General 2013 National Premiership And Secondary School Rugby League

[ramraider78]

NZRL cannot stop schools wanting to take part in the nationals and there are many wildcards for schools that don't play rugby league or have rugby league comps in their province. Nearly all the schools outside of Auckland in the national competition this year don't played in a school rugby league comp and had wildcards entry as long they have a team.
I've heard all those rumours about the parents many times but none of them are true as I said all those schools you mention and others have been told by the their headmasters/schools to find coaches, insurances and kids willing to participate and go for it. Some parents and rugby league fans often threaten to go to the media or spread rumours when the kids they wanted for their RL team decided pick 1st XV(school) and their RL clubs as their choice of footy ahead of school RL.
There is this rugby league mentality that because someones parents or a few kids at school wants to play rugby league the school has to make sure it provides them that choice even if they don't have the resources or the players. Many sports are in the schools now days all because they work hard and provided coaches and volunteers to help spread the sport. Thank goodness the Warriors have come on board and and show the NZRL & ARL how its done like many school sports now on offer in many schools. Its time RL stop this victim mentality and move on because the sport will speaks for itself.
The Tongan church RL comp is a pub team comp compare to the Tongan union comp in Auckland, North Harbour and Counties Manukau which is funded by the Auckland rugby union and rep teams often take on ITM cup and Heartlands during pre-season games and a NZ Tongan team take on their Australian counterpart.

With DLS we offered our best junior coach last year whatever equipment they needed, come up to the club rooms to use them if they need it, the chairperson approached the principal, offered to see the BOT, but still no luck - the union network in the background amongst the teachers poured cold water on the idea, without naming those teachers who I haven't met but the boys have told me at the club the same names every time are opposed to the idea;

I'll say this because it came from the NZRL counties GM that they wouldn't let South Auckland have to many schools enter the nationals due to the popularity of the comp over the past few years, they had to let other areas of Auckland have some entries, - NZRL stopped DLS this year because they didn,t field a 1st 13 team in the Warriors cup, one way to get them to come on board with the Warriors cup IMO.

The Warriors have come up with the concept of the Warriors cup but how much money are they putting into it? I know ARL have put in 100k and you see them doing there bit out at the fields, but what does wayne and co do?

 

[Mt Albert Lions]

With DLS we offered our best junior coach last year whatever equipment they needed, come up to the club rooms to use them if they need it, the chairperson approached the principal, offered to see the BOT, but still no luck - the union network in the background amongst the teachers poured cold water on the idea, without naming those teachers who I haven't met but the boys have told me at the club the same names every time are opposed to the idea;

I'll say this because it came from the NZRL counties GM that they wouldn't let South Auckland have to many schools enter the nationals due to the popularity of the comp over the past few years, they had to let other areas of Auckland have some entries, - NZRL stopped DLS this year because they didn,t field a 1st 13 team in the Warriors cup, one way to get them to come on board with the Warriors cup IMO.

The Warriors have come up with the concept of the Warriors cup but how much money are they putting into it? I know ARL have put in 100k and you see them doing there bit out at the fields, but what does wayne and co do?

Before you point the finger at teachers at DLS let me assure you most of the Pacific Islands teachers at DLS are former rugby league players including the 1st XV coach who have had long careers in the game at amateur and seniors level. This are the same teachers who turn up at school wearing their NRL colours whenever their teams are in the finals. And DLS been a largely a Pacific Island school you won't find many old boys who aren't fans of rugby league but are also very proud of its 1st XV just like the MAGS alumni as well. There are ways to get this through DLS and approach the principle is one. lets not listen to students as I found out some students have a way of screwing up a story when they don't selected for certain school; teams.
I was at the RL school meeting two years ago on behalf of MAGS and we all agreed with the NZRL that the national school champs wasn't going to be an all Auckland/Manukau affair and that some places will be made available for schools from other provinces and rugby schools like Grammar and so on. Its a great way for the ARL to encourages schools like DLS to take part in the Warriors Cup but lets not make a fuss if DLS decided not to field a team in the future if it couldn't come up with a team due to its rugby union commitments as its the case with Kelston and other schools a few years back.
The Warriors Cup has gave school RL the icing on the cake it needed as the Warriors have had a good relationship with all Auckland schools including the private union ones. The Warriors have finance not only the Warriors Cup but also the North Harbour school RL comp and got its current and former players to help in coaching and clinics through out Auckland. I've seen enough headaches from the ARL and local RL clubs not helping schools out in the 70's, 80's and early 90's but thanks to the Warriors the clubs and now the ARL is jumping on the bandwagon which is good to see and great for the game.

 

[ramraider78]

Before you point the finger at teachers at DLS let me assure you most of the Pacific Islands teachers at DLS are former rugby league players including the 1st XV coach who have had long careers in the game at amateur and seniors level. This are the same teachers who turn up at school wearing their NRL colours whenever their teams are in the finals. And DLS been a largely a Pacific Island school you won't find many old boys who aren't fans of rugby league but are also very proud of its 1st XV just like the MAGS alumni as well. There are ways to get this through DLS and approach the principle is one. lets not listen to students as I found out some students have a way of screwing up a story when they don't selected for certain school; teams.
I was at the RL school meeting two years ago on behalf of MAGS and we all agreed with the NZRL that the national school champs wasn't going to be an all Auckland/Manukau affair and that some places will be made available for schools from other provinces and rugby schools like Grammar and so on. Its a great way for the ARL to encourages schools like DLS to take part in the Warriors Cup but lets not make a fuss if DLS decided not to field a team in the future if it couldn't come up with a team due to its rugby union commitments as its the case with Kelston and other schools a few years back.
The Warriors Cup has gave school RL the icing on the cake it needed as the Warriors have had a good relationship with all Auckland schools including the private union ones. The Warriors have finance not only the Warriors Cup but also the North Harbour school RL comp and got its current and former players to help in coaching and clinics through out Auckland. I've seen enough headaches from the ARL and local RL clubs not helping schools out in the 70's, 80's and early 90's but thanks to the Warriors the clubs and now the ARL is jumping on the bandwagon which is good to see and great for the game.

I've played with some of those teachers you mention and we still have loads of old boys an head boys playing at the club, so I know the connection is strong but with 2x nephews at the school and loads of hawks juniors that I speak with , they mention those same names that are opposed to league - they ain't making this stuff up;we offer all the resources gear, coaching, facilities and spoke to the principal last year but still you've got that pro union group in the back ground derailing it, so what's the excuse now for DLS? Kelston seriously must of had a re think over union because I was surprised how well they went in the Warriors cup being a staunch union school.

Don't know if auckland rugby league clubs fully support putting 100k of there money into the warriors cup without there say so because I hear the counties clubs had issues with it, especially when it's not disclosed how much the warriors put in financially.

 

[slaughterhouse.sa]

I've played with some of those teachers you mention and we still have loads of old boys an head boys playing at the club, so I know the connection is strong but with 2x nephews at the school and loads of hawks juniors that I speak with , they mention those same names that are opposed to league - they ain't making this stuff up;we offer all the resources gear, coaching, facilities and spoke to the principal last year but still you've got that pro union group in the back ground derailing it, so what's the excuse now for DLS? Kelston seriously must of had a re think over union because I was surprised how well they went in the Warriors cup being a staunch union school.

Don't know if auckland rugby league clubs fully support putting 100k of there money into the warriors cup without there say so because I hear the counties clubs had issues with it, especially when it's not disclosed how much the warriors put in financially.

Well its better ARL putting 100k into schoolboys - I would like to actually know what that went to.

The biggest thing for me - is that the Warriors brought some attention and interest in the competition.
I watched the competition through the media they generated - videos etc.
They even got it coverage on sky sport.

I watched the school competition a few years back - it was appauling - some talent there but played in front of nobody with no refs etc.
Nobody knew about it.

As Mt Albert has stated at the end of the day - its the schools, coaches, players that will rise the standard and interest. So totally agree with him there - re: needing good people involved

 

[PolarBob]

Would just like to thank the contributors to this and the other local league topics. Great reading.

 

[Mt Albert Lions]

I've played with some of those teachers you mention and we still have loads of old boys an head boys playing at the club, so I know the connection is strong but with 2x nephews at the school and loads of hawks juniors that I speak with , they mention those same names that are opposed to league - they ain't making this stuff up;we offer all the resources gear, coaching, facilities and spoke to the principal last year but still you've got that pro union group in the back ground derailing it, so what's the excuse now for DLS? Kelston seriously must of had a re think over union because I was surprised how well they went in the Warriors cup being a staunch union school.

Don't know if auckland rugby league clubs fully support putting 100k of there money into the warriors cup without there say so because I hear the counties clubs had issues with it, especially when it's not disclosed how much the warriors put in financially.

In any schools in New Zealand the old boys doesn't have an influence at all in regards to school sports or affairs as I witness at MAGS when their views and opinion didn't stop MAGS from going CoEd. The principal and current board of trustees is your best bet and they can't say no to any sports as long as you have the coaches, players and a comp. Has anyone notice the amount of new sports in schools now days even Samoan cricket has been around since late 90's. What has your club president said about his or her meetings with DLS principal because he or she will have an idea what the principals has request or proposed. Have you guys done a follow up after your meetings from last year and so on?
Kelston rugby league team has never had issues with its union teams as long as there are enough rugby league kids and those who aren't involve in the 1st XV (2nd XV, under16-15) to make a team is all good and the same goes for MAGS and DLS. This is why I said Kelston and MAGS have done well in rugby league with some of their best been tie up in their main union team while St Paul's don't have that problem as their main focus is now league in winter. For the three union schools I've mention and others you cannot expect rugby league to be their main winter code focus as there is to much history and tradition for that to happen but it will take time. Maybe in time like St Pauls the main reason why league is the main sport there was the lack of trophy's it won in union and the rest is history as they said.
The Warriors have put in money as well as offering scholarship and contracts.

 

[ramraider78]

In any schools in New Zealand the old boys doesn't have an influence at all in regards to school sports or affairs as I witness at MAGS when their views and opinion didn't stop MAGS from going CoEd. The principal and current board of trustees is your best bet and they can't say no to any sports as long as you have the coaches, players and a comp. Has anyone notice the amount of new sports in schools now days even Samoan cricket has been around since late 90's. What has your club president said about his or her meetings with DLS principal because he or she will have an idea what the principals has request or proposed. Have you guys done a follow up after your meetings from last year and so on?
Kelston rugby league team has never had issues with its union teams as long as there are enough rugby league kids and those who aren't involve in the 1st XV (2nd XV, under16-15) to make a team is all good and the same goes for MAGS and DLS. This is why I said Kelston and MAGS have done well in rugby league with some of their best been tie up in their main union team while St Paul's don't have that problem as their main focus is now league in winter. For the three union schools I've mention and others you cannot expect rugby league to be their main winter code focus as there is to much history and tradition for that to happen but it will take time. Maybe in time like St Pauls the main reason why league is the main sport there was the lack of trophy's it won in union and the rest is history as they said.
The Warriors have put in money as well as offering scholarship and contracts.

That's all good but reality is the figures are never released, we all know about the scholarships and contracts but it's not hard to provide a financial break down - the Warriors brand alone is priceless but with grass roots clubs struggling putting in a 100k is a bit much if that is the true figure which some speculate is a lot higher as is the Vulcans situation.

Just a question Mt Albert Lions , you actually involved with the club? just asking because they are leading the charge for change in ARL.

 

[Mt Albert Lions]

I was very involved with Mt Albert Lions especially at their junior club when it was based at Hendon park but my time now is mainly spend between helping Pacific Island kids in Auckland high schools and MAGS union & league academy as well as helping admin both sports and touch rugby for ASB College Sports. I know a lot of RL clubs struggling but i don't understand why ARL with all its millions aren't helping or give out more funds to all the clubs. Its like the ARL are a separate identity to the clubs but the clubs are the one who is suppose to be the major shareholders in ARL. Its a bit hard to swallow really when that money from Carlaw Park sale and lease belongs to the clubs to fund and to invest accordingly.

 

[mt.wellington]

I was very involved with Mt Albert Lions especially at their junior club when it was based at Hendon park but my time now is mainly spend between helping Pacific Island kids in Auckland high schools and MAGS union & league academy as well as helping admin both sports and touch rugby for ASB College Sports. I know a lot of RL clubs struggling but i don't understand why ARL with all its millions aren't helping or give out more funds to all the clubs. Its like the ARL are a separate identity to the clubs but the clubs are the one who is suppose to be the major shareholders in ARL. Its a bit hard to swallow really when that money from Carlaw Park sale and lease belongs to the clubs to fund and to invest accordingly.

Always amazes me how the ARL never distributes the funds from the Carlaw Park lease. They don't even release a financial statement so no one knows how much is in the kitty and what its being spent on? Its meant to be millions by what most rumours are saying but it could very well be only in the tens of thousands. No one knows? Do the clubs get any support from them at all? The only thing I can see is the junior galas they hold and the odd coaching clinic but thats hardly going to break the bank.

This has been the status quo for yeeeeears. Its a pity that Jim Doyle, once done with the NZRL, didnt also pull apart the old boys fat cat club at the ARL. Things wont change till the clubs demand change. The biggest issue IMO is that most clubs cant put aside their petty rivalry to stand as one on this issue. Every club I have ever had a beer in sings off the same broken record. They're all pretty much running off the smell of an oily rag but because the rivalry, jealousy or one upmanship we just cant seem to get everyone around the same table. I know many attempts have been made. Most are just pulling through thanks to sponsorship from old boys who are still very much active in the club life but with the way players are transferring on a near yearly basis these days this revenue stream will die out out. The modern game doesn't really foster loyalty does it?

The other thing is if clubs have good local businesses around but those are getting few and far between these days. If you can get a voucher off them for prizegiving or raffling then you've done well. If all that fails then its time to take the knife to the teams. What shall we have this year? 3 U6 teams or 1 team and a Reserve Grade? Do we go heavy on the juniors or the Premz?

From what I hear Mt Albert Lions, its Mt. Albert themselves that are the biggest hurdle. Truth is without them, the other clubs dont really stand a chance. Whether other clubs can admit it or not, they hold the balance of power. So Ive been told anyway...