The Central Zone featured the Wellington Dukes, Wellington Pumas, Taranaki Rockets, coached by Howie Tamati and including Artie Shead, and the Manawatu Mustangs. Wellington Rugby League approached the Auckland Warriors about releasing Syd Eru and Stephen Kearney for the competition, but they were unsuccessful.Andrew Sanders Top boys sought for new championship; Wellington wants Kearney and Eru back in the ranks Sunday Star-Times, 20 July 1997 The Wellington Dukes included Denvour Johnston. The Wellington Pumas were a second XIII from the region.
