NZRL Names U16 Squad

The 2017 New Zealand 16s wider squad to play the NZ Maori 17s next month was announced today. 
The team last played in 2014 against Samoa in what was a tightly contested match with the NZ Residents coming out on top with a 32 – 26 victory. The 2014 16s team featured 14 players who are now with NRL clubs including young talent Steve Marsters and Chanel Harris-Tavita who both went on to earn a spot in the Junior Kiwis this year.
New Zealand Resident 16s Head Coach, Andrew Auimatagi says “I’m really excited about the talent we have named in the wider training squad for this representative season.
“We have selected players from right across the country who have impressed us in the early stages of their playing careers and who will be working hard to ensure they are named in the final team to play the NZ Maori 17s in late July.
“As it will be the first time for many wearing the New Zealand jersey, it is important for us (as staff) to teach the players about what it means to take those first steps on our representative pathway,” he says.
The re-introduction of this anticipated match into the NZRL calendar is something New Zealand Rugby League’s National Talent Manager, David McMeeken believes will strengthen the pathways for young rugby league players.
“The return of this fixture is a great opportunity for the boys with aspirations to play for their country – it also adds a lot of prestige to the occasion.
“This game will be a challenging and competitive fixture as our NZ 16s gear up to face a strong NZ Maori 17s team, many of whom are also boys that have been through the NZRL pathways,” he says.
The final squad of 18 will be named on 5 July to play in Rotorua at Puketewhero Park on July 22 against the NZ Maori 17s.
2017 New Zealand Resident 16s Wider Training Squad:
Akarana: Christian Tuipulotu, Eteru Ropati, Jyris Glamuzina, Nathanael Sasagi, Temple-Olympia Kalepo, Tuinamo Tepulolo, Jona Palota-Kopa, Keanu Ratumairavuki, Junior Tuileisu; Counties: Aamon Dean, Brian Lealiifano, Diaz Tahia, Kaya Cuthers, Marco  Talagi, Semisi Tapa, Xavier Stevens-Teo; Mid Central: Jamie Robertson; Northland: Kiarn Reihana-Ngatoki; Southern: Caius Faatili, Griffin Neame, Leroy Ferguson; Upper Central: Albert Talakai, Ceiza James, Rayna Whakaari; Auckland Vulcans: Caleb Pese, Sione Moala, Soaki Taufa; Wellington: Ilai Tuai, Wyatt So'otaga
(NOTE: as per their last represented zone) 

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