Raglan Rugby seniors called fulltime on rugby and sidestepped to league, and the players haven’t looked back, Whāingaroa Whai League president Noel Barber says.
“We were lucky to get two or three home games a season (playing rugby) and we were lucky to even play a whole season. It just wasn’t going anywhere and to keep our club going we needed to make a change and people voted for the game of rugby league.”
The newly formed Whāingaroa Whai League celebrated its first season and the success of its women’s and men’s teams at their recent prizegiving.
The benefits of switching to league has seen whānau and the wider community come out in full force to support the teams, Noel says.
“It’s been an amazing season to be honest. Not just for the players but for our community as well. We’ve had so much support from people – that’s just how the game works.”
A high note of the season was the men’s team drawing with the team that eventually went on to win the competition.
Playing reserve grade, Whai joined up with Taharoa Coast Steelers who represented as the premier team.
“There’s a lot of (Taharoa) players who went to school here and they actually played for our rugby club at some point in time. So, it was neat for all of us to get together and spend the season playing rugby league.”
Whai League – Women’s Awards 2023
Most improved back: Helen Wilson
Most improved forward: Pareteoro Wilson
Most Improved: Holly Kereopa
Most dedicated: Missy Crawford
Best Back: Rangitaiki Tihore
Best Forward: Nicole Forbes
Rookie of the year: Metāpere Hunia
People’s Choice: Waiehu Millward
Most Valuable Player: Karipori Wilson
Management crew for 2023: Whiwhi Aspinall, Ruita Taiapa, Jodie Pryor and Craig Witters
Whai League – Men’s awards 2023
Best Back: Jordy Harworth
Best Forward: Waikato Forbes
Whai Rock: Dion Wereta
Most Improved/Rookie of the year:
Karioi Williams
People’s Choice: Tim Aitken-Read
Most Valuable Player: Tirohanga Forbes
Management crew for 2023: Holly Kereopa, Noel Barber and Chad Huirama
by Janine Jackson
