2011 New Zealand rugby league season

The premier teams competed for the Albert Baskerville Trophy, which was won by the Auckland Pride when they defeated the South Island Scorpions 44 - 34 in the Grand Final.

The New Zealand national rugby league team were going to host the ANZAC Test for the first time since 1998, as the match was originally announced to be played in Christchurch's AMI Stadium on 6 May.

[1] However, following the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake this decision was reviewed and on 4 March it was announced the match would be played at the Skilled Park on the Gold Coast.

New Zealand were coached by Stephen Kearney and included Lance Hohaia, debutant Matt Duffie, Simon Mannering, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Jason Nightingale, captain Benji Marshall, Kieran Foran, Steve Rapira, Nathan Fien, Sam McKendry, Adam Blair, Bronson Harrison, Jeremy Smith, Isaac Luke, Ben Matulino, Fuifui Moimoi and debutant Lewis Brown.

The Kiwis were to play a Test match against the Cook Islands in Rarotonga on 7 October, however this was later called off due to the unavailability of 29 players.

The squad for these Test matches was Gerard Beale, Alex Glenn, Jeremy Smith, Kieran Foran, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Bill Tupou, Adam Blair, Sika Manu, Kevin Proctor, Lewis Brown, Kevin Locke, Simon Mannering, Ben Matulino, Russell Packer, Elijah Taylor, Fuifui Moimoi, Sam McKendry, Jason Nightingale, Nathan Fien, Issac Luke, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Benji Marshall (c) and Thomas Leuluai.

[10] Steve Matai, Shaun Johnson, Krisnan Inu and Manu Vatuvei were originally selected but withdrew from the squad.

In response to the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake a Legends of League charity match was organised at Mount Smart Stadium on 10 March.

[13] The teams were, New Zealand: Richie Barnett, Sean Hoppe, David Kidwell, Ruben Wiki (C), Sam Panapa, Olsen Filipaina, Stacey Jones, Joe Vagana, Monty Betham, Jerry Seuseu, Kurt Sorensen, Tawera Nikau and Hugh McGahan.

Australia: David Peachey, Hazem El Masri, David Myles, Tea Ropati, Nathan Blacklock, Scott Hill, Clayton Friend, Mark Horo, Ben Elias (C), Craig Smith, Paul Langmack, John Hopoate, Kevin Campion.

[20] The squad was coached by David Kidwell and included Kenneath Bromwich and Tohu Harris (Melbourne Storm), Sosaia Feki, Siliva Havili, Omar Slaimankhel, Sio Siua Taukeiaho, Carlos Tuimavave, Adam Henry, Sebastine Ikahihifo, Samiuela Lousi, Agnatius Paasi and John Palavi (Warriors), Ben Murdoch-Masila (Wests Tigers), Josh Papalii (Canberra Raiders), Andrew Pelasio (Penrith Panthers), Michael Parker-Walshe, Jason Taumalolo and Wayne Ulugia (North Queensland Cowboys).

[27] At its annual general meeting the New Zealand Rugby League appointed Sir Peter Leitch as Patron, replacing Helen Clark.

Auckland, Counties Manukau and the South Island adopted new nicknames in 2011 while the Heartland side renamed itself the Central Vipers.

The New Zealand Warriors spent their 17th first grade season in Australian competition, playing in the National Rugby League.

[52] Mount Albert, Otahuhu, Glenora, Howick, Manurewa, Papakura, Marist and Northcote qualified for the 2011 and 2012 Fox Memorials.

[55] Nine players from the Mount Wellington Warriors club were suspended, including two for five years each, after a fight in a Phelan Shield match against the Glenfield Greyhounds.

The Team of the Year was; Peta Hiku (Manurewa), Karl Hill (Howick), Rusty Bristow (Papakura), Jeremiah Pai (Northcote), Aaron Booth (Glenora), Kyle Bos (Otahuhu), Tony Tuia (Howick), Suaia Matagi (Mount Albert), Manu Mau (Marist).

[46] Otahuhu College won the Auckland Secondary Schools competition and the Counties Manukau Zone Dean Bell Shield.

The Te Aroha Eels and Porirua Vikings met in the Wellington Rugby League's grand final on 13 August at Fraser Park.

[46] Minor premiers the Halswell Hornets played the Celebration Lions in the Canterbury Rugby League grand final at Denton Oval on 14 August.

[74] Other teams in the competition include the Hamilton Hornets, Taupo Phoenix, Pikiao, Pacific, Central, College Old Boys, Turangawaewae, the Tauranga Whalers and the Ngongotaha Chiefs.

[75][76] Ngaruawahia, who celebrated their centenary in Labour weekend, after being founded in 1911, won the Waikato Rugby League's premiership, defeating the Hamilton City Tigers 30–8 in the grand final.

[79] The Tauranga Whalers defeated the Pacific Sharks 24–18 in extra time to win the Bay of Plenty Rugby League championship.

[80] The Waitara Bears, Fielding Falcons, Bell Block Marist Dragons and Kia Ora Warriors all made the Western Alliance final series.

[16] The Kia Toa Tigers defeated the South Pacific Raiders 34–14 to win the Otago Rugby League's Winter final.