2004 New Zealand rugby league season

The 2004 New Zealand rugby league season was the 97th season of rugby league that had been played in New Zealand. The main feature of the year was the fifth season of the Bartercard Cup competition that was run by the New Zealand Rugby League. The Mt Albert Lions won the Cup by defeating the Marist Richmond Brothers 40–20 in the Grand Final.
International competitions.
The New Zealand national rugby league team played Australia at North Harbour Stadium as part of the Tri-Nations tournament. The match was drawn 16-all. New Zealand finished third in the tournament, after failing to win in Great Britain. Earlier in the year New Zealand had lost the ANZAC Test 37–10 in Newcastle. New Zealand were coached by Daniel Anderson and for the Tri-Nations included; Vinnie and Louis Anderson, Roy Asotasi, Jason and Nathan Cayless, Alex Chan, Joe Galuvao, Dene Halatau, Shontayne Hape, David Kidwell, Wairangi Koopu, Ali Lauiti'iti, Thomas Leuluai, Francis Meli, Robbie Paul, Tony Puletua, Paul Rauhihi, Logan Swann, Motu Tony, Clinton Toopi, Matt Utai, Nigel Vagana, Lesley Vainikolo, Brent Webb, Paul Whatuira, captain Ruben Wiki, Jamahl Lolesi, Henry Fa'afili and Sonny Bill Williams. Sione Faumuina, Tevita Latu, Stephen Kearney and Jerry Seuseu played in the ANZAC Test but did not tour at the end of the year.
New Zealand hosted the 2004 Pacific Cup which was played between New Zealand Māori, Fiji, Samoa, New Caledonia, Tonga and the Cook Islands. New Zealand Māori were coached by Tawera Nikau who was assisted by Terry Hermansson. The team included Aoterangi Herangi, Charlie Herekotukutuku, Herewini Rangi, Sonny Whakarau and Odell Manuel. During the season the New Zealand Māori Rugby League was put under New Zealand Rugby League administration after racking up $85,000 worth of debt.
A New Zealand A side hosted New South Wales Country and, four months later, a Jim Beam Cup selection. The team included Frank-Paul Nuuausala, Paul Atkins, David Fisiiahi, Paul Fisiiahi, Misi Taulapapa, Karl Johnson, Corey Lawrie, captain Steve Buckingham, Simon Mannering, Daniel Vasau, Kane Ferris and Lee Tamatoa. They defeated the Country side 36-18 but lost to the Jim Beam Cup side 18–6.
Both teams took on Auckland in warm up matches. Auckland were coached by Stan Martin and included Paul Fisiiahi, Karl Johnson, Misi Taulapapa, Herewini Rangi, Anthony Swann and Paul Atkins. Auckland defeated NSW Country 22-14 but lost to the Jim Beam Cup side 30–28.
A Residents team had competed at the Rugby League World Sevens earlier in the year. Coached by Graeme Norton, that team included Daniel Floyd, Steve Matai, Regan Wigg, Shannon Stowers and Gary Tupou.
The Russian team toured the South Island, playing matches against the Tasman Orcas, the West Coast, Southland and Otago. They lost to the Tasman Orcas 32–16 in the opening game of the tour.
Sonny Bill Williams was named the New Zealand Rugby League's player of the year while referee Glen Black was named referee of the year.
National competitions.
Bartercard Cup.
The 2004 Bartercard Cup was the fifth season of the Bartercard Cup competition run by the New Zealand Rugby League. There were two major team changes before the start of the season. In Auckland, the Manurewa Marlins were replaced by the franchise. Some clubs who had previously been aligned with the Marlins became affiliated with the Eastern Tornadoes. Due to the changing boundaries, the Ellerslie club left the Tornadoes and joined with the Otahuhu Leopards to form the Otahuhu Ellerslie Leopards. Outside of Auckland the dropped out of the competition after two dreadful seasons. In their place the Waicoa Bay Stallions were formed, representing the Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Coastlines districts. The Canterbury Bulls were again the only non-Auckland team to make the playoffs.
The Playoffs.
Grand Final.
The final was held at Ericsson Stadium, with the Fox Memorial Grand Final as a curtin raiser.
Australian competitions.
The New Zealand Warriors competed in the National Rugby League competition. They finished 14th out of 15 teams and failed to make the playoffs.
Club competitions.
Auckland.
The Mt Albert Lions won the Fox Memorial trophy, defeating the Mangere East Hawks 14–10 in the final. Mangere East won the Rukutai Shield (minor premiership). The Ellerslie Eagles won the preseason Roope Rooster trophy.
Canterbury.
Riccarton won the Canterbury Rugby League title.
Other Competitions.
The Ngongotaha Chiefs defeated Ngaruawahia in Rotorua to win the Waicoa Bay championship.