New Zealand 18s 8 (Mawene Hiroti, Dylan Tavita tries) Australian Schoolboys 40 MVP New Zealand 18s: Dylan Tavita MVP Australian Schoolboys: Tanah Boyd The New Zealand U18s missed out 8-40 to the Australian Schoolboys in their schools rugby league international at a soggy Trust Arena in Auckland this afternoon. In a game that promised to be a physical one, Australia snatched their second victory of the week, after beating a NZ U18 select side 26-18 earlier in the week, but this time blew the scoreboard wide open. Auckland’s wet conditions came to the party bringing countless knock-ons to both sides and handling errors that made for a slow start. It was looking like the New Zealand 18s would score 20 minutes into their encounter after a knock-on from an under pressure Australian team, but the over-eager New Zealanders came up short inches from the try-line The Australian Schoolboys opened the scoring after almost half an hour, when a missed tackle from the New Zealanders cost them. A conversion to Zac Lomax, the Australian centre who went into the game with a 100 percent success rate at goal from Tuesday night’s clash, took the Australian Schoolboys out to a 6-0 lead. The sheer speed of the visitors’ play the balls had them gaining 40 metres with a tackle count of only three, and it was that quick pace which brought in the Australian second-rower, David Fafita, for his first try of the match. The score would remain at 10-0 – Zac Lomax’ first and only missed conversion of their two-match campaign. Just as halftime was looming, the NZ 18s scored their first try with winger, Mawene Hiroti, crossing the line on the right wing – the NZ 18s go into the changing rooms trailing by 10-4. Refreshed and ready for another 40 minutes, the New Zealanders came out firing. Their second try came when they capitalised on their opposition’s dropped ball with captain, Dylan Tavita, scoring just right of the post. However, the captain didn’t manage to convert his own try falling short of levelling the scoreboard – 10-8. The New Zealand 18s may have closed the gap, but give the Australians an inch and they’ll take a mile. That’s exactly what they did as Tanah Boyd went in for his second try of the game which was then converted by Zac Lomax extending their lead to 16-8. Boyd would go on to earn himself MVP of the Australian Schoolboys side. Then came David Fafita’s second try. NZ found themselves struggling to read the play as Fafita received a fantastic cut from Boyd slipping through an absent defense taking the score to 22-8 after another successful Lomax conversion. Australia’s next try went much the same way set up by an outstanding grubber from the classy, Tanah Boyd which was taken across the line by Jesse Cronin. Lomax converting the try to make it 28-8. As the New Zealand missed tackle count increased, the Australians took full advantage with a further three more tries on the board, all successfully converted by Zac Lomax. Rewarded for their never-ending forward momentum, the Australian Schoolboys took home an impressive win with seven tries to two and a score of 40-8. Australian co-captains, Zac Lomax and Campbell Graham, credited their successful camp for their victory. “We’ve had a really good camp with incredible coaching staff which put us in an ideal place,” “It was a tough game, their line speed was fast and aggressive but all credit to our boys – we got the job done,” they said. New Zealand 18s captain, Dylan Tavita, said “it was a great arm wrestle in the first 40 minutes but in the second half, fatigue really got to us and we lacked discipline.” The Australian Schoolboys return home with two wins to nil over New Zealand 18s and New Zealand 18s Select. The New Zealand U18s side was: Upper Central: Hayze Perham; Akarana: Matt Timoko, Tyler Slade, Soane Hufanga; Northland: Paul Turner; Southern: Jordan Riki; Counties Manukau: Dylan Tavita (Captain); St George Illawarra Dragons: Steven Marsters; Gold Coast Titans: Jackson Paulo, Darius Farmer; South Sydney Rabbitohs: Mawene Hiroti; Parramatta Eels: Joseph Taipari, Vallance Harris; Cronulla Sharks: Fine Kula; North Queensland Cowboys: Peter Hola, Sean Mullany; Melbourne Storm: Kelma Tuilagi; Sydney Roosters: Phillip Makatoa New Zealand U18 rugby league teams play the Australian Schoolboys in two internationals this week, in Rotorua on Tuesday 26 September and again in Auckland on Saturday 30 September. The New Zealand teams have been selected following match in the weekend that saw the NZ Residents team beat the Taurahere team (players currently playing in Australia originating from New Zealand) 28-10. The select side will play the touring Australians on Tuesday 26 September, 6pm at Puketawhero Park, while the 18s will play them on Saturday 30 September, 11:30am at Trust Arena. Teams below. New Zealand 18s squad Darius Farmer (Gold Coast Titans) Valance Harris (Parramatta Eels) Mawene Hiroti (South Sydney Rabbitohs) Peter Hola (North Qld Cowboys) Soane Hufanga (Warriors/Akarana) Fine Kula (Cronulla Sharks) Phillip Makatoa (Sydney Roosters) Steven Marsters (St George Illawarra Dragons) Sean Mullany (North Qld Cowboys) Jaxson Paulo (Gold Coast Titans) Hayze Perham (Warriors/Upper Central) Jordan Riki (Southern) Tyler Slade (Warriors/Akarana) Joseph Taipari (Parramatta Eels) Dylan Tavita (Warriors/Counties Manakau) Matt Timoko (Akarana) Kelma Tuilagi (Melbourne Storm) Paul Turner (Warriors/Northland) New Zealand 18s select squad
Ranapiri Baker (Canberra Raiders) Bayleigh Bentley-Hape (Sydney Roosters) Kayal Iro (Warriors/Akarana) Awatere Kiwara (Mid Central) Dray Ngatuere-Wroe (Brisbane Broncos) Kea Pere (Melbourne Storm) Javvier Pitovao (Warriors/Akarana) Sheldon Rogers (Warriors/Upper Central) Daniel Sakisi (Southern) Lewis Sio (Warriors/Akarana) Dredin Sorensen-McGee (Warriors/Counties Manakau) Seth Tauamiti (Warriors/Southern) Aublix Tawha (Canberra Raiders) Mark Tepu-Smith (Manly Sea Eagles) Emmanuel Tuimavave-Gerrard (Akarana) Wesley Veikoso (Mid Central) Zaan Weatherall (Manly Sea Eagles) Mikey Williams (Akarana) New Zealand Rugby League have named their New Zealand Resident 18s and Taurahere squads for their September 23 match-up. The two sides will face off against each other in hopes of earning a spot in the New Zealand 18s team who will take on the Australian Schoolboys later this month. Seven of the nineteen players in the NZ Resident 18s squad, Hayze Perham, Sheldon Rogers, Lewis Sio, Javvier Pitovao, Awatere Kiwara, Nitoa Kairau and Jordan Riki, come off the back of being selected in the National Secondary Schools Tournament team last week. This young side includes seven players who are also still eligible to play for New Zealand 18s next year. The last time a NZ 18s fixture took place in 2015 the NZ Resident 18s were defeated by the Australian Schoolboys in both encounters. This year presents the first opportunity for players at 18s level to wear the black jersey. The selection for this team will include not only the best of those residing in New Zealand (NZ Residents 18s), but also New Zealanders currently playing in Australia (Taurahere) to create a New Zealand 18s side that represents the best of New Zealand. New Zealand 18s Head Coach Ezra Howe says the fixtures will further strengthen the NZRL pathways for those wanting to reach the pinnacle of rugby league in New Zealand. “This is a great opportunity for the boys to put their best foot forward playing against Australia while enjoying being in an elite environment. “Players like James Fisher-Harris who was part of the Taurahere programme when it first started back in 2014, show that these pathways provide a good foundation to then go on and represent New Zealand at the highest level. “I know this fixture will see a good standard of football being played from both teams with many talented boys to take the field. “Being a part of these programmes is just as rewarding for the coaching staff as it is for the players so I am thankful to NZRL for this opportunity,” he says. The 19-man NZ Resident 18s squad will be reduced to 18 after a full squad training camp this Friday and Saturday. New Zealand Resident 18s v Taurahere Saturday 23 September Bruce Pulman Park, Auckland New Zealand Resident 18s team:
*last zone represented as per LeagueNet Upper Central: Hayze Perham, Sheldon Rogers; Akarana: Mikey Williams, Matt Timoko, Emanuel Gerard Tuimavave, Soane Hufanga, Lewis Sio, Javvier Pitovao, Tyler Slade, Kayal Iro; Mid Central: Awatere Kiwara, Wesley Veikoso; Counties Manukau: Dylan Tavita, Nitoa Kairau, Dredin Sorenson-McGee; Southern: Seth Tauamiti, Jordan Riki, Daniel Sakisi; Northland: Paul Turner. Head Coach - Moehewa Armstrong Assistant Coach - Alan Ettles Manager - Ben Vaipaata Trainer - Marrin Haggie Physio - Ulima Tofi Taurahere team: Brisbane Broncos: Dre Ngatui-Woe; Cronulla Sharks: Fine Kula; Gold Coast Titans: Darius Farmer, Jackson Paulo; Manly Sea Eagles: Semisi Kioa, Zaane Weatherall, Keith Titums, Mark Tepu-Smith; North Queensland Cowboys: Murray Taulagi, Peter Hola; Parramatta Eels: Joseph Taipari, Oregan Kaufusi, Vallance Harris; South Sydney Rabbitohs: Mawene Hiroti, Tyrone Taukamo; St. George Illawarra Dragons: Steven Marsters; Melbourne Storm: Kelma Tuilagi; Sydney Roosters: Baylee Bentley-Hape. Head Coach - Rangi Hiroti Assistant Coach - Tim McIntyre Manager - Antony Bosley Trainer - Lee Paru Physio - David Close Originally published on NZRL.co.nz 13/9/2017 Hail Ale - Tom wins National League MVPTom Ale moved from Mount Roskill Grammar School to Wesley College in a bid to improve his rugby. That ambition was further enhanced when in late 2015, Ale earned a scholarship to Rotorua Boys’ High School, then the national champions Ale spent two years in the Rotorua BHS First XV and the flanker was good enough to earn a place in the Chiefs Under-18 squad. Rotorua’s season ended several weeks ago, leaving Ale with the chance to play at the NZSS league Nationals last week. Ale performed so strongly for semi-finalist Rotorua he was named MVP of the tournament. “It was a surprise. They had the prize giving a night before the final and I was happy and humbled to get it,” Ale says. Ale plays in the second row and is noted for his athletic running and tough tackling. He was satisfied with how Rotorua performed. “We lost to Kelston Boys’ in the semis. Our start was too slow and it cost us. Our best game was against Wesley. We beat them 20-14 and used the ball well,” Ale recalls. Ale first played league when he was 11 before switching to Union. After his success at the League Nationals he aspires to a career in the NRL. “I like both sports, but I enjoy running the ball and league gives me more chance to do that. My favourite NRL team is the North Queensland Cowboys,” Ale states. Ale is a cousin of Highlanders and North Harbour wing Tevita Li who has been an important mentor. “He visits me a lot in his spare time. He is a real cool guy. He has told me a lot of hard work is the key to making it as a pro,” Ale concludes. 2017 National Secondary Schools Tournament team:
1. Konrad Tu'ua (Kelston BHS) 2. Jonathan Aumua-Falelua-Malio (Kelston BHS) 3. Aiden Aue (Kelston BHS) 4. Awatere Kiwara (Manukura) 5. Javvier Pitova (Mt Albert Grammar School 6. Kayal Iro (Mt Albert Grammar School) 7. Hayze Perham (Rotorua BHS) 8. Selesitino Ravutaumada (Rotorua BHS) 9. Tom Ale (Rotorua BHS) 10. Tukimihia Simpkins (Rotorua BHS) 11. Samuel Nati (Southern Cross) 12. Nitoa Kairau (Southern Cross) 13. William Fakatoumafi (Southern Cross) 14. Star To'a (St Pauls) 15. Sione Moala (St Pauls) 16. Christian Tuipulotu (St Pauls) 17. Lewis Sio (St Pauls) 18. Caius Fa'atili (St Thomas') 19. Patrick Elia (St. Thomas') 20. Jordan Riki (St. Thomas') 21. (Lotu) Mateaki Inisi (Westlake BHS) 9/9/2017 NZ's Top League School ... Again!Southern Cross Campus win back to back premiership titles in an outstanding display of football at this year’s National Secondary Schools Tournament at Bruce Pulman Park. It was a repeat of last year’s final where Kelston Boys’ High School were defeated at their final hurdle with a scoreline most predicted would be much closer than the 44-0 final score. The 2017 premiership title winners sent a message to their opposition that they meant business from the beginning scoring their first try within a minute of the game commencing. Their second try came when the Southern Cross Campus player, Dawson Mele, crossed the line making the score 12-0 after a successful conversion in the 16th minute. Kelston Boys’ High School fought back with impressive energy levels but just couldn’t control the ball to complete their sets. Southern Cross Campus ended their stellar first half with a try scored by their number four off the back of a beautiful grubber kick going into halftime with a 16-0 lead. A massive second half was needed from the boys in red if they were to close the three try gap. That was not to be as Kelston Boys’ High School struggled to reduce their climbing penalty and unforced errors count. The second half started much like the first – a try to Southern Cross Campus in the opening few minutes. Once their momentum was in full speed there was no stopping Southern Cross Campus who managed to get seven tries in, and kept their opponents scoreless to win their second successive national title. In the development final, the battle of the debutants Marcellin College and Haeata Community Campus, saw Marcellin College victorius 30-8. Former Marcellin College students, Monty Betham and Joseph Parker would have been proud of their outstanding performance. Emanuel Tuimavave-Gerrard was dominant in the number six jersey all week and finals day was no different. After catching his own chip kick five metres out from the try line to score, he kicked his own conversion and was dominant at stand-off. A tight Marcellin defensive line was finally cracked by Haeata who capitalised on their numbers out wide to take the score to 12-4 at halftime. Despite some moments of brilliance from Sua Ailoilo, the Christchurch school couldn’t catch up. Not only did Marcellin College win the development grade title, but they also took home the 2017 More Than Just a Game team award for their remarkable performance and attitude on and off the field. 2017 National Secondary Schools Tournament team:
1. Konrad Tu'ua Kelston 2. Jonathan Aumua-Falelua-Malio Kelston 3. Aiden Aue Kelston 4. Awatere Kiwara Manukura 5. Javvier Pitova Mt Albert 6. Kayal Iro Mt Albert 7. Hayze Perham Rotorua Boys High 8. Selesitino Ravutaumada Rotorua Boys High 9. Tom Ale Rotorua Boys High 10. Tukimihia Simpkins Rotorua Boys High 11. Samuel Nati Southern Cross 12. Nitoa Kairau Southern Cross 13. William Fakatoumafi Southern Cross 14. Star To'a St Pauls 15. Sione Moala St Pauls 16. Christian Tuipulotu St Pauls 17. Lewis Sio St Pauls 18. Caius Fa'atili St Thomas 19. Patrick Elia St. Thomas 20. Jordan Riki St. Thomas 21. (Lotu) MateakiInisi Westlake Awards It’s not OK Best and Fairest Award, Developing Winner - Blake Patterson – Trident High School It’s not OK Best and Fairest Award, Premiership Grade Winner - Jonathan Aumua Falelua-Malio – Kelston Boys High School Fair Play Team of the Tournament 2017 – Wesley College 2017 Match Official Development Grade – Taylor Waenga – Northland 2017 Match Official Premier Grade – Paki Parkinson – Coastline 2017 Trainer of the Tournament – Tanu Aumua – Manukura 2017 Manager of the Tournament – Brian Stephenson – Marcellin College 2017 Coach of the Tournament – Safotu Filipo – Onehunga High School 2017 Cultural Salute of the Tournament - James Cook High School 2017 More Than Just a Game team award - Marcellin College Player of the Tournament - Tom Ale – Rotorua Boys High School |
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