Rugby league: Phil Gould reveals one area where New Zealand league can improve

Australian league guru Phil Gould has highlighted an area of concern for the game in New Zealand.

Gould will bring his wealth of knowledge to the Warriors this season in a consultancy role, with his main task being to help improve the club's pathways programme to set the club up for long-term success.

To achieve that goal, Gould says the presentation of league in this country needs to improve with young prospects.

"What we have to be is an attractive option for them," Gould said.

"Kids have got to aspire to play rugby league at the highest level and play for their favourite club or their local club, and that's what we need to be. All the NRL clubs work really, really hard to attract those types of kids. I'm not worried about other sports.

"I think there is room enough for everyone, particularly with kids. As long as they are playing sport in some sort of competitive environment, I think it is healthy, and then they choose the code that they love."

Phil Gould has joined the Warriors in a consultancy role this season. Photo / Getty Images

Although Gould's main role with the club is focused on the game on our shores, and he is expected to work with New Zealand Rugby League as well as the Warriors, he has been unable to travel to New Zealand yet due to Covid-19 restrictions. While he's hopeful of being able to make the trip soon, he is expected to be a regular visitor to the club's camp in Tamworth over the next few weeks.

The Warriors are based in the country town for the next month, before relocating to Terrigal where they will be based for at least the first four rounds of the NRL season.

Gould said there were plenty of ways the club would benefit from their location.

"This is perfect. If I was a first-grade coach and I could lock my team up for a couple of months in camp like this to get ready for the season, I think it is the perfect preparation," Gould said.

"Whilst forced on them because of Covid restrictions, I think it is a great opportunity for them, particularly with so many new recruits and so many young players they have got in the system here now, and a new coach; it's sort of like a fresh slate for everyone.

"I think it is the perfect opportunity for them all to get to know themselves and prepare well for the new season."