Panthers boss unveils plan for Christchurch partnership   29 Jan 2016

Penrith Panthers v NZ Warriors

AMI Stadium, Christchurch, May 14

Media release

January 29

Panthers boss Phil Gould unveils plan for Christchurch partnership

Penrith Panthers general manager Phil Gould has hailed Christchurch as a rugby league hotbed and the ideal partner-city to become the club’s home away from home in New Zealand.

Gould is visiting Christchurch to inspect the venue for the Panthers NRL match against the New Zealand Warriors on May 14 at AMI Stadium, run coaching clinics for local rugby league coaches and to meet local leaders.

The Panthers general manager says that Penrith wants to create a long-term relationship with the city and its sports fans and intends to play a match at AMI Stadium for the next four seasons.

“We want to build a New Zealand fan base in Christchurch and help to grow the game of rugby league in Canterbury,” says Gould. “Looking around the NRL teams over the years, it is obvious how much talent this region produces and we hope that one day many of them will line up in Penrith colours.”

The rugby league legend has unrivalled respect and standing in the game after a career as player, NRL coach and State-of-Origin coach, and these days as administrator, columnist and broadcaster.

Gould announced an extensive community programme for his players and coaching staff during their stay in Christchurch in May, which will include coaching sessions with clubs and schools, clinics for local coaches and a black-tie dinner.

While in Christchurch on Friday, Gould hosted a coaching clinic, filmed some local highlights to promote the game and met Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel to personally thank her for the support of the city.

“This game could not happen without the support of the Christchurch City Council and the Christchurch International Airport, so we are extremely grateful they are backing this partnership.”

“I have visited Christchurch several times over the past few years and I have been impressed by the progress as it is becomes one of the most exciting cities in Australasia.”

“Christchurch Airport is the perfect gateway for Panthers fans and Sydney-siders in general to touch down in New Zealand and explore the South Island.”

Christchurch has had not hosted an NRL match since 2010, but Gould emphasised that his club was committed to a long-term partnership instead of the one-off matches in the past.

“We intend to extend that relationship beyond the match week in May and hope to see Penrith age-group teams visit Christchurch and invite Canterbury teams to come and play in Sydney,” said Gould, adding that this relationship would create an ideal pathway for local rugby league talent into the NRL.

As part of that, Gould voiced his support for a second Kiwi NRL Reserve Grade team to be based in Christchurch.

“It is clear this city has the talent and the fan base to support such a team. It would also enable the best talent to develop in a familiar home environment for longer, before they make the move to Australia, and we hope Penrith.”

ENDS

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