Warriors make huge announcement

New Zealand Warriors had a hugely successful 2026 campaign, finishing second on the ladder and reaching the NRL finals.

Andrew Webster’s side will hope to take the club’s outstanding campaign into the next, and take one step closer to winning their first premiership.

The Auckland-based side has recently announced huge news, confirming that pathways opportunities for the 2027 season have been enhanced.

The club has announced that an under-20 men’s championship is returning.

The 2027 programme, which will run from February to March, will include three competitions for men and women, which will boost the club’s domestic pathways into the NRL and NRLW systems.

Auckland Rugby League head of football TJ Ashford said: “In partnership with the One New Zealand Warriors, we’re excited to announce the return of our representative competitions for 2027.

“With six competitions, there are now more opportunities in one connected pathway for Auckland rugby league players,” he said.

“The major addition is the return of the Ruben Wiki Cup, adding another important step to Auckland’s boys’ and men’s pathway which now begins with our Region of Origin and continues through the Shaun Johnson Shield, Dean Bell Cup and into the Ruben Wiki Cup,” Ashford added.

The huge news will help New Zealand rugby league develop even further, opening up more opportunities to younger players across the nation.

It will also provide the club a great opportunity to sign homegrown players to compete in the NRL later down the line.

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