Between 2006 and 2007 they were part of the Bartercard Cup, playing under the name the Northern Storm. Northland was originally known as North Auckland and has previously used the nickname the Wild Boars.
In the Northern Storm's debut season in 2006 the club performed poorly, managing only two wins and two draws from eighteen matches. They finished in last position on the table, collecting the Wooden Spoon.
A bright point of the season was that fullback Brendon Hikaka, centre Mason Pure and hooker Linton Price were all selected for the Junior Kiwis.[4]
Before the season started 2006 Head Coach Geoff Morton moved South and joined the Counties Manukau Jetz. He was replaced by Phil Marsh.
The Storm started the season strongly with big wins against the Jetz (54-28) and Central Falcons (48-24). However they then suffered heavy losses to both the Waitakere Rangers (66-16) and league leaders the Auckland Lions (70-8). The squad showed improvement since 2006 but they again finished near the bottom of the table.
Season
Pld
W
D
L
PF
PA
PD
Pts
Position (Teams)
2007
18
4
0
14
372
730
-358
8
Eighth (10)
Notable players
Frank Pickrang (played for New Zealand before moving to Whangārei to play for City in 1939).
References
^Coffey, John and Bernie Wood Auckland, 100 years of rugby league, 1909-2009, 2009. ISBN978-1-86969-366-4.
