The Titans’ Kiwi Connection was enhanced further earlier this week when elite player development unit manager Jamie McCormack spent three days in Manawatu in New Zealand promoting the game at grass roots level.
Jamie held a Titans youth development camp in an area underprivileged when it comes to league facilities and development and he flew home feeling proud that players and coaches were given an insight, and encouragement, about what is required to achieve their ambitions in the sport.
With the assistance of Rod Pryor, from Coombabah State High School which is developing a pathway for young players, they held a coaching skill session for twelve local coaches, skills coaching and testing for a group of 70 players the next day then a series of matches for the youngsters to implement what they had just learned the following day.
“We have developed a great relationship with the area and enjoy helping the people there promote and grow rugby league,” said McCormack of the Manawatu-Palmerston district in the southern part of the North Island.
“It’s an area a little underprivileged when it comes to rugby league opportunities for players and we identified it as a place we’d like to help. It’s very rewarding to see the coaches and the players improve from a bit of education and ‘how to’ demonstration.
“If long term some of the players progress to the NRL, whether it be as Titans or anywhere else, because we have helped encourage them to believe they can excel at the game, then these sort of trips are always worthwhile.
“There are a of naturally gifted players who benefit so much from encouragement and just understanding what they need to do to reach their potential and that there are pathways that exist for them, no matter where they live.”
