“It’s been away for too long now. Rugby league is growing and more kids want to play it.
“It all starts with our kids and giving them the best opportunity we can before they get older.
“We want the Māhaki Warriors to continue on and thrive for years to come.”
Interest among children and parents grew after Māhaki kids played in a curtain-raiser to the New Zealand Warriors’ NRL clash with the Dolphins at GoMedia Stadium on King’s Birthday Weekend.
More game time is in the pipeline for the youngsters.
“I’m working on a mini competition with New Zealand Rugby League and Upper Central Rugby League Zone, which we’ll run leading into the Tamariki Tournament in September in Whakatāne,” Tamihere said.
Rota’s involvement this weekend came about at a three-day NZRL Wellbeing Hui the pair attended at the end of last month.
“We are blessed that with her busy schedule and whānau she is actually able to come down this Sunday (midday to 2pm),” Tamihere said.
“Women in sports is growing both in rugby and rugby league, so it’s also quite timely too.
“We’ve got a bouncy castle, we’re going to have a sausage sizzle, too, and Sport Gisborne Tairāwhiti will be there running a few games. It will be a fun whānau environment — we’re looking forward to it.”
Rota, 37, debuted for the Kiwi Ferns in 2015 and has played 15 tests. She captained New Zealand at the 2021 (played in 2022) world cup where they were beaten by Australia in the final.
She was part of the New Zealand Warriors’ historic first NRL Women’s campaign, co-captained the Māori All stars in their inaugural encounter with the Indigenous All Stars in 2019 — winning the Trish Hina Medal as player of the match — and played for Newcastle Knights in the 2022 NRLW.
