New coaches for elite pathways announced

New Zealand Rugby League announce new coaches for elite pathways

• TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 2017
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New Zealand Rugby League announce new coaches for elite pathways

Nathan Cayless will coach the Junior Kiwis in the first game of the triple header at the May 5 Test.

The Kiwi #673 lifted the Rugby League World Cup as captain of the victorious Kiwis in 2008 and Cayless hopes to pass his knowledge on to the young talent coming through.

“I’m privileged to be able to come back and work with New Zealand Rugby League after coming through the system as a player and I can definitely relate to the passion that comes with playing for your family and representing your country.

“With two months till our first Test I’m excited to get to know the boys and I can’t wait to get into some hard work and preparation,” Cayless says.

In supporting Cayless and maintaining continuity from previous years, Kelvin Wright fills the role of Assistant Coach alongside Ezra Howe.

New Zealand Rugby League are also pleased to announce new coaching roles for the New Zealand Residents 18s, New Zealand Secondary Schools and New Zealand Residents 16s elite pathways.

Moehewa Armstrong has been appointed as Head Coach of the New Zealand Residents 18s who will face the Taurahere team in September. He says his first focus will be on creating a strong sense of culture amongst staff and players.

“I’m big on team culture and early preparation so the boys have the best possible chance of performing on the field.

“The New Zealand Rugby League elite pathways allow the boys to get a good taste of higher level competition. This team is a critical step for those looking to play league professionally so I’m looking forward to giving the players the feedback and resources they need to thrive,” Armstrong says.

Duane Mann is another former Kiwi (Kiwi #609) giving back to the game and will take on the Head Coach role for the New Zealand Secondary Schools team.

Mann’s squad will face New South Wales Combined High Schools on October 4 in Rotorua then again in Auckland on October 7. Phil Gordon joins the coaching staff as Assistant Coach and Phil Roache as Manager.

Winner of the 2016 New Zealand Rugby League Domestic Coach of the Year, Andrew Auimatagi has been appointed Head Coach of the New Zealand Residents 16s. As Head Coach of the Linwood Keas in Canterbury who took out the 2016 Premiership, Auimatagi is looking forward to stepping up into the new role.

“I’m really looking to provide a positive experience for these young players who, for some, are playing in the black jersey for the first time.

“I want to focus on developing the players’ understanding of the game both on and off the field to make sure they can make the most of the opportunities that come their way in the future,” Auimatagi says.

Cody Walker joins Auimatagi as Assistant Coach and Mel Mather as Manager of the New Zealand Residents 16s.

Key dates:

Junior Kiwis v Junior Kangaroos - Friday 5 May 2017 - Canberra, Australia.

New Zealand Residents 18s v Taurahere - Saturday 23 September 2017 - Auckland.

NZSS v New South Wales Combined High Schools - Wednesday 4 October 2017, Puketawhero, Rotorua.

NZSS v New South Wales Combined High Schools - Saturday 7 October 2017, Auckland.

New Zealand Residents 16s v New Zealand Maoris 17s - Saturday 22 July 2017, Puketawhero, Rotorua.

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