As seen on canterburyrugbyleague.co.nz
Ngā Puna Wai was a hotbed of rugby league education and development for five consecutive days last week as the most significant event of Canterbury Rugby League’s partnership with NRL club Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs to date unfolded.
Led by Craig Wilson (Pathways and Development), Fifita Hala (Recruitment) and Adam Hartigan (General Manager – Pathways), the Bulldogs delivered three coach upskilling sessions and two days of skill development for junior players.
“The feedback’s been really good – it’s only in its infancy, but the first steps have been really positive, the coaches are great and we want to give them access to as much information, video, skills and drills, and support,” Wilson said.
“We’re very lucky in that we’ve got a good league club behind us and a couple of guys who are very passionate about the development of rugby league in Phil Gould and Adam Hartigan.
“We’ve been discussing it for 12 or 18 months how we can benefit this area, but it’s an area rich in rugby league talent, going back to the Brent Todds, and [more recently] Jordan Riki, Slade Griffin, Griffin Neame.
“We’re just hoping that if we can assist and develop the game here, there will be more to come.
“We’re committed for the next two years and hopefully that will form a catalyst for more guys to come through the system and play in the NRL, not just at the Bulldogs but at other clubs.”
Wednesday’s initial seminar was held for national level and pathways coaches, Thursday’s session was for youth club and 13s/14s representative coaches, and on Friday, senior club coaches and 15s grade coaches and older got their opportunity.
On Saturday afternoon, around 100 juniors from the 13s and 14s grades experienced a skill development training day at Ngā Puna Wai. The following day roughly the same number of 15s-18s boys and 15s-23s girls had the same invaluable chance.
“They focused on rugby league’s fundamentals and the Bulldogs’ big thing was effort, so we just wanted everyone listening and putting their best foot forward,” Canterbury Rugby League Director of Football Jamie Lester enthused.
“There were lots of smiling faces and prizes given out by the Bulldogs to players who really showed that effort they were looking for.
“Sunday’s session saw the players split into backs and forwards, so the training was a bit more position specific. Our coaches had been learning the Bulldogs during the week, too, so they were instilling some of the stuff they had learned.
“Both days were mixed gender – that is part of the Bulldogs’ values, that everyone is treated as equals.”
Wilson provided some further insight into the ethos behind the Bulldogs’ methods.
“It’s not so much about the sporting element – because they can learn the skill anywhere – it’s about the little things: the attention to detail, how you approach your training, the preparation you need to do,” Wilson explains.
“Eighty percent of going to that next level is learning and knowing how to train, and perseverance. If they can do that, they get into the mindset of being able to train well … and when you have to perform those skills under pressure and at speed, they become competent and that builds confidence, which builds their game and allows them to grow and develop.
“The first thing that fails under pressure or fatigue [in a game] will be their skill level, so it’s a fine line. Teaching these kids to listen and that discipline doing drills, once they pick that habit up, that’s something they have for the rest of their lives – in footy and in general.”
Lester praised the Bulldogs’ dedication to the club’s burgeoning development and pathways relationship with CRL, formally announced in July.
“The big thing for Canterbury Rugby League was being able to showcase that partnership,” Lester said.
“To be able to have the Bulldogs here for five days just shows the commitment they’re willing to put in. It’s not their first visit either – this is the third time they’ve been over this year. They’re really putting the time and energy into bringing our youth through.
“It was a great opportunity for our community, from a coach and player perspective, to get involved and learn and grow.”
As CRL CEO Malcolm highlights, the Bulldogs’ activities on this trip have not been limited to the Canterbury region.
“We are excited and grateful for the Bulldogs investing their time in being in Christchurch for five days,” Humm said.
“Our intent is to support our coaches with their developmental learning and impart this on female and male players, whether this be through the club system or representative programs.
“We also have a greater purpose through the relationship, and this is to support the wider South Island. Examples of this include CRL and the Bulldogs spending time at St Thomas of Canterbury College – the recent NZRL Secondary Schools Tournament champions – and the Bulldogs travelling to Greymouth to deliver a coaching and player development clinic after their Christchurch visit.
“We aim to spread these opportunities wider for future visits.”
Read the full article on canterburyrugbyleague.co.nz
As seen on warriors.kiwi
The One New Zealand Warriors have rallied around former head coach Daniel Anderson in his recovery from a catastrophic spine injury.
Anderson, who guided the NRL side from 2001 to 2004, was bodysurfing at Soldiers Beach in New South Wales while on vacation with his family in December last year when he went into cardiac arrest after being dumped on his head by a wave.
The 56-year-old was dragged out of the water semi-conscious by two off-duty paramedics who happened to be nearby.
The NRL has today launched the Daniel Anderson Support Fund and announced round 25 will be the ‘Daniel Anderson Round’, with a number of initiatives and public fundraising drives scheduled across that week to support the Anderson family.
One New Zealand Warriors CEO Cameron George is part of a working group, along with several figures from both the Sydney Roosters and Parramatta, who are in talks around how best to action those.
The One New Zealand Warriors have changed their annual Old Boys’ Day to fall on their 25th-round clash against Manly at Go Media Stadium Mt Smart.
Many of the past players expected to be in attendance were coached by Anderson.
“Daniel is a huge part of this club’s history, and the Anderson family a big part of the success of the organisation today,” said George.
“Round 25 will be our big New Zealand fundraiser and further details around those initiatives and how the public can get around it will be confirmed soon.
“We will certainly be playing our part as a club to contribute in supporting Daniel and his family at this time.”
Somewhat unbelievably, Anderson is still working for the Sydney Roosters as head of recruitment, putting in about 10 hours a week from his rehab centre.
An online fundraiser has been set up, where the public can donate to aid in his recovery.
Link here: https://danielandersonfund.com.au/
NZRL are now open to receiving applications of interest for the roles of Head Coach, Assistant Coach and Head Trainer for the Kiwi Ferns and the Junior Kiwis.
Applications close at 5pm on Monday 25 February 2019.
Kiwi Ferns Head Coach Job Description, click here.
Kiwi Ferns Assistant Coach Job Description, click here.
Kiwi Ferns Head Trainer Job Description, click here.
Junior Kiwis Head Coach Job Description, click here.
Junior Kiwis Assistant Coach Job Description, click here.
Junior Kiwis Head Trainer Job Description, click here.
For any enquiries about the roles or if you are interested in applying, please send your covering letter and coaching CV to: motu.tony@nzrl.co.nz before the allocated time and date.
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Honey Hireme reign supreme at the 2018 New Zealand Rugby League Annual Awards announced on Sky Sport’s Kiwi League Show tonight.
Waerea-Hargreaves (Kiwi #755) had one of his best seasons in the black and white jersey, accumulating over 130 run metres for all four end-of-season Test matches in England, and proved crucial in the Kiwis historic 26-24 win over Australia.
Michael Maguire says: “As a senior player within the Kiwis camp, Jared put a lot of time into discussing the growth of the Kiwi team. He has immense passion towards where he wants to see the black and white jersey and this is a real quality of his,”
“Off the back of his brilliant season in club land, he was in a good position to play his best footy for the Kiwis and that’s exactly what he did. His experience has been invaluable in mentoring younger players to step up into international rugby league,” Maguire says.
The powerhouse prop capped off his 2018 NRL season with his second NRL premiership win, a title he was able to share with Kiwis teammate Joseph Manu (finalist for Kiwis Rookie of the Year).
In one of the biggest years to date for women’s rugby league, Honey Hireme was hard to go past when it came to crowning the Kiwi Ferns Player of the Year, an award she won back in 2012. As co-captain of the Kiwi Ferns alongside veteran teammate Laura Mariu, she crossed the ditch to play for the St George Illawarra Dragons in the inaugural NRL Women’s Premiership, an experience she says has benefitted her game.
“The addition of this year’s NRL competition was great for the women’s game. The fact that we could all come together in Kiwi Ferns camp following four weeks of competing in the elite space, was hugely beneficial when it came to pulling on the black and white jersey against the Jillaroos,”
“The more we can play at the top level, the better our game gets. I’m grateful for receiving this award but would also like to recognise the efforts of the other finalists (Kimiora Nati and Aieshaleigh Smalley) and our Kiwi Ferns teammates, my family for their undying support, management and coaching staff,” she says.
The Kiwis Rookie of the Year award was picked up by Kiwi #810 Ken Maumalo, a player who earnt his Kiwis call-up in June at Mile High Stadium before going on to play in all five 2018 Kiwis Test matches, scoring four tries. His impressive season with the Warriors and Kiwis attracted high praises from coach Michael Maguire and rightfully so, given he amassed 15 tackle breaks and 801 run metres over the three Tests he played against England.
“Both Ken and Jared are two players that are hungry for the Kiwis jersey to reach new heights and that’s pleasing,”
“It has been really enjoyable coaching Ken, the more he plays, the more he grows so I look forward to seeing what he does next year,” Maguire says.
Joining Maumalo in playing her first Test at international level, Onjeurlina Leiataua has been rewarded for her break out season with the Warriors women’s team, and the stellar part she played in the Kiwi Ferns narrow loss against the Jillaroos at Mt Smart Stadium this year. These achievements saw her pick up Kiwi Ferns Rookie of the Year.
Promising youngster, Isaiah Papali’i wins Junior Player of the Year for the second consecutive year, having been awarded Warriors Rookie of the Year and receiving his Kiwis debut in England after leading the Junior Kiwis in their match-up against the Junior Kangaroos in October.
This year’s award winners showcase players and match officials performing at the pinnacle of rugby league, as well as community representatives and volunteers who prove to be the backbone of grassroots rugby league in New Zealand.
New Zealand Rugby League wishes to congratulate the award winners from all 13 categories below:
Pirtek Female Volunteer – Karen Gibbons Karen Gibbons (Akarana, Auckland)
Pirtek Male Volunteer – Lawrence Erihe (Mid Central, Manawatu)
Grassroots Club of the Year – South Pacific Raiders (Southern, Otago)
Domestic Coach of the Year – Keith Hanley (Akarana, Auckland)
Match Official of the Year – Paki Parkinson (Upper Central, Bay of Plenty)
NZ 16s Player of the Year – Sione Moala (Counties Manukau, Auckland)
NZ 18s Player of the Year – Tyler Slade (NZ Warriors)
Domestic Premier Player of the Year – Francis Leger (Akarana, Auckland)
Kiwi Fern Rookie of the Year – Onjeurlina Leiataua (NZ Warriors)
Kiwis Rookie of the Year – Ken Maumalo (NZ Warriors)
Kiwis Fern Player of the Year – Honey Hireme (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Kiwis Player of the Year – Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Sydney Roosters)
NZ Kiwis skipper Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (Kiwi #794) is up against NRL Premiership winning forward, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Kiwi #755) and Kiwi #771 Kevin Proctor for the 2018 Kiwis Player of the Year Award.
Finalists have been selected in all 13 NZRL Awards categories, including Kiwi Ferns Player of the Year which will be hotly contested by Kiwi Ferns co-captain Honey Hireme, NRL Grand-Final Player of the Match Kimiora Nati and powerhouse prop Aieshaleigh Smalley.
Kiwis debutants Joseph Manu, Ken Maumalo and Dally M Rookie of the Year, Jamayne Isaako will face-off for the Kiwis Rookie of the Year award – all three having had outstanding seasons with their respective clubs and thriving in their Kiwis career debut seasons.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck took home the top Kiwis award last year but the 2018 Dally M Award winner was out of contention for this year’s Kiwis end of season campaign in New Zealand and England due to injury.
Last year’s Junior Player of the Year, Isaiah Papali’i won the award as a 19-year-old and is still eligible this year following a stellar season with the Warriors and as captain of the Junior Kiwis. He faces challenges from the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Taranaki-born Mawene Hiroti, as well as Warriors youngster Joseph Vuna.
The Pirtek Volunteer of the Year awards also shine light on the incredible efforts of grassroots volunteers from around the country. These finalists have contributed to their clubs and communities in ways that are invaluable to the game of rugby league in New Zealand.
Award winners will be announced on 12 December on a special edition of Sky Sport’s Kiwi League Show at 7.30pm and NZRL’s website & social media channels.
Below is the full list of NZRL Awards finalists:
Kiwis Player of the Year 2018
Finalists:
Kiwi Ferns Player of the Year 2018
Kiwis Rookie of the Year 2018
Kiwi Ferns Rookie of the Year 2018
Junior Player of the Year 2018
Pirtek Female Volunteer of the Year 2018
Debbie Neylon-Kennedy (Southern, Canterbury)
Michelle Harding (Southern, Canterbury)
Hana Kakoi (Southern, Canterbury)
Denise Proctor (Northland, Nga Tama Toa)
Junie Shelford (Northland, Takahiwai)
Sariah Matautia (Counties Manukau, Auckland)
Agnes Koti (Counties Manukau, Auckland)
Karen Gibbons (Akarana, Auckland)
Rose Nahu (Upper Central, Bay of Plenty)
Ally Tamihere (Mid Central, Gisborne Tairawhiti)
Pirtek Male Volunteer of the Year 2018
David Field (Southern, Canterbury)
Tony Grenfell (Southern, Canterbury)
Chris Perriam (Southern, Southland)
Peter Kerridge (Southern, West Coast)
Josh Cleaver (Mid Central, Taranaki)
Lawrence Erihe (Mid Central, Manawatu)
Frank Proctor (Northland, Nga Tama Toa)
Nick Waihi (Northland, Marist Brothers)
Tim Tapaki (Counties Manukau, Auckland)
Stephen Purcell (Counties Manukau, Auckland)
Carl Gribble (Akarana, Auckland)
Grassroots Club of the Year 2018
Wairau Taniwha (Southern, Tasman)
Lonestar Cowboys (Southern, Southland)
South Pacific Raiders (Southern, Otago)
Rolleston Warriors (Southern, Canterbury)
Takahiwai Warriors (Northland)
Otahuhu Rugby League Club (Counties Manukau, Auckland)
Manurewa Rugby League Football & Sports Club Inc (Counties Manukau, Auckland)
Domestic Coach of the Year 2018
Rusty Matua (Counties Manukau, Auckland)
Tusa Lafaele (Counties Manukau, Auckland)
Keith Hanley (Akarana, Auckland)
Match Official of the Year 2018
Gary Smallridge (Southern, Canterbury)
Owen Harvey (Southern, Canterbury)
Chris McMillan (Counties Manukau, Auckland)
Paki Parkinson (Upper Central, Bay of Plenty)
NZ 16s Player of the Year 2018
Sione Moala (Counties Manukau, Auckland)
Quinnlan Tupou (Counties Manukau, Auckland)
Lani Graham-Taufa (Akarana, Auckland)
NZ 18s Player of the Year 2018
Kayal Iro (NZ Warriors)
Tyler Slade (NZ Warriors)
Mahuta Ngataki-Matthews (Upper Central, Waikato)
NZRL Premier Player of the Year 2018
Drew Radich (Counties Manukau, Auckland)
James Baxendale (Southern, Canterbury)
Francis Leger (Akarana, Auckland)
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Every year NZRL recognises those who have gone above and beyond with awards for Volunteer of the Year and Grassroots Club plus awards for players, referees and coaches.
Complete your nomination form online to acknowledge someone you think has done an outstanding job for rugby league this year.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Apii Nicholls picked up the top two Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns awards last year, while 76-year-old Hornby Panthers legend, Jack Newson and Northland’s Chantez Connor were recognised for their stand-out voluntary contributions to rugby league. Who will be this year’s award winners?
Want to add your two cents? Submit your nominations by clicking here.
For all other information including awards criteria click here.
Nominations close 5pm Wednesday, 21 November, 2018.
Fresh from the successful Women in League round, the Warriors are now calling for registrations for the club’s first-ever all-girls footy clinic on Wednesday, October 3.
Organised by the Harvey Norman Community Warriors during the school holidays, the free clinic at Mount Smart Stadium will feature members of the trailblazing Vodafone Warriors women’s side who will be helping to run the event.
The team made its debut in a trial against Auckland last Friday night ahead of the inaugural NRL women’s premiership.
Also featuring last week were two all-girls mini mod games with an under-13 match-up between the Richmond Rosebuds and the Howick Hornets and a primary schools encounter between Whangarei’s Glenbervie School and Auckland’s Point England School.
The clinic, open to girls aged 5-13 years old, will run from 9.00am-3.00pm featuring skills and drills, games, a tour of the Vodafone Warriors’ facilities, giveaways and interaction with Vodafone Warriors women’s team members.
CLICK HERE to register now.
He only started his coaching career this year, but already Haze Reweti has made a big impression.
After taking his Whanganui Boxon team to the grand final of the Taranaki Rugby League Paddock To Plate Butchery Premiership, Reweti has been named coach of the Manawatū Mustangs.
Reweti has named a 25 man squad made up of Boxon and Linton Cobra’s players, set to take on Taranaki and Wellington in August.
“Looking at the team, this is a strong side,” Reweti said.
“I’ve chosen a team that is not just talented, but they’re smart footballers. They can adapt to what I’m trying to teach.”
The 22-year-old said that he would approach coaching the Mustangs the same way as he did with Boxon, using the things that worked for his side and tweaking things that didn’t.
“Obviously we don’t have a big player pool to choose from, so the smart option is to run with what a lot of the boys already know and what they’ve used in past years.”
“I encouraged my boys all year to earn an opportunity to play for teams like Mustangs or Maori and I told them if they get that opportunity, to jump on it.
“This is a high level of football, they’ll learn a lot more and come back and be much better players next year.”
Two years ago, Reweti was playing in the halves for Boxon and the Mustangs, but last year a serious injury in Australia put his playing career on hold.
He is currently rehabbing a torn ACL and meniscus with the intention of getting back out on the field next year – but that doesn’t mean that the coaching stops.
“Coaching is something that I really enjoy, especially because I can’t play at the moment, so, hopefully I can continue to do it and get some playing time in as well,” Reweti said.
“It’s hard not being able to play, but coaching helps you, it keeps me involved and things haven’t been so tough.”
Reweti had his first taste of bitter defeat when his Boxon side lost 42-34 to Bell Block Marist Dragons in the TRL grand final, but he has learned a lot in a short space of time.
“I’ve learned to relax and not be so stressed out. At the start of the year, I knew what I wanted from the boys, but I struggled with getting my messages across.
“Now, I wouldn’t say I’m good at it, but I’ve become a lot better.”
Reweti decided that he would like a crack at coaching the Mustangs halfway through the TRL season.
“It was something I knew that I wanted to do, so I put an application in and was lucky enough to get the job.
“It’s a rewarding job, you get to see people grow and I really enjoy that.”
NZRL are now open to receiving applications of interest for the roles of Assistant Coach for the New Zealand Resident 18s.
Applications close on Sunday 29 July 2018.
If you wish to apply you must be available for the following dates:
Saturday 15 September 2018 (Auckland based training)
Wednesday 3 – Saturday 6 October (Campaign, Auckland based)
Successful shortlisted applicants must be available to interview on Thursday 2 August 2018
To view job description for this role, click here.
If you are interested in this role please send your covering letter and coaching CV (stating your last three (3) years of coaching experience and most recent coaching qualifications) to: admin@nzrl.co.nz before the allocated time and date.
If you have any questions of queries please contact Gary Peacham: 021 274 6975 or email: gary.p@nzrl.co.nz
NZRL are now open to receiving applications of interest for the role of Team Manager for the Junior Kiwis.
Applications close at 5pm on Tuesday 17 July, 2018.
Junior Kiwis Team Manager Job Description – Click here.
If you are interested in the role please send your covering letter and coaching CV to: admin@nzrl.co.nz before the allocated time and date.
If you have any questions or queries please contact Gary Peacham: 021 274 6975 or email: gary.p@nzrl.co.nz
NZRL are now open to receiving applications of interest for the roles of Head Coach for the New Zealand Resident 18s and the Junior Kiwis.
Applications close for the NZ RESIDENT 18S HEAD COACH & JUNIOR KIWIS HEAD COACH roles at 5pm on Friday 29 June 2018.
Successful shortlisted applicants must be available to interview on Thursday 5 July or Friday 6 July 2018
Junior Kiwis Head Coach Job Description, click here
NZ Resident 18s Head Coach Job Description, click here
If you are interested in the roles please send your covering letter and coaching CV to: admin@nzrl.co.nz before the allocated time and date.
The New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) can now confirm that Michael Maguire has been appointed to lead the Kiwis as Head Coach going forward.
In addition to this, the NZRL is also proud to announce that major sponsor Pirtek have extended their sponsorship of the Kiwis for the next four years including the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.
General Manager of Pirtek New Zealand, Chris Bourke was pleased to build on their decade long partnership with New Zealand Rugby League and said he “couldn’t wait to see what Michael Maguire has in store for the Kiwis.”
After a stringent application process conducted by the high-powered coach selection panel and chaired by Kiwi great Dean Bell, the NZRL Board finalised the appointment of Maguire earlier this week based on the panel’s recommendations. Bell was joined by Frank Endacott, Monty Betham and Waimarama Taumaunu who are confident that Maguire is the best person for the job.
“It was great to see Michael Maguire put his hand up for the role. The high calibre of applicants we had shows that top coaches can see the Kiwis’ potential and the prestige that comes with international rugby league,” Bell said.
When asked what the drawcard was, Maguire was full of excitement at the prospect of helping to foster a winning culture within the Kiwis camp.
“New Zealand already supplies a lot of the top talent in the National Rugby League (NRL) and English Super League (ESL) and they’ve got the biggest nursery as well as the most vocal, passionate and knowledgeable fans.
“Pride in that jersey isn’t just for players, it’s for the whole of New Zealand. That’s the task facing us all at the refreshed NZRL. I’m really excited to join Reon and the team to help build a winning culture that brings New Zealand back to the top of the rugby league world.
“2017 may not have gone in favour of the Kiwis but the beauty of that, is the opportunity to reflect and reset. My full focus now is on the Kiwis and what we can do to build processes that manifest success which is centred around the respect for the black and white jersey,” Maguire said.
His attention to detail and expertise in the high performance space caught the eyes of the Coach Selection panel, Dean Bell said.
“The panel were very impressed with the thought and detail that went into his presentation. He demonstrated thorough plans on how he would prepare for the Test matches this year and what needed to be done in preparation for the World Cup in 2021.
“His obvious football knowledge was complemented by his passion for the game and the fact that he had quickly created premiership winning sides in both hemispheres also impressed the panel.
“He also displayed a sincere belief that he can consistently get our Kiwi players playing to their potential through his high performance coaching knowledge and instilling a genuine pride in pulling on the black jersey,” Bell added.
A key recommendation of the post 2017 World Cup review was that there should be more transparency and rigour around various appointments and NZRL Acting CEO, Hugh Martyn believes the panel’s input was integral to following through on this.
“Based on the Castle review’s recommendation, the Kiwis Head Coach eligibility criteria was updated to include overseas applicants.
“This means that wherever they come from, we are able to ensure the best person for the position is appointed and in this case, with an NRL Premiership and Super League title under his belt, Maguire was the right fit.
“NZRL is in a great position now compared to where it was a few months ago so it’s important that we maintain this forward momentum and continue to make improvements,” he said.
In the coming weeks, Maguire will work with the Player Selection Panel which includes Tawera Nikau, Hugh McGahan and Mark Horo, to work through selection criteria.
BIO
– Head Coach of the South Sydney Rabbitohs from 2012 to 2017 winning the NRL Premiership in 2014 – Head Coach of the Wigan Warriors from 2010-2011 winning the 2010 Super League Grand Final and 2011 Challenge Cup – Played for the Canberra Raiders from 1992 to 1996 and again in 1998 after a stint with the Adelaide Rams
NOTES:
– Pirtek is a trusted Hydraulic & Industrial hose specialist with a large footprint across New Zealand backed up by over 45 mobile service units to support customers’ maintenance & breakdown needs when and where they need it – As a long-time supporter and in addition to being the main sponsor of the Kiwis, Pirtek has assisted the NZRL at a local level through their centres to recognise key people and volunteers within the rugby league community – For more information on Pirtek’s partnership with NZRL, click here
NZRL are now open to receiving applications of interest for the roles of Head Coach for the New Zealand Resident 16s and the Kiwi Ferns.
Applications close for the NZ RESIDENT 16S MANAGER, ASSISTANT COACH and TRAINER roles at 5pm on Thursday 10 May 2018.
Successful shortlisted applicants must be available to interview on Thursday 17 May 2018
Applications close for the KIWI FERNS MANAGER, ASSISTANT COACH and TRAINER roles at 5pm on Thursday 17 May 2018.
Successful shortlisted applicants must be available to interview on Thursday 24 May 2018
To view job descriptions for all of these roles, please see the NZRL Careers page here.
Applications close for the NZ RESIDENT 16S HEAD COACH role at 5pm on Thursday 3 May 2018.
To view job description, click here.
Successful shortlisted applicants must be available to interview on Thursday 10 May 2018
Applications close for the KIWI FERNS HEAD COACH role at 5pm on Thursday 10 May 2018.
To view Job description, click here.
The Southern Zone Development Camp which is a key component of the Southern Zone Development plan and pathways, was held for 2018 at St Thomas College in Christchurch. This camp saw 75 talented 14, 16 and 18-year-old players from throughout the South Island receiving expert tuition, information and advice across a range of topics that will help them to achieve their potential.
The programme was delivered by key personnel from the Zone supported by the NZRL with David McMeeken, the National Talent Manager and Nigel Vagana, the NZRL WellBeing Manager in attendance. The programme covered the areas of skill development, tactical appreciation, performance analysis, positional roles, nutrition, goal setting and smart training principles. Players were also fitness tested to assess their current level of fitness.
The camp culminated in a game where the players were able to put into practice some of what they had learnt. At the end of the camp they were issued with a comprehensive training diary which contained all the information presented to them.
Whilst the aim was to provide development for the players attending, a secondary and just as important outcome will be those in attendance taking what they have learned back to their club teams to share with their teammates and coaches.
The next focus of the Southern Zone Development programme will be the South Island 15s and 17s Tournament to be held in July in Greymouth. South Island 15s and 17s Scorpions squads will be picked from this tournament to prepare for the National Youth Tournament in October in Rotorua.
Southern Zone is grateful for the many coaches, trainers, a managers and presenters for giving their time to make this camp possible. There is no doubt that the boys who attended will have all learnt a lot.
A high-powered panel chaired by Kiwi great Dean Bell has been named to lead the appointment process for the next Kiwis coach.
Besides Bell, Frank Endacott, Monty Betham and Waimarama Taumaunu will interview candidates and make a recommendation to the NZRL board which will finalise the appointment.
Also on the panel will be a Recruitment Specialist who will be tasked with supporting the panel on all HR matters and ensuring the transparency of the recruitment process. The position is now officially open to all interested applicants, not just New Zealand-based coaches. Applications will close 6th April, 2018.
“A key recommendation of the post 2017 World Cup review was that there should be more transparency and rigor around various appointments NZRL chairman Reon Edwards says.
“This independent panel is a great step forward for what is going to be a busy year for the game.”
Panel convenor Dean Bell says there should be no excuses for the Kiwis not being competitive.
“With the depth of rugby league talent the Kiwis have at their disposal, we should be challenging the best international sides, including Australia, and achieving consistent success,” Dean says.
“I’ve already spoken with other members of the panel and as a group we’re determined to support the NZRL in moving on from the issues raised in the review of the last World Cup campaign,” he says. “We need to make sure that test football is given the status it deserves.”
He says the task for the panel is to ensure the appointment of a coach who can get the best out of the players.
The first challenge for the national side is a one-off test against England in Denver, Colorado on 23 June. This will be followed by a home test against Australia later in the year and a tour of England and France in October and November.
“The test has been scheduled in the internationally agreed window, so we’re now just working with the clubs in Australia to ensure we put the best possible team on the field,” Edwards says.
All enquiries regarding the coaching position should be direct to Hannah Speedy, email hannahespeedy@gmail.com.
― ENDS ―
Panel biographies
Dean Bell ― Convenor Dean played 26 tests for the Kiwis from 1983 to 1989. He was Football Manager for the Kiwis successful 2008 campaign in Australia. Dean has been named as one of NZRL’s Immortals and inducted as one of the NZRL’s Legends of League in 2000.
Frank Endacott Frank coached the Kiwis in 35 games from 1995 to 2000, including in two World Cups, in 1995 and 2000. He previously coached the Canterbury provincial coach before joining the NZ Warriors. He also coached the Wigan Warriors and Widness in the UK.
Waimarama Taumaunu Waimarama was a Silver Fern from 1981 to 1991, and was a member of the World Championship winning team of 1987. She was captain in the last three years of her international career. She worked as national performance director for All England Netball, before coaching the Capital Shakers and the Silver Ferns from 2011-2015.
Monty Betham Monty played 101 games for the New Zealand Warriors between 1999 and 2005 and a season with the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats in the English Super League. He represented Samoa at the 2000 Rugby League World Cup and played eight tests for the Kiwis between 2001-2006. He followed his time in league with a professional boxing career before moving to the media.
February and March continue to be the busiest months in the calendar for coach education. All zones and districts are well underway with running courses and workshops and we continue to see an increase in the uptake from our rugby league communities.
Coaching courses continue to be offered nationally and some areas are really embracing the development opportunities on offer.
Southern Zone has already serviced all districts with official NZRL accreditations and is now in a position to offer workshops to continue the learnings. Canterbury Rugby League continue to lead the charge down south with a healthy number of volunteers coming through the courses but Otago, Southland and Tasman have also welcomed a good number of volunteers to participate and complete courses.
With 34 coaches in the South Island having completed the ‘Developing Coaching Course’ during February and March, footy in the South is bound to benefit with these coaches set to impart their knowledge onto new and returning players this season.
The North Island is also experiencing increased levels of engagement in the coaching community. Auckland Rugby League are in full swing with their coach education programmes and we have seen a huge uptake in coaches attending workshops and courses. Signs are looking promising for another good year for coach development and NZRL encourage any new coaches, parents or volunteers to contact local zones and districts to enquire about the next personal development opportunity.
Interested in up-skilling as a rugby league coach? Find a course near you here.
