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Manurewa Marlins Rugby League club  boasts bumper numbers but has run out of teams to play against. Rowena Orejana explores options to bolster the competition.

The clubhouse is almost 40 years old and is covered in graffiti. It sits on a corner of Leabank Park in Manurewa.

The state of the building belies the vibrancy of the club itself. Manurewa Marlins Rugby League and Sports Club - the largest league club in New Zealand - is celebrating its 50th year. Hopes are high of mustering 50 rugby league teams to mark the occasion.

Although rugby league has been on the decline, interest in the game is strengthening in Manurewa, inspired by successful former club players. The club has 800 players signed up.

"Strong family involvement, that's what our values are," says Greg Whaiapu, club president. "Our members can aspire for higher goals in rugby league like the Warriors and the NRL."

Two of the club's players are in the New Zealand Warriors under-20s' training squad.  The club has also been enjoying much success, winning the Fox Memorial Shield in the Auckland Rugby League twice in the last five years.

Ironically, its strength is also its weakness.  "We don't have enough competition. Other clubs are not big enough for our number of players," says Alan Johnson, club executive.

While all the other clubs in Auckland field just one team, the Manurewa Marlins field at least two in each age grade. In some grades, the Marlins have eight teams and during some of the age group competitions, the club's teams compete against each other for titles.

Having no second division is tough on the kids who are not quite good enough to be on the first team.

The club hopes that with the advent of Counties Manukau Rugby League - in a restructuring of the Auckland Rugby League region - more strength will build across the region.

"We should be really trying to develop rugby league in the schools more," says Mr Johnson, "and we should offer more support for girls in rugby league."

A planned $3.3 million dollar multi-club sports centre in Mountfort Park would also be a boost for the club.

"This building has been poorly built by volunteers in the 1970s," says Mr Johnson.

"It's not well-maintained. Even if we break down our prize-giving into five different occasions, we still can't fit everybody."

Big fish from the Manurewa Marlins

Greg Eastwood, Leeds Rhinos, Super League

Joe Galavao, Manly Sea Eagles, National Rugby League

Jesse Bromwich, Melbourne Storm, National Rugby League

For more info, contact club secretary Trudy Field  on 267 2648.