'Kiwi Roots', NZ SoO
NZRL LAUNCHES ‘KIWI ROOTS’ IN MAJOR OVERHAUL OF NATIONAL COMPETITIONS
Auckland, New Zealand, July 13, 2007 – ‘Kiwi Roots’ was today launched as the showpiece of the biggest competitions overhaul in New Zealand rugby league history.
Designed as New Zealand’s equivalent of State of Origin football, it will be a one-off north v south-styled annual battle using the Bombay Hills as the geographic divide.
Set to be staged for the first time on October 4 next year – the eve of the National Rugby League’s grand final – the concept has already won backing from several NRL clubs approached so far.
“This is enormously exciting for rugby league in this country,†said New Zealand Rugby League chairman Andrew Chalmers.
“The ‘Kiwi Roots’ innovation will give us an ingredient that has been missing at the top end of the game.â€ÂÂ
National director of football Graham Lowe said ‘Kiwi Roots’ would involve players from the NRL, the English Super League and those based in New Zealand.
“The NRL clubs I have spoken to all support the idea of their New Zealand-eligible players being involved in our origin match,†he said.
An exhaustive survey has culminated in a new five-year national competitions format as the NZRL continues its major reforms for the sport.
“Apart from the Kiwis, ‘Kiwi Roots’ will provide the pinnacle of achievement in a competitions structure that needed to be revamped as part of our process for change,†said Chalmers.
“The focus is on growing the base of rugby league and the pathway for domestic talent.â€ÂÂ
The arrival of ‘Kiwi Roots’ is complemented by the introduction of the National Club Competition (NCC), an end of season contest to find New Zealand’s premier club.
“The NCC replaces the Bartercard Cup which we believe has reached the end of its run. It has been beneficial for the game but our research has shown it isn’t developing or growing as it was hoped it would,†said Chalmers.
The NZRL also announced zone representative fixtures are to be reintroduced as well as a domestic Kiwi trial.
The National Junior Competitions (NJC) for under-16 and under-18 players has been expanded to provide greater district participation, giving the best players a better chance to compete for spots in the Junior Kiwis. Aligned to this is an initiative to select a side comprising the best Australian-based age grade Kiwi players for a match against New Zealand-based equivalents.
The national competitions programme has been designed to culminate in all districts holding their national club grand finals on the same weekend next year to enable a flow through to the NCC and other related events.
The expanded programme would offer greater opportunities for players, coaches and managers across the board.
The NZRL presented its 2008-2012 National Football Competitions plan to representatives from the country’s district leagues and affiliates in Auckland today.
Confirmation of the final competitions format will be made in conjunction with the NZRL’s television and sponsor partners.
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Could prove to be a top game. The Bombay Hills separate Auckland from the Rest of the country below
If the clubs let the players compete it could turn into a top game
NZRL LAUNCHES ‘KIWI ROOTS’ IN MAJOR OVERHAUL OF NATIONAL COMPETITIONS
Auckland, New Zealand, July 13, 2007 – ‘Kiwi Roots’ was today launched as the showpiece of the biggest competitions overhaul in New Zealand rugby league history.
Designed as New Zealand’s equivalent of State of Origin football, it will be a one-off north v south-styled annual battle using the Bombay Hills as the geographic divide.
Set to be staged for the first time on October 4 next year – the eve of the National Rugby League’s grand final – the concept has already won backing from several NRL clubs approached so far.
“This is enormously exciting for rugby league in this country,†said New Zealand Rugby League chairman Andrew Chalmers.
“The ‘Kiwi Roots’ innovation will give us an ingredient that has been missing at the top end of the game.â€ÂÂ
National director of football Graham Lowe said ‘Kiwi Roots’ would involve players from the NRL, the English Super League and those based in New Zealand.
“The NRL clubs I have spoken to all support the idea of their New Zealand-eligible players being involved in our origin match,†he said.
An exhaustive survey has culminated in a new five-year national competitions format as the NZRL continues its major reforms for the sport.
“Apart from the Kiwis, ‘Kiwi Roots’ will provide the pinnacle of achievement in a competitions structure that needed to be revamped as part of our process for change,†said Chalmers.
“The focus is on growing the base of rugby league and the pathway for domestic talent.â€ÂÂ
The arrival of ‘Kiwi Roots’ is complemented by the introduction of the National Club Competition (NCC), an end of season contest to find New Zealand’s premier club.
“The NCC replaces the Bartercard Cup which we believe has reached the end of its run. It has been beneficial for the game but our research has shown it isn’t developing or growing as it was hoped it would,†said Chalmers.
The NZRL also announced zone representative fixtures are to be reintroduced as well as a domestic Kiwi trial.
The National Junior Competitions (NJC) for under-16 and under-18 players has been expanded to provide greater district participation, giving the best players a better chance to compete for spots in the Junior Kiwis. Aligned to this is an initiative to select a side comprising the best Australian-based age grade Kiwi players for a match against New Zealand-based equivalents.
The national competitions programme has been designed to culminate in all districts holding their national club grand finals on the same weekend next year to enable a flow through to the NCC and other related events.
The expanded programme would offer greater opportunities for players, coaches and managers across the board.
The NZRL presented its 2008-2012 National Football Competitions plan to representatives from the country’s district leagues and affiliates in Auckland today.
Confirmation of the final competitions format will be made in conjunction with the NZRL’s television and sponsor partners.
------------------------------------------------------------
Could prove to be a top game. The Bombay Hills separate Auckland from the Rest of the country below
If the clubs let the players compete it could turn into a top game
