Jordan Friend

Home
New Zealand
Papakura
Jordan Friend

Call Directions Website

Navigator

Jordan is a respected Sport Administrator with over 12 years experience. He has a strong

26/10/2026

A very special moment seeing cousins Winitana & Jacob Laban line up against each other at the Rugby League World Cup 2026 , representing different strands of their Pacific whakapapa. 🇨🇰🇳🇿

From growing up surrounded by whānau in Waiwhetū, Lower Hutt, to pulling on the purple of Te Aroha Rugby League Club , coached by those same whānau members.

A couple of years ago, Maui made the move to Auckland for a train and trial with the SG Ball Squad, where Jacob and his siblings welcomed him into their home, reconnecting.

A special acknowledgement to the whānau who have played their part in making these moments possible. ❤️

25/10/2026

Jacob Laban becomes Kiwi No. 847 🙌🇳🇿

2026 has been a breakthrough year for Jacob, establishing himself as an NRL starter and now earning the privilege of wearing the Kiwi jersey.

We often hear the phrase “trust the process”, but what does that process actually look like? It’s built on consistent hard work, self-belief and a commitment to improving every day.

Having watched Jacob since his days with Awa Under 14s and through Kotahitanga squads, those qualities have been evident from the beginning.

A proud moment for Jacob and his whānau many of whom were there today to tautoko him on this special occasion. 🖤🤍

19/10/2026

Massive congratulations to Winitana wp on making his international debut for the Cook Islands Aitu 🇨🇰

The half-ho**er took a knock just minutes into the contest but shook it off and played his part in helping the Cook Islands fight their way back into the game.

The Wellington product showcased his ability to take on the line, crossing for his first international try, while also displaying his strong kicking game.

Beyond his skill set, the former Head Boy of St Pat’s Silverstream , has the leadership qualities to match.

Representing your whānau on the international stage is a special privilege, which is why I’m always proactive in encouraging my players to put their hands up for these opportunities.

A huge thank you to coaches Karmichael Hunt and Tere Glassie for backing Maui and giving him the opportunity.

A proud moment for Maui and his whānau. 🇨🇰🤝

17/10/2026

Huge congratulations to Francis Junior Manuleleua , who made his debut for 𝐓𝐎𝐀 𝐒𝐀𝐌𝐎𝐀 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 in the opening match of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup 🇼🇸

A proud moment for his whanau, with his parents flying over from NZ and other family members there to witness the occasion.

Never one to shy away from the big moments, he made an immediate impact, starting at lock, earning Player of the Match honours and running for over 220 metres.

A standout debut that showcased not only his work rate but also the exciting possibilities of a ball-playing lock at the international level.

06/10/2026

Huge congratulations to Winitana Maui Winitana-Patelesio, who has been selected for the Cook Islands Aitu 🇨🇰

The Wellington-born ho**er/half will proudly represent his Kuki ‘Āirani whakapapa, wider whānau and the Wellington Rugby League community.

The St Pat’s Silverstream alumni turned an open trial opportunity into a train-and-trial opportunity, before hustling his way into becoming a regular for both the NZ Warriors Pathways SG Ball and Flegg squads.

Late this season, Maui earned his opportunity in NSW Cup and made an immediate impact, showing his versatility across ho**er, half and lock.

His composure, skill and leadership have continued to shine when given opportunities — and now he gets the chance to represent on the international stage.

A huge achievement and one to watch. 🇨🇰

06/10/2026

A huge congratulations to Jacob Laban who has been named in the very strong NZ Kiwis Kiwis squad for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup 🇳🇿

He’ll be joined by The•Team’s Leo Thompson, Naufahu Whyte and Isaiah Papali’i.

The Lower Hutt product has enjoyed a breakthrough year, playing 25 of a possible 26 games for the Warriors, including 22 starts.

His consistency was recognised by his teammates, being named the Warriors’ 2026 Players’ Player of the Year.

Now, he gets the opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the NRL’s leading players.

This honour follows his selection for the New Zealand A squad in 2023, and strong performances for the Māori All Stars sides in 2025 and 2026.

A massive achievement for Jacob, his whanau & inspiring for his community 👏

05/10/2026

Congrats to Francis Junior Manuleleua , who caps a breakthrough year in the NRL by being named in the 𝐓𝐎𝐀 𝐒𝐀𝐌𝐎𝐀 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 squad for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup 🇼🇸

Whilst he started the year strongly in NSW Cup, international rugby league wasn’t even on the radar — so to finish the season with this huge honour is a blessing for Francis & his family.

He’ll be joined by The•Team’s Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Jazz Tevaga and Newcastle teammate Pasami Saulo.

Jazz Tevaga is fresh off a strong debut season in Super League, helping Wakefield Trinity claim their maiden Super League Premiership. 👏

05/10/2026

Huge honour for Leka tavalu & Demitric Vaimauga to be named in the Tonga Rugby League squad for the upcoming 2026 Rugby League World Cup 🙌

They’ll be joined by The•Team’s State of Origin x Tongan trio of Robert Toia, Stefano Utoikamanu and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki.

A special shout-out to The•Team’s Salesi Foketi , who is in line to earn his international debut.

The NRL Premiership winner is another proud graduate of the NZ-based Hakula Tonga programme.

A very impressive squad named and no doubt continue to carry on the legacy built by those before them.

04/10/2026

Proud of our The•Team representatives named in the NRL Grand Final game-day squads. 🙌

Especially proud given how many have come through New Zealand pathways and communities before reaching the biggest stage in rugby league.

Francis Manuleleua — a Papatoetoe Panthers junior who played rugby at King’s College before progressing through the NZ Warriors, NZRL and Counties Manukau representative pathways.

Salesi Foketi — started with Papakura Sea Eagles, following in his dad’s footsteps, before playing a leading role with Manurewa Marlins and St Paul’s College, while also representing Hakula Tonga and Kotahitanga sides.

Naufahu Whyte— came through a number of West Auckland clubs, playing a key role for Kelston Boys’ First XV before progressing through NZRL, Hakula and Akarana representative teams.

Rob Toia — one of many NRL prospects to hail from Māngere, before relocating to Redcliffe as a youngster and continuing his development in Australia.

And while Pasami Saulo and Tommy Talau, both have strong connections to New Zealand.

Pasami has represented the NZ Māori All Stars, with his family travelling across the Tasman to support him, while Tommy is the son of Taranaki product and former Kiwi international Willie Talau.

I am are proud for our small part in helping these athletes progress and inspire the next generation of NZ prospects.

23/09/2026

Remembering my great-uncle, Cameron Bell, who sadly passed away aged 87.

Whilst the NZ rugby league community were tuned into the NRL finals at Eden Park on Sunday, our whānau and our game lost a tōtara.

Uncle Cameron was one of 13 siblings, including my Nan, Cathy Friend. They shared Scottish, Tapuika and Ngāti Pūkenga whakapapa, with the family settling in the Onehunga–Māngere Bridge area after moving up from the Bay of Plenty.

He leaves behind a legacy for our whanau and within the rugby league community — as a player, coach and pioneer.

My assumption is the he would have been one of the first Māori to work as a Coach in professional sport. He coached Carlisle in England from 1990-94, where my old man & other whanau members played. He also coached our beloved Manukau Magpies, Auckland rep and Counties Manukau Heroes in the Lion Red Cup.

As international level, he was the head coach of Aotearoa Māori, and led the side to the 2000 Rugby League World Cup — an important moment for Māori rugby league.

Uncle Cam was also one of my whanaunga who inspired me to play a role in rugby league.

Rest easy Uncle Cam. ❤️

Thoughts are with Aunty Jan, Dean, Toni + all my Bell whanaunga.

Address

Papakura

Telephone

+6421916229

Website

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-friend-3883331b4/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Jordan Friend posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.