While the One New Zealand Warriors made an indelible mark in every aspect of their Anzac Round game day at Hrny Stadium, the Wellington trip was complemented by an equally successful Sky Community Rugby League Roadshow.
Across an array of events, NRLW and NRL players and Warriors Community Foundation staff worked tireless to ensure the operation provided all kinds of everything across the four days they were there.
As soon as they hit town they visited the Victoria Hunters Rugby League Club on Wednesday night, had a full-on Have a Go day and masters tag game at the Kāpiti Bears Rugby League Club on Thursday, visited Te Wao Nui Regional Children’s Hospital and Rongotai College on Friday and were involved in game day activations on Saturday including Persil Junior Footy games and the coin toss.
A total of 1042 school pupils were involved not to mention an army of adults who were also in attendance at the various events.
Wednesday, April 22 | Victoria Hunters Rugby League Club
The SKY Roadshow kicked off at Kelburn Park in Wellington with a coaching clinic for junior players from the Hunters rugby league club.
NRLW players Gayle Broughton, Kaiyah Atai, newly-signed Jay Huriwai and New South Wales Cup centre Cassius Tia joined WCF staff Lincoln Jefferson, Charlotte Scanlan and Shontè To'a.
On its Facebook page the Wellington Rugby League posted: “Fabulous engagement ahead of this weekend’s Anzac clash from the Warriors community team at the Victoria Hunters Rugby League Club juniors training session. Plenty to cheer about as the young players were taken through skills and drills with former NRLW player Charlotte Scanlan and the Warriors community team. #UpTheWahs.”
Thursday, April 23 | Kāpiti Bears Rugby League Club
A huge day at Matthews Park in Paraparaumu, home of the Kāpiti Bears Rugby League Club, where it all started for One New Zealand Warriors great and rugby league legend Stephen Kearney.
The event opened with a Have a Go experience for schools from around the region. Those represented were: Paekākāriki School, Avalon Intermediate School, Raumati South School, Paraparaumu Beach School, Te Rito School, Paraparaumu School, Te kura ā Iwi o Whakatupuranga Rua Mano, Kapakapanui School and Our Lady of Kāpiti School.
Gayle Broughton, Kaiyah Atai and Jay Huriwai were joined by fellow NRLW player and Wellington local Maarire Puketapu while Cassius Tia was joined by Josh Tanielu.
In the afternoon there was a masters tag game with players involved including former Warriors Kevin Campion, Mark Tookey and Charlie Gubb plus ex-All Black Dane Coles (whose father Steve is president of the Kāpiti Bears club). Also playing were the Warriors NRLW players and staff.
Friday, April 24 | Te Wao Nui Regional Children’s Hospital
With Warriors NRL front rower Tanner Stowers-Smith joining the crew, Friday morning started with a visit to Te Wao Nui Regional Children’s Hospital in Newtown.
It was an uplifting experience, a chance to give patients and families some joy while also connecting with the annual Jammies in June cause.
On its Facebook page Te Wao Nui Child Health Service posted: “Ngā mihi nui to the Wellington Hospitals Foundation for making visits like this possible, and to the One NZ Warriors for bringing so much energy and joy to the hospital today. Jammies for June makes a real difference to our young patients’ recovery during the colder months when families are most vulnerable. Support the cause and keep sick kids warm and well this winter by donating at:
www.jammiesforjunewellington.org.nz"
Friday, April 24 | Rongotai College
An afternoon visit to Rongotai College rounded out the day.
Among the school’s rugby league products are former Kiwi and Warrior Sione Faumuina and Kiwi and Canberra star Joseph Tapine.
Rongotai College posted on Facebook: “We were grateful to welcome the New Zealand Warriors to our assembly on Friday. Their visit was inspiring, and they generously spent time with our Pacific Health Academy students, sharing insights on sport, as well as the importance of physical and mental wellbeing, discipline, and nutrition. It was a valuable opportunity for our students to learn from elite athletes and role models. Up the Wahs!!"
Saturday, April 25 | Hnry Stadium, Wellington
An eventful and memorable Sky Roadshow finished with the One New Zealand Warriors v Dolphins Anzac Round clash at a sold-out Hnry Stadium.
The focus for the WCF players and staff was their involvement in the popular Persil Junior Footy games leading up to the main event.
