League: Numbers Storming along

Rugby league has always taken a back seat in this country with its brother code dominating participation numbers.

However, the Melbourne Storm's recent visit to Napier has rejuvenated interest in the game in the Bay.

Hawke's Bay Rugby League development officer Anaru Bartlett has had to turn teams away for next month's Keen Kiwi Minimod Competition " a junior rugby league competition with modified rules to ensure player safety.

He has been overwhelmed by the interested generated by the visit and is keen to get player participation numbers to an all time high.

"It was fantastic to have the Hawke's Bay community, schools and local organisations get behind the Storm visit."

"We have almost doubled our number of teams from last year and will be looking to expand even further for next season."

Last year the competition had just four teams competing but, this year, Mr Bartlett had to cap it at eight and turn a number of teams away.

He said by having the local league season in spring they were able to avoid any clashes with the rugby clubs.

In fact, both the Havelock North and Hastings Rugby and Sports rugby clubs have entered teams.

He said there is some tremendous talent in the region ready to be recruited to the big time.

Bailyn Sullivan and Hunter Marsh (the cousin of Tohu Harris) are ones to watch out for in future.

"The pathways are there for the players, now we just need to maintain participation."

Local Bay girl Annabel Larkin has recently discovered her passion for the game following the region's first NRL match.

Ms Larkin entered the Keen Kiwi Junior Rugby League online competition while at the Storm-Dragons match, along with thousands of others, to win a signed Storm jersey.

Annabel's father bought the game ticket for her as he is a huge Storm fan, so she has decided it will go to her father who is "super excited" about receiving the jersey.

The Keen Kiwi Minimod Competition kicks off on Saturday, October 5, at the Hawke's Bay Regional Sports Park.