Smits game to repeat success in Northland

Alex Smits calls himself a missionary of rugby league, and is looking forward to spreading his passion for the game in his new role as Rugby League New Zealand Northland Zone general manager.

"When people ask me what I do, I say I am a rugby league missionary. I believe in the game," Smits said.

After returning to his hometown of Wellington following stints playing and coaching in France and the United Kingdom, Smits started working at Wellington Rugby League.

Development was a foreign word when Smits began working there and he worked hard to establish the development department.

"I started just before Jim Doyle came onboard as CEO of Rugby League New Zealand three years ago, which is when league really started to gain momentum in NZ through improved leadership. It had gone through some tough years, but the game managed to survive as it's a brilliant product," Smits said.

During his time with Wellington Rugby League, player numbers grew from 1800 in 2009, to 4500 in 2011.

Four schools offered rugby league to their students in 2009, but by 2011, 77 schools in the region had it as an option.

He also facilitated the Leadership in League programme, which is a vehicle to teach secondary school students how to coach fundamental skills in primary schools.

After achieving success in the region, Smits decided to apply for the vacant Rugby League Northland Zone general manager role. He secured the job earlier this year, taking over the position Rob Wakelin held for two years.

"My wife and I moved up a couple of weeks ago. We're travellers at heart, and the Northland climate was an attraction. The move was probably 40 per cent lifestyle and 60 per cent the challenge of the job," he said.

Smits planned on bringing his skills he used in Wellington to grow the game in Northland, which was a key concern for the Zone board, he said.

"We will be working in partnership with Whangarei Districts and City Rugby League this season for the good of rugby league as there are so few resources we can't afford to be working in conflict."

His goal is to ensure everyone in the rugby league community is on the same page about league's direction in Northland.

Working in schools is a major focus for the Northland Zone, who is intent on breaking down barriers to rugby league.

"We'll continue getting Richard Koroi [RLN participation and

growth development officer] into schools, teaching fundamental skills and getting kids playing the game as well as consolidating growing the Adam Blair Cup secondary schools competition which started last year," he said.

Before working for for Wellington Rugby League, Smits had jobs in other fields, but chucked it all in to work for the game he loved.

You may see him out and about through the season. He is known to referee the odd club game as well.