Akarana Zone, with the support of NZRL staff, held the first of the seven Zone Performance Camps of 2013 last Sunday. Performance camps are the opportunity for invited elite players from the Zone to trial for their National Competitions 15s and 17s teams. Despite very wet and cold conditions, there was a great turnout of players eager to start their journey on the NZRL player pathway.

The rain did not stop the players from embracing the opportunity to develop their catching, passing and tackling skills during a coaching session run by NZRL High Performance Manager, Tony Iro. Back inside where it seemed to be only slightly dryer, the players were put through their paces to test their fitness levels. Players were tested on speed, agility, aerobic fitness, lower body power and had their height and weight measurements recorded. In bare feet, Logan Yates set the Yo-yo test standard for the 17s age group reaching level 19.8 - the gold standard for his age.

Newly appointed Warriors NYC coach Stacey Jones, delivered a presentation to the group about the player pathway to the Warriors. He also spoke about the players who are now with the Warriors who have come through the NZRL pathway and have made the very most of their opportunities in the National Competition, age groups teams and the NZ Residents 16s and 18s.

Joe Harawira, who also presented, said he thought Stacey's presentation was excellent, a really worthwhile and interesting one which also addressed the importance of outside interests and education for the players.

He was also impressed with a presentation by Paul Walker of the NRL who talked to the players about the pathway into the NRL and explained the various competitions that they run.

The day was rounded out by a presentation from Joe, the NRL/NZRL Wellbeing and Education Manager. Joe spoke about attitudes, vision and values, wellbeing and education, the NRL pathways, anti-doping, player agents and alcohol education. The important messages were very well received by the young players.

A big thank to everyone from the players and their parents to the Zone staff and all the speakers for making the effort to come along on such a truly miserable day, to help these young men on their way.

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England Rugby League coach Steve McNamara will travel to Australia this week for a fact-finding mission where he will meet all of his international NRL based players. McNamara will watch 10 matches during his 20-day trip. Next week he will take in four matches in the NRL, starting on Friday when he will watch England international James Graham play for Canterbury Bulldogs against Sydney Roosters at ANZ Stadium, Sydney.

On Saturday he will be a guest at the Wests Tigers versus Canberra Raiders match. Sunday he will watch brothers Sam and George Burgess at Parramatta Stadium, when South Sydney Rabbitohs travel to Sydney's west to face Parramatta Eels. The following day he will take in the 'Monday Night Football' clash between Gold Coast Titans and Melbourne Storm at Skilled Park, where he will meet up with England star Gareth Widdop.

"I always aim to get over to Australia at least once a year to keep up-to-date with what is happening in the NRL and to meet up with the England players playing in the southern hemisphere," said McNamara.

"I will watch ten matches during my visit, including the second State of Origin. I have been invited to observe Queensland's training camp as they build-up to their game in Brisbane.

"I have also organised meetings with the England players to keep them updated and engaged with our plans as we continue to look ahead to the Rugby League World Cup. Even though I speak to our Australian based players at least couple of times a month, the opportunity to see them in person is vital. They are all excited about this year and representing England on home soil. It is a big deal for them."

The England boss will also carry out a number of media interviews during his time in Australia  with a view to creating awareness of the England programme and the progress the international side is making.

"I think it is important to continue to spread the word on the work we are doing at international level," added McNamara.

"Our boys are doing us proud in the NRL and for the first time in a number of years there is massive respect for our players and their influence within the game.  It is important to embrace the sport and there is no better way to create awareness of the international game than speaking to the Australian media in their own backyard."

Steve McNamara's Australian Schedule:

Wednesday June 19 - Departs for Australia

Friday June 21 - Bulldogs v Roosters ANZ Stadium, Sydney

Saturday June 22 - Tigers v Raiders Campbelltown Stadium, Sydney

Sunday June 23 - Eels v Rabbitohs Parramatta Stadium, Sydney

Monday June 24 - Titans v Storm Skilled Park, Gold Coast

Wednesday June 26 - Queensland v New South Wales Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Friday June 28 - Rabbitohs v Raiders ANZ Stadium, Sydney

Saturday June 29 - Tigers v Storm Leichhardt Oval, Sydney

Monday July 1 - Roosters v Sea Eagles Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Friday July 5 - Sharks v Tigers Sharks Stadium, Sydney

Saturday July 6 - Dragons v Roosters WIN Jubilee Oval, Sydney

Sunday July 7 - Returns to the UK