Mill’s-Tui Festival Of Rugby League Returns To Rotorua – A Weekend Of Footy, Brotherhood, And Purpose

Rotorua, NZ – Saturday, October 11th, the heart of Aotearoa’s rugby league community will beat from Puketawhero Park, as the Mill’s-Tui Festival of Rugby League returns with a powerful message: rugby league is more than a game — it’s a vehicle for connection, healing, and transformation.

Sione Faumuina, former NRL player and founder of the festival, reflects on the event’s purpose: “The Mill’s-Tui Festival of Rugby League isn’t just another league event — it’s a movement. It’s a platform to change lives, to bring men out of silence, and to give our youth something to believe in. I’ve lived the highs and lows of professional sport, but this — bringing community together for something bigger than the game — this is the most meaningful thing I’ve ever been part of.”

Now in its second year, the event is fast becoming a flagship weekend on the national rugby calendar. But behind the big hits and highlight-reel moments lies a deeper kaupapa. This year, the festival is proudly partnering with the Last Chance Project Charitable Trust, with the mission to raise both awareness and funds for men’s mental health — a crisis that continues to impact families, workplaces, and communities across the country.

Dean Purves, Director of Mills-Tui and naming sponsor of the festival, says the decision to support the event was deeply personal and values-driven:

“At Mills-Tui, we know how important it is to stand behind initiatives that impact our people, especially in regions like Rotorua. This isn’t just sponsorship — it’s an opportunity to back a movement that’s using rugby league to bring light to some of the darkest corners of our community. We’re proud to have our name alongside a kaupapa that’s doing real work on the ground.”

A Weekend of Meaningful Matchups

With the support of Bay of Plenty Rugby League and Aotearoa NZ Māori Rugby League, the festival will deliver a triple-header of games that span generations and cultures:

U17 Development Match – Featuring Kings Academy from Qld who take on local club side Pikiao Rugby League.

Masters Exhibition Game – Honouring the players who paved the way, and showcasing the lifelong bonds forged through footy.

The main event sees League Legends XIII take on Aotearoa NZ Māori Rugby League, led by former Kangaroo and NSW enforcer James Tamou and featuring dual international and All Black star Nehe Milner-Skudder. The League Legends XIII squad welcomes new additions Shaun Kenny-Dowall and Sam Kasiano, joining a lineup of past NRL greats.

“This festival represents who we are as Māori — proud, resilient, and deeply connected through whānau and kaupapa,” says John Devonshire, Chairman of Aotearoa NZ Māori Rugby League. “We’re proud to stand alongside League Legends XIII to elevate the conversation around men’s mental health and show our communities what true leadership looks like. When our rangatahi see their idols talking about struggle and strength in the same breath, that’s when change happens.”

The event isn’t just for the fans — it’s for the whole community. The festival kicks off with a Fundraising Breakfast on Friday morning, featuring heartfelt kōrero from past and present players about their mental health journeys. It continues with an open training session, giving tamariki and whānau the chance to meet their heroes and hear messages of hope, resilience, and leadership.

Tai Tupou, founder of the Last Chance Project and mental health advocate, sees the festival as a platform for real impact:

“At LCP, we simplify men’s mental health by offering a range of pathways that truly resonate with men. This partnership is another great example of how we can support mental wellbeing in practical, meaningful ways — helping to create better men, fathers, partners, and sons.

Rugby league will serve as the vehicle, but the real driver is our shared commitment to preventing men from reaching that final, desperate 'last chance'. Together, we’re making sure support is accessible, relatable, and effective.

At LCP, we make men’s mental health simple and accessible. This partnership is another step in helping men become better fathers, partners, sons, and mates.

Rugby league is the vehicle — but our focus is on preventing men from reaching the breaking point to their 'last chance”

A Growing Legacy

Last year’s event drew over 2,000 spectators in person and reached more than 30,000 viewers online, with wide support from local businesses, sports figures, and national media. In 2025, the event aims to expand its footprint and deepen its community impact — creating a space where families can gather, men can speak openly, and young people can see a future for themselves both on and off the field.

Alongside the games, attendees can expect cultural performances, kai stalls, kids’ activities, and opportunities to engage with local mental health organisations and support services.

Event Details:

• Puketawhero Grounds, Rotorua.
• Friday, October 10 – Fundraising Breakfast + Open Training
• Saturday, October 11 – Triple-Header Rugby League Festival
• Tickets released in August | Open Training and Community Access: Free

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