Southern Zone Rugby League is excited to announce the first group of players for the Southern Zone Academy, in association with the One NZ Warriors. Selectors have been present at local, regional, and national competitions this year and we are thrilled with the talented group of athletes that have been named. The exciting announcement of the Warriors entering a team into the NRLW in 2025 has opened up a new pathway in the female game, which has increased our initial taking of players. 

The Academy will be led by Southern Zone Academy Head Trainer and Manager Nathan Jones. Nathan is based out of Dunedin and will train the Dunedin-based athletes while overseeing the hubs in Invercargill, Timaru, and Greymouth. The Invercargill hub will be aligned with the already-established Rangatahi Leadership Group, which is run by Active Southland and will be led by Liam Howley. The Timaru hub will be led by Nathan Robinson and the Greymouth hub will be led by Brogan Jackson, based out of the Westland Recreation Centre. Having these hubs ensures this opportunity is at the doorstep of each of our Districts. 

The academy will have two tiers, with this group of 17 being part of 'tier 1'. 'Tier 2' athletes will be announced in due course and will be given the opportunity to train with Tier 1 from time to time. The door for selection is always open for both tiers, with plenty of opportunities throughout the year and a clear pathway for local talent to be identified and selected.

The academy will have a strength and conditioning focus, while also implementing skill-focused field sessions to ensure the athletes' rugby league fundamentals are being developed.

Southern Zone would like to acknowledge the support from the One NZ Warriors who have provided this opportunity and have been extremely supportive of our approach. We would also like to thank all of the stakeholders involved in each of the District hubs for allowing this to happen. 

This is an extremely exciting opportunity for our Zone, Districts, and rangatahi in what is another positive step forward for the growth of our game. 

Congratulations to the following 17 athletes: 

Allan Raymond - Southland 

Anya Clark - Otago 

Ezekiel Hammond-Siolo - Southland

Hannah Lithgow  - Otago 

Jayda Waitere - Southland

Jeremiah Tuhega-Vaitupu - Otago 

Justin Talalima-Wineti  - Otago 

Kairyn Tatana  - Otago 

Leini Fanua - Southland 

Manayia Leishman - Southland

Mason Lome-Hindle  - Otago 

Nate Corbett - Southland

Neve Tacon - West Coast 

Sonatane Tavake  - Otago 

Sualo Lafoga - Southland

Tarryn McLatchie - Southland

Te Ava Nicholas  - Otago 

 

Article added: Monday 15 April 2024