Legendary duo return to Levin roots

Legendary duo return to Levin roots

Rugby league legends James Tamou and Kenny Edwards returned to their old stomping ground, Playford Park, this week holding a series of training camps for aspiring youngsters.

The cousins grew up just down the road and they spent hours at Playford as youngsters, kicking a ball around and honing skills that would lead to professional playing careers.

James, who played State of Origin for New South Wales, 14 test for the Kangaroos, and 307 NRL games, playing for Penrith Panthers, West Tigers and North Queensland Cowboys.

He says it doesn’t feel like that long ago that they were both across the road attending Levin East School, then Waiopehu College, before opportunity came knocking.

“We thought we’d make a thing of it,” James says. “We’re at the stage of our careers now where we are semi-retired so it’s time to give back.”

Boys and girls of all ages signed up for the camps, with the famous cousins full of tips and encouragement.

“Hopefully it can be an annual thing.”

Both James and Kenny played for Levin Knights as juniors – and senior matches as teenagers – before talent took them to Australia. Kenny played 70 NRL games for Paramatta Eels, and professionally in the UK for many years.

While in New Zealand for the Aotearoa NZ Māori Invitational team versus a League Legends XIII in Rotorua at the weekend they opportunity to visit whānau and teach youngsters at the same time.

James says he was impressed by the enthusiasm of those who attended: “They’re keen young kids. Hopefully by doing this they can upskill and set a goal and see that it can be achievable.