Pikiao players give back to community with rugby league clinic

ALL SMILES: Whangamarino School pupil Cruze Allen takes part in a game under the watchful eye of Pikiao player Lorne Green. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER

Creating a family culture and recognising the role they play in their community was a huge part of the Pikiao rugby league team's mantra during their Coastline/Bay of Plenty premiership winning season this year.

Todaythey took time to give back to the community by running a rugby league clinic at Whangamarino School. The smiles on the children's faces suggested the gesture was very well received.

Pikiao coach Jason Parata said he and a handful of players were spending the day at the school to take groups of children through a series of fun games and practice drills.

"The kids love it, they know who the players are and that they play in Pikiao's premier side, it's exciting for them.

"Some of the teachers told us the kids had been talking about it all week.

"We're doing it to give back and show we are just the same as them, hopefully they want to play for Pikiao when they grow up. When you think league out here you think of Pikiao.

"Community is everything, especially after the grand final and the number of people who came out to support us," Parata said.

He said the players get a lot out of the experience as well.

"They get a bit of enjoyment out of being role models for these kids, they look up to them.

"We're just doing basic stuff - teaching them how to pass and basic tackling."

DRILLS: Pikiao rugby league player Lorne Green and coach Jason Parata run a passing drill with Whangamarino pupils Te Kahurangi George, left, and Kira Aranui. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER

Some of the children involved are preparing for the Bay of Plenty 9-a-side
Rugby League Tournament at Puketawhero Park next week.

"With those kids we'll do some more game plan sort of drills - where to be and how to think about the game," he said.

Pikiao player Aussie Tuwhangai said he enjoyed the opportunity to spend time teaching the children about rugby league.

"It's good for us too, going back to the basics. The kids have been good, they're co-operating and listening quite well.

"A lot of them come out to our games and know who we are. That support during the season is motivation to be a role model for these kids and get them involved in the sport."