A message from our Head Coach
Kia Ora katoa, ko Wayne Walters taku ingoa, ko Hikatu toku hapu, ko Ngapuhi nui tonu toku iwi. Hello all, my name is Wayne Walters, of Māori heritage. I'm the proud coach of the Central Barbarians Alice Springs. My tribe is Hikatu and my people are Ngapuhi nui tonu. I come from a small village called Te Kopuru. We are a very humble club that likes to think we do our best for the players, and in return, they give us their best. We have a good mix of young, energetic, and experienced players who have had some representative honours of different grades, playing for their nations of Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, and NZ. I am very honoured to have the opportunity to coach these players.
Our cultural strength and versatility
For me, I’d say our strengths are not just the natural individual talents they bring, but the strengths of cultures they bring together on and off the paddock in becoming one people. And that's absolutely beautiful when you can bring sports together. Also, our biggest strength is the versatility we have in the side.
Our commitment to excellence
Most of the boys can play multiple positions, which makes it an exciting job as a coach, especially when you can play locks and loose forwards in the centres and outside backs and not have the confidence that the job will be done and safe. My expectations for the team are just like any other coach really: strive.
Values that drive us
No one is bigger or better than the team. Respect each other, enjoy the moment, always strive to be better, believe in yourself, and be proud. Never say never. The goals set are to be competitive, show commitment and effort at training and game day, and be disciplined on attack and defence.
"Strength isn’t in winning; it’s how you fight the hardships and right the wrongs in battles to get the win. That is strength. Barbarians true and humble."
— Wayne Walters, Head Coach