Dominic Tola plans to grow rugby league in the Tasman area – and he wants to start from the grass roots.

The 25-year-old, who was appointed as the region’s rugby league development officer in May 2018, admits his focus is firmly on the younger brigade as he sets about building a youth player base to ultimately augment senior ranks.

Originally from Australia, Dominic came to New Zealand six years ago and, after completing physical education and commerce degrees in Otago, moved north to take over the Tasman role from the departing Duke Climo.

The Cronulla Sharks fan has had a lifelong passion for league, having played the game growing up across the ditch and for Otago University. Now he is fully focused on helping others into the sport.

Tasman Rugby League are hoping to grow the senior competition next year, “maybe adding another team or two”, while putting extra energy into taking the game to the younger brigade.

He spent a good part of last term introducing league to the region’s intermediate schools. “The schools were all pretty receptive to it,” he said. “I am hoping to get a junior league going for that age group,” he added.

At the end of last term a tournament between the intermediate schools was organized. There were four boys teams; from Waimea Intermediate, Nelson Intermediate, Riwaka School and St Pauls, along with three girls teams from Waimea Intermediate, Riwaka and St Pauls.  “We have never had a separate girls division before,” he said, “so that was encouraging. A lot of the girls had not done contact sport before but they all seemed to enjoy it.”

The development continued earlier this month when an under-12 Tasman team travelled to Greymouth for a development tournament. Most of the players had been involved in the intermediate programme and they gave a bold showing on the coast. “They played two West Coast teams and a Canterbury team, who play regularly throughout the season, although we didn’t win any games they were all tight contests and the kids really enjoyed it, which is the main thing.” 

He feels one of the drawcards of league is the game’s simplicity. “I wouldn’t say it was a hard game to learn, it is a pretty basic concept and a bit of an alternative to the mainstream sports in the area.

“A lot of the kids have watched the Warriors as well, so there is a bit of interest here … it is just about trying to provide the opportunity for them to give it a go.”

Throughout term 3 Dominic turned his attention to primary schools.

Last term, in collaboration with Sport Tasman, he ran a pilot programme at Stoke school, based on sessions using fundamental movement skills, specifically relating to league.

“That was well-received … we got good feedback both from the kids and the school,” Dominic added.

During term 3 the programme was rolled out to other primary schools, with a focus on drumming up interest for the term-ending Simon Mannering Cup tournament, a regular event involving mainly Tasman and Nelson schools, plus this year, three from the West Coast. All up there were fourteen teams that took part in what was a well-received tournament.

He also has plans to do some work on growing the game in Marlborough. “In support of our Marlborough-based club, the Wairau Taniwha, who took out the senior minor premiership this season, we are hoping to get more involved in the region, starting with in-school programmes and building from there.”

Dominic is relishing his new role, which he admits has its challenges given the amount of sports available to youngsters these days. “It’s been good, I’m really enjoying introducing the sport to the youngsters … there is such a lot of talent in the area.”

By Peter Jones, Sport Tasman

Article added: Friday 28 September 2018