® www.nzrl.co.nz More than just a game

Game : Participation : Excellence : Community : International : Communications : Partners : Key Dates Celebrating Women in League

Top Stories

• Nelson hosts Warriors • NRL hosts referees • Halswell hosts a Knight, Kiwis & an NRL Coach NEW ZEALAND ® in this issue RUGBY LEAGUE

More than just a game

Table of Contents Busy time in Nelson page 9 From the Editor...... 2 Women in League page 11 CEO’S Update...... 3 page 13 Game Development...... 4

Increased Participation...... 7

Culture of Excellence...... 11

Family & Community...... 13

International Success...... 14

Communications...... 17

Partners...... 19

Key Dates...... 20

from the editor with Philippa Ivory

Welcome to your new look ‘In Touch’ newsletter, we hope kept up to date with our you enjoy it. weekly Bulletin and monthly newsletter. Our competition I wanted to take this opportunity to let you know that we winners have been contacted have added a National Calendar to our website in the Our and the prizes sent out and you can read more on page Schedule area. This will help you to find out about games 17. and tournaments in your area in the coming months. There have been a number of interesting events in the One of the things I love about this game is that it is such greater league community this month, you can read about a great spectator sport, unlike say motorsport where you Nelsons schools competition on page 9 and our own Sir can set up camp on the side of the track and 80% of the Peter Leitch joins the fun in , sharing the action takes place out of sight; our game is all there in stage with Ricky Stuart; you can read more on page 7. front of you.

We’d love to see your ‘mad fan’ shots too. With the While it’s not always warm and dry, there is a wonderful sense of community in any league crowd, so I encourage upcoming and the many league you to get out and enjoy a live game or two before the games being held around the country in the coming season ends. There really is nothing like it - whether weeks why not take a photo of yourself, or your family, it’s watching our youngest players standing in a huddle your kids or your mates all kitted out at the league. Tell passing the ball to each other or enjoying the talent us what you love about the seeing the game live, and of the older players who continue to find new ways to we’ll share your story here. impress. Plus the more you watch, the more you get to Finally we would really like your feedback on our understand the game and the more fascinating it is. communications with you and have sent out a survey It’s heartening to know so many people want to be a with the latest Bulletin. Every one who takes the time to part of our great game, as the hundreds of entries to complete it and send it back will go in the draw to win our “Sign Up and Win’ competition showed. You will now Four Nations tickets, so keep an eye on your inbox, and if be the first to hear all our news hot off the press, being you miss it, check our website Fanzone to find it.

www.nzrl.co.nz July 2010 / 2 NEW ZEALAND ® ceo’s update RUGBY LEAGUE

More than just a game with Jim Doyle

Every month as I sit down to write this, I am reminded of just how much is happening at every level of the game, from the grassroots through to the Kiwis and from North Cape to the Bluff.

We have just finished the very successful series of This month I also had the privilege of being a judge for Community Roots camps where we managed to get to the first New Zealand Women in League celebration. It thirteen locations and meet with hundreds of parents and was by far the most difficult thing I have had to do since thousands of children. being involved with NZRL. There were an extraordinary number of deserving nominations across the five This month the Football Department moved their focus categories and there was quite a lot of discussion by the to the Hearts Camps, where they are working with all the judging panel before we settled on our five winners. potential players and the management teams for each of the Zones to prepare them for the upcoming National You can read more about the winners inside this issue of Competition. the magazine; they are of course part of a much larger group of incredibly hardworking women who have been While they are working on that, we are preparing to recognised by the NRL throughout the Women in League travel around the country again to talk to everyone as to rounds. how we are progressing against our Game Plan. With half the year complete we have made some good progress Meanwhile our match officials are working on ways to and we have plenty to report. We will be out and about encourage more young people to consider becoming from the end of July through August, and we will publish involved in the game as referees, touch judges and the the dates and locations of the presentations on our like. We can’t have a game without them so you might website in the “Our Schedule” area, so keep an eye out like to consider this as an option if you can’t or no longer for the dates later this month. wish to play. As part of the development plan we have been able to host Henry Perenara, an ex player now NRL Then there is the continuing preparation and planning for match official, here in New Zealand following his work on the Four Nations tournament. With venues booked and the sidelines during the last couple of Warriors games. tickets on sale we are working in-house on all the details to ensure the event runs smoothly so that you all enjoy As the first half of the year has drawn to a close I the tournament and our team has the very best chance would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank of success. the hardworking people throughout the country and in particular the staff here at NZRL, for the many long hours We have new radio advertising playing now and on they put in, for the good of the game. Saturday 10 July during the All Blacks v Springboks game our new TV advertisement, which I think looks fabulous, I hope to see you when we are out presenting our Game screened. Plan update later next month.

www.nzrl.co.nz July 2010 / 3 GAME

NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE® DEVELOPMENT More than just a game

Coaching and Accreditation

Currently we are working at designing the new coaching advised as to where in the new pathway they sit, what pathway which is designed to match coaches’ needs as that qualification qualifies them to do and what their next they progress. The current pathway was adapted from step is. There will be up to 7 levels with the first four the Australian model and although it has worked well for courses being run by each district / zone while the top them it does not meet the needs of New Zealand based three will be run at a National Level. coaches. By having numerous courses in the pathway it will allow It is hoped that the new pathway will be released in 2011 us to focus more on the needs at this level rather than although some courses may not be completed by then. trying to squeeze all the information into a couple of Once the new pathway is confirmed all coaches will be courses.

An update of accredited participants around the country in 2010 so far……

Mini Mod International Senior Club Presenters

Northland 0 0 0 1 in training 159 35 1 1 +3 in training Waikato 84 11 0 1 +2 in training BOP / Coastline 83 13 0 1 Taranaki 35 10 0 1 Gisborne 14 0 0 1 in training Manawatu 40 0 0 3 in training Hawkes Bay 36 0 0 4 in training 55 25 0 1 Tasman 11 0 0 1 in training West Coast 45 0 0 1 in training Canterbury 74 31 1 1 Southland 14 6 0 1 in training

www.nzrl.co.nz July 2010 / 4 GAME

NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE® DEVELOPMENT More than just a game

Hearts Camp Beats Winter

Coming from the Junior Ian Mackintosh, NZRL National Referees Coordinator ran a workshop with the referees regarding the requirements perspective I found the whole of refereeing at high performance level. day so useful. They also had a session covering health and safety and legal practices.

The players went through a Player Pathway workshop lead by , and a Drug and Alcohol workshop The first in a series of NZRL ‘Hearts Camps’ was held with Andrew Sylvester following which they signed a in Wellington on Sunday 27 June, 2010. Hearts camps, Drug Free Pledge. which will be held in all seven Zones, are designed to bring the coaches, managers, trainers and selectors Rangi Aukino, the Assistant Coach for the new 15’s together with the players who are wanting to represent Wellington Zone team and current coach of the Under 15 their Zone in the 15’s and 17’s teams. In addition all the Harbour City Rugby League team said “Coming from the Premiers staff are encouraged to attend so they can take Junior perspective I found the whole day so useful. The part in the workshops. information we were given was great, the 15’s are at a vital age development wise, this is when the really good The Wellington based camp was attended by 120 players players start to shine. Learning about nutrition, thinking and 47 coaches, along with 12 referees and the turnout about looking after themselves; making good decisions confirmed, as previously indicated by the response to the as well as the skills information that was shared is just so recent NZRL Community Camp in Lower Hutt, that Rugby important to them. It was great that they were there to League is alive and thriving in the region. hear it too.” Unfortunately the weather meant all grounds were She continues “Not only that but we got the opportunity closed, delaying the trials for the new Zone teams. The to mix with the Senior coaches, and we don’t usually get day wasn’t wasted however with Tony Kemp, NZRL to catch up with them. We learnt so many extra things Football Manager and Dan Floyd, NZRL Coaching and from them, things we’ll be able to use now and to have Development Manager running workshops with all the met Trevor Clark and David Lomax is going to be a real attendees allowing everyone the opportunity to get help. I’ll be able to contact them for the best advice to an idea of the expectations for the upcoming Zone give our boys. It’s all really really exciting.” competition.

www.nzrl.co.nz July 2010 / 5 GAME

NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE® DEVELOPMENT More than just a game

L to R: At rear: John Mckeown, Tony Kemp, NZRL, Wayne Urqhart Front: Noel Berney, Carey Smith, Ian Mackintosh, NZRL Absent: Kevin Bailey, NZRL, Aaron Donald

Match Officials Advisory Panel - Second Meeting

This is as much about the grass roots as it is about high performance; we are interested in helping people at all levels of the game to grow and develop.

The NZRL Match Officials Advisory Panel held its second Noel Berney, Wellington agrees and comments “This meeting for the year at Rugby League House on Monday is as much about the grass roots as it is about high July 5. The panel’s aims are to map the direction and performance; we are interested in helping people at all promote the growth of match officials within New levels of the game to grow and develop. It is important Zealand, while ensuring that the strategic objectives are for the development of our game that everyone is in line with those set in the NZRL Game plan. included and has a clear understanding of what their part is in its growth.” Wayne Urqhart, Auckland said “We are working to develop a roadmap to help the stakeholders and all the Ian Mackintosh, NZRL National Referees Coordinator referees associations understand what the future holds concludes “We really appreciate the members of the for our match officials. We are also setting the milestones panel providing their expertise to enable us to develop on that journey so they are clear with what they are and our strategic planning. Having planning in place which is can measure their progress and eventual success.” transparent and available to everyone is really important so that everyone feels part of the process.”

www.nzrl.co.nz July 2010 / 6 INCREASED

NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE® PARTICIPATION More than just a game

Past Kiwis - L to R: Jim Fisher, Sir Peter Leitch, Barry Edkins, Gary Clarke, Marty Crequer, Brian Langton, Mike Doreen, Jim White

Sir Peter & MC Craig Kerr Ricky Stuart & Deputy Mayor of Christchurch Norm Withers Halswell Rugby League Fundraiser Plays Host to Honoured Guests By Halina Jordon, Halswell Rugby League Football Club Inc

The Halswell Rugby League Club weather Christchurch has been While Ricky flew home, David recently held a fund raising auction experiencing. Howlett came over, and on Sunday and luncheon to raise money for the Ricky Stuart was a very interesting he and Joey Grima hosted a junior Club. Ricky Stuart from the Cronulla guest speaker and he and Joey skills day for players over 13 years Sharks was our guest speaker, and Grima (Under 20’s coach) mixed well old, and coaches. we were honoured with the presence with the locals. of Sir Peter Charles Leitch, who Unfortunately the weather didn’t hold The auction raised over $15,000-00, bought a table and invited a group of out for that but the boys managed to and the proceeds will be put towards friends. re-furnishing the interior of our have an interesting morning learning We were also honoured that his clubrooms. from the professionals! friends made up a collection of seven Saturday was another exceptional former Kiwis - Mike Doreen, Brian All in all, a great weekend for the day weather-wise, which was Langdon, Barry Edkins, Jim Fisher, Halswell Hornets – the only downfall great as we had organised to have Jim White, Garry Clarke and Marty was that our Premiers got beaten our Club Day while the boys from Crequer. in the last few minutes by 1 point Cronulla were here – we have a link On Friday, the day dawned beautiful with the Cronulla Sharks Club with a by the Papanui Tigers for the Kevin – a godsend considering the wet junior scholarship programme. Williams Memorial Trophy.

www.nzrl.co.nz July 2010 / 7 INCREASED

NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE® PARTICIPATION More than just a game Year 7/8 Full Primary Rugby League Tournament

Aotea College, a Wellington High School is hosting and Venue: Aotea College coordinating a Year 7/8 Tournament for Full Primary Date: T uesday August 24th 2010 Schools in Porirua in partnership with Wellington Rugby (Reserve day Aug 26th) League. The competition is being run as a part of their Time: 10am – 2pm NCEA PE Program to fulfill the leadership modules. Tournament Information 9 aside (17 player squad) There will be four schools attending - with another two potentially coming from the Kapiti area. 10 minute halves Tournament will include finals The college has done all the planning and will be Pre Tournament coaching provided going into the schools to deliver coaching before the Prize Giving and sausage sizzle supplied tournament. Hosted by Aotea College’s PEQ3 class in association with

Kiwis v Samoa Test

NEW ZEALAND KIWIS Tickets On Sale Now

New Zealand Rugby League is pleased to advise that and making this feel like a home test for our boys. We’ve the tickets to the highly anticipated Kiwis v Samoa test been waiting a long time for this test so the boys will be match are now on sale with Ticketek. ready for a big one.”

The Kiwis will build up for the Four Nations tournament Tony Kemp, NZRL Football Manager agrees “We are with this historic first meeting clash against the mighty committed to building better relationships with our Pacific Toa Samoa. neighbours, who are a fantastic nursery of rugby league The test will be played at Auckland’s Mount Smart talent here in New Zealand. Stadium on October 16, seven days before the Kiwis’ This first time test against Samoa is a step along this Four Nations opener against England in Wellington. path, and we encourage all rugby league fans to come Nigel Vagana, Toa Samoa Technical Director says “We are along to see the best of the new and existing talent really excited and looking forward to playing our historic which will be on show at this game.” first test against the Kiwis here in Auckland in October. With so many of our people living in New Zealand we Tickets for the other Four Nations games in New Zealand really hope they will support us by coming to Mt Smart and are on sale now.

www.nzrl.co.nz July 2010 / 8 INCREASED

NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE® PARTICIPATION More than just a game Busy Season for Tasman Leagues Smallest Competitors By Andrew Samuela

Tasman Rugby League held a seven week coaching The Cup was contested by five schools program in eight primary schools in Term One this year Stoke, Victory, Auckland Point, Nelson Central and covering the Fundamentals and Health & Safety of our Tahunanui School who went on and won the cup. It was sport. played in testing conditions with rain and wind but in the afternoon thankfully the warm Nelson sun came out. A big thank you to Dan Floyd and Tony Kemp from NZRL for giving us more confidence in terms of how we could Round one saw the two teams which made the final make the drills a lot more fun and at the same time square off in a thrilling 18 - 16 win for Tahunanui School challenging for the children and the coaching staff. It over Stoke. really kept us interested, and after the coaching we sent However the final looked to be one sided, with Tahunanui out a survey and got great reviews. School leading 18 – nil at the break. The eight schools which tool part in the coaching Then the old saying came into play “its a game of two programme were Nelson Central, Auckland Point, Victory, halves” when Stoke School answered back with three trys Hampden Street, Birchwood, Nayland Primary, Stoke and but unfortunately no conversions, and with Tahunanui Tahunanui. scoring right on full time the final score was 24 points to 12. In Term Two we had a seven week Rugby League Big Wednesday Inter School Tournament which was an Every school which entered the cup played four games introduction to playing Mini & Mod games for both players and the teams that made the final played five. The cup and their parents. While there were only two Mini teams was contested by Year 5 and 6 students only, who ranged - one from Victory school and the other from Nayland in age from 10 to 12 years. primary school, we had 16 Mod teams made up from We also had four children from Tahunanui School Referee seven of the eight schools that took part in the coaching at the Wednesday games (all girls) two of whom refereed in Term One. Only Hampden school were unable to take at the Cup; Karmon Mau (11) and Monique Samuela (11). part due to other commitments. Simon Mannering and Micheal Luck selected the player of 183 children travelled to and from the games in buses, the match for each game and both interacted well with which they loved, the costs of which were covered by the community and we thank them very much for their Kiwi Sports Funding. All games including the final, the time. Simon Mannering cup were played at Tahunanui Sports Grounds.

www.nzrl.co.nz July 2010 / 9 INCREASED

NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE® PARTICIPATION More than just a game

www.nzrl.co.nz July 2010 / 10 CULTURE OF

NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE® EXCELLENCE More than just a game

Sharleen Strawbridge and Esme Tamati

Celebrating Women in League

For the past four years the (NRL) and have celebrated the The winners were Women in League round during the NRL season and Service to the Community - Esme Tamati this year a Women in League awards event was Service to Refereeing - Sharleen Strawbridge held in New Zealand. New Zealand Rugby League Volunteer of the Year - Sharon Bird and Warriors staff spent two months working on the event, calling for nominations, planning and Women in League Professional - Nadene Conlon organising the dinner, judging each of the five Women in League Volunteer - Jenny Nahu categories and selecting the winners. The New Zealand winners will now go through to the 2010 NRL One Community Awards as nominees in their categories. The 55+ nominees for the Women in League awards across five categories attended a special Profiles of the winners are on page 12. celebration dinner along with those who had nominated them and those who wanted to show their support.

The Vodafone Warriors First Grade squad sat amongst the nominees, along with members of the media and visitors from the NRL in Australia. Other special guests included Katie Page, NRL Board Member and CEO of Harvey Norman, sponsors of Women in League, and Mario Fenech, one time first grade player now with the NRL.

Warriors , Steve Price and with Esme Tamati and her family.

www.nzrl.co.nz July 2010 / 11 CULTURE OF

NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE® EXCELLENCE More than just a game Celebrating Women in League Who are our Winners?

Winner of the Volunteer of the Year unsung but crucial jobs, include collecting gate takings, award, Sharon Bird of Whangarei, sorting out parking, liaising with visiting teams and their has been involved in rugby league management and even sweeping up muddy changing since 1978, when she started playing rooms. One nomination stated “Jenny’s weekly input women’s league. Despite the fact that of 40 – 60 hours a week for players and supporters is worthy of the highest admiration, gratitude, respect and she doesn’t drive Sharon has still commendation.” managed to be a delegate for her local club and her district, a competition organiser, and a member of the Judiciary. It is not unusual for Sharon to be seen marking Sharleen Strawbridge has an the fields, putting out the goal post pads, painting over impressive referees resume, having graffiti, then cooking sausages and selling raffle tickets been the first woman to referee in the Mens open grade Premier Level, before getting to her ‘official duties’. One of her nominators the first women to be appointed as said “Sharon has taken up a position as a director of the an official touch judge for Mens rep Northern Zone and we are very proud of her. Sharon football, she was a touch judge for comes directly from grassroots football and knows the both the Lion Red and Barter Card challenges that we face here in Northland. We have the cup, along with Masters Rugby League upmost respect for her and wish her well.” and finals football. Also she has been her local referees association Secretary / Treasurer for the past ten years. Nadene Conlon, Vodafone Warriors In addition to this she spends time working as a First Aider , and has helped to fundraise for overseas trips when Football Administrator, started her needed. She has had significant media coverage over league career as a player, eventually the years and it has been very positive for the game of becoming a Kiwi Fern. Prior to spending rugby league with one newspaper saying “She didn’t fancy some time overseas Nadene worked getting knocked about so refereeing was the next best for the NZRL and was responsible for thing. When rugby gave her the snub, league opened its logistics and event management. One arms.” of the comments from her nomination read “I know her role is paid however I doubt the dollars she receives come close to actual hours and hard work she puts in. She is amazing at what she Esme Tamati has a name which is does and deserves acknowledgment of the time that she synonymous with rugby league, a gives to the game.” game she has been involved with for more that 60 years. She has done everything from working in the kitchen Judging by the number of nominations and the shop to washing jerseys and and the length of each submission being on the committee. When Waitara received for Jenny Nahu, her influence played grand finals she would stay at in her region has been significant. the club cooking food, and win or lose She is a Life Member of both the she would make sure everyone was fed before she went Ngongotaha and Bay of Plenty Rugby home to wash the team strip, leaving the club clean and League in recognition of her work as tidy. She has also supported her sons, grandchildren and club secretary, treasurer, a fundraiser great grandchildren in the game. Esme is a Life Member of and one of the key people behind the allocation of dedicated Rugby League both Waitara Rugby League and Taranaki Rugby League. grounds in Rotorua in the late 80’s. Like all our nominees Jenny spends hours doing the

www.nzrl.co.nz July 2010 / 12 FAMILY &

NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE® COMMUNITY More than just a game NRL Match Official Offers Mentoring and Support

Even the very best players like Steve Price have to finish in their 30’s, but referees can go on another 10 – 15 years after that.

Each day a group of young men, all early school leavers, in their 30’s, but referees can go on another 10 – 15 gather at Mt Smart Stadium under the watchful eye of years after that.” Henry Turua, former rugby league player, now a teacher “Being able to stay involved in the game at this level to complete their education with a focus on sport. is great. The referees are a team just like the teams I They start the day with a tough physical training session played for, and we get paid to do this, to travel and be lead by , High Performance Manager at the involved in the game we love, and the worst injury I’ve NZRL before heading into the classroom. They are set a had is the occasional hamstring strain.” range of goals including running 100 km’s at which point He continues “I told the guys that if they are interested they qualify for the ‘hundred club’ and are rewarded with they should consider getting out and refereeing the little kit – jerseys, shorts and socks. There are further rewards kids, then they still have time to play their own game for those who make the ‘two hundred club’. in the afternoon. It will give them a taste and it might Managed by the SENZ Training and Employment centre, extend their careers. My message was quite simple, don’t the young men are exposed to a number of different give up your footy but if you get to a point in your early opportunities and then supported when they apply for 20’s where you’re just playing local reserve grade and employment. then go drinking and have nothing to look forward too, then this is a really great alternative. This is a genuine This week visiting NRL Match Official, past NRL and Kiwis career opportunity and there are people who want to help player Henry Perenara visited the group to talk to them you succeed.” about the benefits and pitfalls of playing rugby league Henry says that if any of the young people he meets and to suggest they consider becoming match officials. decide they will follow it up then he is happy to support Henry says “I loved playing league, I loved everything them and mentor them if they are serious. about it, but the injuries really took their toll on my Ian Mackintosh, National Referees Coordinator, NZRL body. I had three shoulder reconstructions and it would agrees saying that both the ARL and the NZRL have the have all been over in my mid twenties if it wasn’t for this training and support systems in place to help anyone who opportunity. is seriously interested in pursuing a career as a rugby Even the very best players like Steve Price have to finish league official.

www.nzrl.co.nz July 2010 / 13 INTERNATIONAL

NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE® SUCCESS More than just a game Profile - Henry Perenara

Henry with a NZRL car during his visit to Auckland

Henry Perenara, current NRL match official and aspiring test referee, started his league career playing for the New Lynn Stags, before moving to Otahuhu and then , where as he puts it he was lucky enough to be part of a Fox Premiership winning team at only 19. From there he went to the Warriors under coach Mark Graham, before moving on to the Storm, the Dragons, Parramatta and finally Cronulla in 2007.

He was what they call in the NRL a journeyman, moving 20’s matches. This was indeed the fast track and he from club to club, frustratingly due to injuries, most loved every minute of it. notably three shoulder reconstructions. One appearance This year, his third, he debuted in first grade as a sideline for the Kiwis in 2000 and a number of games for NZ official for the Cronulla v Manly game at Shark Park, Maori were highlights in his career. Then, due to one too ironically the same game and ground at which he finished many injuries, in 2008 he accepted the offer of an NZRL his first grade playing career. Match Official cadetship (as they now prefer to be called, Although being an official comes with a relatively a term which encompasses referees and touch judges modest salary compared to the players, it does have aka sideline officials) along with fellow players Luke other benefits like a car and fuel card and officials like Phillips and Paul Mellor and has never looked back. players are paid more for the higher level games, which The three men were added to the full time referee’s seems fair enough considering the scrutiny they receive. squad from the beginning, so trained full time and were This doesn’t faze Henry though, he doesn’t hear the mentored by Steve Clark who had just retired. In his first comments during the game and finds the after match year as a referee, Henry refereed or ran the sidelines for comments tend to reflect the teams performance rather 140 games ranging from Under 15’s to Under 21’s. Later than his own. Bill Harrigan told him this was equivalent to the workload continued over... of six years of refereeing for a first grade ref.

Henry isn’t complaining though, he loves it, and says “To be part of the team, to be training with the other referees and to remain a part of the game I love is just fantastic for me. I loved everything about playing, but not being able to pick up my children because of the injuries was Are you interested in becoming a terrible and the cadetship gave me the opportunity to stay involved without the risk of further serious injuries.” referee? We’d love to hear from you,

In his second year, as a Level Two referee he was doing so please email [email protected] with Harold Matthews and Bundaberg Red Cup matches and your contact details to learn more. by the end of the year, he had progressed to either refereeing or running the sidelines in Toyota Cup Under

www.nzrl.co.nz July 2010 / 14 INTERNATIONAL

NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE® SUCCESS More than just a game Profile - Henry Perenara

Henry has been in New Zealand for a week to talk to the level you aspire too, then this is a genuine career young people about becoming match officials. He is opportunity, one that will not only keep you in the game passionate in his support for this cause saying “I loved but should give you many more years than even the best playing, it wasn’t a job for me and neither is this. I get players can hope for. Currently a number of the top level to stay in the game, to travel and to come home and see referees are in their forties; Henry is only just 30 so has my family all as part of my work. It’s not work, it’s my another decade or so to go. passion, and I still watch lots of footy only now I watch He is certainly an excellent advertisement for the the officials as much as the players.” position, an ideal role model and an inspiration to anyone His message is simple, playing is the best, it is the lucky enough to meet him. pinnacle of the game, but once your time is over, or if you realise that you are probably never going to make

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www.nzrl.co.nz July 2010 / 15 INTERNATIONAL

NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE® SUCCESS More than just a game Sunshine Coast Refereeing Experience Well Received

Christchurch based “I can’t really stress the importance of the opportunities Adam Burns recently we have been given lately with the exchanges of referees had the opportunity to within NZ and also across to NSW and now . gain further invaluable When our referees do a good job it reflects on all of refereeing experience them, and it brings them to the notice of the people when offered a game who make the important decisions about NRL and while he was holidaying International appointments.” He continues “We received in Australia. immediate and unqualified positive feedback about Adam from the local referees association.” Adam was appointed to the Kawana v Bruce Schmidt, the Secretary said “The local league is Maroochydore A Grade still talking about Adam’s performance – particularly the game at Quad Park (aka way he handled a prickly type of game. as Stockland Park) in Kawana. He was warned that a In fact our President recalls getting a phone call from the couple of the players left Maroochydore last year and League President about 10 minutes in to Adam’s game, went to Kawana so to expect a little bit of “Local Derby” wanting to know if we can keep him. Please pass on our in the game. thanks....and we would like to invite any of your peers to The week prior he was able to referee a game on the visit anytime.” Gold Coast. Adam is one of the top ten NZ referees and is currently Ian Mackintosh, National Referees Coordinator, NZRL said our No.1 Touch Judge with 12 Tests.

Visiting Referee for Tasman Rugby League Senior Grand Final

Tasman Rugby League invited Michael Luck attend as part of their Lafotanoa, of Tasman Rugby League Auckland Referee Aaron Kesha “One Community” initiative. saying “We would like to thank the to officiate for the Tasman Rugby NZRL for making him available as The Senior Grand Final was hotly Leagues senior grand finale to be his professionalism on and off the contested between “Stoke Cobras” held at the Vodafone Warriors “One field was impeccable. We have and the “Tahuna Tigers” with Stoke Community Carnival” on June 19th. received many positive comments winning 34—26. They were very fortunate to have about Aaron and it was helpful to our the 2010 Vodafone Warriors Captain Feedback for this referee exchange local referees to see a referee of his Simon Mannering and Vice Captain was very positive with Paul calibre.”

Ian Mackintosh, NZRL National Referee Coordinator reports that since the beginning of the year there have been 21 referee exchanges which have seen referees travelling into and out of Auckland as well as across to Australia.

www.nzrl.co.nz July 2010 / 16 NEW ZEALAND ® COMMUNICATIONS RUGBY LEAGUE

More than just a game Hundreds of Entries and Many Happy Winners

And the winner is….. Kiwis Coach Phil Angus with prize. Phil is photographed in the reception draws the prize winners. area of Rugby League House in his work clothes and high viz vest. Not only will Phil now be seen everywhere he goes, but he’ll know where he’s going and how to get there.

As a way of encouraging new people to join the NZRL office. Our lucky winners came from all over New Zealand family of supporters we ran a ‘Sign Up and Win’ and as far away as the UK. competition on our new website. On offer to anyone who I made a phone call to Auckland based Phil Angus at signed up were an extensive range of prizes including a about 9am to let him know that he was the winner of KooGa gear bag (Player 21), a signed Test Jersey from the Navman MY55 and although he said he would pop the recent , a Navman MY55, and a variety of by to pick it up later in the day, he was so excited by his other clothing items from Kooga and Dickies and other good fortune that he was here in the office by not long accessories kindly supplied by our sponsors. after 10am. We really appreciated his positive comments We received hundreds of entries and quickly discovered about the increase in communication from the NZRL and just how long it takes to fold them up so they can be hope he enjoys his Navman. drawn (a lot longer than you might think!) Thanks to all our competition entrants, we hope you Our Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney was kind enough to enjoy receiving the NZRL weekly Bulletin and monthly draw all the winners, while on a well timed visit to the Magazine.

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More than just a game More Website Tips

fan zone If you are looking for a copy of a story you have read In the run up to the Four Nations you will be able to find or heard about then these are the places to look on the out all you need to know about showing your support website. for the team here. We will post information about how News Archive - This is where we keep all the stories you can send faxes and emails to the team, information which have appeared on the front page of the website about public events and Competitions will also be posted once they have rotated away. Each has a small photo in this area. beside it to help prompt you to the story content. about us Notices - Is where we keep any items that you may need to refer to over a period of time, for example Whether it is our physical or postal address that you information about offers which will be available for some need, a staff list or a copy of our Game Plan, this is the months. place to find it.

our schedule history If you want to find out more about games being played then the place to go is the Our Schedule menu. Here This is where you can find information on our Legends of you can find out all about not only the upcoming Kiwis League, our Life Members, and the Kiwis Roll of Honour games but also information about other NZRL sanctioned along with our fantastic Rugby League Museum (which is tournaments. currently being extended).

What do champion teams like the New Zealand Kiwis have in common? Like so many other top contact football teams, they insist on one brand. That brand is KooGa. Why? Because only KooGa gear is designed and tested in partnership with top players and is made from materials proven to enhance performance. NEW ZEALAND ® PARTNERS RUGBY LEAGUE

More than just a game NZRL would like to thank to following organisations for their on going support:

What is Superleague? Superleague magazine is produced by a group of keen rugby league people led by designer Bodie Friend, and a team of professional journalists and photographers - Richard Becht, Steve Kilgallon, John Coffey, David Kemeys and Andrew Cornaga.

They along with rugby league columnists Malcolm Boyle, David Taylor, Andy Deerness, Doug King, Jinny Reynolds, Gordy Gibbons and many others provide interesting and up to date NZ league news and views Superleague Issue Two OUT NOW! each issue. Please support your New Zealand rugby league magazine. To ensure we have a rugby league magazine in New Zealand get your copy now from your newsagent, Borders bookshop or by subscribing. Subscribe and you’ll save 20% and getting free postage.

www.nzrl.co.nz July 2010 / 19 NEW ZEALAND ® KEY DATES RUGBY LEAGUE

More than just a game Kiwis Four Nations Saturday October 16: Saturday October 23: Kiwis V Samoa Junior Kiwis v English Knights Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland Westpac Stadium, Wellington

Saturday October 23: Saturday, October 30: Kiwis v England Junior Kiwis v English Knights Westpac Stadium, Wellington International Stadium, Rotorua

Sunday October 24: Australia v Papua New Guinea National Competition Starts 28 August Saturday, October 30: Grand Final weekend 16-17 October Kiwis v Papua New Guinea International Stadium, Rotorua Sunday, October 31: Kiwi Ferns Australia v England AAMI Park, Test series v England October 2010 Saturday, November 6: Double Header England v Papua New Guinea Zone Hearts Camps Kiwis v Australia , Auckland Late June until early August All Zones—Preparation for Zone competition Saturday, November 13: Tournament Final Suncorp Stadium, Masters Tournament October 10—16 Kiwis Anzac Test Rotorua Friday, May 6, 2011 Kiwis v Australia AMI Stadium, Christchurch

Please see www.nzrl.co.nz Our Schedule pages, which will be updated regularly with dates and venues for these and other events.

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