We are pleased to announce our new Rangatahi programme. The Waitakere Rugby League Academy.
The academy will be run by Francis Leger and Ben Collins which has been designed to cater to the Junior International Grades (u13-u18).
The academy will engage the four local clubs and the local high schools to grow the game and equip kids with the knowledge and skills to play.
Our Coaches
BEN COLLINS
I’m Ben Collins, aka Freeze.
Currently, I’m proudly involved with the One NZ Warriors SG Ball and Pathways programs and the Pt Chev Pirates men’s squad. With a passion for rugby league, I embarked on my training and coaching journey in 2018.
Having worked with esteemed teams like the Sydney City Roosters and the NZ Warriors, I’ve gained valuable experience. To expand on my expertise, I’m also currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Sports and Exercise Science and Nutrition at AUT.
My coaching philosophy revolves around empowering athletes to reach their full potential. Through personalised training programs, tailored to individual and team goals, I aim to bring out the best in each athlete. Building positive team culture and strong relationships are key to our success.
I’m honoured to contribute my dedication, passion, and expertise. Together, with the players, coaching staff, and support teams, we strive to achieve greatness. With my understanding of sports science and ability to inspire athletes.
I’m committed to making a positive impact in the rugby league community.
FRANCIS LEGER
Malo e Le Lei, Talofa Lava, Kia Ora,
My name is Francis Leger and I am the academy lead for Waitakere Rugby League Academy.
I started playing Rugby League at 8 years old in QLD Australia, and I continue to play this amazing sport at Pt Chevalier Pirates.
Rugby League was the common centre point in my family growing up. The sport brought us together and breed passion and ambition. I lived and breathed the game and seeing my family members play at the highest level in New Zealand, Australia and England I could see how far this sport can take you if you stay committed. For myself the sport has given me so much opportunities in life, friendships, travel, life skills and even a career.
My vision is to develop programmes in New Zealand that upskill and expand the knowledge of Rugby League starting from grassroots to high performance teams. I believe that if I can help establish a foundation that is taught accurately to our future and current players and coaches, the opportunities will arise to build careers and establish life skills that can be used on and off the field. My passion as the Academy Lead of WRLA is to give as much knowledge and development for both our young boys and girls that in the hopes of one day seeing them reach their full potential in life and sport. If we can set our future players up and equip them with everything, they need I believe it will give every child the confidence to succeed in whatever path they decide to take and that’s a win for me.
I look forward to the opportunity of working with your child one day in the near future.