Warriors Rugby League Stars Engage Wellington Youth

Key facts

• One New Zealand Warriors engaged in a four-day Sky Community Rugby League Roadshow in Wellington.
• The roadshow involved 1042 school pupils and numerous adults.
• NRLW players Gayle Broughton, Kaiyah Atai, Jay Huriwai, and Cassius Tia participated in events.
• Former Warriors player Stephen Kearney was honored at a Kāpiti Bears event.
• Masters tag game featured ex-Warriors Kevin Campion, Mark Tookey, Charlie Gubb, and ex-All Black Dane Coles.
• Warriors players visited Te Wao Nui Regional Children’s Hospital.
• A GoFundMe has been established for former Warriors player Jason Death following a serious fall.

Community Outreach Alongside Anzac Round

The One New Zealand Warriors' presence in Wellington for Anzac Round extended far beyond the rugby pitch, marked by an extensive Sky Community Rugby League Roadshow. Over four days, the club's NRLW and NRL players, alongside staff from the Warriors Community Foundation, orchestrated a series of events designed to foster engagement with the sport across the region. This initiative aimed to leave an indelible mark on the community, mirroring the impact of their Anzac Round game day performance. The roadshow's efforts culminated in widespread participation, involving a total of 1042 school pupils and a significant number of adults. These events spanned multiple locations, from junior club training sessions to school visits and hospital outreach, underscoring a commitment to grassroots development and community well-being. The initiative provided a platform for current stars to connect with aspiring young athletes and the wider community, offering a glimpse into the values and dedication that define the Warriors' organisation.

Grassroots Engagement and Player Involvement

The Sky Roadshow commenced at Kelburn Park with a coaching clinic for junior players from the Hunters rugby league club. This session saw NRLW players Gayle Broughton, Kaiyah Atai, newly-signed Jay Huriwai, and New South Wales Cup centre Cassius Tia join Warriors Community Foundation staff Lincoln Jefferson, Charlotte Scanlan, and Shontè To'a. The Wellington Rugby League shared their enthusiasm on Facebook, highlighting the "fabulous engagement" and the valuable skills imparted to young players by Charlotte Scanlan and the Warriors community team. A significant event took place at Matthews Park in Paraparaumu, the home ground of the Kāpiti Bears Rugby League Club, a place with personal significance for Warriors legend Stephen Kearney. This gathering included a "Have a Go" experience for local schools, with representatives from 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 in attendance. Further bolstering the day's activities, NRLW players Gayle Broughton, Kaiyah Atai, and Jay Huriwai were joined by Wellington local Maarire Puketapu, while Cassius Tia was accompanied by Josh Tanielu. The afternoon featured a masters tag game that included notable figures from rugby league's past, such as former Warriors Kevin Campion, Mark Tookey, and Charlie Gubb, alongside ex-All Black Dane Coles. Warriors NRLW players and staff also participated in this exhibition match.

Hospital Visit Brings Joy and Support

Adding a humanitarian dimension to their Wellington visit, Warriors NRL front rower Tanner Stowers-Smith joined the crew for a morning at Te Wao Nui Regional Children’s Hospital in Newtown. This visit offered a moment of upliftment for patients and their families, providing joy and connection while supporting the annual "Jammies in June" cause. The hospital's child health service expressed gratitude on Facebook, acknowledging the Wellington Hospitals Foundation for facilitating such visits and commending the One NZ Warriors for their "energy and joy." The "Jammies for June" initiative aims to make a tangible difference in the recovery of young patients during the colder months, particularly for vulnerable families. The day concluded with a visit to Rongotai College, rounding off a series of community engagements that highlighted the Warriors' commitment beyond the sporting arena.

Former Player Faces Lengthy Recovery

In separate news concerning the club's history, a GoFundMe page has been established for former Warriors NRL player Jason Death. Reports indicate that Death, 54, suffered a serious fall that resulted in a fractured skull and bleeding on the brain. A social media post accompanying the fundraising effort states that Death has a "long recovery ahead of him." The post describes Jason and his family as "some of the kindest people around" and appeals for donations, emphasizing that "any donation, big or small, would be greatly appreciated." Death played 55 games for the Warriors between 1999 and 2001, contributing to the team during a significant period of its early history. His 14-year career also included stints with the Canberra Raiders, North Queensland Cowboys, and South Sydney Rabbitohs. Notably, Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary, a former Warriors coach himself, is identified as Death's brother-in-law.

The bottom line

• The One New Zealand Warriors conducted a comprehensive community roadshow in Wellington during Anzac Round.
• Over 1000 school children participated in coaching clinics and "Have a Go" events.
• Current NRLW and NRL players, along with club alumni, were actively involved.
• The team visited a children's hospital to support the "Jammies in June" charity.
• Former Warriors player Jason Death is undergoing a long recovery after a severe fall.
• A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support Jason Death and his family.