16/09/2026
Standing in front of our young people and sharing my pepeha wasn’t a performance. It was a responsibility.
A responsibility to know who I am, where I come from and who I carry with me.
Taurahere reminded me that our work goes far beyond rugby league. I was there as a strength and conditioning coach, but my purpose was bigger than preparing athletes to perform.
It was about helping create an environment where our young people could feel connected. Connected to their teammates, their culture, their whakapapa and a place where they truly belonged.
For many of our rangatahi living away from Aotearoa, that connection can’t be taken for granted. Opportunities like this help bridge that distance and remind them that their identity travels with them.
We came together through rugby league, but it was our culture that gave the experience meaning.
Know who you are.
Know where you come from.
Know who you represent.
Culture. Connection. Purpose. 🇳🇿🖤