NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2010

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1 NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY Player of the Year Adam Blair makes sure the Kiwis opposition knows exactly who they re facing. In this edition, see what NZRL is doing to ensure the next batch of Kiwi hopefuls, feel just as proud of this emblem and its heritage... What s In This Issue Pages 2: Update from CEO Jim Doyle PageS 3-5: Football Department Update Page 6: Marketing, Sponsorship & Communication Page 7: Community Notice Board Pages 8: Canterbury News Page 9: Northcote Tigers Centenary Nines Page 10: Zone General Manager Advertisements Page 11: Flight Centre ANZAC Test deals 1

2 Update from NZRL CEO Jim Doyle - February 2010 We continue to make positive progress against our Game Plan, as the start of the football season looms. February marked the arrival of our new Marketing and Sponsorship Manager Trina Tamati and by the beginning of March, Communications Officer Philippa Ivory had also joined the team. NZRL s ability to communicate more effectively with our stakeholders will be a key focus of this very important department. Another significant milestone was the community camp conducted in Christchurch on 27 February. This was the first opportunity for the new football department to engage at the coal face, delivering the revised Mini-Mod certificate course to local volunteers while also providing training to regional development personnel for the roll out in their respective areas. A summary of the event is covered in the football report. At the other end of the scale, the Kooga Elite Roots Camp conducted in Sydney recently was the first opportunity for Football manager Tony Kemp and High Performance Manager Ruben Wiki to gather the most promising Kiwi talent currently based in Sydney. Along with the community camps, this concept will continue to be refined as a critical part of the strategy serving Game Development and International Success objectives at either end of the pathway. While a variety of factors made it impractical to stage a 2009 awards event, the top performers from last year were acknowledged with the announcement of the annual award winners. Congratulations to Adam Blair for deservedly sweeping the voting for Player of the Year and also to Kiwi debutant Junior Sau, named Rookie of the Year. I m sure all would agree that these two players personify the exciting mix of leadership and potential that characterised the 2009 Kiwis. For those concerned about the lack of a formal awards event, please note that we intend to return to an end of year format as a more logical conclusion to the season. As we work toward the 100th birthday of NZRL marked by its 101st AGM at the end of March, it was very pleasing to announce a positive financial result for the 2009 year. The $158,000 profit announced in February represents the first annual surplus for the organisation since Added to this result was the later confirmation from SPARC that a substantial long term funding commitment would be made to Rugby League. The $3M allocated to NZRL over the next three years represents a record commitment from government to Rugby League in this country and is a clear sign of the confidence that is being restored in the game and the organisation. This confirmation from SPARC now allows us to push forward positively with the next stage of reform. This includes the expansion of programmes like those mentioned earlier, but also very importantly allows us to rebuild regional capability. The first tangible evidence of this has been the start of the recruitment process for Zone General Managers. We will work closely with Zone Boards to identify the best people for these roles before turning our attention to the recruitment of Coaching and Development Officers. The distribution of development staff will be determined to some extent by further discussion with local funding and delivery partners. Plenty on, but plenty still to do - Stay tuned. Jim 2 2

3 FROM THE FOOTBALL DEPT Coaching & Development By Daniel Floyd The first Community camp was conducted in Christchurch on 27 th February with 16 attendees put through the new Mini Mod certificate, aimed at up skilling people in all aspects of Mini Mod Football (coach, manager, trainer, referee). Also 5 District Coaching and Development officers were trained to run the course in their own areas (Len Reid BOP, Te Wairau CANTERBURY, Keith Hanley Auckland, Alan Jackson Taranaki, Alex Smits Wellington). There was great feedback from co-ordinators Alex Smits from Wellington said Great opportunity for people from around the country to come together and share our experiences and pass on knowledge, The new Mini mod course was short and concise and covers everything that a coach that is new to the game needs to coach mini mods We also had very good feedback from many of the locals who attended the course, most of whom suggested they had some new and useful tools to take back to their clubs. Both this course and the International Games Course are now being run around the country for more info or contact details of your local deliverer contact me at dan@nzrl.co.nz or text Daniel Floyd runs the course (Above) while regional development staff observe. (Right) L-R Alan Jackson, Keith Hanley, Len Reid & Alex Smits. Approximately 80 kids also participated in a skills and drills session run by NZRL Community Programmes Manager, Dain Guttenbeil and local coordinators. All participants received a NZRL bag containing a mouth guard, posters and various other nick-nacks. Coach Education Update 2 Year validation for all Coaching certificates now in place. All current accreditations will expire as of March Upon expiry coaches have the option of: A refresher course required for those still coaching at the same level OR Re-sit the full course OR Sit the course for the next level in the coaching pathway. NZRL will send out all coaches a reminder about the accreditation lapsing explaining their simple options to up date their accreditation. This will allow us to keep all coaches up to date with any changes in the game while maintaining good communication lines with those that are delivering the game to our players. We are also evaluating the current coaching pathway with a goal of implementing a new structure that will assist all coaches at every level from those that want some guidance and drills for the juniors through to those with aspirations to one day coach the kiwis. 3

4 REFS CALL Ian Mackintosh National Referees Coordinator The key focus for NZRL referees this month has been the involvement of all National Referee Associations in support of development of the Mini-Mod game. The introduction of Educational Grades during the past two decades saw Schoolboy Refereeing Associations combined with the Senior Associations and subsequently officiating of the Mini-Mod game has been largely left to those actively engaged in those levels of the game as coaches, managers or even supportive parents. There is no desire to change that situation but as we re-connect to the kids game through the community camps around the country, we are expecting all national Referee Coordinators to upskill themselves and their referees on the rules of the junior games, including the safe play code. This will position coordinators well to firstly support those refereeing at these levels and secondly to provide a conduit for recruitment of entry level officials to progress to higher levels of refereeing. Elite Roots Camp Kiwi coach Stephen Kearney, captain Benji Marshall and seven other former internationals will run the first KooGa Junior Elite Roots Camp for 40 selected Sydney-based New Zealand-eligible players tomorrow. Joining Kearney and Marshall for the one-day camp at Parramatta Stadium will be 2008 World Cup-winning captain Nathan Cayless and two other former skippers in world record-holding Ruben Wiki and Roy Asotasi plus Tony Kemp, Tawera Nikau, David Kidwell and Mark Horo. Coach Kearney addresses a new generation of potential Kiwis. Organised by New Zealand Rugby League football manager Kemp and high performance manager Wiki, the KooGa Junior Elite Roots Camp Twenty10 has been set up to help young players of the future identify with their New Zealand heritage. (continued) 4

5 What does the jersey mean?... Ask the man who has played more tests for his country than anyone else in the game. What we re trying to do is to capture Kiwi hearts, said Kemp. In some cases these players were born in New Zealand but have been raised in Australia while others were born in Australia but have New Zealand heritage. Some of the invited players have played NYC football, others are playing in junior grades. We want them to be really aware of their Kiwi roots and we want them to know that New Zealand has a big interest in them. Kearney said the aim of the day was to offer the young players a glimpse into the world of our elite kiwi players. The opening topic for the camp was Our identity who are we and what do we represent? The other former players all contributed as well with modern-day internationals Marshall, Asotasi and Cayless talking about what it means to wear the Kiwi jersey while Marshall and Cayless will also relate their experiences of growing up in Australia. Some of the best young Kiwi prospects in the NRL, rub shoulders with Kiwi captains past & present (...& future?). 5

6 MARKETING, SPONSORSHIP & COMMUNICATION By Trina Tamati After being away for the better part of 10 years, my family and I knew that it was going to take something pretty darn special to get me to move back to New Zealand. Even after accepting the role of Marketing & Sponsorship Manager I still couldn t quite get my head around the fact that we were finally coming home. Now, with just under one month behind me, it strangely feels like I never actually left. The past few weeks have been a time for settling in and catching up on everything that is currently on the go. The weeks ahead will be all about bedding down this year s brand marketing strategy and communications plans, locking in a few key sponsors and overhauling our NZRL website with Philippa, our new Communications Officer (Pictured below). And, things will only pick up more throughout March as we support more of our zones with their community camps, hold our AGM and knuckle down to plan our ANZAC test and four nations marketing activity. Thankfully the pace at which everyone buzzes around the office here is infectious. The passion is inspiring, the fervour invigorating and I still have to pinch myself every so often, to remind me this is reality. Being part of such an integral growth phase - for a game that is played such a huge part of my life - is nothing short of the perfect reason to be home. 6

7 LEAGUE COMMUNITY NOTICE BOARD Canterbury News From CRL General Manager Graeme Sole Pre-season tournament, the Baby Bulls programme and Primary School Competition dates (page 8). Northcote Tigers Centenary Season Launch Tigers Nines Invitational. The Northcote & Birkenhead Rugby League Club was sparked to life in 1910 when a break away group from the North Shore Rugby Club formed the Northcote Ramblers Northern Union Club. The Tigers as they are now known, launched their centenary season with an Invitational Nines Tournament held on Saturday 6th of March (page 9). The recruitment process for five Zone General Managers commenced recently. A copy of the advertisement is attached on page 10. Applications close, 22 March Flight Centre is offering special deals for fans wanting to see the Kiwis take on the Kangaroos in the ANZAC Test in Melbourne on May 7 (page 11). Please forward any relevant news or notices to philippa@nzrl.co.nz or fax to (09)

8 Canterbury News Pre-season tournament The High Speed Doors pre-season tournament kicks off on Friday night, 12 March. All teams are playing at Rugby League Park with the first round winners progressing to the semifinals the following week. The losers go into the semi-finals of the Racecourse Hotel Plate, so all teams are guaranteed at least two games. The tournament culminates in a finals night on Friday 26 March. The draw for Round 1 is: Linwood Keas v Aranui Eagles Riccarton Knights v Papanui Tigers Northern Bulldogs v Celebration Lions Hornby Panthers v Halswell Hornets Baby Bulls holiday programme The ever popular Baby Bulls holiday programme will take place again in the April school holidays. In January, we had a few from the West Coast taking part and already there have been inquiries from the Coasters as to the timing of the next programme which will be run from 12 to 16 April. The programme covers basic nutrition and skills, including passing, tackling and kicking. Anyone wanting to take part in the next programme should contact Te Wairau, the CRFL Development Officer coaching@crfl.co.nz Year 5 and 6 Primary Schools Tournament Will be held this year on Wednesday 24 March. Entries are being called for at present. 8

9 NORTHCOTE TIGERS CENTENARY - INVITATIONAL NINES TOURNAMENT Invitations were extended initially to all other clubs in the country carrying the Tigers moniker with Northland s Moerewa Tigers, and Wellington s Upper Hutt Tigers joining three Northcote teams, ensuring a strong Tiger theme for the day. The Tournament also included Northland s Takahiwai Warriors and a local twist in the form of the Northcote Rugby club. Given the Tigers origins and the close cross-code community links with Northcote Rugby, it was fitting that their shared heritage was celebrated in this way. Pool play commenced at 9am with light rain, but this was soon replaced with brilliant sunshine matching the festival mood and the good spirit that all games were played in. Finals results were as follows: Cup Champion: Northcote Tigers Premiers Plate Champion: Upper Hutt Tigers Bowl Champion: Northcote Rugby Prior to the finals an Old-Boys friendly between the Northcote Tigers Masters and the Northcote Rugby Presidents provided more chuckles than tries for a good natured crowd that included Kiwi/Tigers Tom Hadfield, John O Sullivan & latest Tigers sensation Kevin Locke. O Sullivan (tournament match manager) also claimed dual Tiger heritage, having coached Upper Hutt to a Wellington club final in Playing for him at that time was the coach of the visiting Upper Hutt 9s team, Tyrone Paikea. A great way to start what will be a big year for the Tigers, with the main centenary celebrations scheduled for Queens Birthday weekend. Follow it all at Northland s Moerewa Tigers proudly fly the flag. Amongst the fans enjoying the football and the sunshine were local legends, Fue brothers John (far left) and Peter (second from right). Upper Hutt Tigers hard on attack against the Northcote Tigers set against the Tiger country backdrop of Birkenhead. 9

10 More than just a game After becoming Rugby League World Champions in 2008, New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) embarked on the most significant reform of the game in its 100 year history in this country. This was in response to the findings of an Independent Review conducted during 2008, with the resulting recommendations endorsed and adopted by NZRL s members in early While the key focus since that time has been strategic and structural reform at a national level, this focus has subsequently shifted to regional delivery structures. Seven new Zones have been formed to more effectively support and govern the existing network of district leagues and clubs across the country. The next critical stage of this process will be to appoint Zone General Managers. GENERAL MANAGERS (Five positions) Accountable to the Zone Board, the GM will also be responsible to the NZRL CEO for consistent delivery of the national Game Plan. As Zone Boards are primarily responsible for fostering the development of the game, the GM will assist them to develop a Zone Game Plan to support achievement of these national objectives within a regional context. To provide the level of leadership necessary to be successful in this role, the General Manager will possess the following attributes: An appreciation of the strategic issues facing sport and the potential for Rugby League to add value to the communities the game serves. The ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with diverse stakeholder groups including core membership, commercial partners and the wider community. A commitment to continuous improvement and an organisational culture where accountability to stakeholders is measured by achievement of clearly defined outcomes. Sound working knowledge of financial reporting and performance management processes in order to provide competent management of Zone operations. Able to maximise revenue generation opportunities via understanding of the sponsorship and/or funding sectors (marketing experience would be an advantage). A strong work ethic and willingness to roll your sleeves up to get the job done with limited resources. General Managers are sought for the following Zones: Northern (North Harbour / Northland) Ref: Z1GM Counties Manukau (Manukau / Papakura / Franklin) Ref: Z3GM Upper Central (Waikato / BOP / Coastline / Gisborne) Ref: Z4GM Mid Central (Taranaki / Manawatu / Hawkes Bay) Ref: Z5GM Southern (Tasman / West Coast / Canterbury / Otago / Southland) Ref: Z7GM These are expected to be hands on roles with the primary objective of developing the game in the geographic areas named. Experience and proven performance as a senior manager will be complimented by a management style that reflects Rugby League s core values of INTEGRITY, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP, COUR- AGE and PASSION. New Zealand Rugby League in conjunction with the Zone Boards now seeks applications for the vacancies listed above. Please quote the relevant reference number when forwarding your application in confidence to careers@nzrl.co.nz or addressed to Careers c/- PO Box Penrose, Auckland. Full job descriptions can be downloaded at / NZRL Team / Careers. Applications close Monday 22 nd March

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