Ferns in training for '07 W.C.

The Kiwi Ferns will tomorrow (Wednesday 8 February 2006) go into camp at the Millennium Institute in Auckland as part of their preparation in build up to the scheduled 2007 women?s rugby league world cup.

As world champions and having never lost a test series the Kiwi Ferns are keen to stay in good shape to retain their world title status and know that they must continue to extend themselves and not rest on any laurels.
A Kiwi Ferns squad, and for the first time a Kiwi Ferns development squad, were selected at the 2005 National tournament and were scheduled to play Australia in a two test series held in Auckland, New Zealand in October of last year.

It was however with great disappointment that the Australians had to pull out of the tour, and therefore coach Stan Martin, with the support of the women?s committee realised that they must push on and had no hesitation in putting in place a camp where the selected players will gather together from around the country and partake in 4 intense days of fitness, skills, drills and game plan.

Stan Martin, who is a very experienced coach, having taken many men sides and doing a four year stint as a professional coach in England at the Whitehaven club says ?It is a pleasure to coach the ladies and they are very receptive to learning. It is never too early to start working hard and is a good time to blood some of the young girls coming through. We will be setting our goals high for the World Cup.?

It is exciting and positive times for the ladies game and with some very talented young athletes coming through the ranks, with girls such at 2005 Player Of Year, Rona Peters only being 17 it looks that the Kiwi Ferns will remain at the top of their game for some time to come.

The NZWRL would like to thank SAS Sport Ltd, Mt Wellington Trust, Trillian Trust, South Auckland Trust, Pub Charity and Pelorus Trust for their continued support. For further information please do not hesitate to contact team manager Juanita Woodhouse (021-444-385) or Secretary Cherie Steele-Shanks (021-128-6438).