Warriors-linked high-performance league academy for Timaru

Monday, 24 March 2025

Aoraki Hub players, rear from left, Alex Smith, Harry Davis, Tioti Barao and Boston Davis. Front, from left, Taimana Reihana, Jackson Robinson and Lian Knoetze.

With a 34% increase in the number of players lining up to play rugby league in the Aoraki area, a new high-performance training academy is hoped to help foster talent in a region already turning heads.

The Southern Zone Rugby League (SZRL) recently opened the new academy in partnership with the Warriors. Known as the Aoraki Hub, the academy is one of four Southern Zone Academy Hubs and will operate out of the Caroline Bay Trust Aoraki Centre.

SZRL general manager Liam Turner said the establishment of a hub in Timaru was a significant milestone for the game and a fantastic opportunity for young players in Aoraki.

Lucas McRae, playing rugby for Harlequins in 2016. He has been appointed the gym trainer for the new hub. (File photo)

“Having this pathway right on their doorstep is incredibly exciting and highlights the growing opportunities in rugby league,” Turner said.

“Aoraki has some of the most talented young players in the South Island at the moment, so establishing a hub in Timaru was a must.”

ARL had experienced significant growth in recent years, with a 34% increase in playing numbers from 2023 to 2024, he said.

He said two players, Jackson Robinson and Dougal Grant, had signed with the Warriors in the past 12 months, and it was hoped the academy would further enhance opportunities for other young athletes in the region.

ARL chairperson Josh Craig said having two players sign with the Warriors was a big achievement.

“It shows how accessible the big rugby leagues are for the young players.”

Aoraki’s Lian Nickol Knoetze at the induction on Saturday.

Craig said Grant, who signed with the Warriors last year, had played in the U-17 New South Wales Rugby League Harold Matthews Cup, a junior rugby league competition played across the Tasman.

And, Turner said there was more talent coming through the ranks.

Another Aoraki player, Taimana Reihana, at the induction in Dunedin on Saturday.

“The Aoraki U14 Boys were crowned South Island champions last year, with eight players earning selection in the tournament team,” he said.

Nathan Robinson had been appointed as the skills coach and Lucas McRae would be the gym trainer at the new academy.

Nathan Robinson, centre, in action for the Aoraki Eels at Ashbury Park in 2017. He has been named skills coach for the new academy.

“The academy will provide players with the opportunity to reach their full potential — not just as athletes, but as well-rounded individuals,” Turner said.

“Whether they go on to play for the Warriors or pursue other paths, our goal is to equip them with the skills and mindset to be successful in whatever they choose to do in life.

“This is an incredible opportunity for both our game and the community. There has never been a better time to play rugby league.”

Seven players were part of the first intake for the Aoraki Hub, and were inducted in Dunedin on Saturday. They were Alex Smith, Boston Davis, Harry Davis, Jackson Robinson, Lian Nickol Knoetze, Taimana Reihana and Tioti Barao.

Turner said they were grateful to Barker’s of Geraldine for sponsoring the academy, and were actively seeking more sponsors to support the initiative.

The other three hubs were located in the West Coast, Otago and Southland.