They could do with him in Taupo, but former Kiwis and Warriors hardman Ruben Wiki will be in Tauranga on Saturday putting up-and-coming players through their paces at Mitchell Park.
New Zealand Rugby League's Community Roots camp is hitting Tauranga, with Wiki the star attraction as kids aged from 5-12 get
some tips from the best.
It is the second year of the initiative in which the World Cup tours the country to support the game's grassroots. Roots Camps have pulled upwards of 250 people each and the locals aim to top that.
"Days like the Roots Camp are a great way of drumming up interest in the game and shows the clubs and players that they're the most important part of the game," Len Reid, coaching and development officer for the Bay of Plenty, said.
As well as putting kids through skills exercises, it offers aspiring coaches an opportunity to get their first coaching certificate free of charge. Anyone can take part in a Mini-Mod certification course which can set them on their way to being the next Stephen Kearney or the next under-9s coach, if they prefer.
The day is organised by the Upper Central Zone, with general manager Marcus Reynolds excited about it.
"You get a real buzz when you see so many kids playing rugby league with a smile on their face," he said.
Wiki loves being part of the day.
"We want to entice kids to be more active and interested in playing league," he said.
He travels the country representing the NZRL. It's easy to see why the camps are such a success when the charismatic Wiki takes the kids for a warm-up and they swarm.
Tomorrow's Roots Camp kicks off with a free breakfast for all taking part. Registrations open at 9.30am and the skills and drills begin shortly after. Every kid also gets a free sausage afterwards and a New Zealand Rugby League pack.
The day is free and open to anyone aged 5-12 years old.
Later, Mitchell Park will host top-level club league when the unbeaten Otumoetai Eels host Waikato's Turangawaewae at 2.30pm.
With Hamilton Hornets and Pacific having byes, possibly the game of the round is Pikiao hosting Tauranga Whalers at Puketawhero Park.
The Whalers will be hurting from a narrow loss to Taupo Phoenix last week and have shown they have the forwards to match it with Pikiao.
