More than 10 years ago after the Vodafone Warriors developed a League in Libraries programme, players visited Papamoa library with school children from Te Akau Ki Papamoa School.

The purpose of the programme is to encourage school children that reading and writing is fun and important, and through the programme each year, school children across the country are encouraged to write stories incorporating the game of rugby league in some way.

Two winning stories are chosen – one from a primary school and one from an intermediate school, they are then professionally published and distribute through several school libraries across the country.

'Some kids did the perspective from the league ball and some did the persective of being an actual league player,” says Te Akau Ki Papamoa School teacher Arzjah Flavell.

"While Hawke's Bay schools won the major prizes, Te Akau Ki Papamoa School has performed outstandingly to feature among the finalists. It's always amazing seeing the creativity coming through from the pupils and we also get a real thrill of bringing our players along to interact with the kids on these library visits,” says Vodafone Warriors community relations manager Petrece Kesha.

"The kids always come up with some awesome stories for our CSG League in Libraries competition," says Vodafone Warriors back rower James Bell, who captain's the club's side in the Intrust Super Premiership NSW.

"It's a great way for pupils to learn about writing and improve their literacy. As players we love coming along to libraries to mix with the kids and it's even more special being able to come down to Papamoa today."

Warrior Keanu Laumatia-Paki helping a student out with the activities.

The Vodafone Warriors players were interacting with the kids in all sorts of different ways. They were getting the kids to introduce themselves and say their favourite ice cream flavor.

They were also doing different activities like a word search, designing a new playing jersey for the team and coming up with one wish with something to do with league.

'I wish to get paid to be the Warriors mascot,” says one school child.

Out of all the questions asked to the players, majority of them were Fortnite related.

While playing a game of ‘would you rather', one child asked Warrior player Junior Pauga, 'Would you rather play Fortnite or league?” with an response of 'both”.

'My class loves league. At the start of each week we have a catch up and have a look at the NRL table and see where our teams are at.”

'In my job, it's just so rewarding because you're always meeting new people, especially kids and seeing how much of a difference you can make,” says Warriors women's player Georgia Hale.

Year 5&6 student Caleb getting his shirt signed by the Warriors.