Every tamaiti deserves to feel like they belong on a team. That's the whole kaupapa behind NKS Future 2026.

This tournament is the first of many. Created and led by Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, NKS Future 2026 brings community rugby league to Auckland and Christchurch this November for tamariki aged 7 to 10.

There's no trial. No rankings. Nothing to prove.

Instead, families & Teams are invited to submit an Expression of Interest. The NKS team will carefully select participants based on the values and purpose of the tournament, ensuring every event reflects the NKS kaupapa of giving more tamariki the opportunity to step onto the field, build confidence, and simply enjoy the game.

NKS Future 2026 wasn't built for the most experienced players or representative pathways. It was built for the kids who deserve their chance. The ones who love rugby league, who want to be part of a team, and who may not always have opportunities to play. Every child selected will be welcomed into an environment where participation, encouragement and enjoyment come before the scoreboard.

This is manaakitanga in action. Looking after our young ones, lifting them up, and creating an experience where every tamaiti feels seen, valued and celebrated. That's the standard we hold ourselves to, and it's the foundation NKS Future 2026 was built on.

But this is only the beginning.

NKS Future 2026 is the first tournament under the NKS banner, with many more experiences already being planned for communities across Aotearoa. Each tournament will be shaped by the people it serves, creating more opportunities for tamariki and whānau to connect through rugby league while staying true to the values that define NKS.

Auckland - 21 November 2026
Christchurch - 28 November 2026

If you'd like your tamaiti to be considered for NKS Future 2026, register your Expression of Interest and subscribe to the NKS newsletter to be the first to receive tournament updates, Expressions of Interest for future events, and everything happening at NKS.

This is for our tamariki. This is for our communities. This is just the beginning.