Hail Ale - Tom wins National League MVP

Tom 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.

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​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:
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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)