Shane Jones

Participation is growing.

There's big crowds turning up for International Rugby League.

And I think with the Warriors succeeding in both on the field and off, you know, the sport's in great health.

So it's an incredible opportunity.

for me and a great honour to be coming in at this point to lead the sport.

Yeah, look, obviously I'm just an outsider's perspective because I haven't got my feet under the desk yet, Mike.

But my view is that a rising tide raises all boats.

More eyes on the game means more young kids inspired to take part.

And that's a huge part of what New Zealand Rugby League is there to do.

the pathways and the opportunities for kids around the country to play league and then of course the success of the nrl means that the superstars who are kiwis and kiwi ferns have the attention we can work out whether you're a warriors fan a tigers fan you know whatever team you support in the nrl there's fantastic new zealand players in fact i think the latest ad i saw was around 30 percent

of the NRL New Zealand players.

So that's really where we fit in.

Look, I think no CEO of New Zealand Rugby League would ever say we need less matches.

Obviously, getting as much and great content regularly is a priority.

But with the Pacific Cup and Pacific Champs in place, that gives regular fantastic content, not just for Kiwi fans, but for Tonga, Samoa, and the huge atmosphere and fun they bring.

I was at Eden Park for that event.

sell-out game last October, and honestly, it's one of the greatest sports events I've been at, and I've worked on some pretty big ones.

I think the International League brings something different and special, and so the more of it we can get, the better.

Oh, look, I think when you come in to work in a sport, you have something that you want to achieve.

And that's either a real connection with the sport, which I really feel with league, you know, something that you really personally have a passion for.