“ ‘WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS, & A HAPPY NEW YEAR ‘”

Seasons Greetings From NZRL

Credit where credit’s due - the Kangaroos win the Four Nations at Elland Rd, Leeds… but at least one Kiwi got to go to the end of year party.

What’s In This Issue Pages 2 - 4: Update from CEO Jim Doyle Page 5: 2009 Maori Awards Pages 6 - 7: Refs Call - Ian Macintosh Pages 8 - 9: Coaching Capers—Dennis Ward Pages 10 - 11: Community Programmes—Dain Guttenbeil Page 12: Competitions Update—Kevin Bailey Page 13: High Performance Update— Page 14: League Community Notice Board Page 15: Partners Page Update from NZRL CEO Jim Doyle - November/December It is certainly amazing how quickly the year is coming to a close. Normally at this time of the year it is good to reflect on what has been achieved, and check this against what was planned. It was just four months ago I joined NZRL, and the time sure has flown, but when I think of what we have achieved it is actually very satisfying. Below provides an overview of what has been done to date.

Strategic Plan We have made good progress with many elements of our Game Plan but one of the most important aspects is that we now have a Game Plan that has been communicated and supported, and is now being continuously implemented. Behind the Game Plan, we have also developed the detailed tactics, responsibilities and target dates which ensures those responsible stay focused on achieving what we have set out to achieve.

Left: The game plan is shared with the 7 new Zone Boards.

Game Development Early focus was on the Bartercard National Premiership and then creating a pathway for coaches, players etc with the introduction of the NZ Residents side. The reintroduction of a Residents team is something we were excited about and this turned out to be a very significant event in more ways than one. It was always planned to have the Residents team link in with the Kiwis when they were both in but as we know it turned into something “more than just a game” Football advisory group has now been formed from within the game and significant progress has been made with respect to future competitions, pathways, camps, academies, etc. We are now working towards finalising this so we can present it to our community early in the New Year.

Partners We have engaged with many partners. Some old, some present and some who will be hopefully new. All have been impressed with our Game Plan and wish to support the development of the game. We are continuously discussing with them how we can work together that will have a benefit for all parties.

Increased Participation This is certainly an area that we will have a significant focus going forward. One major aspect of this is to have good information that we continuously measure against, it then allows us first and foremost to see where we are today and by continuously measuring from the same base we can obtain good feedback and ensure that what we are doing is actually working and assisting us achieve our objective of increasing participation. It also allows us to know in which area we need to concentrate more effort. Therefore we have been actively entering into our LeagueNet database all of our players and coaches from throughout the country. This way we will have an accurate database and information we can drive to improve on, from early in the New Year. [Continued…] “It was just four months ago I joined NZRL and the time sure has flown, but when I think of what we have actually achieved it is actually very satisfying”

2 [CEO Update continued…]

Culture of Excellence The focus has been on improving everything we do and raising the standard to a much higher level. The most important part of being in a position to achieve this Culture of Excellence is ensuring we have the right people in the right places within the organisation. To this end we have completed a restructure and are now actively in the process of completing this restructure. We have been delighted with the number of candidates we have received (over 200) for the 4 roles we are in the process of filing. We are still on target to confirm the appointment of these roles before the end of the year.

Family and Community Our specific focus in this area has been around developing the “League 4 Life” concept. This is centred on ensuring we provide a positive experience for those involved in our game from 6yrs old to 106yrs old.

It includes every aspect of our game including: • LeagueSmart • Schools Programmes • Club Development • Injury Prevention • Community Awareness Programmes • etc

We are looking forward to making significant progress around the country with many of these programmes next year.

International Success Although it was very disappointing we did not win, or reach the final of the 4 Nations, we can still take many positives from 2009. It was great to see sign a new contract to the next World Cup. This ensures we have stability and continuity, and Stephen’s commitment provides us a significant platform that we can build from for the future. It was also fantastic to see that the calibre of our young Kiwi talent coming through is at the highest possible level. It certainly gives us all confidence that the future looks very bright. Behind the scenes we have also gained a lot of knowledge from a high performance and Kiwi management point of view that we will learn from, and I am sure continuously improve on going into next year and beyond.

Left: The 2009 Four Nations squad included 8 debutants. [Continued…] [CEO Update continued…]

Financial Sustainability Being a Scotsman it comes as normal practice to make sure everything we do, we do with as little expenditure as possible. As you are all aware Rugby League is not particularly flush with money so it is important that we maximise the use of all of the funds we receive. We are looking at every aspect we can to bring in as much money as possible into the game so we can put in place as many activities as possible to grow and develop our game. We have made good progress on many fronts this year and next year will no doubt see new initiatives implemented.

Communications This aspect of our Core is an area that I see we can dramatically improve. I think we have taken some steps in the right direction in the last few months with both improved communication and a lot more transparency. We have a lot of plans to take our communications and very quickly turn it into one of our strengths. A key aspect of this will include connecting more with our community, so early in the New Year we will be out there asking for feedback as to how we can improve, what you would like to see more of, what we should add, what are the most appropriate methods of communication, etc.

Effective Administration and Governance. Although it has taken a little longer than planned we now have all of the 7 new zone boards in place. These board roles are voluntarily and each individual is providing their time and effort at no charge to the game like many others. I am sure you will all agree that with the significant contacts that all of these people bring, it gives us the opportunity to open many doors throughout the country that we have not had available previously. This could come in the form of sponsorships, funders, local bodies, etc and I am sure that what every connections they may have it will assist us all in our objective to grow and develop our game. Many of you will already had contact from some of the board members within the Zones, but we will now be setting up meetings early in the New Year between districts / clubs and each of the Zone boards so they can explain the process and how they can assist us all achieve our objectives. Meeting places, dates, times, etc will be sent out early in the New Year.

Right: Members of all 7 Zone Boards met at NZRL for their induction on the 28th of November

I HAVE CERTAINLY ENJOYED THE LAST 4 MONTH AND I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT YEAR. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND BEST WISHES FOR 2010.

Regards Jim KIWI COACH & CAPTAIN HONOURED AT MAORI SPORTS AWARDS At the 2009 Maori Sports Awards held 5 December at Manukau’s Telstra-Clear Arena, Stephen Kearney was named Coach of the Year while his Kiwi Captain Benji Marshall scooped both the Senior Sportsman of the Year and the Supreme Award.

Two idols share centre stage as Stan Walker of ‘Australian Idol’ fame greets Benji Marshall. [Right]

Marshall receives his award from Kiwi legend [below] with Kearney, High Performance Director Tony Kemp & Convenor of Selectors all in attendance. [below right] REFS CALL—by Ian Macintosh Ultimate Success for New Zealand Referees in 2009

This year loomed as being a tough year for Rugby League, firstly having to face compounded losses and then having to undergo a review instigated by the national sporting agency SPARC, before any certainty could be provided for the game. We can look back now and confidently say that “ship” is now on the right course and the future looks positive.

Opportunities for our referees to travel overseas where very limited this year and made it difficult to ensure our top people operated in high levels of international competitions. In the circum- stances, it was going to take some astute planning and maintaining strong working relationships with our international counterparts to ensure that our people were given opportunities in interna- tional games.

Leon Williamson (Auckland) and Adam Burns (Canterbury) were selected to attend the Four Na- tions Tournament in England as Referee and Touch Judge respectively. Following on from their successful performances in the World Cup 2008, a great of work went in to planning and forming a strategy for both men to be given the chance to officiate in the Final of the Tournament. The platform was set in New Zealand with both men undergoing structured training to ensure that they were in peak physical condition before leaving NZ. Prior to their departure discussions were held with RFL Officials in England to provide the chance for them to be involved in the European Na- tions Federation Cup that would run parallel to the Four Nations Tournament. Leon and Adam arrived in England before the commencement of the Four Nations Tournament and were off to Ireland (Dublin) almost immediately to adjudicate in a Federation Cup match Ireland v Serbia.

Adam Burns Leon Williamson in action on the world stage ...and at home.

They both continued to be involved in Federation Cup games throughout the Four Nations Tour- nament which gave them the chance to come up to high standard of performance required at the international level. It is history now that Leon was appointed to the final of the Four Nations Tour- nament (England v Australia) and did a very good job. International policy (appointment of touch judges from each country of the playing teams) prevented Adam from being selected as Touch Judge for the Final. Such was his form however, that he was selected as reserve Touch Judge for the Final. Both Leon and Adam were presented with medals following the Final of the Four Na- tions Tournament and will have life long memories of their time in Europe. They brought great creditability to NZRL and will have much to pass back to our referees in this country in the future.

[Continued…] [Refs Call continued…]

Again, building upon our international relationships we sought to have a representative included in the referees panel for the to held in Papua New Guinea during November 2009. Shane Rehm (Auckland) was successful in being selected to officiate at this tournament as both Referee and Touch Judge. Shane had a very successful tournament and refereed the play off for 3rd and 4th positions. Feedback from the Tournament Convener (Brian Canavan - NSW ) was very positive regarding Shane’s performance on field and his willingness to support the tournament off field as well. Shane took many positives from his time in Papua New Guinea and has commenced what should a very successful and long international career.

The NZRL National Provincial Competitions in 2009 provided the opportunity for our developing referees around the country to perform at the highest levels. In particular, Sam Perkins (Canterbury) and Dwayne Hibbs (Waikato) both performed extremely well in the U16yrs and U18yrs Finals respectively. Both these young men have bright futures ahead.

The Auckland Referees Association have formed a sound working relationship with the NSW Referees and have sent some of their younger referees to Sydney to officiate games in the Aus- tralian environment and gain valuable experience. Some of these referees Anthony Eliott, Derek Pennie and Issac Neary were selected to referee in the NZRL Provincial Competitions and all ap- pear to have bright futures.

Recently we approached our retired Test Referees, Dennis Hale, Phil Houston, Glen Black and Dave Pakieto with a view to using them to develop our up and coming people. All have given of their time in 2009 and feedback has been very positive regarding their influence with our develop- ing referees. This group has huge experience at the highest levels and are all willing to mentor our high performing referees in their careers now and in the future. NZRL is very grateful for their input and look forward to their contribution again in 2010 when our referees will have many increased opportunities for development and progression through our pathways.

Excerpt: LEAGUE EXPRESS - UK’s weekly Independent Rugby League Newspaper. ‘MAILBAG’ — 2nd November 2009 “BRING BACK LEON—After watching the England v France game last Friday, I would like to make a request to the RFL. Please sack all the current Super League referees and replace them with the same amount of referees called Leon Williamson. Quite frankly that was the best piece of balanced, unbiased and professional displays of refereeing I have seen for a very long time. He was there to do a job, not to be the centre of attention. He only went to the screen for one decision as he had the courage in his ability to see what he saw and to give the correct decision as a consequence. He was up to the pace of the game and let it flow when it needed to flow and stopped it when it needed stopping, with- out all the usual histrionics we see week in and week out. I could go on but I won’t as I don’t want to embarrass all the current Super League referees. Come on Mr Cummings* get a grip. Well done to Leon, he is welcome back at any Super League game any time.

- Dave Hardaker, Hessle.” (*Reference to RFL Referees Manager, Stuart Cummings) COACHING CAPERS—by Dennis Ward

Since the last edition Manawatu has been active as have Auckland and Tasman. Not a misprint - TASMAN.

Manawatu, under the guidance Mike Haddon, moved away from the usual premises and con- ducted the Courses at Linton Barrack. The MGC course was unusual as a number of the candi- dates were ‘conscripted’ by Mike and colleague ‘Pat’ Dennis, both Junior League enthusiasts, to work in the schools under their guidance. This younger brigade will attack the local primary schools employing the coaching principles from the MGC.

It was a long but good weekend. Well worthwhile.

Any young and aspiring coaches interested in the coaching caper contact Mike on 021 022 56061 or try Manawatu RL at Manawatu at 06 364 8598.

Dan Floyd and the Auckland crew finalised their Senior Club Coach Course on 29th November. The course ran over three consectutive Sundays and candidates really put in with each day com- mencing at 8.00 am and finishing at 6.00 pm. Not over yet with assignments and assessments to come.

This was a quality Course added to by Warriors staff, , , John Ackland and the 2005 Brian McClennan coached Kiwi team psychologist Craig Lewis. Craig was in part re- sponible for the team’s catch word “Kaizen” which is Japanese and loosely means ‘continual im- provement’.

That first paragraph was right, an MGC in Nelson where Mick Sharp, formerly of the , is drumming up support for an invasion of the local primary schools. The schools programme addresses ages under 6 to under 11 years.

The first term, 2010, will see qualified RL Mini-Mod coaches visit schools and conduct ‘come and try’ days and coaching clinics. Second term features inter-school games.

Any Tasman-ians interested in expanding the programme, contact Mike Sharp on 021 141 6856 or Andrew Samuela on 027 249 0739 or you can email [email protected]

************ The NZ Rugby League has sound and ambitious plans. These are about the game, it’s welfare and growth. No players, no teams, no games – no games, nothing to play and no players. Games and competition for older kids is the stuff that turns the wheel. The presentation, image, brand, is the real product. Coaches guide the lot – their role is to improve the performance of players and of the team.

[Continued…] [Coaching Capers continued…]

The quality of the coach both as a person and a teacher of footy is the catalyst. Hence qualification, standards of work – quality assurance for the benefit of players and of the Game. The League’s priority is to lift the standard of coaches and of play and compulsory accreditation / qualification is the pathway. So con- tact your local Coaching & Development Officer or District Official and get into gear for 2010… Coaching - Be a part of it and the future.

**********

SNIPPETS:

Just a reminder, to be eligible for coaching, Course candidates to coach Mini-Mod must have attained the age of 16 years, for IGC – have turned 18 years and for entry into the SCC must hold IGC status and have coached a team under those principles for two seasons.

***********

The year is almost up and over the 2009 period 417 coaches have gained accreditation status in one of the three Courses offered by the League. Congratulations to all. **********

Sporting Life Magazine, July 1948, interview with Dally Messenger – famous for Baskiville’s All Golds Team to the UK in 1907/08.

Messenger, reputed to be the greatest player of all time. Dally “tells his secrets of football” during an interview with W F Corbett, iconic Australian Rugby League journalist.

“You can coach as much as you like, but players trying to concentrate on instruction on the field will spoil their natural game. The Captain should have sole control on the field. A player in first grade should know the game or be in the seconds. Coaches are alright for babies, but not men with brains”.

Dally at age 65 years. How things have changed, but then Messenger was one of the great indi- viduals of the game with that rare natural ability for brilliant instinctive play.

Source: Wayne McDonald-Sunborn. Auckland. ARL High Performance Coach.

Have a Safe and Happy Christmas – From the Coaching Desk. COMMUNITY PROGRAMMES by Dain Guttenbeil

36 LeagueSmart workshops were conducted around the country and 7 First Aid Officer courses were held where the LeagueSmart Workshop were also delivered.

A total of 574 people attended the LeagueSmart workshops in 2009 and received the LeagueS- mart resources.

The LeagueSmart workshops are a vital part of improving our player preparation and develop- ment for the sport of Rugby League and in turn in reducing injuries throughout the season.

We achieved a 7% reduction in injuries compared with the previous Rugby League Season.

Based on ACC injury statistics our major injury areas continue to be: 1Knee, 2.Shoulder, 3.Ankle, 4.Wrist and Hand, 5.Head and Neck.

Resources aiming to strengthen these areas and prevent injuries will be provided by the NZRL. These will be available on the NZRL website www.nzrl.co.nz and through the LeagueSmart work- shops in 2010.

Of significant concern in the 2009 season has been an increase in head and neck injuries of 18%, and dental injuries a 36% increase.

Mouth Guards MUST BE WARN IN ALL MATCHES AT ALL GRADES!! Only the NZRL may grant exemptions to the NZRL mouth Guard Policy on the basis of recommendation from a certified Dental specialist. Not a General Practioner (family Doctor).

2010 the LeagueSmart workshops will be redeveloped for the needs of our sport. It is clear one thing we do need is to get more people attending the workshops and in particular those in interna- tional rules grades!!! The LeagueSmart Workshops are a vital way for us to directly assist our community in how we are delivering our game to our people.

Attendance at a LeagueSmart workshop is to become a mandatory requirement for all coaches managers and trainers across all grades from 2010. Each attendee will receive a LeagueSmart license for a period of two years, this license will need to be held as a requirement of all coach, manager and trainer accreditations by the NZRL. A current LeagueSmart license will also provide our people with access to exclusive resources relating to our game. Those who have attended a LeagueSmart Workshop in 2009 will soon be receiving these licenses in the post or via your dis- trict and club.

[Continued…] [Community Programmes continued…]

NZRL Trainer Scheme

After the success of the inaugural year of delivery of the new NZRL trainer scheme, this will be rolled out on a larger scale to all NZRL zones.

The FAO level accreditation is a one day course, covering LeagueSmart, Sports First Aid and Ba- sics in Sports Strapping. The National Trainer Level course will be rolled out alongside the FAO accreditation 2010, this course looks to step our trainers from the provision of the necessary care of players to player development and performance.

The Draft Calendar is as below: For interest in these courses you may email your district or make contact with the NZRL Community Programmes Manager: [email protected] for more detail.

Table 1: NZRL & NNZ FAO & National Trainer Calendar 2010

Date City Course Venue Host

Sunday 17/1/10 Christchurch FAO/SPT MED Lincoln University NNZ

Saturday 30/1/10 Wellington FAO/SPT MED Pelorus House? NZRL

Sunday 31/1/10 Wellington National Trainer Pelorus House? NZRL

Sunday 20/2/10 New Plymouth FAO/SPT MED TSB Stadium NNZ

Saturday 20/2/10 Taranaki FAO/SPT MED Sport Taranaki? NZRL

Sunday 21/2/09 Taranaki National Trainer TBA NZRL

Sunday 21/2/10 Palmerston North FAO/SPT MED Sport Manawatu NNZ

Saturday 27/2/10 Christchurch FAO/SPT MED Rugby League Park NZRL

COMPETITIONS UPDATE by Kevin Bailey—Competitions Commissioner

Competitions Structures Review: th A further meeting of the Competitions Review Committee was held on the 10 December at NZRL Head Office to discuss the draft competitions calendar put forward at the previous meeting plus any alterations that might be beneficial to the competitions structures.

Each topic on the competitions calendar was fully discussed and a number of alterations were raised as means of improvement to some of the competitions. Due to these alterations it was decided that a revised calendar, including theses alteration be r- drafted and submitted to each of the members for final sign off prior to a presentation to the District Leagues. Once again the meeting was extremely positive with full participation from all of the members.

Note: You are reminded that the cut off date for submissions in regard to the proposed rule changes to the mini, mod and junior grades close on the 14th December.

With the end of the year looming and 2010 just around the corner, Districts will be planning their own competitions for next year and inevitably this requires an understanding of the format. With the amount of off field re- form currently underway and the scope of the competitions review process that has recently commenced, it is NZRL's intention that the basic national competi- tion structure will be the same as the 2009 format. This will allow NZRL and the Districts to proceed with budgeting and logistical planning for 2010 with any sig- nificant change not expected to be an issue before 2011. HIGH PERFORMANCE UPDATE by Tony Kemp— High Performance Director

The NZRL Kiwis team management recently conducted a study tour through the UK, benchmark- ing best practise for High Performance at organisations such as Manchester United, Blackburn Rovers and the England Rugby Football Union.

Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers Football Clubs We had extensive guided tours of Manchester United’s Carrington training facility and Blackburn Rovers training facility. We had an initial power point presentation which provided a summary of their sports science and to a lesser degree their sports medicine programme. Some key learning’s were:

• Manchester United have a very impressive special- ised fitness testing room, for measuring strength, fitness and a variety of other measures of fatigue and hydration.

• An impressive involvement of sports scientists in both the short term (monitoring fitness and training load and response to training and games) and the long term (essentially looking at key performance indicators for player development and youth player selection).

• The club had a clear “business plan” for its sports science and sports medicine programme.

• Another useful tool was a treadmill with a skirt that goes around the athlete which is zipped on and air pressure pumped up so the athlete can run in a fairly normal fashion with less load – e.g. only 20 % of their body weight. They have athletes with ACL repairs running in 3

weeks using this treadmill.

• During training sessions the players are connected to heart rate monitors during training, the results of which can be viewed in real time in the medical room, so training loads can be monitored.

England Community programmes run by the English rugby union were looked at and information gathered for the benefit of the NZRL. These were assessed primarily for the benefit of Dain Guttenbeil’s Community Development Programme and relevant information will be passed on to him as part of the comprehensive tour report. NZRL will constantly seek to benchmark against and learn from best practice models within Rugby League and beyond our code. The insights gained will be shared across the organisation to ensure that all programme areas benefit from this process of continuous improvement. LEAGUE COMMUNITY NOTICE BOARD

DISTRICT LEAGUES

Two districts have recently held elections and confirmed new board appointments.

Coastline Rugby League have confirmed the appointment of Paul Pou as Chairman, replacing the long serving Peter McKinnon, who passed away earlier this year. Paul has a long history of involvement in Rugby League commencing in Northland as a 5 year old before club stints in Auckland and the Bay of Plenty including representative honours in the Lion Red and Bartercard Cups. Paul has subsequently resettled in Tauranga to work and raise a family, maintaining his involvement via the Te Paamu and Otumoetai clubs. Joining Paul as Vice Chairman is former Wellington Coaching & Development Manager, Tony Lajpold.

Waikato Rugby League held its AGM on the 8th of December, confirming the district’s first all female Executive Committee. This includes President Mrs Carol Lawrence,

Secretary Mrs Robyn Hughes and Treasurer Mrs Hine Tawhara.

Two districts farewell staff at the end of 2009. Taranaki Rugby League’s General Manager Sasho Stosic has elected to embark on an O.E. adventure to further his personal and professional development. Development Officer (and former Kiwi tough guy) Jerry Seuseu is moving on to commit more time to family and other business interests. Jerry has also taken up a new opportunity with the Warriors, where he will take up the role of Education & Welfare Manager. wishes them all the best.

OBITUARY

New Zealand Rugby League Life Member William Little (Bill) Nesbitt passed away peacefully at Thames Hospital on the 8th of December 2009 in his 91st year. Bill was the dearly loved husband for the past 56 years of Margaret (Maggie), much loved Dad of Wayne & Marlene, Jan & Vic, William & Melody, Christine and cherished Granddad of 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. NZRL offers its sincere condolences to them all.

Please forward any relevant news or notices to [email protected] or fax to (09) 525 5596

PARTNERS PAGE

New Zealand Rugby League wishes to thank the following for their support and wishes them a safe and enjoyable festive season and a prosperous New Year.