Logan turns out to welcome NZ Warriors

An enthusiastic crowd of 5,000 NRL fans turned out on 22 August to welcome the One New Zealand Warriors to the City of Logan for a special Captain’s Run training session.  

The community event followed last month’s announcement by Logan City Council, One New Zealand Warriors and Ausbuild to set up an Australian-exclusive training academy and community development program in Logan. 

Mayor Jon Raven says the sold-out event showed the value of bringing the right partners into the city to support community outcomes.  

‘Today is the start of something new between Logan and the One New Zealand Warriors, and it’s already clear how important the team is to our city,’ Mayor Raven says.  

‘Rugby league is hugely popular here and we have so many talented players. 

‘Not only will this program bring direct access to elite NRL pathways in Logan, it will offer trade employment opportunities and other careers.  

‘This is about sport making a difference to our young people – and building a better future for them starts right here in Logan. 

‘It makes sense to partner with the One New Zealand Warriors, and we’re very excited to be working with them. 

‘I also want to thank Deputy Mayor Scott Bannan for the significant work he’s done to bring this partnership to life over the last 12 months and beyond.’

One New Zealand Warriors CEO Cameron George thanked the Logan community for a passionate reception, saying the team felt at home in the city.   

‘The coming weeks are ripe with potential – we’ve got the finals in our sights as well as setting up the programs here in Logan,’ he says. 

‘Our team is about community, culture, and connection, and we’ve really felt the love from the crowd today.  

‘Thanks for the warm welcome – we’ll be carrying this energy with us into the game on Saturday.’  

Local sponsor of the One New Zealand Warriors and Ausbuild Managing Director Matt Bell said the company was proud to get behind the partnership.  

‘We’ve seen today just how enthusiastic Logan is to get involved with the One New Zealand Warriors, and we’re excited by the opportunities the partnership will bring,’ he says.  

‘Ausbuild has a history of working not just with clubs, but with communities, and bringing this one to life will be as good as any grand final win.’  

Deputy Mayor Scott Bannan says Logan had always been seen as an underdog, but that created a deep pride and sense of family within the community. 

‘The Warriors family is full of pride too, which is why we’re so well aligned and why this partnership has been so well received,’ Cr Bannan says. 

‘This is a game changer and this is the best thing to happen in our community for sport.’ 

The One New Zealand Warriors are in South East Queensland ahead of their Round 25 clash with the Gold Coast Titans at Robina on Saturday, 23 August, at 5:30 pm.  

PHOTO AT TOP: Logan Mayor Jon Raven with One New Zealand Warriors welcoming the team to Logan.