The Papakura Sea Eagles Rugby League Club are excited to announce the appointment of John Ackland as Premier Coach for Season 2022. He brings a wealth of Experience and is committed to develop the talent around the Papakura and Franklin district and create a visible and sustainable pathway for all our players into Premier Football.

John is probably the most experienced coach in New Zealand, with experience at the NRL level as an assistant as well as winning 2 Under 20 titles at the Warriors and was Runner Up in another. He also helped Otahuhu club get back up to the Fox division 2017 after a season in the Sharman Cup.

The Papakura Club has struggled since it winning its first ever Fox Title in 2016 and believes that John can help the Papakura Club can regain its killer instinct again and develop some quality home grown talent that should come from the Papakura and Franklin area.

John says “Im excited about coaching Papakura in 2022. The club has a huge and growing catchment area and rugby league needs a strong club in the Deep South

Traditionally I’ve thought the Sea Eagles have been well administered and the people I’ve met from the board and committee so far have confirmed that view

I’m looking forward to playing my part in building on the excellent job done started by Jody Henry in 2021”.

Jody will play a role at the club in a coaching capacity assisting John and will have the opportunity to take on the role again into the future as he is a Franklin boy through and through.

“I’ve spent the last couple of weeks watching the premier team’s games from 2021 on YouTube and I’m confident that we can improve significantly, both in terms of individual and team performance and wider club outcomes.

The club has some talented players particularly in the key positions and over the next couple of weeks I will be contacting many of them to get their views on how to reinvigorate the club

We welcome all intending players to our first training of the season on February 8^th”.

Article added: Wednesday 15 December 2021