Meet the Team
Leighton Spellman
- Director
- Strength & Conditioning Coach, Rugby League Coach, Skills Coach, Mindset & Goal Setting Mentor
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Assistant Coach, Storm U16 SouthEast Hub team 2025
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Head Coach Casey Warriors U14 team 2025
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As a player, Leighton come through the grades at the Mt Albert Lions in Auckland, one of New Zealand's foundation rugby league clubs. There he played under some great coaches and learnt his trade. As a player, he represented New Zealand at an age grade level, touring Australia and playing alongside and against many future NRL players.
From a Touch and Tag football family he was engrossed with sport from such a young age. Growing up he took many opportunities to be apart of everything that he could also representing NZ in tag.
Kiriwai Spellman
- Director
- Strength & Conditioning Coach, Speed & Agility Coach, Rehab & Injury Specialist
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Trainer, Storm U16 SouthEast Hub team 2025
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Trainer Casey Warriors U14 team 2025
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A seasoned Strength & Conditioning Coach, Kiri's journey led her to work closely with the Auckland Rugby Union as a S & C coach, then embracing a leadership role, providing essential support for individuals grappling with Long-Term health conditions.
Her sporting career began early on, earning representative honors in Rugby Union representing her club Ngongotaha, and the Bay of Plenty. Additionally, she excelled in Touch, showcasing her talents with Bay of Plenty, Counties Manukau, Auckland, that also got her to NZ representative level.
Sam
Katipa
- Head Coach
- Personal Trainer, Rugby League Coach, Skills Coach, Guidance Mentor
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Head Coach, Storm U16 SouthEast Hub team 2025
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Head Coach Casey Warriors U16 team 2025
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Sam started playing rugby union at a young age for the Papakura Rugby Club, aswell as cricket for his school once he moved to Palmerston North.
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He fell in love with rugby league after initially watching a rugby league training session. In his first year, Sam was named Rookie of the Year, and the following year, he became MVP of his team.
He played 1st XV rugby as a halfback, a position that helped him develop physical and mental toughness having to play against many bigger boys.
Sponsors
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors who support us in our mission to nurture young talent and promote the love of rugby league, health and fitness.
