Richard Koroi league development officer

Rugby League Northland continues its impressive entry into the local sporting scene with Richard Koroi coming on board as its participation and growth development officer.
Koroi was born and bred in the Hokianga, attending Horeke Primary School and Okaihau College before moving to Auckland to study sport and recreation. He played age-group and Bartercard Cup rugby league in Northland, professional rugby with Counties-Manukau and currently plays with local side the Hokianga Pioneers, which his father Andrew coaches. Based in Kaikohe, Koroi is married to Jaeme and has two children.
With support from Sport Northland's Kiwisport fund, the development officer role's initial focus is on the re-establishment of age-group football in the North which has been absent for some time.
Koroi's first aim of the year was to initiate the successful launch of a 15s and 17s schoolboys competition every Sunday, to coincide with the juniors (from under-7s) module.
The schoolboys competition officially started in Whangarei and in Moerewa last weekend and 13 new teams from Takahiwai to Kaitaia have taken the field across the two grades, almost double the target.
"There's a handful of awesome people who will do anything ... one of the biggest obstacles for us to overcome is getting the support of other parents to help out every Sunday. The competition has the potential to be great ... we will get there," Koroi said.
Other key targets of Koroi's role is to establish and deliver a coach education framework to local coaches and to re-establish a college rugby league competition later in the year.
"The secondary school competition will be our baby really. The kids are there, they just need to be given the option of playing league. So it's up to Rob [Wakelin, Rugby League Northland general manager] and I to come in and deliver the package, and show kids there are pathways in league - and that you can go places with it."
Koroi said he fell into this type of role. "It's in my blood really - Dad coaches league and Mum [Waana Koroi] has coached netball in Kaikohe for about 35 years ... I grew up knowing how important sport was to communities, and I want to continue promoting that mindset."
Meanwhile, Wakelin was excited to have Koroi on board.
"Richard's own story of growing up in Northland, following his dream of playing sport, returning home to raise his kids then finding a role working in sport pretty much captures the story we want to tell our young people of how sport can open many doors," the general manager said.
With the Northern Swords competing on a national stage and 16 NRL clubs actively recruiting in New Zealand, the opportunities thrown up to young men in Northland were second to none.
Round seven of the Whangarei City and Districts Rugby League Senior Competition kicks off tomorrow.
After their bye last weekend, the unbeaten Portland will be refreshed and hard to beat on their home turf against the visiting Bay Slayers, who swill be up for the challenge after their promising season to date.
Hikurangi will host Kaikohe at Otaika Sports Ground, while Wairoa host Moerewa at Dargaville.
Otaua travel to Otangarei for their clash against the City Knights, while Marist host Hokianga Pioneers at Jubilee Park. Takahiwai have the bye.
All games kick off at 2.30pm.