 | |
| Club information | |
|---|---|
| Full name | Eastern Manukau Tornadoes RLFC |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Exited | 2006; 19 years ago (2006) |
| Former details | |
| Ground(s) | |
| Competition | Bartercard Cup |
| Records | |
| Runners-up | 2001 |
TheEastern Tornadoes were aNew Zealandrugby league franchise that competed in theNew Zealand Rugby League'sBartercard Cup andAuckland Rugby League's Super 12 competitions. They were formed to represent therugby league clubs ofEast Auckland.
The Eastern Tornadoes were formed in 1999 to compete in theAuckland Rugby League's Super 12 competition. They were a merger of theMt Wellington,Otara andPakuranga senior sides.[1]
In 2000 they joined the new nationalBartercard Cup competition. The team originally included players from theEllerslie Eagles but in 2004 they joined theOtahuhu Leopards to form theOtahuhu Ellerslie Leopards, being replaced by theManurewa Marlins.[2] In 2006 the competition was revamped and they were merged with the Otahuhu Ellerslie Leopards to form theTamaki Leopards.
Notable players included:Jeremiah Pai,Gary Tupou,Herewini Rangi,Zebastian Lucky Luisi,David andPaul Fisiiahi andHare Te Rangi.[3]
They were coached byJames Leuluai.[4]
The team was always a force in the early years, losing the Grand Final in 2001. However, in 2004 and 2005 the club was a shadow of its former self and failed to qualify for the playoffs.
| Season | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | Pts | Position (Teams) | Finals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 22 | 15 | 0 | 7 | 584 | 516 | 68 | 30 | Third (Twelve) | Lost Elimination Semifinal |
| 2001 | 21 | 13 | 3 | 5 | 641 | 490 | 151 | 31* | Second (Twelve) | Lost Grand Final |
| 2002 | 16 | 10 | 0 | 6 | 512 | 465 | 47 | 20 | Fourth (Twelve) | Lost Elimination Play-off |
| 2003 | 16 | 11 | 1 | 4 | 675 | 381 | 294 | 23 | Fifth (Twelve) | Lost Elimination Semifinal |
| 2004 | 16 | 6 | 1 | 9 | 378 | 584 | -206 | 13 | Eighth (Twelve) | N/A |
| 2005 | 16 | 3 | 1 | 12 | 339 | 558 | -219 | 7 | Eleventh (Twelve) | N/A |
*Two points for a bye awarded as theNgongotaha Chiefs left the competition.