Powerful rugby league nursery St Thomas of Canterbury College and the One New Zealand Warriors have signed a breakthrough partnership providing a major boost for the club’s pathways system.
The Warriors initially forged links with the Christchurch school as it emerged as a new rugby league force following the Covid era.
In 2023 St Thomas became the first school outside Auckland to win the NZRL Secondary Schools tournament by beating St Paul’s College in the final and then repeated the feat by toppling De La Salle College the following year.
The One New Zealand Warriors have already provided a pathway for a number of St Thomas of Canterbury College products most notably second rower Bishop Neal and prop Jason Salililo who have come through the grades to play in the club’s New South Wales Cup side. Another St Thomas pupil Kenny Lafituanai was recently named the club’s 2026 Harold Matthews Cup under-17 player of the year.
“It’s the first time we’ve had an official partnership with a high school, a tremendous development with mutual benefits for both of us,” said One New Zealand Warriors general manager recruitment, pathways and development Andrew McFadden.
“Under Andrew Auimatagi, St Thomas has quickly established itself as one of the strongest rugby league schools in the country and we’re excited to provide more opportunities for players to chase their dreams with the Warriors.
“What stands out about St Thomas is its willingness to allow its students to play either rugby league or rugby union, which isn’t the case at so many schools where they actively block kids from playing league. It’s not fair, even more so now with rugby league gaining in popularity on the back of the Warriors’ success.”
St Thomas of Canterbury College principal Steve Hart said the school was proud of its rugby league success and was excited to build on its association with the Warriors.
“St Thomas of Canterbury College is delighted to formalise this partnership with the One New Zealand Warriors,” said Hart.
“We share similar values and deeply appreciate the Warriors’ commitment to education and their holistic approach to developing young men.
“This partnership encompasses far more than rugby league; it is about creating pathways, building character, strengthening relationships and providing opportunities for our students to grow as confident young men both on and off the field.
“We are proud to align with an organisation that values community, culture, brotherhood and personal excellence in the same way we do at St Thomas of Canterbury College.”
Jason Salalilo’s career has taken another step forward this week with his inclusion in the One New Zealand Warriors’ 22-man squad for their NRL clash against Penrith on Sunday.
He has also been named to start at loose forward in his 28th appearance for the club’s New South Wales Cup side against the Panthers while Bishop Neal has been listed to start in the second row in his 10th outing.
