A FORMER Logan rugby league “cult hero” will help steer an Australian-first training partnership with the New Zealand Warriors.
Ex-Logan Brothers junior and NRL front rower Mark Tookey will return home to lead the partnership’s community program, which will aim to help local young people connect with sport and career opportunities outside football.
The “elite” training partnership between the Warriors and Logan City Council has been dubbed ‘Warriors Inspire Logan’ – or WIL.
For some young league players, it could mean a pathway to the NRL to play with the Warriors.
For others, WIL will aim to inspire, empower and grow.
“Together with the city, we see the ‘Warriors Inspire Logan’ programme providing a real breakthrough for rugby league in the area,” Warriors CEO Cameron George said.
“Our vision is to inspire pride and opportunity in Logan by connecting the community to the heart of the One New Zealand Warriors.”
The training aspect of the program will be led by ex-Warriors NRLW and Australian Jillaroos coach Brad Donald
Donald was unbeaten as the Australian Jillaroos’ head coach, leading them to back-to-back Rugby League World Cup victories in 2017 and 2022 while also stepping in to coach the Warriors in the Covid-affected 2020 NRLW campaign.
“We’re excited about having Brad and Mark on board in the key roles of football manager and community manager. They have achieved so much in rugby league and bring a great understanding of who the Warriors are and what we are about as a club,” Mr George said.
Locals’ first opportunity to take part in the training program will start next month, with a combine for under-16 boys and girls scheduled for 6 December, from 8.30am at the Warrior’s new home at Logan Metro Sports Complex, Browns Plains.
Players considered must be born in 2010, and must be Logan residents, attend a Logan-based school, or be a member of a Logan sporting club.
Logan mayor Jon Raven said it was an exciting next chapter for the city.
“Our love for league runs deep in Logan, but it’s not every day our youth get opportunities like this one,” he said.
“If you’re an under 16s player who wants footy to be your future, this is the fast track you’ve been waiting for.
“Our city has a proud history of producing sporting superstars. We’re ready to find the next one.”
Registrations for the 6 December combine close at 4pm on Wednesday 26 November. Limited spots are available. Register HERE.
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSca8JAga6QPTcJChR3fQymGDskxSftzS4mk5N4L5D9etg_2jg/viewform
