The NRL season for 2015 looks to be an exciting one, and has been kicked off at Queen's Wharf in Auckland.
In Wellington earlier today, members of the Newcastle Knights team were at WelTec with the Tamaiti Whāngai programme. The Knights ran a training clinic covering player development and the benefits of combining high level sporting performance with education.
Education is key to develop a player says the NRL. Former Knights player David Lomax supports the idea. The core benefits of the programme will be to assist players in reaching their full potential.
Last night, the league fraternity gathered to salute its champions. Simon Mannering has captured NZRL's top honour for 2014.
The Warriors' second rower made a milestone of 200 NRL games for the club and 100th as captain of the Warriors.
Atawhai Tupaea took out Women's Player of the Year. Honours for International Rookie of the Year went to North Queensland forward Jason Taumalolo.
The hard workers and high achievers of NZRL have certainly been acknowledged.