist win a seesawing battle with Te Atatū.[75] The Roosters scored early to Tuteauru Maipi but the kicking of Emmanuel Cerei and Doux Kauhiva from both kickoffs and general play terrorised the Te Atatū side throughout the match with 2 kickoff turnovers, and multiple spilled bombs and grubber kicks.

Sefanaia Cowley-Lupo bombing on the last tackle. Freedom Vahaakolo of Pt Chevalier with his back to the camera.

Josh Tanielu sparks a break with an offload in the tackle.

The Saints also scored 3 tries directly from last tackle kicks to Emmanuel Cerei, Doux Kauhiva, and Cyruss Payne. Te Atatū showed some nice attacking play and scored tries to Robin Herbert and Semisini Lopeti in the first half. The second half saw the Roosters retake the lead with a crafty try through the middle to Api Pewhairangi before a cacophony of handling errors saw the West Auckland side collapse and Marist stretched their lead with a brilliant ad lib play on the last tackle with Cyruss Payne scoring a try in the right corner from a kick by Emmanuel Cerei in the 71st minute. Te Atatū had a couple of chances to potentially tie the match but errors again ruined their chances and they finished with a 57% completion rate versus Marist's 84%. Marist solidified a top 4 spot with the win. At Blockhouse Bay Reserve the visiting Pt Chevalier Pirates scored in the 9th minute to Harry Durbin and never looked back with 3 more first half tries giving them a 22-4 lead at the break. Bay Roskill were competitive for periods of time but couldn't contain the large Pirates side. Francis Leger scored after a penalty tap from near halfway to extend their lead to 28-4 soon after halftime before Xavier Tutaki crashed over under the posts for the Vikings in the 68th minute. The Pirates put the icing on the cake with two more late tries including a 70 metre run from forward, Levi Helleur-Atiga who scored by the posts. Point Chevalier's consecutive win streak stretching out to 42 games.

Ioritana Leifi of Ōtāhuhu crashes through to score

Josh Tanielu attempting to beat the defence in the first half

Api Pewhairangi scores for Te Atatū under the posts

Sione Feao bursting downfield for Ōtāhuhu

Point Chevalier attack with Ollie Tuimavave and Freedom Vahaakolo looming

Roosters fullback Robin Herbert

The Wednesday night match was moved to Te Atatū South Park after North Harbour Stadium became unavailable due to Auckland's extremely long spell of wet weather and Mt Smart # 2 ground not being ready after surface maintenance. Bay Roskill were wrecked by injury but held Ōtāhuhu out until Geronimo Doyle jinked his way through a hole and went 40 metres to score. On halftime Fiohiva Fainga'a scored on the stroke of halftime to make it 10-0. The second half was one way traffic with Ōtāhuhu scoring 7 tries from the 48th minute to the 75th minute before Bay Roskill scored a try on full time to Sefanaia Cowley-Lupo to earn their first points. The match was live streamed on the Sky TV and the Auckland Rugby League Youtube channel.[82] At Walker Park, Point Chevalier defended the Roope Rooster trophy with a hard fought 28-20 win over Te Atatū. The Roosters played with the benefit of a strong westerly wind and went out to a 12-0 lead after tries to Api Pewhairangi and Tuteauru Maipi. The Pirates after some near misses saw Francis Leger use footwork to get over and when Lorenzo Filimaua went over the scores were locked.[83] Kahil Johnson gave Te Atatū a lead with a conversion near halftime. It took the Pirates until the 64th minute to take the lead with Harry Durbin running a nice line to go over. Levi Helleur-Atiga scored two classy tries to extent their lead before Maipi grabbed his second try late in the match for Te Atatū. Richmond made short work of Marist at Grey Lynn Park with a 36-8 win to take the Eddie Poching Memorial Cup. They burst out to a 24-4 halftime lead and never looked threatened. Richmond had six different try scorers including one to James Gavet who was backing up from the New Zealand Warriors NSW Cup match a day earlier, while Beau Cordtz converted all 6 tries. Papakura had a comfortable 28-0 win over Māngere East who again struggled on attack. For the Sea Eagles Kruz Tupou scored a double with William (Tuhi) Pompey kicking 4 goals. The Glenora Bears continued their improved form, taking down Mt Albert at Fowlds Park 22-4. Chaz Brown celebrating his 100th game for Glenora scored a try and kicked 2 conversions.[84] Solomon Vasuvulagi made his first appearance for Glenora and was backing up from the New Zealand Warriors NSW Cup match a day earlier. He crossed for one of their 4 tries in a long range effort, with Montell Tuese scoring his first ever in first grade.[85][86]

Kevin Locke attempting to convert Anthony Goulton's try.

Jethro Friend at dummy half about to deliver a short ball to Nukurua Ngere to score

Bay Roskill attacking from a scrum, the pass back on the inside saw Josh Tanielu score their second try.

Bay Roskill looking to attack from deep in their own half.

Shaun Tempest shaping to pass to Scott Jones.

Bay Roskill making a raid down the left edge with Mark Sifa.

Howick overcame Glenora 20-4 in the Wednesday night match at Harold Moody Park. The game was locked at 4-4 at halftime following tries to Josiah Fatialofa (Howick) and Anthony Goulton (Glenora). Fatialofa's was an effort in strength when in a 3 man tackle on the try line he somehow ripped his arms free to plant the ball. Goulton's came in a typical full speed sprint to the corner on the stroke of halftime. Howick showed their strength immediately after the break with some power running seeing them crash over for tries to Manu Fatialofa and Nukurua Ngere, before the third member of the Fatialofa family, Kaylise-Jesse Fatialofa, crossed for a try following a clever snap shot grubber into the in goal by Phrankyln Mano-Le-Mamea. Despite both teams coming close on a few occasions the last 28 minutes were scoreless. Glenora players Tulsan Caird and Jordan Tuarae played in their 100th first grade games for the Bears and had many supporters in attendance. The match between Papakura and Mt Albert was a testimonial to raise money for Papakura player, Roman Tuhimata, who had been diagnosed with DRSCT Sarcoma in November 2022. Mt Albert jumped out to a 10-0 lead before the home team took over with winger Kristopher Smithson running in 5 tries. The game between Māngere East and Ōtāhuhu was for the Pat Walsh Cup with Ōtāhuhu winning easily 76-0 with big forward Sione Feao scoring 5 tries, while Fiohiva Fainga'a converted 12 of their 13 tries. His personal haul totalled 28 points. Richmond went close to ending Pt Chevaliers unbeaten streak when they jumped out to a 14-6 lead following an early try to Jeremiah Poutu in the left corner. Dylan Tavita, the leading try scorer in the competition jumped out of dummy half to equalise for the Pirates following Francis Leger's conversion. Hawaiiki Annandale scored from dummy half for Richmond to re-establish their lead and then Puotu slipped over from 15 metres out to make it 14-6. But tries to Matthew Whyte who crashed over on the left edge and Ollie Tuimavave who scootered over in the same area in the second half saw the Pirates draw 14-14 and retain the Roope Rooster trophy. While they maintained their unbeaten streak into the 40s they did lose their winning streak. The match was streamed on Petes Filming.[93]Manukau tipped over Marist at Murray Halberg Park 22-14. The Saints lead 14-6 before the visitors surged home with 3 tries in 14 minutes to take the much needed win. At Jack Colvin the visiting Vikings scored 2 early tries, to Nixon Leaso who chased a bomb which was spilled into his arms, and then Josh Tanielu after a 90 metre effort sparked by a touchline run from Nixon Leaoseve. Te Atatū gradually asserted themselves and wore down the Vikings with solid defense and attack in the centre of the field. Khalan Clyde made several line breaks from dummy half while Ihaka Taka-Brown carried strongly and scored the go ahead try in the 44th minute before Api Pewhairangi, Ryhs Wikitera, and Paora Starr Manning rounded things off. Shaun Tempest kicked a sideline conversion near full time against his former side.

Mt Albert attacking at Fowlds Park.

Te Atatū hooker Khalan Clyde dumping William Piliu.

Mt Albert returning a kick.

Robin Herbert racing away to score for Te Atatū.

James Aspden bombs for Mt Albert with triple try scorer Blake Wardrope chasing on the wing.

On Wednesday night Pt Chevalier had too much class for Marist, though the Saints did cross for 4 tries to Burnie Liaina, Doux Kauhiva, Lewis Sio, and Lene Neemia. The second half saw plenty of tries but many unforced errors from both sides. Levi Helleur-Atiga capped off the night with a scything effort in the 76th minute to score by the posts to give the Pirates a 38-18 win. It was his 3rd try, while Freedom Vahaakolo crossed for the first time in several weeks when he scored twice. Francis Leger kicked 4 conversions with Etuate Fukofuka, the Warriors SG Ball kicker converting the last try.[100] Ōtāhuhu inflicted one of the heaviest defeats in Glenora's history with a 68-4 trouncing at Bert Henham Park. Fiohiva Fainga'a scored 26 points through 2 tries and 9 conversions, while Mavae Manuika scored a hat trick. At Blockhouse Bay Reserve Howick ran out to a 30-0 lead just before halftime, with Roydon Gillett opening the scoring with their first two tries. Bay Roskill threatened a big comeback with three tries, all converted by Josh Tanielu, getting it to 30-18 before Howick ran in two late tries to seal the win 40-18. Te Atatū scored early to Semisini Lopeti who later went off injured and then had two tries disallowed for obstruction and wasted other opportunities before Mt Albert worked their way into the game and an 8-4 halftime lead. Following a try from a bomb to John Laufiso they extended their lead to 14-4 before a broken play length of the field try to Robin Herbert for Te Atatū. Blake Wardrope scored two long distance tries of his own from broken play to seal the 26-18 win for the Lions. Papakura beat Manukau at Moyle Park with 5 different try scorers, one of which was William (Tuhi) Pompey who also kicked 2 goals. At Grey Lynn Park the local side made short work of Māngere East, winning 72-0 with Benjamin Kosi scoring 4 tries and kicked 6 conversions for 28 points. Soakai Taufa and Mose Newton scored two tries each.

In a shock result, Mt Albert beat Pt Chevalier 29-22 to end Pt Chevalier's record breaking unbeaten streak in first grade matches at 45. The previous record set in the 1990s was 17 by the City-Pt Chev side. Mt Albert deserved the win with a 6 try to 4 performance with and late try and Eiden Ackland field goal securing the win. The win meant Richmond, with their 32-12 win over Glenora won the Rukutai Shield for the first time since 2001. On the televised Wednesday night match the larger Papakura side were too strong for the inconsistent Te Atatū team. Api Pewhairangi was shut down by a rush defence and they struggled to execute any last tackle plays or kicks. Tangata Tukinga impressed with 2 tries for the Sea Eagles. For Te Atatū, Fine Vakautakakala carried an enormous workload as one of their only ball carriers who could make any headway into the staunch Papakura defence. In place of Tuhi Pompey, Peter Oliveti kicked 3 conversions from 4. Ōtāhuhu continued their impressive form destroying Manukau 62-6 at Moyle Park. Geronimo Doyle and Mavae Manuika both scored 3 tries for the winners. Jamel Hunt also crossed the line in his 50th match for Leopards with team mates Atanasio (Tana) Kuea and Emeliano Mikaele playing their 100th matches. Fiohiva Fainga'a scored a try and kicked 8 goals for 22 personal points. Bay Roskill secured their second win of the Fox competition with a 54-20 win over Māngere East who went winless. Māngere had conceded 204 points without scoring prior to crossing for a try in the 11th minute to Stanley Kuka. Jarvis Leaoseve scored 4 tries for the Vikings. At Murray Halberg Park the Howick Hornets secured 3rd position with a 26-14 win over Marist. [107]

Connor Taurua-Purcell being met by a wall of Sea Eagles defenders early in the match.

Mavae Manuika scoring in the 42nd minute.

Viliami Lolohea attacking for the Sea Eagles in the second half.

William Stowers scoring late to narrow the score to 10-12.

Richmond and Point Chevalier both secured byes in week 1 for finishing first and second respectively. At Paparoa Park the home side nearly suffered a shock upset when Marist took the lead with 20 minutes to go after a try to Johnathan Falelua-Malio which was converted by Doux Kauhiva, giving them a 10-8 lead. Nine minutes from time however Howick crossed to take the lead and then secured the win with another try in the dying stages. The win meant they progressed to the semi finals to play Pt Chevalier. At Prince Edward Park the Papakura Sea Eagles were taking on fellow South Auckland team, the in form Ōtāhuhu Leopards. The Leopards had several early sets near the Papakura try line but were unable to cross in the face of sturdy defence. Somewhat against the run of play the Sea Eagles scored from one of their first real attacking sets in the 20th minute with Jamie Henry literally walking across untouched in the left hand corner after a mid field offload caught the Leopards defence short. William (Tuhi) Pompey kicked a beautiful touchline conversion to give the home team a 6-0 lead. Then from a kick reception error Viliami Tahitua who was having a storming game gathered in the ball and wrong footed the last defender to cross over. Pompey again kicked a nice goal from wide out on the right for a 12-0 half time lead. Ōtāhuhu came out focussed after the break and scored almost immediately with Mavae Manuika diving over in the right corner. The conversion from Geronimo Doyle wide out crucially missed. Despite getting on attack several times the Leopards were unable to breach the defence until eventually William Stowers was put in and ran around under the posts. Doyle's quick conversion narrowed the score to 10-12 but from the kickoff hard working prop, Connor Tairua-Purcell spilled the ball in the first tackle and with the Sea Eagles launching a counter attack a penalty was awarded for an early tackle. Pompey kicked the penalty from a handy position and the Sea Eagles hung on for the final few minutes finishing on attack when the final hooter went. They progressed to play Richmond at Grey Lynn Park in the other semi final.

Freedom Vahaakolo races away to score the Pirates first try after Howick turned the ball over on attack.

Jacob Auloa crashes over to give the Pirates a 20-4 lead.

Levi Helleur-Atiga catches a kick from Francis Leger before stepping the fullback to score.

Richmond trapping Lewis Soosemea in his in goal.

Beau Cordtz kicks the penalty which gave Richmond an 8-6 lead.

Papakura kick to the corner in the dying stages with the ball spilling dead.

Pt Chevalier thrashed Howick 58-10 at Walker Park under still conditions and rare blue winter skies in 2023. Howick had several attacking chances in the first 15 minutes but while attacking in the Pirates half very early in the match the ball was spilled into the lap of Freedom Vahaakolo who ran 60 metres to outpace the chasers to score behind the posts. A short time later they crossed again with Presley Seumanu taking an offload near the line by Levi Helleur-Atiga who constantly looked dangerous with the ball. Howick got on the board after a left edge attack to make it 12-4. From this point on it was a Pt Chevalier avalanche with Ollie Tuimavave cruising in wide on the left before Jacob Auloa crashed over by the posts. Then from the next set Levi Helleur-Atiga latched on to a Francis Leger kick before gliding past Phranklyn Mano-Le-Mamea to score. Another try followed on halftime to Siapo Pasene to blow the score out to 30-4 making the contest all but done by the break. The Pirates didn't let off in the second half, scoring another 6 tries to complete the rout and book their spot in the Fox final. In the other semi final between Richmond and Papakura at Grey Lynn Park a huge crowd of over 600 was in attendance. Richmond captain Casey Tomain was celebrating his 50th match for the side. In contrast to the other semi final just two tries were scored in a huge defensive battle with the sides eventually only separated by Beau Cordtz's 65th-minute penalty. The Sea Eagles went in first in the 9th minute with an unconverted try to Lewis Soosemea. Tuhi Pompey missed the conversion but kicked a penalty in the 17th minute from in front 30 metres out. The Bulldogs leveled things up with a try to Navajo Doyle who also converted it in the 30th minute. The second half was a seesaw battle, though the Bulldogs had the better of the field position and attacked the Sea Eagles line several times to no avail. Both sides threw their bodies into contact repeatedly with some huge collisions as things grew more desperate with Jeremiah Poutu in particular carrying the ball back strongly from kicks on several occasions. James Gavet was forced from the field with less than ten minutes remaining with a shoulder injury after a hit up into a Papakura wall of defenders. Cordtz had a chance to kick a penalty for Richmond midway through the second half but from a handy position it slid outside the left upright. He had another chance 5 minutes later from right in front 14 metres out which he was successful with this time. The Sea Eagles attacked the Bulldogs line multiple times over the remaining 15 minutes but their barge over efforts from dummy half were resisted while when they went wide the plays were stifled by a desperate Bulldogs defence. The Sea Eagles last chance came with a chip bomb which came down on the Bulldogs try line but was spilled over the dead ball line with multiple players competing for the ball. The home side then worked the ball to halfway from the 20m restart when the full time hooter went meaning Richmond had made their first Fox final since 2001.

Dylan Tavita play-making on the left edge during the first half

Jacob Auloa trying to force his way over.

Presley Seumanu carrying the ball up and over the halfway line.

Francis Leger runs downfield after taking a spilled pass by Jeremiah Schuster.

Navajo Doyle scores the go ahead try for the Bulldogs.

Leger looking to offload to Helleur-Atiga in the last few minutes.

Herman Retzlaff with one of his 15 carries.

Pt Chevalier celebrate at the final whistle.

Point Chevalier won the grand final 24-16 in a tense encounter before a 2,000 strong crowd. Around 1,500 Richmond supporters packed in to see their side play in first grand final since 2001, and seeking to win for the first time since 1980. The match was streamed on YouTube and broadcast live on Sky Sports.[118] Siapo Pasene nearly scored at the end of Pt Chevalier's first set but had received the ball from a forward pass before diving over in the left corner. Top try scorer in Auckland senior league this year, Dylan Tavita eventually opened the scoring after powering his way over from dummy half in the 10th minute. Beau Cordtz replied for Richmond in the 18th minute doing a disappearing act near the line and slipping through a hole after bumping off Amaramo Solomona and evading Ollie Tuimavave.[119] Tavita scored his second try in the 33rd minute after spilling out of James Gavet's tackle and planting the ball over the line under the crossbar as referee Parkinson ruled that he was not held. Richmond responded once more after Jeremiah Poutu fielded a kick on his 20m line and raced 65 metres to put the Bulldogs in great attacking position. They went wide to the right two tackles later and Mose Newton crossed in the right corner with 3 minutes until halftime. Beau Cordtz's conversion missed leaving Pt Chevalier with a 12-10 lead at the break with the stats showing both teams had 50% possession with the Bulldogs completing at 94% to the Pirates 75%. It took until the 20th minute of the second half for the next points after substitute Navajo Doyle went from dummy half near the try line and shoved his way over in a three man tackle. Beau Cordtz who was having a big game converted to give them a 4 point lead. From this point on the Pirates experience came through and they began to dominate field position and possession. In the 62nd minute Levi Helleur-Atiga and James Gavet were both sin-binned after a scuffle which saw Gavet slap Helleur-Atiga who retaliated with a punch. A short time later the Pirates pressure on the try line saw Freedom Vahaakolo go through two would be tacklers to level the scores 16-16 in the 65th minute.[120] Leger's conversion from wide out went over to put the Pirates back in front. Pt Chevalier all but sealed it with a bizarre try to Zensei Inu in the 67th minute after Patrick Sipley played the ball on the try line and the defence paused while Inu simply picked it up and placed it over the line virtually uncontested. Sipley had a huge game carrying the ball 17 times while propping partners Harry Durbin (13 carries), and Herman Retzlaff (15 carries) also powered the team forward throughout the match. The Pirates controlled the last 5 minutes pinning the Bulldogs in their half and having two failed drop goal attempts by Tavita before the siren sounded to hand them another title. Ollie Tuimavave was awarded the Doug Price Man of the Match.

The Fox Plate was played for between teams which finished 7th to 12th in the Fox Memorial competition.

Mt Albert and Te Atatū had byes for finishing 7th and 8th respectively. Glenora demolished Māngere East 90-8 at Harold Moody Park with Johnny Fine scoring 4 tries for the home team, while Kadiyae Ioka scored twice and kicked 11 goals for 30 points. The Hawks finished a season to forget with yet another trouncing meaning they had won just once in 15 games. Meanwhile in Māngere itself, the Manukau Magpies comfortably beat the Bay Roskill Vikings 44-18. Carlos Seuseu opened the scoring for the visitors at Moyle Park but it was then one way traffic with Manukau scoring 8 tries, including 4 to Kahn Munokoa before the break to take a 40-6 lead before Bay Roskill tightened up in the second half and Manukau eased off. Koronato John scored his second close to full time to cap the win. Manukau progressed to play away at Mt Albert, while Glenora would travel across West Auckland to Te Atatū to take on the Roosters in the other plate semi final.

Te Atatū were close to full strength for the first time in many weeks and dispatched Glenora easily by 32 points to 6. It was their first win over their West Auckland rivals for well over a decade. Paterika Vaivai made his first appearance since the match with Marist in round 7 and he opened the scoring with a 7th minute try. Api Pewhairangi also scored a first half try for the Roosters and kicked 3 conversions. Glenora's only points came from a try on the left edge to Zion Ioka in the 51st minute, converted by Kevin Locke.[124] Elusive fullback, Robin Herbert, scored a double to bring up 7 tries for the season while Bostyn Hakaraia scored a second half try and kicked a goal. In the other semi final Mt Albert struggled to overcome Manukau at Fowlds Park with the scores locked at 0-0 at halftime and 4-4 with 20 minutes to go before the home side eased away with tries to Corey Seator and Trent Schaumkel.

The lists are calculated from the 3 qualifying games and the Fox Memorial premiership matches which followed, also including all playoff matches in the Fox premiership and plate competitions. Several teams did not submit their scorers names on occasion with unsubmitted named points in brackets: Howick (110), Papakura (70), Mt Albert (54), Manukau (52), Māngere East (32), Ōtāhuhu (36), Bay Roskill (20), and Marist (1). As such the following lists are possibly incomplete, although the records for players from Richmond, Pt Chevalier, Te Atatū, Glenora, and Marist (for the most part) are complete. The official awards for try scoring and goal kicking were calculated only on the main regular season competitions and differ from the below tables. For example Emmanuel Cerei and Fiohiva Fainga'a tied for the ARL goal kicking title as Francis Leger kicked 26 of his goals in the grading round and 8 more in the semi final and final wins which did not count towards the award. While Dylan Tavita scored 8 of his 18 tries in grading and playoff matches with Geronimo Doyle scoring all 11 of his tries in the Fox regular season games.

In the opening round of the Premier Women's competition which was played at Cornwall Park the Ōtara Scorpions put the competition on notice with an 80-6 thrashing of the reigning champions Manurewa Kowhai. Annessa Biddle and Wati Deleilomaloma both crossed for hat tricks while Linade McKinley-Sadaraka kicked 11 conversions to go with her 2 tries. The newly formed City side went down 10-38 to Howick with the East Auckland side scoring 8 tries, with a double to Tafito Lafaele, a 2022 Black Ferns representative. Former New Zealand Warriors women's representative Lisa Edwards also crossed the line. Mele Hufanga converted 1 of City's 2 tries. The reformed Mt Albert women's team, the Mt Albert Lionesses had a 32-22 win over Ōtāhuhu. The Lionesses had 7 different try scorers. For Ōtāhuhu their New Zealand representative Onjeurlina Leiataua scored all 4 of their tries.

Howick 'Nets' scored a dominant 50-0 win over Taniwharau with Zayde Sarah-Baldwin and Saphire Abraham both crossing the line twice. In the words of Times Online writer, Ben Plummer, "the women have well and truly taken chanrge of their competition after their first two games, winning both in convincing fashion".[35]

In the Wednesday night televised match it was a seesawing battle between City and Manurewa Kowhai. Both teams initially struggled to crack their opponents defence with it moving from end to end but with no points until Mary Jane Finau crashed over under the posts in the 31st minute for City. Manurewa replied soon after to Nancy Sikei, before City regained the lead on the break with a try to Mikayla Eli. City started the second half strongly scoring twice to lead 18-10. Manurewa replied with two tries of their own including a brilliant effort from a regathered kick, with Crystal Stowers crashing over in a tackle. The conversion by Eli gave Manurewa a 20-18 lead. It only lasted three minutes before Tauhalaliku scored after some nice lead up play with the try proving to be the difference, the match ending 22-20. In horrible conditions on Saturday the visiting Ōtara side had the match under control by halftime, scoring 5 tries and taking a 26-0 lead into the break. Jhana Magele added another try late in the match with Shaniah Lui scoring Ōtāhuhu's only try in the 55th minute.

In the Wednesday televised match Ōtara prevailed in a seesawing match with the lead changing hands a few times before the Scorpions won on fulltime after recovering a kick and Jhana Magele crossed in the left corner. Black Fern, Tafito Lafaele scored one of Howick's 3 unconverted tries. In Huntly at Davies Park the local Taniwharau side showed an improved performance with Nadia Flavell scoring 3 tries. However New Zealand international Onjeurlina Leiataua scored 2 of Ōtāhuhu's 6 tries in their 28-16 win. At Fowld's Park, Mt Albert held a 24-10 lead before City stormed home, scoring tries to Marewa Samson, Alayna Kamuhemu, and Paris Pickering to steal the win, with Paulina Morris-Ponga converting 2 of them.

Taniwharau on attack against City at Victoria Park.

In the Wednesday night game the Howick side had to win it with a late try to Cilia-Marie Po'e-Tofaeono after Manurewa had levelled the scores with a try to Ngatokotoru Arakua in the 68th minute. Ōtara had a narrow win over the Lionesses at Fowlds Park to continue their unbeaten run. Both sides crossed for 3 tries with the only conversion of the match by Jhana Magele proving the difference. In the Sunday game at Victoria Park the City side had an easy 60-8 win over Taniwharau. Paulina Morris-Ponga converted 5 of their tries and crossed for a try herself in a 14 point haul, while Sarah Filimoeatu scored a hat trick and Paris Pickering a double. For Taniwharau, Leah-Rhys Toka and Jamie Haumaha scored second half tries to add a small amount of respectability to the score.

In the televised Wednesday night match up between Mt Albert and Ōtāhuhu the Lionesses won 36-4.[154] Ōtāhuhu scored first to Kaiyah Atai crashing over but Mt Albert dominated from this point on. By half time they led 18-4 with 53% possession, and a 69% completion rate compared to the Leopards 50%.

Mt Albert Lionesses won a competitive match on Wednesday night 26-22 over City. The win saw them edge further ahead of City in the standings and all but secure a top 4 spot. Lavinia Tauhalaliku scored 3 tries for City, while Ilaisaane Taufa scored a double for Mt Albert in a 6 try effort. Both teams struggled with their goal kicking with just 2 of the 11 tries converted. On Friday night at Bert Henham Park the Leopards beat Taniwharau 20-10 with Onjeurlina Leiataua scoring on halftime to bring up her 8th try of the season. Taniwharau threatened an upset when they scored a converted try early in the second half to Waimea Nikau-Rangimake to make it 6-8 to Ōtāhuhu, before the home team crossed twice with tries to Roena Matautia and Sade Schaumkel to hold them off. In a hard fought match at Ngati Ōtara Park, the home side outlasted the Hornets 28-20. The Hornets took a 20-18 lead in the top of the table clash in the 56th minute after Jess Mani crossed. But Ōtara regained the lead shortly after with Marina Hagain scoring her second try, and then Jhana Magele iced the game in the 69th minute with a try.[158]

Taniwharau registered their first win of the 2023 season with an 18-8 win over Manurewa Kowhai. They scored early to Leah-Rhys Toka after Honor Wilson sliced through before Manurewa replied with a try to Kataraina-Tuhakaraina Karaka-Whittaker crashing over in the right corner. Taniwharau then re-established their position further with tries to Waimea Nikau-Rangi after great set up play from Toki before halftime and Nga Mako Totorewa early in the second half. Manurewa threatened a comeback when Laila Foki crossed but Toki shut any thoughts of that down with her second try in the 71st minute try to seal the win. The match between City and Ōtara was not able to be played as no referees arrived at the ground.

Ōtāhuhu playing the ball in midfield during the second half of their match in Glen Eden.

On Wednesday night at Harold Moody Park in Glen Eden, Ōtāhuhu threatened a huge upset when they took a 10-8 lead in the 61st minute with a try to Jayme Latu. They had looked threatening with the ball throughout much of the second half however Ōtara proved how good they are by responding with a try to Ajah Roebeck Lesoa in the 70th minute which ultimately proved the difference in their 12-10 win. The second half had a running time of 56 minutes after three injury breaks including a serious knee injury to Roena Matautia who was taken off by St Johns after being bent back in a tackle. Taniwharau pushed the 3rd placed Mt Albert Lionesses all the way before going down 22-16 with Ilaisaane Taufa scoring a try and kicking 3 goals to add to her points tally for the season while Mafi Faukafa scored a double for the Lionesses. Taniwharau will rue their kicking with 4 unconverted tries. At Mountfort Park, the home side struggled against a well rested City team and went down 30-4. Lavinia Tauhalaliku scored a hat trick, with former Cook Islands women's national football team player, Pauline Morris-Ponga scoring 10 points through a try and 3 conversions.

One of the title contenders, City easily beat Ōtāhuhu at Mount Smart Stadium 2 on Wednesday night. Lavinia Tauhalaliku scored her third consecutive hat trick to move further ahead in the try scoring standings with 13 in total. Her third came with a solo run from 40 metres out where she sprinted through the middle of the defense and scored untouched. Paulina Morris-Ponga piloted over 3 conversions with her front on style to bring up 52 points for the season. Onjeurlina Leiataua crossed for Ōtāhuhu to score her 9th try of the season. Ōtāhuhu outscored City in the second half, like they had done so in their loss the previous week to Ōtara but it was their poor first half which cost them a chance of the win.[168]

In the 6th minute Mt Albert crossed when Shaniece Monshau hit a hole and went in, however Leio Fotu-Moala equalised shortly after for Howick. Earlier a head injury to Lisa Po'e-Tofaeono saw her leave the field and go to hospital. Summer Van Gelder then scored a spectacular solo try taking a bomb 8 metres from her line and then beat multiple defenders to score under the posts. Taylor Curtis beat Van Gelger in a 45 metre run on the right edge to equalise the scores at 10-10 in the 28th minute. Mt Albert retook the lead through a try to Danika Manase to take a 16-10 lead into the break. Howick came out strongly though and equalised once more with a try immediately after the break to Leio Fotu-Moala. She later scored her third with another strong run using pace to reach the line in the 68th minute. Platinum Marsters kicked her third conversion to give Howick a 22-16 lead which they held on to.[172]

In the Wednesday night match 15 tries were scored. Taniwharau showed their much improved form by scoring 7 of them but most were wide out so Calista Ruruku was unable to convert any. In the second half Laraine Fox of Taniwharau was sent off for throwing punches in a melee. Tia Toka scored a double for Taniwharau, while Lavinia Tauhalaliku did likewise for City to take her season tally to 15. Paulina Morris-Ponga scored a try and kicked 3 goals to take her season points total to 62, equal with Tauhalaliku at the top of the individual standings to this point.[176]

The semi final between the 1st ranked Ōtara side and the Mt Albert Lionesses was played at Ngati Ōtara Park and saw the Lionesses cause an upset with a comfortable 20-4 win. Lose Mafi scored at the base of the right upright in the 10th minute after the Lionesses had made metres down field by shifting the ball to the edges. Summer Van Gelder scored shortly afterwards when she eluded the grasping defence on a short swerving run. In the 32nd minute Lor-El Loto dived over from dummy-half for what turned out to be the home team's only points. Referee Andrew Harris was replaced at half time by Rebecca Ellison after he injured his leg. Immediately after the break Moana Cook broke through on the left edge and went 60 metres to score, with Ilaisaane Taufa's conversion putting them out to a 16-4 lead. Lydia Turua-Quedley put the game beyond doubt with a try in the 67th minute and then during the week was named the Mt Albert club Player of the Year at the Auckland Rugby League awards. The match was filmed by Petes Filming.[180] At Paparoa Park in Howick the match was much closer with both teams scoring 4 tries. For City Paulina Morris-Ponga scored a double and kicked a conversion. Her second try in the 60th minute gave the visitors an 18-16 lead but Malia Tova won it for Howick with a 72nd minute try which was converted by Platinum Marsters to push them through to the grand final.

Howick Hornets receiving the Steele-Shanks Cup

Howick run relatively easily 36-6 against an injury depleted Mt Albert side who were missing 7 players.[183] Both teams were attempting to win their first title. Mafi Faukafa caused an early surprise after taking a quick tap near the line and driving over through a sleeping defence. Zayde Sarah-Baldwin responded for the Hornets diving over from dummy half in the 16th minute. Jonsel Tautari went herself with a dummy, step, and powered through by the posts to put the Hornets 12-6 in front following Platinum Marsters conversion. Sarah-Baldwin then jinked her way over after 32 minutes and when Taylor Curtis crossed in the right corner just before halftime the game was slipping away for the Lionesses who now trailed 22-6. They had completed just 6 of their 10 sets while the Hornets had completed 9 of their 12. The Hornets opened the scoring in the second half with an almost identical try in the right corner again to Curtis. Their captain, Shontelle Woodman crashed over after a great offload in the tackle by Barbra Auvaa. Lisa Edwards-Rua completed the scoring after Leio Fotu-Moala offloaded back to her and she went through a narrow opening. The player of the match was Zayde Sarah-Baldwin.

The match between Ellerslie and Glenfield was filmed by Petes Filming, with Ellerslie winning by 40 points to 20 at Ellerslie Domain.[190]

Former NRL referee Henry Perenara returned to his junior club, New Lynn Stags for their match with Northcote. He had retired from refereeing in 2021 after being diagnosed with a heart condition but had recovered enough to return to the field.

The Northcote - Ponsonby match at the Birkenhead War Memorial ground was live streamed. Northcote won the match 36-22 with 7 tries to 7 different players, and 4 goals kicked by Taine Neho. They trailed 6-10 at halftime before a strong second half.[211]

The Northcote match with Glenfield was played for the Dallas Heremaia Cup which hadn't been played for for several years as the two sides hadn't met for some time. With Northcote winning 78-6 the trophy was presented to Northcote captain Tawhiri Heremaia who is one of Dallas Heremaia's sons. Dallas had been a senior coach at both clubs.

The Hibiscus Coast win over Northcote was streamed by Petes Filming. With the win Hibiscus Coast won the Ted Dalton Cup and drew level with Northcote in second place on 12 points with both sides having 6 win, 2 loss records.[222] The match between Glenfield and Ponsonby was not played. It was rescheduled for Monday, 10 July at 7pm at Sunnynook but Glenfield defaulted and so Ponsonby were awarded the points.