Benji Marshall to Front Kiwi Junior Rugby League Festival

Benji Marshall to Front Kiwi Junior Rugby League Festival in Whakatane

Young players from Australasia will get the opportunity to meet and train with rugby league legend Benji Marshall in the inaugural Kiwi Junior Rugby League Festival, to be held in the beautiful Bay of Plenty town of Whakatāne in September 2016.

Global Games, in association with the Whakatāne District, is proud to bring together junior teams from across New Zealand and Australia for the first time – creating a unique opportunity to tour as team mates and providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience to ‘rub shoulders’ with Benji Marshall.

Returning to Whakatāne – his home town – will be even more special for Marshall, who is currently playing for the St George Illawarra Dragons. Marshall says he is delighted to be involved in the tournament. “It’s going to be an awesome experience, both on and off the field, and a great chance for teams to test themselves against other clubs.”

The Kiwi Junior Rugby League Festival is a showcase tournament for junior grassroots players, aged from under 10 to under 12, focusing on participation, sportsmanship and creating friendships through the enjoyment of sport.

“The touranment offers teams of all levels, abilities and styles a chance to get together and play the game they love over three days of festivities, with excitement on and off the field,” says Tyrone Campbell, Global Games Director.

“Rugby League is one of the only codes in New Zealand where young players begin at club rather than school level, which creates a real sense of Whanau within the clubs,” explains Brent Jones, Bay Of Plenty/Coastline Development Officer

“The opportunity for these close-knit groups to come together and play teams from other regions and overseas will be a real highlight for these kids. They will be able to challenge their skills and really grow as players.”

But the festival itself will only be half the experience, as the opportunity for teams to connect with authentic Māori culture is a key feature of the tour. Visiting clubs will be accommodated at local marae, where teams will be provided with an authentic, personal and genuine insight into Te Ao “Whakatāne is a hub of genuine heartland culture. The region offers a huge range of activities for teams and their supporters to experience,” says Nicola Burgess, of the Whakatāne District Council.

“Teams will be warmly welcomed by the community and invited to participate in a range of fun cultural and recreational activities, usually reserved for locals only.”

Regardless of backgrounds or which club they represent, the Kiwi Junior League Festival will be an experience of a lifetime for all involved.

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