The main feature of the year was the inaugural season of the Bartercard Cup competition that was run by the New Zealand Rugby League.
Coached by Frank Endacott New Zealands World Cup squad included; captain Richie Barnett, Richie Blackmore, Tonie Carroll, Nathan Cayless, Brian Jellick, Stacey Jones, Stephen Kearney, Ali Lauitiiti, Tasesa Lavea, Henry and Robbie Paul, Quentin Pongia, Tony Puletua, Matt Rua, Richard Swain, Logan Swann, Willie Talau, David Vaealiki, Joe and Nigel Vagana, Lesley Vainikolo and Ruben Wiki.
New Zealand Māori were coached by Cameron Bell and included Billy Weepu, Hare Te Rangi, Steve Berryman, Boycie Nelson, Solomon Kiri and Doc Murray.
[1] The World Cup squad was captained by Tawera Nikau and included Alex Chan, Jamie Cookthcote, Luke Goodwin, Terry Hermansson, Sean Hoppe, David Kidwell, Toa Kohe-Love, Wairangi Koopu, Kylie Leuluai, Odell Manuel, Martin Moana, Jared Mills, Chris Nahi, Boycie Nelson, Gene Ngamu, Henry Perenara, Paul Rauhihi, Tahi Reihana, Jeremy Smith, Tyran Smith, Clinton Toopi, Paul Whatuira and Hare Te Rangi.
[2][page needed] The Residents were coached by Gerard Stokes and included players such as; Lusi Sione, Motu Tony, captain Esau Mann, Paul and David Fisiiahi, Boycie Nelson, George Tuakura, Hare Te Rangi, Phillip Leuluai, Ben Lythe, Peter Lewis, Solomon Kiri, Jonathan Smith, Anthony Seu Seu and Shane Beyers.
The Residents had a weakened team, as World Cup sides such as Cook Islands, Western Samoa and Tonga had first call on players.
The Kiwi Ferns competed in the first Women's World Cup, winning the tournament by defeating Great Britain 26–4 in the final.
The competition was the first large scale attempt to replace the Lion Red Cup and involved eight Auckland Rugby League clubs and four regional teams.
An Auckland side consisting of Fox Memorial players dominated the North Island Second Division competition, winning all six matches.
A Mainland Super 10 competition was held between Canterbury Rugby League clubs and the South Island provincial teams.