RLN General Manager recognised at Sport Northland awards

December 15, 2015| 0 Comment| 10:36 pm

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Alex Smits, RLN General Manager was humbled on Friday when he was awarded the Rowsells Collision Repair Leadership in Sport Award. The award recognises the most outstanding achievements/results by a sport leader in relation to their sport and/or the sport sector.

The award acknowledges the transformation that Rugby League has gone through in Northland since the creation of Rugby League Northland in 2010. In 2010 there were only 620 registered participants in Northland. In 2015 there have been 3472 registered participants, including a massive growth in clubs to 1723 registered players. In schools prior to 2010 there were no formal competitions, however in 2015 RLN has a sporting calendar to be proud of with 11 Colleges playing in the NorthTec Adam Blair Trophy, 38 Primary Schools playing in the Northland Champions festivals, amounting to 1749 players across all competitions.

RLN is represented on a National stage by the Northern Swords at 15s, 17s and Premier grades which provide a pathway to National Representation and the NRL, and each year Northland has a number of players that gain NRL cadetships. RLN delivers the nationally acclaimed Leadership through League program that sees community collaboration between RLN, Colleges and Primary schools through Tua-Kana Teina with college students coaching and mentoring primary school children. On the back of the increased activity, RLN has developed an organisation and governance model that will help drive the game into the future.

“I think that we have got the greatest sports product. It’s fast, exciting, end to end action combined with a tough physical component that requires speed, skill and team work. It’s a great vehicle to engage our communities and for the young, talented, committed players there is an achievable pathway to the NRL. I am proud of the steps that Rugby League has taken and I am honoured by the award, but the recognition must go out to the Northland League community, the RLN Staff and board, our clubs and our schools. League people are passionate about their sport, and the growth has come from their passion. All we needed was to get people working together and improve the structure.” Smits said.

Smits joined RLN at the beginning of 2012 and departs at the end of this year to new pastures as a Rural Real Estate agent. “It seems ironic to receive leadership award when I am leaving the organisation, however I think that as a leader you also need to know when to leave. I am confident that we have a good foundation in place, a good board to lead the organisation and it will provide a great opportunity to engage someone that has another skill set to mine.” Smits said reflecting on his departure as General Manager of RLN.

There was another Rugby League winner at the Northland Sports awards evening. Eli George won the Sport Northland Code Award for Rugby League recognising his achievement at Senior level. Representing the Northern Swords in the NZRL National Competition, George was the first ever Northern Swords player to be selected in the NZRL Residents Selection team, selected from the seven zones that competed in the National Competition. George, who played for the Hokianga Pioneers in the RLN Scott Electrical Premiership, lead the Northern Swords in a much improved season as a hard running hardworking Prop Forward.

RLN Welcomes New Chairperson and BoardRLN Welcomes New Chairperson and Board

Walter Wells

At the most recent RLN Board meeting Walter Wells was voted in as the New Chairperson. Walter will Chair the RLN Board: James Nair – Deputy Chair, Greg Steed, Brad Flower, Rangitane Marsden, Bob Willoughby and Juanita Hool.

I am most humbled to have the full support of the Board to lead Rugby League Northland (RLN). As an organisation we simply aspire to be credible and sustainable. To a great extent we have achieved part of that journey through the leadership of the previous Chair, Bruce Peden and inaugural Board member Tom Jackson. Both these gentlemen deserve acknowledgement for their tireless contribution, direction and leadership that has provided a solid foundation for the organisation to build on. My sincere gratitude and best wishes to the both of them. As we look to build on those foundations my priority for the Board is supporting club development. Club development permeates across the RLN strategic plan. Critical to the success of that will be the engagement and relationships the Board develops with Clubs in order that we grow a credible and sustainable game.

Board meetings are held on the third Monday of the Month, club representatives are welcome to address the board by prior arrangement. Please contact the RLN General Manager to arrange.

James Nair, Deputy Chairperson

James Nair

James brings financial accountability and governance skills to the Board. He is currently a self-employed Chartered Accountant. James has an interest in youth development and is currently a Trustee with the He Puna Marama Trust who are involved with the Maori Leadership academy that feeds into local Whangarei Secondary Schools. James previously worked in Rugby League as part of the management committee in the earlier Bartercard Cup days with Northland.

Rangitane Marsden

Rangitane Marsden is a club elected representative on the RLN Board. Rangitane was nominated by the Muriwhenua Falcons. Rangitane is the Chief Executive Officer of Te Runanga O NgaiTakoto in Kaitaia. He has over 17 years experience as negotiator in the Treaty Claims and was instrumental in the Iwi Deeds of Settlements Signing in 2012. Rangitane is responsible for the overall direction and progressing the NgaiTakoto Iwi 2013-16 Post Settlement Government entity. Rangitane is committed to developing partnerships with Te Hiku Social Accord, Iwi Leaders Forum. He was Co-Chair of the Iwi Council Better Local Government Working Group, as is presently involved in the Development of Economic Growth and Social Change for the Northland Region, alongside Central Government and local government. Rangitane has had previous involvement with Rugby League in South Auckland (Mangere East Hawks) as a junior coach, and his son’s continue to play club rugby, locally in Whangarei.

Robert (Bob) Willougby

Robert Willoughby

Robert has a proven operational background in FMCG, both nationally and internationally, across all business disciplines. As a senior executive for Coca-Cola, he held responsibility in trade marketing across all channels and was appointed to lead and build the business infrastructure for Coca-Cola in Belarus. Thereafter, appointed to lead the re-engineering of market access and service effectiveness for Coca-Cola in Czech Republic and the Eastern European emerging markets. A respected thinker who understands design and process to maximise the internal and external value chain when working with customers to ultimately secure market share. As an experienced coach and trainer who understands business fundamentals, Robert has worked sucessfully with people from different cultures and levels of society. As a customer service practitioner he has a wide range of skills in problem solving, service delivery and business interpretation allowing him to see opportunity and assess risk to get the best outcomes. Robert’s current public appointments include, Member of the Northland Conservation Board and the Tai Tokeraru Public Health Organisation, Trustee of the Ki A Ora Ngati Wai Health Trust and a Certified Practiioner as a Hearing Commissioner on the RMA Act.

Greg Steed

Kaitaia born Greg Steed is an experienced non-executive Director and Manager, with a strong background in strategy, finance and supply chain across a number of industry sectors. He is a director at Top Energy Ltd and Chairman of their Audit and Risk Committee. Previous roles include 10 years at the NZ Shippers Council serving as deputy chairman for 2 years and Chairman for 5 years, senior supply chain positions in Carter Holt Harvey Ltd and accounting roles in CHH and other organisations in N.Z and overseas. Greg is a Chartered Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from the University of Auckland. He enjoys golf, cycling, and tennis and an avid follower of rugby league and soccer including coaching.

Brad Flower

Brad is a Civil Engineer with 23 years experience and has lived in Northland almost all of his life, attending local schools in the Kamo area. He is currently employed by Downer NZ and has previously been the General Manager of a local Roadmarking company, having also spent 15 years with local company McBreen Jenkins Construction progressing from a surveyor to a Senior Project Manager. Brad is currently the Chairman of the Hurupaki Primary Board of Trustees, he has also been on the Board of the Kamo Soccer club for 27 years. Until recently Brad had also served 3 years as vice chairman and 3 years as chairman of NZ Contractors Federation – Northland Branch.

Brad was also a foundation Board member of North Force, he held a position on the Board for 8 years. North Force is Northlands only regional Football entity playing in the Northern Regional Football League. During his years working in Northland and with his community involvement he has developed relationships which include individuals within the Central Government, Northland Regional Council, Whangarei District Council, Kaipara District Council, Far North District Council, Local Media (both print and radio) and the wider Business Community. Brad has a proven track record of being able to work with diverse groups of people and blending them together to get desired outcomes.

Juanita Hool

Juanita has been involved in Rugby League administration in Northland for over 25 years with a variety of roles, including, Team Manager, Delegate, and Secretary and Chairperson at both Club and District Level. Northland born and bred she has an indepth knowledge of the environs of “grass roots” football for the area. A life member of the Takahiwai Warriors, Juanita has proven that she is in for the long haul and sees junior development, especially at Club level, as the cornerstone for the sustainable future of Rugby League – enabling Clubs to be the “best that they can be” and therein providing pathways for all to be participants in the Sport. Her philosophy is that there is absolutely a role for everyone in this game! In her professional career she is employed in the Public Service (within the Justice Sector) and has demonstrated a high level of commitment with the same organisation for almost 30 years. Juanita deals with a wide range of issues in her position and is well versed in mediation and dispute resolution. Her strengths are demonstrated in her strategic approach at both District and National level and in the practical skills required with dealing with the people of our community. She is a trustee of the Takahiwai Marae and has previously been a member of the Bream Bay College Board of Trustees. Juanita is the youngest of seven siblings and enjoys spending time with, and cooking for her whanau, overseas travel and relaxing at the beach. She attributes her interest in Rugby League began with her parents; who were both involved throughout their lifetimes in the Sport and has continued through her husband and sons who have each played at Club and Representative level.

RLN Multikai Premiership – Round 1RLN Multikai Premiership – Round 1

The Takahiwai Warriors have confirmed off season rumours that they will be a force in 2014 with an emphatic 40 – 16 win over the Otangarei Knights. Both teams have been tipped as being title contenders for the 2014 RLN Multikai Cooker Premiership however the Warriors showed more composure and discipline on the day.

Defending Champions, the Hikurangi Stags, were defeated 28 – 26 by the Portland Panthers. The Panthers could have run away with the match but a dogged second half performance saw the Stags fight back a missed conversion on the final play of the day that could have drawn the game.

Hokianga Pioneers and the Northern Wairoa Bulls carried over their 2013 form with a close fought 24 – 22 win to the Pioneers. Muriwhenua Kuaka were too strong at home to the Horahora Broncos winning 42 – 20. The most improved team looks to be the Kerikeri Makos (formly Kerikeri Slayers) who pushed last year’s minor premiers Moerewa Tigers all the way in a 40 – 26 defeat.

Kawana Marsden shows promise for the NZ UniversitiesKawana Marsden shows promise for the NZ Universities

Kawana Marsden_Tony Kokshoorn

Kawana Marsden, from the Muriwhenua Rugby League club made his Test Debut last week for the NZ Universities against the Australians in a two match series played in Christchurch and Greymouth. The Kiwis put on two sterling performances but were pipped at the post in both games losing game one 23 – 22 and game two 24 -20. Match two coincided with the 100 Year Anniversary of West Coast Rugby League.

New Zealand Coach, Kenny O’Brien made no excuse for his side’s losses after the series.

“The Australians played a lot smarter than we did and often caught us out with some play around the fringes, which meant that we were forced to defend a lot more than we had hoped…. It was a pretty full on camp as we came together last Wednesday, had one training run then played the first test on Thursday. Straight after the first test we jumped in a couple of vans and headed to Greymouth, arriving in camp at 10:30pm. We had a pool recovery session on the Friday morning and trained in the afternoon. We trained again twice on Saturday and then had a quiet night in camp in the evening. Then Sunday was game day. ”

When asked about Kawana’s performance, Coach O’Brien was very complimentary, “At only 18 years old he was a great team player. In the first game I probably got it wrong, playing him on the right fringe where he did get shown up a little in experience, as a result he only played 20 minutes, but come game two, I explained the role I wanted from him in the middle of the park…. he got his chance 20 minutes into the first half where he was so solid that I didn’t end up replacing him for the rest of the game. He did some bone crunching tackles and made good yards. On top of that he was a pleasure to have in camp always willing to get stuck in and help out where needed. He has a good future.”

O’Brien went on to explain the plans of NZ Universities. “We learnt quite a few things over the week and we all agreed that this year was a big step up from last year, however there are still a lot of improvements we think we can make. Our goal is to win the 2017 Student World Cup. To do this we need to find (and have access to) the best student players in NZ. We think we can provide a genuine alternative pathway for players, coaches, trainers, physio’s and managers who want to progress their rugby league careers (and a great environment that people will want to be a part of). “

Australian coach Mark Gliddon felt the two Test match series was one of the hardest he had ever encountered since taking charge of the his side. “We were busted after game one due to the physicality of it,” he said, “but to the credit of our boys we hung on and defended superbly. We were also lucky in that it was also quite warm and completed 17 out of the 19 sets of tackles in the first half which tired the bigger Kiwi forward pack by the time halftime came around.”

Game One: Christchurch Park – Christchurch. Thursday 22^nd October.
Australian Universities and Tertiary Students 23 (Travis Drury 2, Mick Pearsall, Taylor Bennett tries; Sam Harrold 3 goals; Bennett field goal)
New Zealand Universities and Tertiary Students 22 (Francis Toetu, Erwin Sauni, Isaac Robinson, Phil Nati tries; Toetu 3 goals). HT: NZ 12-10.

Game Two: Wingham Park – Greymouth – Sunday 25^th October
Australia 24 (Chris Ostwald, Kelly Benson, Jake McManus tries; Sam Harrold 3 penalties, 2 goals; Daniel Vasek goal), New Zealand 20 (Francis Toetu 2, John Aranga, Isaac Robinson tries; Toetu 2 goals). Halftime: 12-all.