NZRL name 20 U16s paper team

Photo Credit - NZRL.co.nz

New Zealand Rugby League has named a NZ 16s "paper" side to celebrate and reward the hard work of players that attended the 2015 national trial and "Got A Trade? Got It Made!" National Youth Tournament.

After a selection process, head coach Moehewa Armstrong has named 20 players from across the country.

“The selectors were extremely impressed with skills and attitude in an environment that was designed to test and challenge the players, both on and off the field”.

Unfortunately, the team doesn’t assemble for a fixture, but each of the players has been given personal profiles outlining their strengths and weakness.

As part of the high performance pathway, players will be monitored via zone camps and national academies to ensure they’re continuing to meet national expectations and continue the production line of talent playing for the black-and-white jersey.

NZRL national talent manager Dean Watkins' desire is to see the players fulfill their dreams and aspire to play in the Kiwis jumper, but has a clear message that the players must drive themselves to new levels.
“For every player in the NR, there are hundreds that miss out," he says.

"The challenge for these players is to ensure they stay focused on their dream and continue to set goals to progress on the pathway."

The 2015 NZ 16s squad is:
Daymon Abbey - Akarana
Hitaua Butler - Mid Central
Soane Hufanga - Akarana
Keanu Laumatia-Paki - Counties Manukau
Joseph Los'e - Mid Central
Lumafale Lualua - Wellington
Etene Nanai-Seturo - Counties Manukau
Te Kahu Nathan - Northern
Hayze Perham - Upper Central
Javvier Pitovao - Akarana
Jordan Riki - Southern
Sheldon Rogers - Upper Central
Alfred Smalley - Counties Manukau
Elijah Sufia - Counties Manukau
Chanel Tavita-Harris - Akarana
Jonty Timoti - Akarana
Caleb Uele - Akarana
Joshua Uta - Counties Manukau
Wesley Veikoso - Mid Central
Mikey Williams -Akarana

http://www.nzrl.co.nz/fanzone/news/

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