In this week’s Chronicle we caught up with a group of local parents and their kids who are dedicated to the game of rugby league. With little opportunities for them to play in a local team, their parents drive them over the hill for games and trainings every week.
These families travel through to Hamilton, Ngāruawāhia and Tūrangawaewae to play for their respective clubs. According to sources, there was a rugby league team from Raglan called either the Whāingaroa Divers or Whāingaroa Rugby League possibly in the ’80s or ’90s but there hasn’t been an active club for some time.
Harley Muru, who was an ex-player for Tūrangawaewae, now coaches his son’s team and also trains the senior premier league team at Tūrangawaewae.
Having grown up within the rugby league community, it was important for Harley to keep that connection with his club and also to his marae.
“We’re part of a generation of players and we’re trying to keep it going by investing in Waikato Rugby League,” said Harley.
He recalls Raglan locals from rugby league like Bob Tukiri, (ex-Waikato Rugby League Chairman) and Bubba Riki (legendary Waikato League coach) having an influence on him and his love for the game.
While the commutes for trainings and weekend games can add up, the parents are dedicated to supporting their kids to play league.
“The clubs appreciate that we are going all the way over to Ngāruawāhia every week and recognise the amount of effort we put in – it’s about building a bridge back to Raglan as well,” says Harley.
Aaron (Harry) Saunders a 4th generation Waikato rugby league man reached out to the Chronicle to make us aware of these tamariki and would like others to have the opportunity to play next season if they would like to choose league as their sport.
“Small communities like Taharoa has a team in the comp and they are competing well, having just added a wahine team,” says Aaron.
He would like to see a team resurface in Raglan. “I guess firstly let’s see how much interest there is. Players would be first then managers and sponsors. If there are any local businesses that are league fans and can see the benefits for the Raglan community to have a rugby league team to represent us all then please be in touch.”
His strengths are coaching and playing footy with the kids. In the meantime he has reached out to Whatawhata Wolves and they are happy to direct any Raglan kids wanting to play their way (closest club to Raglan). Pre-season musters start around March and season winds up in August. All games are played at Hopuhopu sports ground on Saturday mornings. It is an awesome festival atmosphere with kai and plenty of excellent rugby league for entertainment.
