Planning is well under way for the Northern Swords 2012 Pirtek National Provincial Premiership Campaign. In the 3rd year of the competition Rugby League Northland General Manager Alex Smits is confident that the three teams competing will build on the improvement gained in the 2011 campaign.
The 2012 Pirtek National Provincial Premiership Campaign is played between seven New Zealand Rugby League Zones at 15’s, 17’s and open age groups. The competition commences in late August with finals scheduled for late October.
“We have recruited three very great coaches and a strong management team to support them. We had a very constructive meeting last night where all three coaching teams have agreed to work together as one overall team. We now have three years experience managing teams at this level so we will be improving on last years performance,” Smits said.
From the 2011 campaign Joe Rau (Premier Coach) and Jim Larkin (15’s Coach) return to the post. At the 17’s age grade Rangi Selwyn (Head Coach for Kaikohe Lions Premiers) comes on board as the Head Coach with Michael Shearer (2011 Care Taker Coach) taking on the role as Trainer/Manager.
John Renes a nationally recognised trainer will continue his role as Head Trainer for the premier teams as well as overseeing the 15’s and 17’s. Rugby League Northland is pleased to bring in Edward Irving in the role of Premier Manager. Edward is the current operations manager at the Whangarei Golf Club so will bring a wealth of local contacts and experience to the team.
Rugby League at a national level is gaining momentum and this can be seen with the growth in interest of the 2012 Pirtek National Provincial Premiership. The competition has gained Pirtek as a naming right sponsor.
Home Matches for Northern Swords Campaign for 2012:
August 26th, Northern Swords v Waicoa Bays Stallions, Toll Stadium, Whangarei September 2nd, Northern Swords v Akarana Falcons (Auckland), Arnold Rae Park, Kaitaia September 23rd, Northern Swords v Counties Manukau Stingrays, (15’s and 17’s Only), Lydnvart Park, Kaikohe September 24th, Northern Swords v Counties Manukau Stingrays (Premiers) Live on Sky, Mt Smart #1.
For further information, please contact: Alex Smits, General Manager, RUGBY LEAGUE NORTHLAND 021 2736975, email: alex.smits@nzrl.co.nz
