Boys Lotto Premiership First XI Football: Players to Watch

Raphael Le’ai (Scots College) - a proven goal-scorer this year for his school.

The New Zealand Secondary Schools First XI football Premier tournament commences in Napier in a fortnight. More than 200 players will be on display. Here are eight of the best. 
 
Thomas Drillen (Auckland Grammar School) - Drillen will be striving hard to ensure Auckland Grammar finishes higher than 11th, their disappointing placement last year. Combative and skillful, Drillen has been a key figure in driving AGS into the top four of the Auckland Premiership this year. 
 
Raphael Le’ai (Scots College) - The Solomon Islands Under 17 representative broke the record for the most goals scored in the Trevor Rigby Cup Wellington competition this season; scoring 14 goals in 11 games, including a decisive strike in the final. The previous record was 13 set by Hutt Valley High School representative Aaron McDonald in 2013. Quick on his feet and deadly in front of goal, Le’ai promises to entertain. 
 
Tyler Ericksen (Hamilton Boys' High School) - The robust defender is entering his second Nationals hoping to be as stubborn as the wall that won Hamilton top position in 2017. Technically adept and confident going forward, Ericksen will be tough to contain. 
 
Joel Clissond (Sacred Heart College) - The dead-eye striker is among the leading scorers in the country this year. Clissond impressed for Eastern Suburbs in the National Youth League and brings experience and class to his third Nationals. 
 
Oliver Colloty (Otago Boys’ High School) - Otago didn’t qualify for Nationals last year, but with Colloty’s all-round excellence they will have an impact in Napier; one of the best players in the South Island. 
 
Kenny Willox (Havelock North High School) - Havelock North are a wildcard qualifier who shouldn’t be underestimated, especially given they have Willox. A regular in the Havelock North Wanderers, Willox will ensure Havelock make a nuance of all their opponents. 
 
Aaron Scott (Rathkeale College) - Rathkeale was second in the Rex Dawkins second tier tournament in 2018 and are hoping to go a place higher at this year's Nationals. Scott is a key defender; strong on the ball and adept at avoiding carnage at corners.  
 
Tournament details:
 
The Lotto Boys Tournament is being played at Park Island, Napier over Winter Tournament Week from 2-6 September.

The 32 teams competing and the eight pools are below:

Pool A: Saint Kentigern College, St Paul's Collegiate, Selwyn College, Otago Boys’ High School
Pool B: Sacred Heart College, Hastings Boys’ High School,  St Pat’s Town, Burnside High School
Pool C: Westlake Boys’ High School,  Palmerston North Boys’ High School, Nelson College, Rotorua Boys’ High School
Pool D: Auckland Grammar School, Hamilton Boys’ High School, St Pat’s Silverstream,  Napier Boys’ High School
Pool E: St Peter's College, Havelock North High School,  Hutt International Boys’ School, Cashmere High School
Pool F: Rutherford College, St Peter's School,  Rathkeale College, St Thomas’ of Canterbury College
Pool G: Mount Albert Grammar School,  New Plymouth Boys’ High School, Scots College, Christ's College
Pool H: Kings College Tauranga Boys’ College, Waimea High School,  King's High School.

Last 10 winners:
2018: Sacred Heart College, Auckland
​2017: Hamilton Boys' High School
​2016   Sacred Heart College, Auckland
​2015   Nelson College
2014   Sacred Heart College, Auckland
2013   Saint Kentigern College
2012   Mount Albert Grammar School
2011   Sacred Heart College, Auckland
2010   Palmerston North Boys’ High School
2009   Mount Albert Grammar School