Players selected to attend National High Performance Camp 16s players: Dillion Vale (Akarana, Albany Senior High, Waitemata, NZ Warriors), Quinnlan Tupou (Akarana, Botany Downs College, Manurewa, NZ Warriors), Christian Tuipulotu (Akarana, St Pauls, Ellerslie, NZ Warriors), Tuinamo Teipulotu (Akarana, Waitemata, NZ Warriors), Daylen Meredith (Akarana, Avondale College, Mt. Albert), Jyris Glamuzina (Akarana, Sacred Heart College, Ellerslie, NZ Warriors), Nathaneal Sasagi (Akarana, Mt Roskill Grammar, Ellerslie), Samuel Kamu (Akarana, Mt Albert Grammar, Ellerslie, Newcastle Knights), Soakai Taufa (Akarana, Mangere College, Otahuhu), Temple Kalepo (Akarana, Kings College, Ellerslie, NZ Warriors), Brian Lealifano (Counties, Sacred Heart, Otara), David Aofi (Counties, Otahuhu College, Otahuhu), Etuala Lui (Counties, Kings College, Otahuhu, Melbourne Storm), Marco Talagi (Counties, Tangaroa College, Otara), Talitua Salima Satuia (Counties, De La Salle College, Otahuhu, NZ Warriors), Xavier Teo-Stevens (Counties, Aorere College, Mangere East, NZ Warriors), Aamon Dean (Counties, Saint Kentigerns College, Otahuhu, Melbourne Storm), Keanu Mann (Counties, Papatoetoe High School, Mangere East), Paea Fotu (Counties, Mangere East, NZ Warriors), Sam Taunga (Counties, Aorere College, Otahuhu, NZ Warriors), Semisi Tapa (Counties, St Peters, Otahuhu), Semisi Sekei (Counties, De La Salle College, Otahuhu, NZ Warriors), Jamie Lee Robertson (Mid Central, City College, Wanganui Boxon), Tiaho Hamahona-Taiaroa (Mid Central, Wanganui High School, Wanganui Boxon), Brooklyn Herewin (Mid Central, Manukura, Wanganui Boxon), Manny Snooks (Northern, Whangarei Boys High, Portland, Canberra Raiders), Caius Faatili (Southern, St Thomas of Canterbury, Hornby Panthers, North Queensland Cowboys), Griffen Neame (Southern, Greymouth High School, Suburbs, North Queensland Cowboys), Leroy Ferguson (Southern, Otago Boys High, Brisbane Broncos), Manaia Edwards (Southern, Papanui High School, Papanui Tigers), Trent Leach (Upper Central, Rotorua Boys High, Pikiao Warriors), Jay Te Kani (Upper Central, Rotorua Boys High, Ngongotaha), Rayna Whakaari (Upper Central, Rotorua Boys High, Pikiao Warriors, Sydney Roosters), Taylor Leef (Upper Central, Hamilton Boys High, Hamilton City Tigers), Albert Talakai (Upper Central, Westlake Boys High, Ellerslie, NZ Warriors), Evandor Tererong (Wellington, Rongotai College, Porirua), Fred Leaupepe Tema (Wellington, Naenae College, Randwick), Ilai Tuai (Wellington, St Bernard’s College, Randwick), Maui Wallace (Wellington, Tawa College, Porirua), Wyatt So’otanga (Wellington, St Bernard’s College, Randwick). Team Johnson: Head Coach - Andrew Auimatagi (Southern) Assistant Coach – Cody Walker (Akarana) Manager – Tanya Harris (Counties) Trainer – Lee Paru (Southern) Team Kahu: Head Coach – Pete Butler (Mid Central) Assistant Coach – Eugene Davis (Upper Central) Manager – Mel Mather (Southern) Trainer – Jason Clarke (Auckland / Akarana) 18s players Starford Toa (Akarana, St Pauls College, Richmond, Newcastle Knights), Kayal Iro (Akarana, Mount Albert Grammar, Mount Albert Lions, NZ Warriors), Matthew Timoko (Akarana, Auckland Grammar, Mt Wellington, South Sydney Rabbitohs), Javvier Pitovao (Akarana, Mount Albert Grammar School, Point Chevalier Pirates, NZ Warriors), Dredin McGee (Akarana, Building Apprentice, Otahuhu, NZ Warriors), Michael Lemafa (Akarana, Onehunga High School, Otahuhu, NZ Warriors), Lewis Afeaki (Akarana, Mt Albert, Sydney Roosters), Talavou Gavet (Akarana, Kelston Boys High School, Richmond Rovers, NZ Warriors), Joseph Onyeke (Akarana, Kelston Boys High School, Mt Albert, Canterbury Bulldogs), Vito Tevaga (Akarana, Marcellin College, Richmond Rovers, Sydney Roosters), Regan McClennan (Akarana, Orewa College, Mt Albert), Marcel Connal (Otahuhu, NZ Warriors), Aiden Aue (Akarana, Kelston Boys High School, Mt Albert), Elijah Sufia (Akarana, Kelston Boys High School, New Lynn, NZ Warriors), Dylan Tavita (Counties, St Pauls College, Richmond, NZ Warriors), Taylor Fui (Counties, Otahuhu), Samiuela Lauhingoa (Counties, Southern Cross, Mangere East), Israel Ogden (Counties, Mangere East, NZ Warriors), Uenuku Malesala (Counties, Mt Albert Grammar, Otahuhu, NZ Warriors), Asu Kepaoa (Counties, Sacred Heart College, Richmond, Sydney Roosters), Sione Ngahe (Counties, St Pauls College, Mt Albert Lions), Keanu Paki (Counties, Howick, NZ Warriors), Potusa Fuilala (Counties, Sacred Heart College, Otahuhu, Sydney Roosters), Awatere Kiwara (Mid Central, Manakura, Kia Ora Warriors, Sydney Roosters) Israel Moke (Mid Central, Kia Ora Warriors), Te Kani Nathan (Northern, Kaitaia College, Hikurangi Stags), Hoani Rogers-Brown (Northern / Akarana, Dargaville high School, Hikurangi Stags), Daniel Sakisi (Southern, Shirley Boys High, Celebration Lions), Jordan Riki (Southern, St Thomas of Canterbury, Hornby Panthers, Brisbane Broncos), Seth Tauamiti (Southern, St Thomas of Canterbury, Papanui Tigers), Chanel Feala (Southern, Shirley Boys High, Linwood Keas), Brad Campbell (Southern, Greymouth High School, Suburbs West Coast), Josh Rawiri (Southern, Shirley Boys High, Kaiapoi, Parramatta Eels), Jope Tagicakabau (Southern, Riccarton Knights), Liam Jones (Upper Central, Trident High School, Mataatua), Sheldon Rogers (Upper Central, Tai Wananga, Turangawaewae, Sydney Roosters), Jaedon Lyttle (Upper Central, Tokoroa High School, Taupo Phoenix), Te Rautau Rameka (Upper Central, Tauponui a Tia College, Taupo Phoenix), Tyler Jahnke (Wellington, Tawa College, Randwick Kingfishers), William Rua (Wellington, Rongotai College, Randwick). Team Bromwich Head Coach – Moehewa Armstrong Assistant Coach – Alan Ettles (Akarana) Manager – Ben Vaipaata Trainer – Marrin Haggie (Upper Central) Team Blair Head Coach – Phil Gordon (Akarana) Assistant Coach - Tusa Lafaele (Counties) Manager – Phil Roache(Wellington) Trainer – Nick Le Comte (Southern)
13/12/2016
NZRL Awards Finalists NamedNZ skipper Jesse Bromwich faces challenges from Melbourne Storm club-mate Tohu Harris and Dally M Medal winner Jason Taumalolo for the 2016 NZRL Kiwis Player of the Year. Finalists have been selected in all 12 NZRL Awards categories, with winners to be announced at an Auckland function on January 20. Bromwich (Kiwi # 775) took out the prestige award last year and has since risen to the post of national team captain, leading the Kiwis in six tests over the past 12 months. He was also named Melbourne Storm Player of the Year and Dally M Prop of the Year in the NRL competition. Harris (Kiwi #778) continued to make himself an indispensable component of the Kiwis side, turning out in three different positions – centre, five-eighth and second row – and extending his career to 16 tests. Taumalolo (Kiwi #786) really came of age in the NRL during 2016, sharing Dally M Medal honours with Storm playmaker Cooper Cronk, while taking out the lock award. Canberra wing Jordan Rapana, club-mate Joseph Tapine and NZ Warriors centre Solomone Kata face off for the Kiwis Rookie of the Year award, while another Kiwis newcomer, James Fisher-Harris, is in the mix for Junior Player of the Year. Kiwi Ferns captain and twice previous winner Sarina Fiso will again contest Women’s Player of the Year, after leading the national team to victory over Australia at both the NRL Nines and mid-year test in Newcastle. She faces competition from Georgia Hale, named MVP at both international events, and Krystal Rota, who was MVP of the NZ Maori Tournament and scored the winning try in the NZRL national women’s national final. The full list of NZRL Awards finalists is: Pirtek Female Volunteer – Alana Lockhorst (The Cooks/Southland RL), Nickie Tane (Mercury Bay Boars/Hauraki District), Dania Wood (Northern Wairoa Bulls) Pirtek Male Volunteer – Tony Cuccurullo (Tasman RL), Jason Parata (Pikiao RL), Shane Price (Mt Wellington RL) Grassroots Club – He Tauaa (Southland RL), Richmond Rabbits (Nelson RL), Takahiwai (Northland RL) Domestic Coach – Andrew Auimatagi (Linwood Keas/Canterbury Bulls), Richie Blackmore (Papakura Sea Eagles), Rod Ratu (Counties Manukau Stingrays/NZ Residents/Southern Cross Campus) Referee - Anthony Elliot, Chris McMillan, Shane Rehm Domestic Player 16s – Taylor Fiu (Counties Manukau Stingrays), Jordan Riki (South Island Scorpions), Regan McClennan (Akarana Falcons) Domestic Player 18s – Jesse Arthurs (Melbourne Storm), Chanel Harris-Tavita (NZ Warriors), Zae Wallace (Akarana Falcons) Domestic Player Premier – Tevin Arona (Canterbury Bulls), Daniel Palavi (Akarana Falcons), Nick Read (Waikato) Junior Player - James Fisher-Harris (Penrith Panthers), Ata Hingano (NZ Warriors), Brandon Smith (North Queensland Cowboys) Kiwis Rookie - Joseph Tapine (Canberra Raiders), Jordan Rapana (Canberra Raiders), Solomone Kata (NZ Warriors) Women’s Player - Sarina Fiso (Counties Manukau Stingrays), Georgia Hale (Akarana Falcons), Krystal Rota (Counties Manukau Stingrays) Kiwis Player – Jesse Bromwich (Melbourne Storm), Tohu Harris (Melbourne Storm), Jason Taumalolo (North Queensland Cowboys) Wainuiomata High School were beaten finalists in three of the seven years the premier Wellington college rugby league competition was run before this season. Even with the Umaga-Jensen twins they failed to win the top grade. On Saturday Wainuiomata finally reached the summit in the capital. At Wise Park, Wainuiomata proved too smart for Wellington College winning 24-10. Tanara Haenga is a prop forward and second rower for the champions. A cheerful and articulate Year 13, Haenga captures the tension beforehand. "Our warm up was full on. We were each really focussed on our own roles. When the game started we got a case of the butterflies and struggled early," Haenga reflects. Wellington was equally rattled and Wainuiomata withstood an early physical onslaught before scoring three first-half tries. "Wellington lost a bit of discipline and we all stepped up. We made the most of our chances and had a good lead at halftime," Haenga says. In the second-half Wellington threatened to rally, but Wainuiomata held their nerve. Solomona Mapesone bagged a hat-trick and Conan Burt and Levi Wipene also crossed the chalk in a victory which caused palpable relief and excitement. "I felt so happy. The commitment of the boys was awesome and Stephen Kearney is a legend so to win his trophy is real cool," Haenga enthuses. "Last year some of the boys had different priorities. Many of them didn't show up to training. A little bit of effort goes a long way," Haenga continues. Wainuiomata ended the two year unbeaten run of St. Pat’s Silverstream, a key victory in their push to the title. "That was our hardest game. Silverstream are a really big and dominant team. Beating them gave us a lot of belief," Haenga explains. Two players in the team are heading to Australia for trials with NRL teams. Montelle Le'Afa is going to the Canberra Raiders and Conan Burt to Brisbane. Wainuiomata enjoys a proud tradition as a league stronghold, with the list of Kiwis from the area including John and David Lomax, David Faiumu and Paul Whatuira. Interestingly another team member Alex Faifai Loa is the cousin of Kiwi Kalifa Faifai Loa. "It's a big deal for us. There has been a real buzz at school. We are really proud of our achievement. I would like to thank our coaches David Tuari, Donny Maxwell and Moana Kuma who come into school to help us out," Haenga acclaims. In the winter Haenga was in the First XV rugby team. Individually the hooker enjoyed personal success making the Wellington and New Zealand Maori U18 squads, but his team struggled finishing fifth in Premier Two. "We find it hard to compete with the city schools. We lose a lot of players, but I love my rugby. I was real surprised to make the Wellington U18's. I love the fact you don't have to count to five every time you have the ball," Haenga laughs. Wainuiomata Results
NZ Secondary Schools have drawn first blood in their two-game series against NSW Combined High Schools, prevailing 22-18 in the opening encounter at Rotorua’s Puketawhero Park. The home side was never headed throughout, opening up a 10-point margin early in the second half through a try to wing Lewis Soosemea and holding off a strong finish from the visitors. New Zealand enjoyed an early period of domination, when the Aussies allowed the opening kick-off to bounce into touch. Moments later, five-eighth Neal Tai chased down a kick from Zae Wallace behind the try-line to open the scoring. Big prop Oregon Kaufusi charged over for a try that was converted to bring NSW level at 6-6, but when the Kiwis scored either side of the break, they had a firm grip on the contest. Fullback Awatere Kiwara crossed out wide, after second row Jerome Mamea off-loaded on the try-line, for New Zealand to lead 12-6 at half-time. Then Soosemea struck to extend the lead. Kaufusi proved a handful for the NZ defence throughout the game and could not be stopped close to the line, muscling his way over for a second try. Wallace sealed the result with a deft little grubber kick, which he regathered to score under the crossbar. The conversion – Wallace’s third of the match – took the margin to double figures again, enough to withstand a third NSW try, this one to lock Mathew Coker. “It was very tough,” said NZ Secondary Schools coach Moehewa Armstrong. “We expected New South Wales to come out with speed, but then It became a way of attrition. “We certainly just kept coming at us and in the end, our boys really dug deep. They came in with a unity that they wanted to fight for each other right up to the last minute and that’s what they did, so I’m really proud of them.” Wallace was nominated by the NSW side as the NZ player of the match, while Kaufusi was adjudged best of the guests. The two rivals will meet again at 2.30m Saturday on Auckland’s Cornwall Park. Last year, New Zealand rallied from an 18-point half-time deficit to pip the tourists 30-22 in their one-off fixture. NZ Secondary Schools Selection 22 (Neal Tai, Awatere Kiwara, Lewis Soosemea & Zae Wallace tries; Wallace 3 goals) NSW Combined High Schools 18 (Oregon Kaufusi 2 & Mathew Coker tries; Tom Steadman 3 goals) Counties Manukau Stingrays have finally turned the rotten luck of recent years to their favour, toppling rivals Akarana Falcons 18-16 to capture the 15s title at the NZRL National Youth Tournament in Rotorua. Since the age-group competition reverted to a week-long affair in 2014, the South Aucklanders have been on the wrong end of some heart-breaking outcomes in both 15s and 17s grades, as the Falcons have reigned supreme. But coach Mike Cudd’s boys have enjoyed some payback in an encounter that swayed one way and then the other. Counties ran up an early 12-0 advantage, with tries to Diaz Tahia and Fangupo-Paea Fotu, both converted, before Akarana rallied through Daneous Sosaiete and Samuel Kamu. Locked up 12-12 at half-time, the Falcons took a 16-12 lead soon after the restart, with a try to Totive Junior Tuileisu, and the game seemed to be slipping away from the Stingrays, who had now conceded 16 unanswered points. But they weren’t done, with Fotu grabbing his second try down the home stretch and Te Napi Waipouri converting. Akarana were hot on attack when the final siren sounded, but were not able to steal victory back. “This means a heap to us,” insisted Cudd. “The boys have put in a lot of hard work to get here, there were some tough teams through the build-up and we knew the Falcons don’t get beaten very often. “It came down to the last bounce of the ball. In the last 30 seconds, it could have gone either way, but Lady Luck was smiling on us today.” Akarana second row Christian Tuipulotu was named Most Valuable Player of the final and Fotu was recognised as outstanding player of the tournament. The Falcons were more successful in the 17s final, where they overwhelmed the plucky South Island Scorpions 44-6. Midway through the opening half, the scores was 6-6, after Carlos Henry had put the Aucklanders ahead and Jordan Leigh responded in kind for the southerners. But the Scorpions had played their hearts out the previous day to oust Counties Manukau in the semi-finals and seemed to run out of inspiration, as Akarana began to impose themselves. Winger Mathew Timoko ran in a pair of first-half tries and right on the half-time siren, second row Elijah Sufia followed up an opportunistic kick ahead by prop Samuela Vaegi to open up a 28-6 margin. South Island dug deep over the final 40 minutes, but had nothing left in the tank. Akarana ran in eight tries, six of them converted by Regan McClennan. “We’re full of respect for the quality game that South Island gave us,” said Falcons coach Keith Hanley. “They put in a great effort to be where they are today and deserve our full admiration. “We were mindful that they were very strong through that middle third, so we put it on our forwards personally to meet that challenge and I think they responded in a fairly reasonable sort of way.” Leigh was named MVP of the tournament, but Timoko deserved his player-of-the-day award for breaking the spirit of the Scorpions with his double. Hanley’s season is far from over – he must drive back to Auckland tonight to guide the Falcons senior team through the NZRL National Premiership Final on Saturday. NZRL NATIONAL YOUTH TOURNAMENT Puketawhero Park, Rotorua Friday, September 30 15s (5/6) South Island Scorpions 28 (David Knight, Manaia Edwards-Aumua, Salio Tafaese, Caius Faatili & Griffin Neame tries; Edwards-Aumua 4 goals) Wellington Orcas 26 (Maui Wallace, Dallas McEwan, Leon McLeod-Venu, Itai Tuai & Stanley Fiso Vaelei tries; Keelan Ng 3 goals) (7/8) Central Vipers 28 (Kayin Katene 2, Tyrese Ratahi, Brooklyn Herewini, Tama Kawana & Caleb Fowell tries; Herewini 2 goals) Northern Swords 10 (Dilano Turner & Nathaniel Colmer tries; Klies Kaiarake goal) (3/4) Wai-Coa-Bay Colts 12 (Keagan Wharemate, Jahkay Roberts & Koia Katu-Roberts tries) Auckland Vulcans 10 (Soaki Taufa & Peni Kepu tries; Trent Autaua goal) (final) Counties Manukau Stingrays 18 (Fangupo-Paea 2 & Diaz Tahiia tries; Te Napi Waipouri 2 & Fotu goals) Akarana Falcons 16 (Samuel Kamu, Totive Junior Tuileisu & Daneous Sosaiete tries; Tuinamo Tepulolo 2 goals) Awards Winners – Counties Manukau Stingrays Runners-up – Akarana Falcons Final MVP – Christian Tuipolotu (Akarana) Fairplay Team – Wellington Orcas Player of the Tournament – Fangupo-Paea Fotu (Counties Manukau) Manager of the Tournament – Tania Harris (Counties Manukau) Trainer of the Tournament – John Hansen (Akarana Falcons) Coach of the Tournament – Mike Cudd (Counties Manukau) Merit Team - Samuel Kamu (Akarana), Nathaneal Sasagi (Akarana), Christian Tuipulotu (Akarana), Christian Ma'anaima (Akarana), Marco Talagi (Counties Manukau), Talitua Salima (Counties Manukau), Brian Lealifano (Counties Manukau), Sam Taunga (Counties Manukau), Etuala Lui (Counties Manukau), Kaya Cuthers (Counties Manukau), Aamon Dean (Counties Manukau), Fangupo-Paea Fotu (Counties Manukau), Caius Faatili (Southern), Leroy Ferguson (Southern), Albert Talakai (Wai-Coa-Bay), Jahkay Roberts (Wai-Coa-Bay), Maui Wallace (Wellington) 17s (5/6) Wellington Orcas 24 (Tyler Jahnke 2, Mason Lucas, Daniel Mihaere & William Rua tries; Te Aorere Wanoa 2 goals) Wai-Coa-Bay Colts 20 (Lennox Jarratt 2, John Friis & Kobe Rodger tries; Liam Jones 2 goals) (7/8) Central Vipers 34 (Israel Hape-Moke 2, Saiasi Qiokata, Neihana Johnson, Pawhare Kershaw, Core-Lee Hadfield-Robertson & Emil Vella tries; Jahlon Governor 3 goals) Northern Swords 12 (Tanekaha Ngaropo-Roma, Ngatai Manukau-Togiavalu & Hoani Rogers-Brown tries) (3/4) Counties Manukau 40 (Alfred Smalley 2, Sione To'a, Etene Nanai Seturo, Nofoasa Malutoa, Sione Ngahe & Kayleb Milne tries; Dylan Tavita 6 goals) Auckland Vulcans 10 (Zalmon Meti-Mata'u & Nathaniel Law tries; Lewis Sio goal) (final) Akarana Falcons 44 (Mathew Timoko 2, Carlos Henry, Vito Tevaga, Jonty Timoti, Sean Mullany, Elijah Sufia & Ranaperi Baker tries; Regan McClennan 6 goals) South Island Scorpions 6 (Jordan Leigh try; Brad Campbell goal) Awards Winners – Akarana Falcons Runners-up – South Island Scorpions Final MVP – Matt Timoko (Akarana) Fairplay Team – Wai-Coa-Bay Colts Player of the Tournament – Jordan Leigh (South Island) Manager of the Tournament – Marty Brown (Northern) Trainer of the Tournament – Nick Le Comte (South Island) Coach of the Tournament – Tai Arona (South Island) Merit Team - Starford Toa (Akarana), Carlos Henry (Akarana), Vito Tevaga (Akarana), Matthew Timoko (Akarana), Regan McClennan (Akarana), Sean Mullany (Akarana), Javvier Pitovao (Akarana), Lewis Afeaki (Akarana), Alfred Smalley (Counties Manukau), Samiuela Lauhingoa (Counties Manukau), Kayleb Milne (Counties Manukau), Phillip Makatoa (Counties Manukau), Etene Nanai-Seturo (Counties Manukau), Jahlon Governor (Mid Central), Wesley Veikoso (Mid Central), Cruz Topai-Aveai (Southern), Jordan Leigh (Southern) Southern Cross Campus and Onehunga High School showed their poise under pressure to take out a couple of cracking finals at the 2016 NZRL National Secondary Schools Tournament.
For the South Aucklanders, their 16-12 win over Kelston Boys High School represented their first title, after several years of finishing close, without quite achieving the ultimate prize. Kelston took an early lead with a penalty goal, but their rivals scored the first try, through Siave Togoiu, and added a second to Samiuela Fisitaila after the break to lead 10-2. Kelston weren’t done though, edging ahead 12-10 with two quick tries to Sale Savelio and Kadiaye Ioka, one converted by fullback Jahziahs Adams. Suddenly, they seemed on course for their fourth title and third in the space of four years. But Southern Cross dug deeper, laying a platform for tournament MVP Kokai Togoiu to scramble over next to the posts and then convert. Moments later, the final siren sent the team and supporters into wild celebrations. “It was just about our players believing in themselves, believing in the systems that we’d put in place and keeping the faith,” said coach Rod Ratu. “There was some déjà vu … we had to come from behind against Tokoroa in pool play and St Paul’s yesterday. Quietly, the boys were confident, they didn’t panic and knew once they got down there, they’d be able to finish it. “For Kakoi and his brother and their family, it was a special moment for them all. There’s obviously a big future in the game for those boys and we’ll be there to support them.” Southern Cross hooker Samiuela Lauhingoa was named MVP of the final. Earlier, Onehunga stormed home over the closing minutes to snatch a dramatic 21-20 win over Tai Wananga in the development final. The joint Hamilton/Palmerston North entry, who had beaten their rivals earlier in pool play, stormed out to a quick 14-0 lead and seemed well in control with a 20-6 margin soon after half-time. But Onehunga regained their composure as the clock counted down, running in three tries to Mauri Bell, John Kaifa and Michael Lemafa, one converted, to tie the scores at 20-20. Then, with barely a minute remaining, they sealed the victory with a dropped goal from in front of the posts by Trevor Marurai. “It was a good final,” said Onehunga coach Chris Ofanoa. “Tai Wananga came and did their thing, especially in the first half. “For the second half, I had to give a pretty harsh team talk to our boys, give them a boot up the [backsides] and they fought back. “The boys were not sticking to their structure, what we had practised all week, and I knew at half-time, I just had to tell them to stick to our structure. “I think they came out, saw the TV cameras and lights, and it was white-line fever for everyone.” Lemafa was named Most Valuable Player of the development final. NZRL National Secondary Schools Tournament Bruce Pulman Park, Papakura Friday, September 2 Premiership St Thomas of Canterbury 22 Manukura School 4, Papatoetoe 34 Aranui HS 16, Mt Albert Grammar 24 Otahuhu College 14, Wesley College 40 Avondale College 24, Manurewa HS 18 Aorere College 10, Tamaki College 22 Tokoroa HS 20, Westlake BHS 32 St Paul’s College, Southern Cross Campus 16 Kelston BHS 12 (final) Development Mt Roskill Grammar 36 Papakura HS 12, Trident HS 14 Sir Edmund Hillary College 10, Onehunga HS 21 Tai Wananga 20 (final)
31/8/2016
NZ Schools Rugby League finds top 4Top seeds St Paul’s College live to chase their 16th NZRL National Secondary Schools title, when this year’s tournament enters the semi-final stage at Papakura’s Bruce Pulman Park tomorrow. But their progress comes at the expense of defending champions Otahuhu College, who bowed out with an 18-6 loss to Aorere College in their final pool outing. Over the opening two days of the 2016 event, Pool A of the premiership competition had developed into a cut-throat affair, with all four teams locked at 1-1 (one win, one loss) and a countback looming. After their loss to Otahuhu yesterday, St Paul’s needed to defeat Manakura School and hope Aorere could do them a favour in the later game. They took care of their end of that equation, dispatching the Palmerston North school 42-12, and then stuck around to find out their fate. Aorere led Otahuhu 14-6 at half-time and scored the only try of the second spell to dispatch the titleholders. In the knockout round, St Paul’s, beaten in the last two national finals and hunting their first title since 2012, face Southern Cross Campus College, who advanced unbeaten from Pool C with a 40-8 romp over Aranui High School. The other semi-final sees Kelston Boys High School, chasing their fourth title and third in four years, take on Westlake Boys High School, both whom secured an unblemished record through pool play. Kelston outlasted Mt Albert Grammar 22-12 in a rematch of the 2013 final, while Westlake progressed to their first semi-final with a 30-18 win over Avondale College. Rugby league lives in the shadows of union at Westlake, but this performance must certainly grab some of the spotlight from the 15-a-side code. “This was a really good result today,” said Westlake coach Jamie Williamson. “We knew if we came out and got the win, we’d go through to the top four, so we’re really looking forward to the opportunity tomorrow. “We knew Avondale would be big and physical through the middle. We’re not the biggest outfit, so we knew we had to rung them off the park and it worked well for us. “Making it this far is huge and that’s half of the drive we have with the boys. We’ve been trying to push rugby league [at school] over the past couple of years and a result like this will help.” While the premiership race was close, the most dramatic finish of the day came in the development grade, where Sir Edmund Hillary College handed Trident High School their first loss to set up a three-way tie, along with Mt Roskill Grammar, in Pool E. All three shared a 1-1 head-to-head record among themselves, so the countback reverted to points difference, with Trident shading Sir Edmund Hillary for the top spot. They will now face Onehunga High School in one semi, while Sir Edmund Hillary take on Tai Wananga, who emerged unbeaten from Pool F. NZRL NATIONAL SECONDARY SCHOOLS TOURNAMENT Bruce Pulman Park, Papakura Wednesday, August 31 Premiership St Paul’s College 42 Manukura School 12, Kelston BHS 22 Mt Albert Grammar 12, Tokoroa HS 16 Wesley College 14, Westlake BHS 30 Avondale College 18, Manurewa HS 28 Papatoetoe HS 14, Aorere College 18 Otahuhu College 6, Tamaki College 22 St Thomas of Canterbury 16, Southern Cross Campus College 40 Aranui HS 8 Development Mt Roskill Grammar 30 Francis Douglas Memorial College 14, Tai Wananga 48 Papakura HS 10, Sir Edmund Hillary College 20 Trident HS 12 Looking for USA Scholarships? Check out USA CONNECT Looking for $40000 University of Waikato Study Scholarships CLICK HERE Looking for Sport Exchange Opportunities to Australia CLICK HERE St Paul’s College have claimed the Championship title for the second straight year, edging out season debutants Wesley College 23-10 to win the SAS College Rugby League grand final on Wednesday night. It was straight out the gates for St Paul's College with back to back sets to start the game. Prop Sione Ngahe opened the score, storming over the line and under the sticks with standoff Dylan Tavita adding the extras for an early 6-0 lead. St Paul's dodged a bullet when Wesley's standoff Adam Pompey kicked the ball high before Sione Hafoka crossed over, only to be denied points with a knock on. That counted for little in the end with Wesley shifting the ball quickly to the left and an opening try to wing Saia Latu. With the conversion flying wide, St Paul's led 6-4. Further St Paul's tries to wing Duken Williams and hard-working fullback Star Toa took the lead out to 14-4. Tavita added the extras to give his side a 16-4 lead at the break. While St Paul's held a points advantage coming into the second stanza, Wesley have history of showing up in the second half and producing better efforts. It took 15 minutes before points were scored. Wesley accelerated down field before hooker Larenz Tupaea crashed over from dummy half. Pompey converted to get up 16-10. But St Paul's hit back with an offload from prop Zephaniah Aerenga and a shift to the right. Fullback Star Toa proved just why he's worthy of being named in the 1st XIII team of the year, storming through the pack to fall just short of the line before Tavita reached to extend their lead 20-10. Eventually it told, putting the game beyond doubt with another conversion and drop goal to Tavita winning 23-10. The victory was met by a loud applause from the full house of travelling fans at Mt Smart Stadium #2. St Paul's coach Junior Fiu said he was incredibly proud of his team's efforts and their undefeated season. "I'm really proud of the boys and their performance tonight," he said. "They had camp in March and they've worked really hard to defend this title." But Fiu admits it hasn't been all about the physical training, with education being a major key to making the team. "Obviously the physical training is important, but they had to work their butts off at school if they wanted to make the team. "Education was always a priority before taking the field," he said. The rugby league season isn't over for the central Auckland school who now shift their focus on playing in the NZRL Secondary Schools tournament later this month. St Paul's College 23 (Star Toa, Duken Williams, Dylan Tavita, Sione Ngahe tries; Dylan Tavita x3 goals, x1 drop goal) BEAT Wesley College 10 (Saia Latu, Larenz Tupaea tries; Adam Pompey x1 goal) HT: 16-4 at Mount Smart Stadium #2. Manurewa High School 10 Southern Cross 8 Manurewa High School won their first ever piece of SAS College Rugby League silverware on Wednesday night, beating Southern Cross Campus 10-8 in the Pennant grand final at Mount Smart Stadium #2. The match was evenly contested with both schools aggressive on the attacking side of the ball and tough on defence. A great start for Manurewa saw them score first with Nareir Mughal finding space on the left edge to cross over the line. With the conversion flying wide, the score remained 4-0. On numerous occasions Southern Cross looked to score, but great defence from Manurewa held them out. With three minutes left on the clock Manurewa's Tyrone Siua charged over the line to double their lead 8-0. Stand off Jonty Timoti added the extras to make it 10-0. Manurewa gave away a number of penalties, putting them under defensive pressure which eventually led to Southern Cross being awarded a penalty goal before the siren. 5 minutes into the second half and Southern Cross scored their first try with hooker Samiuela Lauhingoa crossing the line and centre Siave Togoiu converting. Manurewa looked to secure their victory when halfback Niko Moala chipped the ball over the top. Winger Mughal chased to collect his second on their left edge but was denied points for stepping out of the line. With 30 seconds left on the clock, Southern Cross endeavored to get in front with an early kick into space. Winger Filifili Feso kicked the ball further down the field only to be held up in time for the full time whistle and Manurewa to claim the 10-8 victory. Manurewa High School 10 (Tyrone Siua, Nareir Mughal tires; Jonty Timoti x1 goals) BEAT Southern Cross Campus 8 (Samiuela Lauhingoa try; Siave Togoiu x2 goals) HT: 10-2 at Mount Smart Stadium #2. Papatoetoe 14 Sir Edmund Hillary 10 It was another thrilling grand final performance for Papatoetoe, winning the SAS College Rugby League Bowl title 14-10 over Sir Edmund Hillary. Wednesday night's final at Mount Smart Stadium #2 was dominated by Papatoetoe from the early exchanges, putting first points on the board with a try to Nakitea Toka and stand off Thornton Edmonds converting to lead 6-0. Camped on Sir Edmund Hillary's line, it wasn't long before Papatoetoe's fullback Joshua Cooper found a gap to double their advantage. Sir Edmund had a chance to add points, splitting the line through props Vincent Ki and TJ Loamanu only to be stopped by Cooper with a great tackle. In a second attempt to get over the line Sir Edmund's centre dribbled the ball through, but with no one around they were unable to score - an impatient end to the set. It was third time lucky for Sir Edmund Hillary's Altalie Solovi, storming over for the school's first try. Halfback Philip Fulutusi added the extras to get up 6-10 before halftime. Crowds at the stadium came to life when Fulutusi was awarded a try with only 5 minutes remaining in the second half. Pressure built on Sir Edmund Hillary's line when Papatoetoe's halfback Paula Mahe rushed through just short of the line. With only seconds left on the clock, centre Melvin Maile-La'a scored out of dummy half to secure the 14-10 victory. Papatoetoe High School 14 (Joshua Cooper, Melvin Maile-La'a, Nakitea Toka tries; Thornton Edmonds x1 goal) BEAT Sir Edmund Hillary 10 (Philip Fulutusi, Altalie Solovi tries; Philip Fulutusi x1 goal) HT: 10-6 AT Mt Smart Stadium #2. Looking for USA Scholarships? Check out USA CONNECT Looking for $40000 University of Waikato Study Scholarships CLICK HERE Looking for Sport Exchange Opportunities to Australia CLICK HERE Westlake Boys’ High School’s Zae Wallace has been named the SAS College Rugby League Player of the Year at the Auckland Rugby League awards breakfast this morning. The 17-year-old year 13 student played a starring role for the school this year, qualifying for the championship division before falling short of making the major semi-finals. Wallace was also awarded halfback of the year in the SAS College Rugby League 1st XIII Team of the Year. "The college competition has been awesome this year," said Wallace. "There was a lot more competition with schools like Wesley College coming up to compete so it's been great. "I'm happy with the award but I wouldn't be here without the team and their hard work this season." Already a valued team member of the Mt Albert premier team, Wallace says he's now focusing on club footy and the SAS Fox Memorial competition. "I'm not sure what the future holds for me, but I know I need to work hard until I get to where I want to be," he said. Junior Fiu from St Paul's College was awarded Coach of the Year for the Premier competition while Kelston's Michelle Keenan was awarded Manager of the Year. Tamaki's Raven Takerei won top try scorer with 10 tries, while Wesley's standoff, who was also named in the 1st XIII Team of the Year Adam Pompey took home top goal kicker with 17. In the U/15 nine-aside competition Saunoa Mika from Aorere College topped the try-scoring with nine, sharing top points scored (42 points) with Semesi Ahoatu from Onehunga High School. MVP was awarded to Jake Rutherford from Henderson High School. In the U/85kg competition Mangere College swept the major awards with Lucas Maiko winning top try scorer (5 tries), Raven Tongafofoa winning top goal kicker (5 goals) and Maiko also sharing top points scored (20 points each) with team mate John Korenato. Vanguard Military School were awarded the fair play school award for the Senior A competition while Aorere's Diaz Tauhia was awarded MVP. The SAS College Rugby League finals for the Championship, Plate and Bowl competitions will be played this Wednesday August 10 at Mt Smart Stadium #2. Full list of winners below. U/15 nine-aside Top try scorer (9 tries) – Saunoa Mika (Aorere College) Top points scorer (Joint award – 42 points) – Semesi Ahoatu (Ohehuna High School) and Saunoa Mika (Aorere College) Manager of the Year – Lynne Van Etten (Avondale College) Coach of the Year – Fita Hala (St Paul’s College) MVP – Jake Rutherford (Henderson High School) U/85kgs Top try scorer (5 tries) – Lucas Maiko (Mangere College) Top goal kicker (5 goals) – Raven Tongafofoa (Mangere College) Top points scorer (Joint award – 20 points each) – John Korenato (Mangere College) and Lucas Maiko (Mangere College) Manager of the Year – Carol Andrews (Howick College) Coach of the Year – Joe Tere (Mangere College) Fair play award – Howick College (2nd year running) MVP – Jacob Hollobon (Pakuranga College) Senior A Top try scorer (4 tries) – Nathan Schwenke (Selwyn College) Top goal kicker (5 goals) – Eugene Harris (Selwyn College) Top points scorer (26 points) – Eugene Harris (Selwyn College) Manager of the Year – Lee Ryan (Henderson High School) Coach of the Year – Rod Fielder (Selwyn College) Fair play award – Vanguard Military School MVP – Diaz Tauhia (Aorere College) Premier 1st XIII Referee of the Year – Aaron Kesha Top try scorer (10 tries) – Raven Takerei (Tamaki College) Top goal kicker (17 goals) – Adam Pompey (Wesley College) Top points scorer (66 points) – Raven Takerei (Tamaki College) Manager of the Year – Michelle Keenan (Kelston Boys’ High School) Coach of the Year – Junior Fiu (St Paul’s College) School Sporting Excellence – Westlake Boys' High School MVP – Zae Wallace (Westlake Boys' High School) Team of the Year Fullback of the Year – Starford Toa (St Paul's College) Winger of the Year – Joseph Onyeke (Kelston Boys' High School) Centre of the Year – Fine Inisi (Westlake Boys' High School) Stand off of the Year – Adam Pompey (Wesley College) Halfback of the Year – Zae Wallace (Westlake Boys' High School) Prop of the Year (Joint award) – Utah Ioka (Kelston Boys' High School) and Caleb Uele (Avondale College) Hooker of the Year – Johnny Falelua-Malio (Kelston Boys' High School) 2nd Rower of the Year – Jirah Momoisea (St Paul's College) Loose Forward of the Year – Phillip Makatoa (Aorere College) Looking for USA Scholarships? Check out USA CONNECT Looking for $40000 University of Waikato Study Scholarships CLICK HERE Looking for Sport Exchange Opportunities to Australia CLICK HERE
20/7/2016
NZRL Names Top Aussie based U18's!The NZRL Taurahere Camp came together on the 3rd July with one of the key drivers of the programme being to reconnect Australian-based players with their NZ heritage. On the final day of the camp, a trial game was arranged with a merit team announced. Below are the those that have been selected. The 2016 Taurahere merit team is: 1-Steven Marsters (Illawarra Steelers), 2-Jesse Arthars (Melbourne Storm), 3-Jackson Ferris (Cronulla Sharks), 4-Tevita Funa (Manly Sea Eagles), 5-Lee Turner (Mascott), 6-Manase Fainu (Manly Sea Eagles), 7-Sato-Ketia Opo (Canberra Raiders), 8-Soane Hufanga (Newcastle Knights), 9-Phoenix Hunt (South Sydney Rabbitohs), 10-John Tuivaiti (Manly Sea Eagles), 11-Lumafale Lualua (Cronulla Sharks), 12-Oregon Kaufusi (Parramatta Eels), 13-Ben Valeni (Gold Coast Titans), 14-Paul Turner (South Sydney Rabbitohs), 15-Lucky Taavale (South Sydney Rabbitohs), 16-Donovan Briggs (Cronulla Sharks), 17-Josh Uta (Illawarra Steelers) Looking for a sports scholarship to help with University Fees - Waikato has Scholarships from $3000 - $40000 - Click Here for full details. |
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