Luisa Aviaki has been reappointed as head coach while a training day and trial have been locked in for Auckland and Christchurch next month as the Warriors begin their build-up to the second women’s NRL premiership this season.
Former Kiwi Ferns captain Aviaki guided the club’s side in the inaugural competition last year alongside teams from the Sydney Roosters, St George Illawarra and Brisbane.
Vodafone Warriors general manager football Brian Smith said it’s critical for the club to launch its preparation now for the end-of-season premiership.
“It’s beneficial that we have a lot more time to prepare than we did last year,” he said.
“We’re thrilled we’ve been able to confirm Luisa’s reappointment so she can get on with planning for the competition. Key to that is having these two trials early in the year.”
The first of the training sessions will be at Mount Smart Stadium on Saturday, February 16 while South Island players will have a trial at Nga Puna Wai in Christchurch on Saturday, February 23.
Avaiki said she is excited and honoured about being reappointed for a second season.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity and the confidence the Warriors have in me to back up as head coach,” she said.
There were invaluable lessons we took out of our involvement last year which will make us a better and stronger team in 2019.
Luisa Avaiki Warriors women's head coach
“There were invaluable lessons we took out of our involvement in the inaugural WNRL competition last year which will make us a better and stronger team in 2019.
“We look forward to where we can implement positive changes that will best prepare us as individuals, as a team and a club when our season kicks off.
“It was great being part of the first year and for our players to be able to compete in an elite competition which allowed them to play against quality opposition week in week out.
“It strengthens the strides we want to head towards in the women’s game. The exposure for our top female players in New Zealand and Australia reinforces the capabilities of these athletes to play rugby league at the highest level while giving fringe players an experience that not only develops them but also showcases their abilities.
“In New Zealand, being part of the WNRL has created exciting pathways for our youth and women. We are looking forward to the emergence of new talent and seeing what talent exists around the country.”
Avaiki said the trials in Auckland and Christchurch provided an opportunity for players to showcase their ability be considered for a spot in the Warriors women’s training squad.
WARRIORS WNRL TRAINING DAY & TRIAL
AUCKLAND
Saturday, February 16
Vodafone Warriors HQ, 2 Beasley Avenue
Arrival & Registrations - From 10.30am, training from 11.00am
Please enter via Maurice Road and enter via Gate C
CHRISTCHURCH
Saturday, February 23 (11.45am)
Nga Puna Wai, Christchurch
Players are required to register interest with Kylie O'Loughlin from Canterbury Rugby League.
Contact - Kylie O'Loughlin - kylie@crfl.co.nz or 021 499 494
