NZRL Talent Development Programme Launches

New Zealand Rugby League’s new-look junior development programme entered its competition phase on the weekend with each of the teams coming together in Auckland.

Saturday saw teams from all four hubs (Central, Southern, Northern and Counties) gather for the first of a four-weekend competition where the players are able to put into practice the skills they have learnt during their first six weeks of training. This training included strength and conditioning, rugby league specific field sessions and wellbeing education such as DrugFree Sport NZ, Careerwise and mental health workshops.

The innovative new Talent Development Programme (TDP) has been designed to better prepare players working towards a professional career, while keeping players closer to home and playing in local competitions longer. For more information on the Talent Development Programme – click here.

Results from week one:

Counties 16s – 18 Northern 16s – 14

Central 16s – 32 Southern 16s – 14

Central 18s – 38 Southern 18s – 26

Northern 18s – 26 Counties 18s – 16