Members of the Bulldogs NRL and NRLW have continued their foray into the tertiary space, completing a number of courses across a broad spectrum of disciplines as they juggle their Rugby League commitments.
- From Player to Coach: NRL Stars Complete Cert III in Sport Coaching
- Fresh Cuts at Belmore Barbers
- NRLW Crew Continue to Strive Off-Field
- Back to Uni for NRL and NRLW Students
From Player to Coach: NRL Stars Complete Cert III in Sport Coaching
Viliame Kikau, Jack Underhill, Jed Reardon, AJ Jones, Mitch Woods, Logan Spinks, Gordon Chan Kum Tong and Patrick Young recently completed a Certificate III in Sport Coaching, delivered by Upskill U Training.
The players attended three sessions which included two theory-based classes before a full day session that incorporated both theory and practical components, aiding in the development of leadership and coaching skills.
As part of the course, the players gained practical coaching experience by planning and delivering mock training sessions to a few of the pathways athletes. The session focused on effective communication, leadership, skills development and providing constructive feedback in a coaching environment.
The Certificate III Sports Coaching qualification also included first aid training, equipping players with the knowledge and confidence to respond to medical incidents and help maintain safe sporting environments.
Through both classroom learning and practical coaching activities, the players developed a greater understanding of athlete development, session planning, risk management, and creating positive and inclusive experiences for participants.
The course has provided them with valuable skills that will benefit them during their playing careers and in future coaching and community roles.
Fresh Cuts at Belmore Barbers
A keen group including Sitili Tupuoniua, Leo Thompson, Alekolasimi Jones, Lipoi Hopoi, Finau Latu, Mitchell Woods, Sosaia Alatini, Zyon Maiu'u and Jonathan Su’a recently completed a barbering workshop at the Belmore Sports Ground offices.
Run by Gareth from The Barber Academy, players were eager to head into Belmore on their day off to learn the tricks and tips in a three hour course that focused on precision.
After their initial consultation finished, the boys got their opportunity to show off their newfound skills with the clippers in hand, with one player even giving a member of staff a fresh new look.
But the cutting and clipping won't just end there, with a number of players looking to continue their journey to becoming barbers via a Certificate III in Barbering.
NRLW Crew Continue to Strive Off-Field
A number of NRLW players have begun employment and coaching courses after their season officially kicked off on July 5.
NRLW Co-Captain Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa has commenced training to be a windscreen technician at O’Brien Autoglass, making her mark as one of the few women across the country to do so.
League Ahead: Teka the Technician
Fellow forward Pauline Suli-Ruka has joined Cleanaway as a Resource Facility Operator, and has begun operating large-scale machinery, including material handlers and front-end loaders.
Meanwhile, eight NRLW players including Anneka and Leilani Wilson, Elizabeth MacGregor, Olivia Va’alele, Shaquaylah Mahakitau-Monschau and Mary-Jane Taito are set to a Rugby League Community coaching course at Belmore Sports Ground later in the year to kick-start their own coaching careers.
Back to Uni for NRL and NRLW Students
Last but certainly not least, a host of NRL and NRLW players have returned to their tertiary studies as the second half of the year begins.
NRL trio Jacob Preston (Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice), Jethro Rinakama (Bachelor of Engineering, Honours) and Sean O'Sullivan (Masters of Business Administration) have continued their studies, with Preston nearing the completion of his course.
Meanwhile, a host of NRLW stars including Moana Courtenay (Bachelor of Business), Elizabeth MacGregor (Bachelor of Education) and Latisha Smythe (Bachelor of Arts, Education), Hope Millard (Bachelor of Sport Business) and Bridget Hoy (Masters of High Performance Sport) have all returned to the classroom as well ahead of their season kicking off back on July 5.
