The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles have strengthened their commitment to developing the next generation of rugby league talent with an exciting new partnership with Bay of Plenty District Rugby League in New Zealand.
The two organisations have joined forces to establish the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles – Bay of Plenty Rugby League Academy in Rotorua, creating a new development pathway for talented young New Zealand players aspiring to reach the NRL.
The strategic two-year partnership gives the Sea Eagles an important foothold in one of New Zealand's strong rugby league regions, providing a new opportunity to identify, nurture and develop elite young talent with the potential to progress into Manly's junior representative system.
Importantly, the initiative will see players developed within their local communities, with access to the coaching expertise, high-performance programs, and professional standards of an NRL club.
Initially targeting male players aged 14-17, the Academy will also deliver development programs for female players aged 16-19, while providing valuable development opportunities for local coaches.
The program will feature structured development camps, individual player development plans, position-specific coaching, coach education and guidance across nutrition, recovery, wellbeing, leadership, and education.
Selected players will also have opportunities to visit Sydney and experience Manly's development activities and gain exposure to the Club's junior pathways and high-performance environment.
Sea Eagles Head of Recruitment and Elite Pathways Craig Walker has played a key role in establishing the partnership.
He says the initiative will improve Manly's talent identification across the Tasman, complementing the Club’s existing pathways program.
“This is a really important step for our Club as we continue to invest in our pathways and build a sustainable pipeline of talented young players,” Walker said.
“The bulk of our efforts will continue to be in developing local players, but expanding our reach into other catchment areas will be beneficial long term.
“New Zealand has an incredible rugby league culture and a rich history of producing outstanding players.
Craig Walker Head of Recruitment & Elite Pathways
“Rather than simply looking to recruit that talent once players arrive in Australia, we want to build relationships, invest in their development, and identify those players at an earlier age.
“This is about creating genuine opportunities for young players in the Bay of Plenty region while establishing a pathway into the Manly system.”
Bay of Plenty District Rugby League Chairman Anaru Pewhairangi welcomed the partnership.
We are incredibly grateful to the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles for believing in our district and sharing our vision for the future of rugby league.
Anaru Pewhairangi Bay of Plenty DRL Chairman
“This is a world-class opportunity for our rangatahi (youth), and I'm excited about what we can achieve together for our players, whānau (family) and the wider Bay of Plenty community.”
The partnership further strengthens Manly's longstanding connection with New Zealand, with a proud history of Kiwi internationals representing the Sea Eagles over the years.
That connection continues today, with former New Zealand international Kieran Foran leading the Club as Head Coach and All Blacks coaching great Sir Steve Hansen recently appointed as Football Performance Director.
The initial agreement will span two years, with both organisations sharing a vision to develop a long-term partnership that benefits the Bay of Plenty rugby league community while creating exciting new opportunities for the Sea Eagles.
