Manly announces Rotorua-based deal for Bay of Plenty NRL hopefuls

Playing in the NRL could be a dream come true for more Bay of Plenty players after the announcement of a Rotorua-based league partnership.

The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles have struck a two-year deal with Bay of Plenty District Rugby League to nurture local talent and progress high achievers to the Australian junior league system.

The two organisations have joined forces to establish the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles – Bay of Plenty Rugby League Academy in Rotorua.

It comes one month after Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Koutu student Whetu Pewhairangi, 16, signed a two-year deal with Manly until 2029 to play in the Australian junior representative system.

In a statement, Manly said the strategic two-year partnership gave the Sea Eagles an important foothold in the Bay of Plenty, which it described as one of New Zealand’s strong rugby league regions.

It also allowed Manly to “identify, nurture and develop” elite young talent with the potential to progress into Manly’s junior teams.

The statement said it allowed players to develop within their local communities, with access to the coaching expertise, high-performance programmes and professional standards of an NRL club.

Initially targeting male players aged 14-17, the academy will also deliver development programmes for female players aged 16-19, while providing development opportunities for local coaches.

The programme would feature structured development camps, individual player development plans, position-specific coaching, coach education and guidance across nutrition, recovery, wellbeing, leadership and education.

Selected players would also have opportunities to visit Sydney, experience Manly’s development activities and gain exposure to the club’s junior pathways and high-performance environment.

Sea Eagles recruitment and elite pathways head Craig Walker said the initiative complemented the club’s existing pathways programme.

“This is a really important step for our club as we continue to invest in our pathways and build a sustainable pipeline of talented young players,” Walker said.

“The bulk of our efforts will continue to be in developing local players, but expanding our reach into other catchment areas will be beneficial long term.”

He said New Zealand had an “incredible” rugby league culture and a history of producing outstanding players.

“Rather than simply looking to recruit that talent once players arrive in Australia, we want to build relationships, invest in their development, and identify those players at an earlier age.”

Bay of Plenty District Rugby League chairman Anaru Pewhairangi – Whetu’s father – welcomed the partnership.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles for believing in our district and sharing our vision for the future of rugby league.

“This is a world-class opportunity for our rangatahi, and I’m excited about what we can achieve together for our players, whānau and the wider Bay of Plenty community.”

Young player’s NRL dream begins

Pewhairangi understands more than most what it means to players to further their NRL dreams, with his son signing with Manly last month.

The occasion was marked with a celebration at Whetu’s kura, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Koutu.

Whetu Pewhairangi, 16, signed a rugby league contract with Manly Warringah Sea Eagles in a celebration at his school, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Koutu. Photo / Supplied

“As Whetu’s parents, my wife Shelley and I are really proud of him and what this opportunity with Manly means for him.”

Pewhairangi said league was a team sport and the milestone was a reflection of not only Whetu’s hard work and commitment, but also of his teammates, coaches, and everyone who had supported him.

“We know Whetu is proud to be joining Manly and hopes his journey can show other young people from Rotorua and smaller communities that where you come from does not define how far you can go.”

Pewhairangi said with hard work, belief, the right support and a commitment to your goals, opportunities like this were possible – even more so now thanks to the partnership.

Kobe Uata, 15, played for the U15 Aotearoa New Zealand Māori side this year. He is pictured with former Kiwi player Louis Anderson.

George Uata from Rotorua, whose son Kobe has dreams of making it to the NRL, was rapt to hear the news about the partnership.

“Kobe has loved the game of league from when he first played at the age of 5, he’s played both league and union throughout his life but has always told me league is his passion.”

Uata said league had given his son “so many blessings”, including representing his grandmother’s and grandfather’s sides, both Tongan and Māori, at national level.

He looked forward to the new pathways the partnership could open up for Kobe and other budding players like him.

“Having a major NRL club teaming up with the Bay of Plenty District Rugby League is going to help a lot of our kids showcase their talents and will boost the opportunities for them in our little regions.”

Kelly Makiha is a senior journalist who has reported for the Rotorua Daily Post for more than 30 years, covering mainly police, court, human interest and social issues.