League: New face keen to foster young talent

Aaron Thomas

Rugby League Northland (RLN) have filled the gap left by ex-development manager Joe Rau's departure.

Aaron Thomas will officially take over the role from April 8 to continue with his strong background in education and sport.

He is the deputy principal at Opononi Area School where he is also joint coach of the Kura Hokianga league team, who have just qualified for the semifinals of the NorthTec Adam Blair Trophy.

Thomas' role as development manager will see him lead and manage the future of RLN's development programmes.

This will include developing future plans, managing staff and hands on delivery of school development programmes, junior league competitions throughout Northland and RLN Junior representative programmes.

"I can't wait to take up the wero of developing and working with youth in the far north," Thomas says.

"My goal is to help foster junior rugby league and build strong networks with hapu and iwi-based programmes.

"I look forward to meeting and forging some positive relationships in rugby league which is more than a game."

RLN general manager Alex Smits says: "We're incredibly lucky to have someone of Aaron's calibre on board with RLN.

"Aaron has proven himself in the education arena and has a strong background in youth development.

"I'm sure that he will be very successful in this role as he has a huge passion for the communities and youth of Northland."