A league of their own
Rugby League is a family sport for Kayne Minhinnick, Stacey Jacobs and their six children. Photo: Dan Hutchinson
Kayne Minhinnick has spent nearly two decades helping build the Taupō Phoenix Rugby League Club into a thriving community hub, but his proudest achievement might be watching his six children carry on the family tradition across every age group the club offers.
By Dan Hutchinson
Now the club chairman, he joined Phoenix in 2007, just three years after its establishment in 2004, and has watched it grow from a small local outfit into a bustling organisation with nine teams across five junior grades this season and more than 300 players.
"There's been a lot of growth in the last few years, which has been good, especially amongst our juniors," Kaye says.
"Our numbers are growing. As a club, all we can do is try to give them the best experience and hopefully they keep coming back."
His eldest daughter Kamaia, 19, has progressed through the ranks from under-6s to women's rugby league, playing wing and centre positions.
Kamaia credits the club's culture for keeping her engaged throughout her development.
"Just the culture and the team. Even though we have different people coming in every year, we still help each other."
The family's involvement spans the entire age spectrum. Dante, 16, plays halfback in his age group, and he could be set to play alongside his dad in the next year or two.
Braxton 11 continues the tradition. Five-year-old Shiloh and 4-year-old Caelyn are in the junior ranks, with Caelyn just beginning his first season in under-6s.
"This one, he just turned four. It's his first year playing this year," Kayne says.
"He loves it. I think it's just something for them. It's their own team."
Even 2-year-old Kehlani is already part of the club environment, though not yet old enough to play.
Minhinnick's partner, Stacey Jacobs, serves as an organiser for the club and at home.
The logistics of having six players in the family means a whiteboard is an essential piece of equipment so everyone knows where they are playing, transport is big thing and the washing machine also needs to be big.
She has often considered playing but she operates Misfitz Dance Studio, conveniently located next to the league playing fields, and any injuries could have a major impact on her ability to do that.
Kayne’s journey into rugby league began after finishing school, when workmates convinced him to try the sport despite his rugby union background.
"I grew up playing rugby and through high school played rugby, and then as soon as I finished school, had a few workmates at work that dragged me along. Went along and never looked back."
Now transitioning from player to coach and administrator, Minhinnick continues to play while helping coach teams and running the club behind the scenes.
What does he like about the sport?
"I don't know, I suppose I just like running into people and people running into you."
The club's junior programme has experienced significant expansion, with nine teams competing across grades from under-6s to under-12s this season.
The junior season began two weeks ago.
"It's a good problem to have," Kayne says of the increasing numbers.
The Phoenix Rugby League Club has become more than just a sporting organisation for families like the Minhinnicks.
"We catch up with everyone at the fields every other day. It's the same faces," Kayne says.
"The kids enjoy it, the parents enjoy being a part of it. So, what we can do is encourage them to keep coming along.”