Wants warriors where?

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 569, 17 January 1995, Page 4

Wants warriors where?

• I believe this rugby season we will see an enormous increase in interest in the Australian rugby league Winfield Cup competition. The interest is high already because of the number of top kiwis playing. Increased interest will be in the entry of the Auckland Warriors into the competition. Having an Australian coach (perceived to be the

best in the world) and imported Australian and English players will ensure they will be highly competitive right from round one. However this will not alter the fact that the Warriors will be seen to be totally Kiwi. I am sure Penrith Panthers fans will regard us as such. There are potentially two million Warriors supporters across the nation. Some may think I exaggerate, but think about this: the standardof rugby league in the Winfield Cup is considered to be the highest, toughest and best in the world. Better even than test match standard. Imagine the excitement of watching top level rugby league on a weekly basis - 1 can't wait! If you consider that the increased interest in rugby league will come true, then

it follows that tens of thousands of primary and secondary school children will become devoted Warrior fans. These fans will want to emulate their heroes by at least knowing how to play basic rugby league in the school playground. Each player in the W arriors line up will become a national celebrity. The exposure the Warriors will receive will make them the most popular sports team ever - mark my words. Primary and Secondary school children in Ohakune have been playing rugby league under the auspices of the Waiouru Bobcats for a few years now. I consider professional rugby league to be a real option for many of our young people who find aca-

demic achievement beyond their means, but have many

obvious physical talents.

Manu

Heketa