The southern zone of New Zealand Rugby League this weekend introduces a development programme aimed at creating a clearer pathway to the top level of the sport.
A camp in Dunedin will be the first of many held across the five districts of the zone.
The camps will include expert presenters introducing the young players to topics as diverse as nutrition, strength and conditioning, mental skills, recovery, injury management, skills and tactical knowledge.
In each district, the programme will primarily target players aged between 13 and 18.
''This programme will give these young players exposure to a range of information that will enable them to prepare and perform to the best that they are able,'' NZRL southern zone general manager Steve Martin said.
''The presentations will be tailored to the age of the players and will have information relevant to their age and level of experience.''
The first camp is to be held at the High Performance Sport New Zealand centre at Forsyth Barr Stadium tomorrow.
Six of the players who will attend the Otago camp have already represented the South Island. One of those - Rory Ferguson (John McGlashan College) - was named most valuable player at the national 15s tournament in Auckland.
It is an exciting time for rugby league, which is trying hard to grow the sport in the South and will gain a stronger foothold with the development programme, a revived Otago club competition and a second visit from the Warriors in February.
Martin said the development programme provided a ''real opportunity'' for aspiring young players, who would get the input they needed to progress to the highest levels of the game.
He was delighted the programme would get the support of the high performance unit and various experts.
