Manawatu Rugby League
# Manawatu Rugby League

Manawatu Rugby League was formed in 1957. They are currently part of the Mid-Central zone along with Taranaki Rugby League.

## Kiwi Players

Only one player from Manawatu has ever made the New Zealand national rugby league team. This was Kiwi number 456, Dick Uluave, who played two tests in 1979.

## National Competitions

In 1997 Manawatu had a team in the Lion Red Cup. This team was known as the Manawatu Mustangs.

Between 2002 and 2007 Manawatu Rugby League fielded a side in the national Bartercard Cup. This team was known as the Central Falcons. However Manawatu was not invited to field a side in 2008's new Bartercard Premiership.

## Club Competitions

### Premier Grade

* Castlecliff Seagulls
* Feilding Falcons
* Foxton Rebels
* Kia Ora Warriors
* Linton Cobras
* Taitoko United

### Cartown Cup

* Dannevirke Tigers
* Foxton Rebels
* Kia Ora Warriors
* Linton Cobras
* Marton Bears
* Taitoko United
* Waiouru Bobcats
* Wanganui Vikings 1
* Wanganui Vikings 2
* Whiti Te Ra

## Western Alliance League

Western Alliance was created in 2003 when clubs from Taranaki, Wellington and Manawatu competed in a 12-team regional competition. However, in 2004 all Wellington clubs pulled out to work on their own local competition. In 2007 Kia Ora Warriors ended Waitara's two-year reign as Western Alliance champion with a resolute, 29-20 win in the grand final.

Teams that competed in the 2007 Western Alliance were:

* Waitara Bears
* Linton Cobras
* Feilding Falcons
* Coastal Cobras
* Marist Dragons
* Western Suburbs Tigers
* Kia Ora Warriors
* Hawera Hawks
* Taitoko United
* Castlecliff Seagulls
