LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The NRL's Vegas venture, which saw the Warriors participate this year, has sparked the organisation of an exciting USA U18s tour to New Zealand.
The team, comprised of players from the successful Young Hawks side, will compete in three matches against local teams in late June.
In addition to games, they will take part in coaching clinics, referees' courses, and have the opportunity to meet with the Warriors.
The tour has been orchestrated by Vake Paea, the coach of the West Side Pitbullz, a rugby league club in Utah formed after the NRL premiership matches in 2024.
Paea has collaborated with Todd Price from Ellerslie Eagles and various New Zealand rugby league organisations to make this tour a reality.
"The NRL's Vegas venture and the involvement of the Warriors have inspired an historic USA U18s tour to New Zealand, giving young American players the opportunity to showcase their talent on the international stage."
The upcoming tour signifies the growing interest and development of rugby league in the United States, with Paea's initiatives in Utah playing a pivotal role in expanding the sport's reach.
The tour will not only provide valuable playing experience for the visiting team but also foster connections and collaborations between American and New Zealand rugby league organizations.
"The tour is a fantastic opportunity for these talented young athletes to gain exposure and experience playing against top-level competition in New Zealand, while also engaging with the local rugby league community through coaching clinics and other activities."
The involvement of the Warriors and the support from various rugby league entities highlight the significance of this tour in strengthening the global rugby league community.
This initiative not only promotes the sport internationally but also creates a platform for cultural exchange and mutual learning among players and officials from different nations.
"The significance of this tour extends beyond just the matches played, as it represents a meaningful cultural exchange and collaboration between rugby league enthusiasts from the USA and New Zealand."