Numerous former One New Zealand Warriors players have been combining forces with ex-international teammates and NRL rivals to promote wellbeing and Cure Kids causes in the community.
Last weekend 2002-2006 Warrior Sione Faumuina masterminded a League Legends XIII event in Rotorua to raise awareness and promote men’s mental health and wellness.
He put together a star-studded League Legends XIII for an exhibition match against a Bay of Plenty Lakers invitation side for an occasion providing the foundation for an ongoing community initiative.
Other former Warriors and rugby league legends as well as rugby union contemporaries combined for a fundraising cause for Cure Kids.
Bringing together rugby league and rugby union identities involved in the Match Fit series, they assembled at Eden Park to ‘ride’ 650km to Wellington in the Rebel Sport 24-Hour Team Challenge. It saw 18 teams taking on a challenge to keep an exercise machine (bike or treadmill) moving continuously.
The Match Fit team included former Warriors Shontayne Hape, Duane Mann, Paul Rauhihi, Ali Lauitiiti, Vinnie and Louis Anderson, Paul Whatuira, Logan Swann, Ruben Wiki and Jerry Seuseu along with Tawera Nikau and Lesley Vainikolo plus former All Blacks Junior Tonu’u, Pita Alatini, Brad Mika, Charles Riechelmann, Eroni Clarke and Frank Bunce.
The purpose behind the League Legends XIII week in Rotorua was “to address often neglected issues like men's mental health, encouraging open discussions and combating stigma.” The build-up to the match included community activations where the retired players engaged with the Rotorua community to share their stories and personal challenges during and after their careers.
Watch coverage of the match HERE
As well as Faumuina, the League Legends XIII assembled for the match included fellow former Warriors Gerard Beale, Anthony Gelling, Glen Fisiiahi, Albert Vete, Frank Paul Nuuausala, Ben Matulino, Ben Henry, Charlie Gubb, Vinnie Anderson and Ali Lauitiiti along with other ex-NRL players and internationals Jason Nightingale, Mahe Fonua, Brad Takairangi, Dean Whare, Kenny Edwards, Zane Tetevano, Kyle Stanley, Chase Stanley and Roy Asotasi. Former Warrior Blake Ayshford played for the Bay of Plenty Lakers.
