Some events hit different. This one did.

Over the weekend, Alignz Recruitment was invited to an NRL network event hosted by Sione Faumuina. His mission is real and personal. He is helping men find direction, rediscover purpose and prepare for life after rugby league. That spoke straight to us. Our work has always been about more than jobs. It is about people, identity and building futures that last.

As soon as the invite landed, our CEO TJay Asiata and General Manager Brian Maposua made the call to be there. Not for show. Not for photos. But because supporting our Māori and Pasifika communities is in our DNA. When someone is doing meaningful work for our people, we stand behind it.

The room felt honest. Real talk. No filters. Hearing Sione and Kalyn Ponga open up about the struggles players face once the lights fade was powerful. It reminded us how easily people can feel lost when the chapter changes. That is why strong guidance and genuine support matter, whether you’re an NRL athlete or someone stepping into a new career pathway.

Meeting Kalyn was a highlight, sure. But the bigger moment was seeing two leaders use their platform to uplift their own. That is the kind of leadership we respect.

Earlier that day, a few of us took on the Eden Park rooftop walk. It pushed the nerves, but the Sky Sport Rooftop team kept us grounded with solid safety systems and real care. It was a reminder that looking after people is not optional. It is essential.

For Alignz Recruitment, this weekend reinforced why we do what we do. We show up, we connect and we stand with our community. Always.