
Rugby league took centre stage on the Nelson College front field last Saturday at the Future Warriors South Island development camp.
Twenty-five under-15 boys from across the Nelson and Tasman region took part in the sessions, which provided performance coaching and insight into the standards expected within the Warriors South Island pathway programme.
Southern Zone Rugby League, which is affiliated with the New Zealand Warriors, helped deliver the programme alongside Te Tauihu Rugby League. Former Warriors captain and Nelson College old boy, Simon Mannering, also supported the camp.
Southern Zone Rugby League general manager Zara Fa’avae-Mika was delighted with the turnout.
“Our partnership with the Warriors allows high quality development opportunities to reach our districts, which ensures young people in places like Nelson and Tasman can experience rugby league pathways while still remaining connected to their local communities.”
Oliver Etheredge took part in the sessions and loved being involved.
“It was an awesome training camp. It was great to practise core skills with people that knew their stuff. We also all got to wear Warriors kit when we played at the end, which was cool.”
As well as giving the boys a taste of rugby league at a top level, the camp also showcased the region’s talent. Seven boys who attended have been invited to the South Island under-15 Warriors match in Canterbury this weekend.