Warriors bring elite pathway to Gisborne in community rugby league event
Gisborne’s Rugby Park was transformed into a hub of excitement, opportunity and community spirit as hundreds of players, whānau and supporters gathered for the inaugural New Zealand Warriors rugby league exhibition games.
Those behind the weekend-long event said it showcased not just the talent emerging from the East Coast, but what could be achieved when organisations worked together to create opportunities for young people.
Among the Warriors contingent was academy coach Tony Iro and former NRL player and Kiwis test captain Tohu Harris.
They were joined by representatives of Ngāti Porou Rugby League, Tairāwhiti Rugby League and Tipene (St Stephen’s) School, and local event organisers Luke Fox and Ken Gifford and their team of volunteers.
The programme began at Barry Park on the Saturday with a Gisborne Grassroots launch tournament involving more than 650 players across the Under-6 to U12 age groups.
The day also featured a high-performance coaching clinic with sessions focused on the Warriors’ values, professionalism, preparation, communication and development system through to NRL level.
Local coaches later socialised with the Warriors staff at Midway Rescue Community Hub and watched the Wahs’ NRL game against the Titans.
The focus shifted to Rugby Park on the Sunday for exhibition matches featuring U14, U16 and U18 players in official Warriors playing kits, and a lunchtime curtain-raiser involving U12 players.
“The games were played at a fast tempo with strong defensive intensity, skilful ball movement and an exciting willingness from players to attack from anywhere on the field,” Fox said.
“For many participants, it was their first opportunity to experience an environment that closely resembled a professional academy programme.
“More importantly, for a number of players, it was the beginning of another step in their rugby league journey.”
Fox said several Tairāwhiti players were identified for further opportunities within the Warriors’ pathway system – Natejah Rickus, Sakenasa Senivono, Isileli Kamoto, Storm De Thier and Orlando Manuel.
Twenty-five-test Kiwi Iro said the quality of talent on show was “extremely encouraging”.
“Tairāwhiti has always produced tough, resilient athletes and there is clearly a lot of potential across the region. What impressed us most wasn’t just the skill level, but the players’ attitudes, willingness to learn and their ability to take on coaching,” Iro said.
Albert Nepia, of Ngāti Porou Rugby League, said the skill and “game IQ” on display was “outstanding”.
“It speaks volumes about the natural talent in Te Tairāwhiti and the commitment of our rangatahi, coaches and whānau, who continue to develop despite limited opportunities and support. This proved that if we can bring genuine pathways to our region, our young people will rise to the occasion.”
Justin Smallshaw, of sports management and athlete representation company Caliber Sports Group, said it was “encouraging to see the Warriors continuing to invest in identifying regional players because some of New Zealand’s greatest rugby league talent comes from communities that are often overlooked”.
“With rugby league continuing to grow, particularly through increased investment and the game’s new media rights revenue, there will be even more opportunities for talented young New Zealanders to pursue professional careers. The challenge now is ensuring those athletes are identified early and given the right support and guidance.”
Fox said beyond the football itself, the atmosphere reflected what community sport was all about.
“Whānau lined the sidelines throughout the day, tamariki chased rugby league balls between games and spectators enjoyed food, music and sunshine while watching some of the region’s most talented young athletes.
“Rather than focusing solely on talent identification, the event highlighted the importance of participation, player development, community engagement and creating visible pathways for aspiring athletes.
As rugby league continued to grow across the East Coast, such events showed that regional players no longer needed to travel significant distances simply to be seen, he said.
“The pathways are increasingly coming to them.”