| Home | Forums | News & Results | Shop | My Account | About Us |
New Members
Kakarott
churneatalryt
WAX ON WAX OFF
Love The Game !!
my2centsworth2
CrackerJack
G.Benson
My2cents
JIMMY
Rugby_League
my2cents worth
jinker07nz
mightyhawk
pennydiamond
Bobcat123
Warriors Results
Last result
Next round
G.Benson - more media coverage,sposorship,school comps etc etc... - Posted @ Sat 27 Feb @ 12:16am
- The game in our local region needs a big boost. Marketing wise. - Posted @ Sun 24 Jan @ 5:45pm
Mr T - Best Player in New Zealand Rugby League - Posted @ Sat 2 Jan @ 9:37pm
leaguefan - bring on 2010 - Posted @ Tue 22 Dec @ 7:33pm
pimpsnz - My Game My Life - Posted @ Tue 22 Dec @ 6:06pm
Soultrainer - Love This Game - Posted @ Thu 10 Dec @ 10:14am
kiwis - is finished! - Posted @ Wed 11 Nov @ 4:28pm
Editorials
Schirnack brother’s make West Tigers squad
Schirnack brother’s Alan and Jason have recently put pen to paper and signed fulltime contracts with the popular NRL West Tigers club for 2010 and 2011. Born and raised in staunch Rugby League suburb Wainuiomata, the former Te Aroha Eels are looking to make their mark against the best of the best next season.
Having migrated across the ditch 3 years ago and plying their trade in the lower grades, it’s a coincidence that they both had outstanding years on the field in 2009 to gain fulltime contracts. Ex Te Aroha Eels coach and League legend Johnny Lomax was instrumental in getting the boy’s to the Tigers through his contacts, Lomax was a dominant figure in the NRL during glory days of the Canberra Raiders. Even more extraordinary is that both played their grand finals (NSW Cup & Toyota Cup) at ANZ stadium, in curtain raiser games for the main event where the Melbourne Storm claimed their 3rd NRL Premiership in 10 years. Alan aged 23 is an imposing front rower prop who played most of the year for the feeder club Balmain Ryde in the NSW Cup. His strong hit ups and tireless tackling caught the eye of the Tigers and Australian head coach Tim Sheens earning him 5 first grade games during the season playing alongside the likes of Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah. Younger brother Jason aged 20 an aggressive second rower, played a starring role for the West Tigers Toyota Cup team which had a fairytale run to the grand final only to lose in a tight game against the Storm.
The Iro’s, Walters, Sorenson’s, and Morris brothers are a few examples of siblings that have played together in one of the toughest competitions in the world and the Schirnack’s are continuing the proud tradition. “Yeah I’m looking forward to playing with Jase next year. It reminds me of the good days playing with the Te Aroha Eels” says Alan. Starting out in the lower grades for the Tigers in 2007, Alan has worked hard juggling his young family with trainings to become one of 25 contracted players with the club. “Now we are contracted we’ll be training 6 days a week and twice a day. The good thing is I can focus solely on training hard, having an injury free pre-season and not have to worry about work”. Jason has found the setup at the Tigers to be very professional and has helped develop his game to new levels. “It’s good at the club as we train at Concord Oval, which has good training facilities and everything you need is there” says Jason.
Besides the natural abilities and endless hours of trainings, Alan and Jason both agree that Whanau support has been the major factor in them being a success across the ditch. Their parents Michael and Evelyn have supported the boys from day one and made the move to Australia in 2007 to ensure a positive environment for the boys to exceed in. “Having the family here is very important to me, they keep me grounded. My daughter Tyra is my drive and she gives me strength to work hard and achieve my goals” says Jason. Alan also has a young family and will benefit from not having to work and train as in previous years. “They (family) love it in Sydney, its a lot easier being contracted as I have more time with the kids and Morgan (partner) so we’re all happy”.
Making the top 25 for the West Tigers is an achievement for the Schirnack brother’s but they both know the challenge is improving their game and becoming established first graders for years to come. Alan and Jason are part of the large group of young Kiwis coming through the NRL, slowly turning the tide against the once dominant Kangaroos. From grass roots rugby league in Wainuiomata to professional sportsmen in Sydney, the Schirnack brothers are living the dream and proof that anything is possible if you work hard. Jason shares his tips with young people wanting to become professional athletes. “Love what you do and have fun with it, you’ll learn as you go. Listen to those people close to you and have your interest in heart, follow you’re dreams, goals and take the negative and use it as a positive. Don’t ever give up”.
Eels to Tigers: Alan and Jason Schirnack show off their
colours.