The Vodafone Warriors have today confirmed they will run a range of community and wellbeing initiatives in Christchurch in the build up to Saturday’s round three NRL clash with the Sea Eagles at AMI Stadium.
On Wednesday afternoon, an advance party including club legends Jerry Seuseu and Ben Henry, a group of injured players and the club's Community Warriors team will arrive in Christchurch.
The week will be a sombre one for both the Vodafone Warriors and Sea Eagles with the game coming little over two weeks after a terror attack in the city which claimed the lives of 50 people.
Shortly after arriving, Seuseu and Henry will help run a skills and drills session with the Rolleston Rugby League Club. That evening, they will host a mental wealth workshop with local rugby league clubs with the help of Vodafone Warriors partner Le Va.
From Thursday, the focus will then switch to a series of visits to local schools over two days.
“We had always planned to get down to Christchurch well ahead of our game and spend time in the community,” Vodafone Warriors community relations manager Petrece Kesha said.
“But after the horrific attacks, we think getting down there and doing whatever we can to help has never been more important.
“The city is hurting and if we can give local kids something to smile about, even if just for an hour, then it’s worth it.”
The Vodafone Warriors will confirm their squad for Saturday’s match on Tuesday afternoon.
The bulk of the squad will spend most of the week in Auckland before flying down to Christchurch on Friday afternoon.
Given the importance of the game, the NRL has also confirmed that CEO Todd Greenberg will make the trek across the Tasman on Friday to attend.
The Sea Eagles, meanwhile, have also confirmed they will run several community initiatives of their own in Christchurch on Thursday.
Both teams are also working closely to finalise plans for how to acknowledge the victims of the tragedy on Saturday and will coordinate an announcement later in the week.
