New Zealand Rugby League is pleased to announce the following players have been selected to represent the New Zealand
Residents who will take on the NZ Māori Residents this Sunday, 4 pm at Mt Smart Stadium.
The last time the two met was in 2017 where the NZ Māori Residents came away with a 22 – 16 victory.
The NZ Residents squad consists of the best players from the NZRL National Men's competition; many who have already
achieved professional or international rugby league success. NZRL congratulates the following players:Alex ToddCanterbury BullsChase BernardAkarana FalconsDallas McEwanWellington OrcasEmeliano MikaeleCounties Manukau StingraysFrancis LegerAkarana FalconsJacob PauloCounties Manukau StingraysJohnson PeriUpper Central StallionsJordan Te AhoAkarana FalconsKeanu DawsonWaikato ManaMathew TuitamaAkarana FalconsMatiu Stone DunnAkarana FalconsMichael KiAkarana FalconsPatrick SipleyAkarana FalconsPenitito IlalioCanterbury BullsPreston RikiAkarana FalconsRay Tuimalo-VaegaAkarana FalconsSam Fa'apitoAkarana FalconsSamuel NatiCounties Manukau Stingrays
NZRL National Men's Premiers Akarana Falcons, front 10 of the 18 Residents players after convincingly defending their
title with a 64-18 win over Counties Manukau over the weekend.
Akarana captain and NZ Resident veteran Francis Leger took home MVP of the Men’s Premiership competition and MVP of the
final.
2018 Sonny Fai medallist and Warriors player of the year (Flegg and Intrust) Preston Riki gets the call up alongside
teammate and former Wynnum Manly Sea Eagle, Patrick Sipley.
Canterbury and Linwood teammates Penitito Ilalio and Alex Todd return to the side after featuring in last year’s
Residents campaign.
NZRL CEO Greg Peters says, "We have some undeniable talent across the park and it's exciting we are able to showcase
that with the much-anticipated clash against the NZ Māori Residents come Sunday.
"The talent on display across the Men's Premiership competition this year was quality and it's evident by the calibre
named in this team. I have no doubt this will be a tough and passionate affair! Congratulations to our NZ Residents."
The NZ Residents face the NZ Māori Residents this Sunday 4 pm following the NZ Schools v Clubs match at Mt Smart
Stadium.
It is a gold coin entry donation to Mt Smart on the day; otherwise both games will be televised live on Sky Sport 4.