Griffiths honoured to coach Indigenous All Stars
BY ALEX TIGANI
There’s only one more sleep until NRL returns for 2023.
Former Greta Branxton first grade premiership coach Ronald Griffiths admits he is honoured to have the role of the NRL Indigenous All Stars Head Coach this weekend.
Grateful and humbled by the opportunity, he declared that the magnitude of the appointment was not lost on him when appointed in November shortly after guiding the Newcastle Knights to their first NRLW title.
“I was brought up on Wonnarua country and I have been fortunate enough to know where my family is from, there is a lot of people who don’t have that cultural connection that I am blessed to have,” Griffiths told the Newcastle Knights media.
Griffiths commenced his coaching career as a 24-year-old, starting a lengthy coaching apprenticeship which included head coaching positions with Kurri Kurri and Maitland.
He also made Group 21 history in 2014 when coaching the Colts to a 18-16 first grade grand final win over Denman at Greta Oval.
“Since its inception I have always wanted to be a part of the coaching staff,” he added.
“In terms of personal achievements and accomplishments I have done some things that are pretty special to me but above all else this is a chance to represent my family and culture.”
The All Stars will play off against the Aotearoa NZ Māori Tāne All Stars this Saturday at Rotorua International Stadium.
SCHEDULE:
- 1.15pm – Gates open
- 2.15pm – Mixed Touch Football: Māori All Stars vs Australian Indigenous All Stars
- 3.30pm – Aotearoa NZ Māori Wāhine Toa All Stars vs Australian Indigenous Women’s All Stars
- 5.45pm – Aotearoa NZ Māori Tāne All Stars vs Australian Indigenous Men’s All Stars