The One New Zealand Warriors strengthened their grassroots development efforts in Nelson over the same weekend local product Harry Inch made his NRL debut in Napier, returning to Nelson College to run a regional pathways session aimed at identifying future rugby league talent.
Held in partnership with Southern Zone Rugby League, the initiative brought together leading under-14 and under-15 players from across the Tasman region for skill development and a concept match, with Warriors legend and Nelson College alumnus Simon Mannering assisting with coaching drills.
The visit marked the club’s first official pathways programme in the Nelson/Tasman area and followed a recent return trip for the Harvey Norman Heartland Female Athlete camp, reflecting growing acceptance of rugby league within a traditionally rugby union-dominated region.
Warriors recruitment and pathways strategy manager Liam Turner said the session was “a huge success,” adding the club’s aim is to promote rugby league nationwide while creating opportunities for emerging athletes who could progress into the Warriors’ development system.
