NZRL Names U18 and U16 Merit Teams!

The 16s and 18s merit teams have been named from results at this month's NZRL National High Performance Camp at St Peter’s School in Cambridge.

Players selected in these merit teams are rewarded for their stand-out performances at the National High Performance Camp trials last week. A high percentage of these players will make up the core of the NZ 16s and 18s teams to be selected later this year.

Otahuhu’s Semisi Tapa was named 16s Best and Fairest Player after a solid defensive game and scoring in Team Kahu’s 48-16 win over Team Johnson in the first match, while Israel Ogden from Mangere East took home 18s Best and Fairest Player despite his team (Bromwich) losing to Team Blair 46-22 in the 18s match-up.  

"It's a massive accomplishment to be recognised as one of the best players in the country," says NZRL Talent Development Manager David McMeeken.


"Hopefully, their selection, along with the lessons they take away from the camp, will provide these players with a stepping stone towards future international and professional careers.
"At this level, whenever you step out on the field, there's always someone watching."

The merit teams are:
18s:

1.     Israel Ogden (Counties)
2.     Awatere Kiwara (Mid Central)
3.     Dredin McGee (Akarana)
4.     Matthew Timoko (Akarana)
5.     Marcel Connal (Counties)
6.     Regan McClennan (Akarana)
7.     Lewis Sio (Akarana)
8.     Lewis Afeaki (Akarana)
9.     Samiuela Lauhingoa (Counties)
10.   Seth Tauamiti (Southern)
11.   Elijah Sufia (Akarana)
12.   Jordan Riki (Southern)
13.   Javvier Pitovao (Akarana)
14.   Starford To’a (Akarana)
15.   Taylor Fiu (Counties)
16.   Daniel Sakisi (Southern)
17.   Vito Tevaga (Akarana)

18s:

1.        Tuinamo Tepulolo (Akarana)
2.        Soakai Taufa (Akarana)
3.        Christian Tuipulotu (Akarana)
4.        Jamie Robertson (Mid Central)
5.        Marco Talagi (Counties)
6.        Nathaneal Sasagi (Akarana)
7.        Cezia James (Upper Central)
8.        Diaz Taihia (Counties)
9.        Temple Kalepo (Akarana)
10.    Caius Faatili (Southern)
11.    Aamon Dean (Counties)
12.    Semisi Tapa (Counties)
13.    Leroy Ferguson (Southern)
14.    Xavier Stevens-Teo (Counties)
15.    Griffen Neame (Southern)
16.    Ilai Tuai (Wellington)
17.    Wyatt Sootaga (Wellington)

The selection panel also identified five players who embodied the NZRL values of integrity, respect, leadership, courage and passion during the four-day camp.
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NZRL National High Performance Camp Awards 2017:
18s Best & Fairest player – Israel Ogden (Counties)
16s Best & Fairest player – Semisi Tapa (Counties)
Passion award – Brad Campbell (Southern)
Courage award – Xavier Stevens-Teo (Counties)
Leadership award – Christian Tuipulotu (Akarana)
Respect award – Samuel Kamu (Akarana)
Integrity award – Caius Faatili (Southern)

Originally posted by NZRL

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