The main feature of the year was the sixth season of the Bartercard Cup competition that was run by the New Zealand Rugby League.
The New Zealand national rugby league team played Australia at Auckland's Ericsson Stadium as part of the Tri-Nations.
Coached by Brian McClennan, for the Tri-Nations New Zealand included; Louis Anderson, Roy Asotasi, Nathan Cayless, David Faiumu, Awen Guttenbeil, Shontayne Hape, Lance Hohaia, Stacey Jones, David Kidwell, Ali Lauiti'iti, Iafeta Paleaaesina, Frank Pritchard, Tony Puletua, Paul Rauhihi, David Solomona, Motu Tony, Clinton Toopi, Nigel Vagana, Manu Vatuvei, Brent Webb, Jake Webster, Paul Whatuira, Bronson Harrison and captain Ruben Wiki.
Jerome Ropati, Matt Utai, Benji Marshall, Thomas Leuluai, Wairangi Koopu, Dene Halatau and Jamahl Lolesi played in the ANZAC Test but did not tour.
In February a New Zealand Residents team competed in the St Marys Invitational Sevens tournament in Sydney.
The Canterbury Bulls lost the grand final when Fabian Soutar scored for Mt Albert in the last second of the match.