News

Very Positive Auckland Hearts Camp

The fifth in the on-going series of NZRL hearts camps was held in Auckland on Monday 16 August at Ellerslie Rugby League club. Selected players attended with the intention of trialling for positions in the Zones 15's and 17's teams which will compete in the new NZRL National Competition kick off 29 August. Unfortunately the weather conspired against them, with the grounds closed and the camp had to move its focus indoors.

Despite this the camp was considered a success by Auckland Zone General Manager Pat Carthy who said "This was an extremely successful event. The teams from the NZRL and Auckland Rugby League worked very hard to prepare and implement 'Plan B' at short notice. Moving everyone inside and focusing on the workshops worked well and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. It was a real positive to see so many parents there to support their sons and over 100 parents attended the drug and alcohol lecture along with the 60+players." 

Dan Floyd, NZRL Football Development Manager agreed "The original plan was to have the approx 30 players from each grade trial on field for selection to the Zone squads of 25. With the main ground closed we were forced to change our plans, so we put all the players through a basic battery / fitness test to give the selectors a snapshot as to where their players were at physically. This worked well for Auckland who had previously held trials to narrow the squads to 30. Then we brought them inside and completed the usual drug and alcohol workshop, we also took the opportunity to talk to them about player pathways and encouraged them to get to know the other players and members of the management team."

At the same time referees completed a session focused on preparation for the National Competition, and the coaches and managers did workshops with the same aim. The camp was rounded out with a shared meal.

The NZRL would like to thank the Ellerslie League club for their generous and efficient hosting of this event.

The Counties Manukau camp will be held Tuesday on 17 August and the final camp, for the Upper Central Zone, is to be held on 22 August.