New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) will kick off the new year with their successful Talent Development Programme (TDP) which for the first time will also include the development of female player prospects. 2020’s TDP will engage nearly 100 potential Kiwi and Kiwi Ferns players, arming them with resources and skillsets necessary to fulfil their international rugby league aspirations.
Wednesday 15 – Saturday 18 January 2020 will see NZRL bring 25 under 16s and 25 under 18s (men) as well as 48 aspiring Kiwi Ferns (female) into camp at St. Peters School, Cambridge.
The Performance camp has been designed for sub-elite players to enhance skills, introduce strength & conditioning and promote education and player welfare, encouraging those who dream of playing in the NRL to stay in New Zealand until they are 18, allowing for an extra few years in familiar surroundings.
New Zealand has a rich talent pool with NRL clubs recruiting from across the country for both men and women. The potential pathways for New Zealand based players are ever-growing and NZRL is committed to continuing this momentum.
The three-day TDP will involve testing, wellbeing workshops, skill sessions and for the 16s and 18s boys, a trial on the final day. The TDP aims to better prepare the players for the rigours of high-performance environments such as the NRL and NRLW and will also double as a player entry point for selection in the NZ 16s and 18s wider squads for 2020.
While in camp there will be several keynote speakers who will talk to personal brand, personal development including educational and career aspirations, resilience, as well as other relevant subjects which have an impact on many young and aspiring athletes.
NZRL will be working in conjunction with the Vodafone Warriors who will join the camp with their 16s and 18s teams on the penultimate day attending the same sessions as the players identified for the NZRL TDP.
NZRL General Manager of High-Performance, Motu Tony says, “It’s exciting we have been able to incorporate the development of the women’s game into next year’s TDP. It’s important we continue to engage with our potential Kiwi Ferns from across the country and carry on the momentum the female game is currently seeing both at a grassroots and international level.
“The TDP Programme plays a crucial role in fostering and developing our next generation of Kiwis and Ferns. It readies not only player prospects but upcoming coaches and managers for the rigours of International Rugby League as we work towards the upcoming World Cups.” Tony concludes.
Greg Boulous, GM of Future Warriors says, “We are really excited to be collaborating with NZRL. We are both passionate about strengthening pathways and creating quality experiences for players. After being involved with the Kiwi Ferns it is also great to see the women included in next year’s camp.”
New Zealand Rugby League is inviting applicants to apply for the following positions with the 2020 New Zealand Resident 16s and 18s teams:
For persons applying for a role, it will be beneficial to have the endorsement and support from their General Manager of the respective District or Zone they’re representing.
Application process:
Click on the below online link to fill out the questionnaire and attach your CV and cover letter.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NZ16s18s
If you have any questions or queries please contact David McMeeken; david.m@nzrl.co.nz or by phone: 021956975.
Closing date: Thursday 21 November 5pm.
Interviews are to take place on Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 November 2019.
Appointment term: one (1) year plus an additional one (1) year pending campaign review.
Hours of work: These are all voluntary roles that require a commitment of some weekend work and a camp for the campaign.
Performance Camp dates:
Wednesday 15 – Saturday 18 January 2020.
Campaigns:
Campaigns and fixtures to be confirmed with oppositions.
