title: Manawatu Rugby League
text: # 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
  