Warriors look for next local star

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Warriors look for next local star

All comers invited to attend open trial in Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand – 1 November 2000 - In a move designed to promote professional rugby league as well as identify new talent, New Zealand Warriors Limited is on the hunt for fresh talent and future stars. The club announced today that it will hold an open day trial in Auckland on Saturday, 11 November. The trial will be open to experienced league players between the ages of 17-25 from around the country.

New Warriors Coach, Daniel Anderson, said the trial will follow a similar format to those he has previously been involved with in Australia and is an ideal one-off way to get a high level overview of potential recruits for the club’s age and reserve grade sides.

“The commitment we have made is to take a fresh approach to building a successful club and not to allow the past to hold us back. That is why we are spreading our net as far and as wide as possible and giving players the opportunity to front up and demonstrate their form.”

The open trial will involve organising players into six teams according to size, weight and age in order to give players the best possible opportunity to show their ability. The games will be officiated by New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) referees and broken into even time periods to allow flexibility with regard to interchange. Anderson says, all players wishing to trial are asked to assemble at 10.00am at the Mount Albert Rugby League Club, Fowlds Park, Mount Albert.

Mick Watson, newly appointed General Manager, New Zealand Warriors Limited, said although the open trial system was new to New Zealand its success within the Australian NRL represented a significant opportunity for the club, players and the league public.

“This initiative is one that has worked well with a number of NRL clubs. It is about giving a go to everyone who’s prepared to front up. It’s about finding and signing new talent. It’s also part of a wider process to explore all opportunities to increase the bench strength of the club at all levels. And it’s about building stronger relationships with league clubs throughout the country.

“We are a professional club involved in a highly competitive business so the trial is not about people showing up with a pair of boots and taking the field. It will be a well-managed and highly structured event to ensure that anybody wishing to take part has a safe level of fitness and a high level of skill. Safety will be a key element of the day and we will have professional training and medical staff on hand to ensure it is a success.”

New Zealand Warriors Limited and the NZRL are working with clubs throughout the country to give all local talent a chance to be part of New Zealand’s NRL franchise. Gary Kemble, NZRL’s National Coaching and Development Manager, said his staff are excited about the opportunity to bridge their on-going development programmes with an initiative that provides a real chance to young players.

“The Mount Albert Club is absolutely thrilled to have been asked to help with the day. The New Zealand Warriors have our total support. With the logistical support of our clubs, and our combined knowledge of the local scene, we will provide Daniel Anderson with a foundation for building the future of his team,” said Kemble.

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