This weekend marks the start of the Men’s Central League 2 competition for the 2026 football season. Wainuiomata join the league this year following FC Western’s promotion to the Men’s Central League in 2025.Our three federation teams will be giving it everything as they compete for the 2026 CL2 title.

Mastercraft Kitchens By Healey Palmerston North United
The upcoming season shapes as a competitive and demanding campaign from the outset. We open against Marist, a side we have a huge amount of respect for given the quality they consistently bring. We managed a narrow 1–0 win over them last week in a very tight contest, which reflects just how evenly matched the teams are. They’ve got several high-calibre players who can influence a game, so we know we’ll need to be at our best to get a result.

Across the league, it looks like it will be extremely tight, with multiple teams pushing hard for a top four spot. We’ve had a reasonably solid pre-season without necessarily hitting top gear, and we’re currently managing a few injuries within the squad. That said, the win in the Chinese Cup last week was a positive step and gives us some momentum heading into the season. We’re hoping to see a strong turnout to support what should be two quality teams going head-to-head—it’s shaping up to be another close one.

Squad:

Aaron Richardson
Ant Jones
Ben Mori
Ben Novello
Brooklyn Brown
Daniel McDougall
Dylan Pearson
Frank Tombs
Jacob Hansen
Jacob Riley
Jaxon Bron
Jericho Tiakiwai-Baker
Joey Craven
Matt Draper
Olen Juru
Patrick Smither (c)
Reuben Goga
Reuben Rose
Ryan McDermott
Sora Moriyama
Thomas Cudby

Coaching Staff:
Head Coach: Scott Robson
Assistant Coach: Caleb Young 
Assistant Coach: Gary Hodge 
GK Coach: Dave Luke 
Strength & Conditioning Coach: Bailey Smither

Watson Integrity Palmerston North Marist
The new football season is just around the corner, and there’s a real sense of excitement building within the squad. We’ve assembled a strong group this year—experienced, composed, and packed with genuine quality across the pitch. There’s a great balance between seasoned players and new faces. This season carries extra weight, too. With promotion firmly in sight, every match, every point, and every moment matters more than ever. Opportunities like this don’t come around often, and the squad knows what’s at stake. The focus is set, the standards are high, and we’re ready to make this season count.

Squad

Adam Cowan
Aiden Foster
Austyn Beales
Darren Juru
Elijah Smith
Heidar Tamlim
Jaeden Shaw
Josh Cremen
Liam Outtrim
Luke Palfreyman
Luke Minshull
Mason Charlton
Nick Hayward
Paul Awa
Same Jones
Sam Hickmott

Coaching Staff

Head Coach: Adam Cowan
Assistant Coach: Conner-Jake Price
GK Coach/Manager: Liam OUttrim

Langley Twigg Taradale AFC

We’re really looking forward to getting the CL2 season underway this weekend. Preseason has been a positive and productive period for the group, with a strong focus on building fitness, developing our style of play, and strengthening the culture within the squad. The players have shown great commitment throughout, and there’s been a clear progression in both our organisation and understanding of how we want to approach games this season. Heading into the first fixture, there’s a good sense of excitement, but also a clear focus on the standards we want to set from the outset. Opening games can always be unpredictable, so it’s important we stay disciplined, stick to our principles, and manage key moments well. If we can do that, I’m confident we’ll give a strong account of ourselves and set a solid foundation for the season ahead.

Squad

Adam Green
Ayden Jones
Baylee Foote
Benji Foote
Brandon Josling
Cameron Paterson
Daryn Whyte
David Dervaux
Ethan Clarke
Graham Healey 
Harry Redman
Jackson Haines
Josh Jenkins 
Kees MacKirdy
Liam Barbier
Liam Hall
Liam Percy-Fysh
Max Bedford
Nic De Maine
Patrick Moloney
Ryan Miller
Thomas Hall
Yeshnil Naiker
Zac Madsen

Coaching Staff:
Head Coach/Football Development Manager: Jake Green
Assistant Coach: Jamie Hall
Goalkeeper Coach: Nic Clere
Kit/Equipment Manager: Graeme Jones
Physio: Jono Devine

For full fixtures: https://www.centralfootball.co.nz/hawkes-bay-fixtures/mens-senior-football-2

Article added: Friday 27 March 2026