St. Paul's Festival Players Who Impressed

Photo Credit Scott Yarndley.

This is not an official team, just some thoughts from your humble correspondence who watched two games at once as best he could.

1. Fatongia Paea (Scared Heart College) - 'Tiny Tupou,' he looks a like and plays with the socks down was a big ball carrier and scrimmaged well.

2. Sam Cooper (St. Paul's Collegiate) - Mobile and skilful in addition to doing his main job accurately. An honourable mention for Adam Reid and Caleb Allison the Christchurch BHS and St. Bede's captains.

3. George Dyer (St. Paul's Collegiate) - Stood up well to the challenge of Paea and caused Gisborne a lot of trouble today. An honourable mention for Fasi Simati from Napier BHS.

4. Junior Ratuva (King's College) - Caused Gisborne a lot of trouble with his lineout work. Rangy and effective.

5. Jake Lochore (Napier BHS) - Not flashy, but industrious with good hands aerially.

6. Mills Sanarevi (King's College) - Abrasive game against Napier as captain. Worked hard, good size.

7. Jock Yardley (St. Paul's Collegiate) - Not the biggest openside, but tiggerish on defense and rewarded with two tries.

8. Judda Turahui (King's College) - Only Year 11, but already contracted to the Melbourne Storm and playing to a higher level than a lot of other loose forwards his age.

9. Louie Chapman (Christchurch BHS) - A brave Year 11 halfback with swift pass and good judgment.

10. Ferg Burke (St. Paul's Collegiate) - Maturing all the time. Kicked well and caused concern when he selectively ran. An honourable mention for St. Kent's Rivez Reihana.

11. Terry Pongi (Sacred Heart College) - Played at centre as well. If Sacred give Pongi plenty of ball they will win more than they lose in 2017.

12. Meihana Grindlay (King's College) - Well built he was strong with ball in hand and has a solid boot. At Year 12 expect plenty more growth from Grindlay.

13.Enete Nani (St. Kentigern College) - Outstanding try against Christchurch BHS broke the game open. Nani will produce plenty of highlights this year.

14. Peni Lasaga (St. Kentigern College) - Swift footwork, great try v Christchurch BHS

15. Nikau McGregor (Napier BHS) - Top match against St. Bede's, less prominent against King's, but still solid. A key figure for Napier in 2017.

​Thanks to Adam Julian for his time on the sidelines today!

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