ARL added an important member of staff in our development area during the 2023 season. David Fauonuku is leading the way for Coaching Development as we head towards the 2024 season.

With experience in the coaching area from age 16, Dave will have a significant role in developing our coaches. Harnessing the potential of all new and current coaches to create brighter futures for our Junior, Youth and Senior players in Tāmaki Makaurau. Dave’s working to improve the coaching support, resources and pathways in Auckland with his eyes set on impacting recruitment and retention over the long-term. Dave has had an extensive career in rugby league stretching across to playing in France, where he was also a Development Officer delivering coaching and skill sessions to local schools. From there he made his way back to Australia to pursue a development role in the NRL.

“My first role over in Australia was with the Parramatta Eels, from there moving to the West Tigers, and finally finishing off at the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. I thoroughly enjoyed my time, gained a lot of valuable experience and learnings over the decade of me being over there.” 

Dave most recently played for the Richmond Rovers in the Fox Memorial Premiership last season and has joined the One New Zealand Warriors SG Ball coaching staff for the current season. Over the years Dave has experienced some amazing moments both as a rugby league player and as a coach. “I cannot separate the two – winning a championship with my junior club, Leichhardt Juniors with a lot of the boys knocking back big money to play elsewhere and a few coming out of retirement was amazing. The other would have to be with the Brooklyn Kings in New York, a bunch of guys that had never played before, the culture and group we had was just awesome to be a part of.” 

“In a coaching role, it has to be the 5 years I spent in the female space with the Wests Tigers. Growing up down the road from Leichhardt Oval, it was always a dream to play for the club. Unfortunately, I didn't quite get there, however, working there as part of the Pathways and Development team was just as good.” “Coaching many of those girls from 15/16 years of age to the senior side. It was such a fun time building that space and watching them grow as players and people, with many of them now playing NRLW. Putting together the 2022 Women’s team that went on to win the club’s first female Premiership in what I believe to be one of the great games of footy was a dream come true.” 

Becoming a coach in modern Rugby League is no easy task. It takes years of experience, good people management and a wide knowledge of skills and drills, plus many more important attributes. One of the most important attributes is being passionate about the game. Passion is what drives us to learn more and achieve goals. One of Dave’s older coaches, Mark Rewi instilled this passion in him.  “I have a responsibility to give back to the game, to provide the next generation with the opportunities that I was once afforded. People such as Paul Sironen, Shannon Gallant, Aaron McDonald, and Kate Mullay have been a massive inspiration to me. I have so many people that have guided me to where I am today, especially in the Pasifika space, people like Joe Galuvao, The Meredith Brothers, Emily Latu and David Solomona instilled in me the passion for giving back.” 

For any aspiring coaches, our Coaches Conference will be hosted on March 16th. Dave has been the driving force behind the Conference, bringing in key guest speakers that are set to be announced this week. The Conference will provide coaches with key insights, resources, and the sharing of knowledge to use to improve their coaching at all levels. This is a can’t-miss for all Auckland and Rugby League coaches. “There's always more to learn as a coach, and coaching is like problem solving, there could be a thousand solutions, however you just have to find the one that works best for you and your players.” 

Article added: February 27th, 2024