Veteran coach to run forum

Rugby league coaches in Northland are set to be up-skilled as Kiwis assistant coach and NZRL high performance manager Tony Iro heads north to run a coaches' forum on Monday.

Rugby League Northland general manager Alex Smits said it's a chance for not only Northern Swords coaches to learn, but also club coaches.

"We've got boys who can run past tackles, but when it gets to the nuts-and-bolts and nitty-gritty of league, there is a bit missing," Smits commented.

"We're trying to bring the levels up over a two-year plan. It takes time, kiwis are pretty well-known for when they know something they think they know it. There have been a lot of subtle changes in league over the last few years.

"They're all subtle differences but it's all changed with how it's coached over the last 10 years. For us to be competitive on the national stage we need to be teaching."

Iro's session will include both indoor and outdoor sessions and is open to anyone who wants to attend.

It is hoped that players and coaches from across Northland will attend and adopt a few core skills and techniques to help Northland's progress.

The forum with Iro, who is also a 25-test veteran, will be held on Monday between 6-8pm at Simpson Park, Leaity Street, Moerewa.