Southern Zone Rugby League Staff
Liam Turner - General Manager
Liam is well known in the Rugby League circles, having served a valuable apprenticeship leading our Events and Club Capability programmes under the watchful eye and mentorship of former GM, Steve Martin, before moving into his current role. Liam is a genuine hard-working South Islander, who grew up on the family farm in Southland. He has roles as a rugby coach, a director of sports, a liaison specialist, and someone with a keen eye for detail and statistical data that can improve performance.
He has demonstrated in his Southern Zone role that he is a dedicated and passionate league enthusiast who is willing to engage, connect and listen to Clubs and Districts. He’s a people person who prefers to get out there and do it rather than sitting at the desk, and he is highly regarded by New Zealand Rugby League, and also has the support of the South Island community.
027 5466966
Sarah Taylor - Football Operations Manager
A Dunedin girl with a love for sport - playing, coaching and everything in between. She studied a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation Management at Lincoln University and has worked in a range of role across the sports industry since. Before joining Southern Zone Rugby League as Football Operations Manager, Sarah worked as Operations Manager for Kelly Sports Dunedin, and then as Regional Sports Director for Otago Secondary School Sports Assn.
Sarah is excited to bring her energy and experience to SZRL and help support growth of Rugby League within the Southern Zone.
027 601 4448
Oscar Anderson - Development Officer, Otago Rugby League
Oscar is an active Rugby League player for the Otago University Rugby Club and the Otago Whalers. He recently completed three years at Otago University, earning a degree in Sports Development and Management. With his passion for the game and a hardworking, dynamic skill set, Oscar is well-equipped to excel in this role. Oscar is committed to continuing the fantastic work being done in growing and supporting Rugby League across Otago.
oscar@nzrl.co.nz
021 08693018
Dominic Vercoe - Development Officer, Southland Rugby League
Dominic brings a wealth of rugby league experience, having played through the junior grades in Invercargill before representing both Southland and the Southern Zone Scorpions at age-grade representative tournaments. His rugby league journey then took him to Australia, where he competed at a high age grade level before returning home. He currently plays in the Southland senior men's competition and has also represented the Southland Rams in recent years. With a deep passion for rugby league and a strong skill set, Dominic is committed to developing and growing the game across the Southland region. His experience as a player and dedication to the sport will be invaluable in supporting grassroots initiatives, player development, and strengthening the rugby league community.
dominic@nzrl.co.nz
027 491625
Brogan Jackson - Development Officer, West Coast Rugby League
Brogan grew up on the West Coast and is very passionate about rugby league. He played for Suburbs and also represented West Coast from the junior grades all the way up to premiers. He then moved south to Dunedin, playing for Otago University and the Otago Whalers, before heading to the US for a stint in Florida playing for the Tampa Bay Mayhem.
Brogan has his own personal training business, which is based in Greymouth and we look forward to utilising his skill set. He will also be supporting the West Coast Sports Activator with other sports when required to continue the great collaboration between sports on the West Coast. Brogan is looking forward to developing our great game on the West Coast and helping junior athletes reach their full potential.
027 8296693
Emily Berry - West Coast Sports Activator, West Coast Rugby League
Emily grew up on a dairy farm on the West Coast and has always been involved in sports right through her primary and high school years. She played league for Waro Rakau up until the age of 13 before taking the whistle as a way of still being involved with the game she loves. In 2022, she travelled to Christchurch to play for the Burnham Chevaliers Women's team, which led to trialling and making it into the South Island Scorpions Under 18 side.
Emily joins the team as the West Coast Sports Activator. This role is led by Southern Zone Rugby League in collaboration with West Coast Hockey, Greymouth Touch and West Coast Tennis. She works alongside the West Coast Development Officer to create more opportunities for the upcoming athletes of the West Coast.
emily.sportsactivator@nzrl.co.nz
027 5831562
Phillip Benseman - Te Tauihu Rugby League Project Lead
Phillip has spent most of his life in Marlborough and played Rugby League at a young age. He currently coaches the Renwick Primary School Hockey team and enjoys working with young kids and giving them the opportunity to play sports. Phillip has always had a passion for Rugby League and is looking forward to offering multiple Rugby League opportunities in the Tasman area.
027 635 2023
Luke Shirley - Head Trainer, Southern Zone Warriors Academy
Luke has worked with the Academy and previous trainer Nathan Jones over the past year and brings a wealth of experience, including time with the Crusaders Academy in Nelson, Head Trainer for the Kaikorai Rugby Club in Dunedin, BFT (Body Fit Training) Coach and the Head Trainer of our Scorpions 18s Boys team.
luke.warriors@nzrl.co.nz
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