An Independent Future for League in the Far North

An Independent Future for League in the Far North

Rugby League in the Far North took another step in the journey to an independent future when nine clubs agreed to the formation of the Far North Districts Rugby League, and gave the thumbs up to a draft competition format for 2016. “We met last night in Kaikohe, and it’s all go” said spokesman for the Far North, Hone Harawira. “We’ve moved on from our differences with Rugby League Northland and we’re focussing on growing the game in our area”

We’re working with Graham Lowe and NorthTec to expand the successful Sports Academy run by Jim Larkins in Kaitaia into Moerewa and Kaikohe, to improve player’s skill levels and lift their academic qualifications. “The Academy has only been going a year” said Harawira “but four students have already gone on to trial with NRL clubs and two of them have been contracted”

We have arranged to bring Skills Active (New Zealand’s Industry Training Organisation for Sport) to Kaitaia to outline a programme to qualify our coaches, referees and administrators. “We want to make sure that those running the game in the far north get the best advice and qualifications to help them and their clubs improve”

We have also arranged to bring representatives from Hawkes Bay Rugby League and the East Coast Maori Rugby League up to the Far North to discuss how we can work together to help lift the game in our different regions. “And as a bonus, rugby league legend Kevin Tamati has also agreed to come up to hold a special clinic with our club coaches as well.”

The New Zealand Maori Rugby League has agreed to umbrella us and invited the Far North to send rep squads to their tournaments which cover all ages from U10s right through to Premiers. “We’re really grateful to them because their tournaments are highly regarded by league scouts from all NRL clubs”

The NZMRL has also agreed to send somebody up to meet with us, and the reps from the East Coast and Hawkes Bay to plan competitions across the country in 2016.

We are also working with NZRL Board member and Rugby League legend Tawera Nikau, to ensure our best players are available for national selection. “We got a poor response to our plans from the NZRL, but Tawera has agreed to help resolve differences in the best interests of growing the game in our area”

Our competition for next year features home and away games for all clubs, a Ngapuhi v Muriwhenua State of Origin series, rep matches against Invitation teams, and the possibility of international games as well.

“We still got a long way to go” said Harawira “but the energy is high, and the support we’ve had from all round the country has been tremendous”

“Oh yeah, and we’ve already had one sponsor put up $5,000 as first prize for the winner of our 2016 Grand Final. Roll on 2016 …”

The Far North District Rugby League is hosting representatives from East Coast Maori Rugby League, Hawkes Bay Rugby League, New Zealand Maori Rugby League, the Lowie Foundation, and the CEO of Skills Active NZ, at a special planning day to be held on Saturday 12 December 2015 at Te Rangi Aniwaniwa in Kaitaia.

ENDS

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