A stirring haka from the Junior Kiwis set the mark for what was to be a passionate test match between the Trans-Tasman rivals at Dolphin Oval.

A flying Habiso Tabuai-Fidow opened the scoring for the Australian Schoolboys, yet it was rugged early with Howarth put on report for a dangerous throw. Junior Kiwi prop Etuale Junior Lui Toeava was hard to handle with the Junior Kiwis side well led by Broncos-contracted lock Jordan Riki.

An error by Australian fullback Reece Walsh gave the Junior Kiwis possession and it was all too easy for star fullback Starford Toa from the ensuing scrum to score untouched to level the score.

A short kick in behind the line by Sydney Roosters bound Australian half, Sam Walker, found his fellow Queensland under 18s teammate Walsh racing through to score in the 29th minute to break the deadlock.

Walker then schemed down the left to almost put Mathew Feagai away to score. Minutes later Walsh injected himself and put the after burners on to find skipper Jackson Topine in support. Australia took an 18-6 lead into the break.

The Junior Kiwis started the second half full of running and centre Kayal Iro, son of former Kiwi legend, Kevin Iro, determinedly crashed over to reduce the margin to eight.

The Australian Schoolboys hit back after a burst by Tabuai-Fidow the ball went through the hands to wide-running Howarth whose one-handed overhead offload sent Feagai over. Howarth then reached out himself from a Walker grubber to give the Australian Schoolboys a 30-10 lead in the 53rd minute.

The Junior Kiwis soon gained momentum scoring back to back tries which looked like the beginnings of a hopeful comeback. Kiwi winger Selestino Ravutaumada scored wideout to cut the lead to 30-14 soon followed by an impressive length of the field try by Kiwi fullback Starford Toa to cut the margin to 10 points with 14 minutes to go.

However, the Junior Kiwis were unable to capitalise on their possession and it was Sam Walker who put the result beyond doubt with a try from close range for the Australian Schoolboys. Final score 36 – 20.

Adapted from NRL match report by Joel Gould

New Zealand Rugby League is pleased to announce the following players have been selected for the Junior Kiwis U19 team set to take on the Australian School Boys on September 29th in Queensland:

 

NAME                                          CLUB

KAYAL IRO VODAFONE WARRIORS
TEMPLE KALEPO VODAFONE WARRIORS
ASU KEPAOA SYDNEY ROOSTERS
ETU LUI PARRAMATTA EELS
CHRISTIAN MA’ANAIMA NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
SIONE MOALA VODAFONE WARRIORS
GRIFFIN NEAME NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
JUNIOR PUA VODAFONE WARRIORS
SELESTINO RAVUTAUMADA VODAFONE WARRIORS
JORDAN RIKI BRISBANE BRONCOS
TYLER SLADE VODAFONE WARRIORS
CHARBEL TASIPALE PARRAMATTA EELS
VITO TEVAGA CRONULLA SHARKS
DANIEL TICEHURST NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
STARFORD TOA NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
EMMANUEL TUIMAVAVE-GERRARD VODAFONE WARRIORS
CHRISTIAN TUIPULOTU SYDNEY ROOSTERS
PAUL TURNER VODAFONE WARRIORS
ISAIAH VAGANA VODAFONE WARRIORS

 

 

Junior Kiwis coaching staff are as follows:

Head Coach: Ezra Howe

Assistant Coaches: Moehewa Armstrong, Francis Meli

Head Strength & Conditioning Coach: Donny Singe

Head Trainer: Junior Mautairi

Physio: Simon Keepa

Manager: Jerry Seuseu

The Junior Kiwis Under 19s will take on their Trans-Tasman rivals at Redcliffe’s Dolphin Stadium with kick-off scheduled for 1 pm NZT; the game will be televised live on SKY Sport.

Thanks to the support of Sky Sport, the Under 19 Junior Kiwis will take on the Australian School Boys Sunday, September 29th in Queensland.

The Junior Kiwis Under 19s will take on their Trans-Tasman rivals at Redcliffe’s Dolphin Stadium with kick-off scheduled for 1 pm NZT; the game will be televised live on SKY Sport.

Greg Peters, CEO of New Zealand Rugby League said: “We are extremely grateful for Sky’s ongoing support as this fixture would not have been possible otherwise.

“The Junior Kangaroos recently moved to an U23s structure as they are set to take on France U23s later in the year. We are looking at re-introducing an U23s team next year, however in the meantime, giving our U19 Junior Kiwis a run against high-quality competition like the Australian School Boys is great for the development of our young players.

“We have some undeniable Kiwi talent coming through and it’s exciting we get to see them take the field in what will be nothing short of a high class, entertaining game of rugby league.”

Sky Director of Sport, Tex Teixeira says: “We’re proud to be playing our part in supporting the Junior Kiwis Under 19s and we can’t wait to watch them take on the Aussies – go well team!”

New Zealand Rugby League is pleased to announce the following players have been selected for the Junior Kiwis U19 wider squad:

Bayleigh Bentley-Hape – Sydney Roosters

Dylan Brown – Parramatta Eels

Valance Harris – Parramatta Eels

Kayal Iro – NZ Warriors

Temple Kalepo – NZ Warriors

Asu Kepaoa – Sydney Roosters

Spencer Leniu – Penrith Panthers

Etu Vinny Lui – Parramatta Eels

Christian Ma’anaima – Newcastle Knights

Sione Moala – NZ Warriors

Griffin Neame – North Queensland Cowboys

Shalom O’ofou – St. George Illawarra Dragons

Junior Pua – NZ Warriors

Selestino Ravuataumada – NZ Warriors

Jordan Riki – Brisbane Broncos

Simi Sasagi – Newcastle Knights

Ioane Seiuli – Gold Coast Titans

Tyler Slade – NZ Warriors

Vito Tevaga – Cronulla Sharks

Matthew Timoko – Canberra Raiders

Starford Toa – Newcastle Knights

Emmanuel Tuimavave-Gerrard – NZ Warriors

Christian Tuipulotu – Sydney Roosters

Paul Turner – NZ Warriors

Isaiah Vagana – NZ Warriors

 

Junior Kiwis coaching staff are as follows:

Head Coach: Ezra Howe

Assistant Coaches: Moehewa Armstrong, Francis Meli

Head Strength & Conditioning Coach: Donny Singe

Head Trainer: Junior Mautairi

Physio: Simon Keepa

Manager: Jerry Seuseu

 

SKY Sport and New Zealand Rugby League have today announced a new partnership for 2019 that is set to further enhance the game of rugby league in New Zealand.

 

This partnership is in addition to the long-standing broadcast agreement that has showcased rugby league in New Zealand and abroad for many years.

 

The SKY Sport logo will be proudly displayed on the jerseys of the Kiwis, Kiwi Ferns and Junior Kiwis, as well as on the Kiwi Ferns’ shorts ahead of the Oceania Cup that kicks off this Saturday with the Kiwi Ferns taking on Fetu Samoa, followed by the much-anticipated rematch between Mate Ma‘a Tonga and the Kiwis.

 

NZRL CEO, Greg Peters, says this partnership with SKY Sport couldn’t have come at a better time.

“Like other codes, we are experiencing an explosion in the women’s game, and this high-profile partnership will shine a brighter spotlight on this.

 

“Their support will enable our Kiwi Ferns and Junior Kiwis to take the field in more fixtures this year than would have otherwise been possible. Our Kiwi Ferns will play in the upcoming inaugural World Nines in Sydney and take the field again against the Jillaroos at the doubleheader in Wollongong on October 25th. Our Junior Kiwis are also set to take on their Australian counterparts towards the back end of the year as well.

 

“We are very grateful to have SKY Sport on board to enable further momentum for these teams. We’re excited about what we can achieve this year as a result, as well as going forward, as we work towards a long-term partnership. Thank you SKY Sport for your ongoing and invaluable support.” Greg concludes.

 

SKY Director of Sport, Tex Teixeira says: “SKY Sport has been a long term supporter of rugby league in New Zealand and we’re thrilled to be able to help increase the number of Kiwi Ferns and Junior Kiwis matches being played in 2019, to have SKY Sport on the jerseys is a proud moment for us.”

 

NZRL are now open to receiving applications of interest for the roles of Head Coach, Assistant Coach and Head Trainer for the Kiwi Ferns and the Junior Kiwis.

Applications close at 5pm on Monday 25 February 2019.

Kiwi Ferns Head Coach Job Description, click here.

Kiwi Ferns Assistant Coach Job Description, click here. 

Kiwi Ferns Head Trainer Job Description, click here. 

Junior Kiwis Head Coach Job Description, click here.

Junior Kiwis Assistant Coach Job Description, click here. 

Junior Kiwis Head Trainer Job Description, click here. 

For any enquiries about the roles or if you are interested in applying, please send your covering letter and coaching CV to: motu.tony@nzrl.co.nz before the allocated time and date.

North Queensland playmaker Jake Clifford led the Junior Kangaroos to a 40-24 defeat of the Junior Kangaroos in an entertaining start to the trans-Tasman triple header at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday.

Clifford, who played six NRL matches for the Cowboys at the end of this season, showed why is considered the long term replacement for Johnathan Thurston with a man-of-the-match performance as the Junior Kangaroos ran in seven tries.

The signs had looked ominous for a comfortable Australian win when Melbourne forward Louis Geraghty scored in just the second minute but the Junior Kiwis hit back through tries to North Queensland hooker Sean Mullany and Warriors second-rower Issiah Papali’i to take a 12-6 lead.

Papali’i’s 16th-minute try is certain to feature on highlights reels as the lead up by halfback Chanel Harris-Tavita was as spectacular as it was unique.

Running to the line on the last tackle, the 19-year-old Warriors halfback flicked the ball behind him and kicked back over his right shoulder with a backheel action that Ronaldinho would have been proud of before catching and passing to Papali’i.

Brisbane forward David Flegler then gave a glimpse of why he is so highly regarded by NRL recruitment managers when he beat the Junior Kiwis defence with footwork to level the scores in the 21st minute.

Storm second-rower Tino Faasuamaleaui put the Junior Kangaroos ahead when he crossed in the 29th minute and Neil Henry’s team were in again three minutes later after Dragons centre Zac Lomax batted back a kick by Cowboys halfback Jack Lomax for South Sydney-bound fullback Corey Allen to score.

However, Cronulla centre Jackson Ferris narrowed the deficit for the Junior Kiwis to 24-16 at half-time when he swivelled out of a tackle by Lomax to score as the siren sounded after good lead up work by Chanel-Pavita.

Cowboys winger Enari Tuala ensured the flow of spectacular tries continued in the second half when he dived from outside the field of play to planted the ball over the tryline for the Junior Kangaroos in the 45th minute.

Warriors second-rower Joseph Vuna scored his last try before going on a Mormon mission to keep the Junior Kiwis in the game and St George Illawarra winger Steven Marsters scored their fifth try in the 65th minute.

Faasuamaleaui and Tuala completed their try scoring doubles to secure the 40-24 win for the Junior Kangaroos.

Junior Kiwis 24 (Sean Mullany, Isaiah Papali’i, Jackson Ferris, Joseph Vuna, Steven Marsters tries; Chanel Harris-Tavita 2 goals) Junior Kangaroos 40 (Louis Geraghty, Thomas Flegler, Tino Faasuamaleaui 2, Corey Allan, Enari Tuala 2 tries; Zac Lomax 6 goals)

Junior Kiwis Coach Ezra Howe has named Warriors Rookie of the Year, Isaiah Papali’i to captain his side  against the Junior Kangaroos at Mt Smart this Saturday.

 

Papali’i will start in the second row in his third game in the Junior Kiwis jumper, alongside second rower Warriors Instrust Super Premiership player, Joseph Vuna.

 

Following a grand final win with his Canterbury Bulldogs side in the Intrust Super State Championship last weekend, Morgan Harper will pull on the number three jersey.

 

The four returning Junior Kiwis players including Chanel Harris-Tavita (half), Isaiah Papali’i (second row), Emry Pere (prop) and Steven Marsters (wing) have been named in the starting line-up, as well as six players who ran out for the 2017 New Zealand 18s team including Hayze Perham, Jordan Riki, Mawene Hiroti, Peter Hola, Sean Mullany and Kelma Tuilagi.

 

1            HAYZE PERHAM

2            STEVEN MARSTERS

3            MORGAN HARPER

4            JACKSON FERRIS

5            MAWENE HIROTI

6            CHANEL HARRIS-TAVITA

7            DEAN BLORE

8            EMRY PERE

9            SEAN MULLANY

10          TOM ALE

11          ISAIAH PAPALI’I

12          JOSEPH VUNA

13          KELMA TULAGI

14          PAUL ROACHE

15          PETER HOLA

16          LUCKY TA’AVALE

17          JORDAN RIKI

18          KAYLEB MILNE

19          PAUL TURNER

Junior Kiwis Coach Ezra Howe has named his team ahead of the 13 October Trans-Tasman Triple-Header at Mt Smart Stadium when they will take on the Junior Kangaroos.

Morgan Harper comes into the team following a grand final win with his Canterbury Bulldogs side in the Intrust Super State Championship yesterday, while four players including Chanel Harris-Tavita, Isaiah Papali’I, Emry Pere and Steven Marsters return to the Junior Kiwis squad after their 2017 ANZAC Test stint.

“It’s great to have a lot of experienced players available, many of them having come through the New Zealand Rugby League pathways in New Zealand 16s and 18s teams as well as NRL teams recently,” Howe, who coached the New Zealand 18s side last year said.

“I’m looking forward to working alongside a fantastic management and coaching staff in a campaign which is extra special for these players being on home soil in Aotearoa,”

“Creating meaningful pathways for our Kiwi rugby league players is important and I look forward to ongoing involvement with Michael Maguire and Motu Tony in developing our future Kiwis talent,” Howe added.

To buy tickets, click the Ticketek link here. Adult ticket prices start from $35.

Saturday, 13 October

Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland

Junior Kiwis v Junior Kangaroos 3.05pm

Kiwi Ferns v Jillaroos 5.15pm

Kiwis v Kangaroos 7.45pm

 

Junior Kiwis team listed by NRL team:

North Queensland Cowboys: Emry Pere, Peter Hola, Sean Mullany; New Zealand Warriors: Joe Vuna, Isaiah Papali’i, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Hayze Perham, Tom Ale, Paul Turner; South Sydney Rabbitohs: Lucky Ta’avale, Mawene Hiroti; St George Illawarra Dragons: Steven Marsters; Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs: Morgan Harper; Melbourne Storm: Kelma Tuilagi, Kayleb Milne; Penrith Panthers: Dean Blore; Canberra Raiders: Paul Roache; Brisbane Broncos: Jordan Riki; Cronulla Sharks: Jackson Ferris

 

Today, both rookie and veteran New Zealand rugby league stars get recognition for their performances in the 2018 season with the announcement of the Kiwis and Junior Kiwis wider squads.

Kiwis Head Coach Michael Maguire and Junior Kiwis Head Coach Ezra Howe have collaborated in consultation with the Kiwis selection panel consisting of Mark Horo, Hugh McGahon and Tawera Nikau, to name the best New Zealand eligible players in the running to play in the Trans-Tasman Showdown next month.

On Saturday, 13 October the Kiwis, Kiwi Ferns and Junior Kiwis will come up against their Australian counterparts in a battle that will have the winner lift the Trans-Tasman Cup at Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland.

This triple-header marks the first time since 2014 that players from all three representative teams will get the opportunity to run out in front of a home crowd filled with family, friends and fans. For players such as Adam Blair, pulling on the black and white jumper compares to nothing else.

“I’d represent my country any day of the week. We love playing games here at home in front of our family and friends. To see the fans turn out and sing the national anthem alongside us is something special,” says Blair.

Ahead of Maguire’s second outing at the helm of the Kiwis, his first in New Zealand, he looks forward to working with the players who can’t wait to get into Kiwis camp. The Test earlier in the year against England provided him with insights into many of the players in the wider squad and he says he’s “looking forward to the re-introduction of senior players such as Shaun Johnson, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Tohu Harris who will inject years of experience and leadership back into the squad.”

Isaiah Papali’i also finds himself in both the Kiwis and Junior Kiwis wider squads at the age of 19. His announcement in both wider squads will be the cherry on top following last night’s awards where he also picked up Warriors Rookie Player of the Year.

Joining Papali’i in the Junior Kiwis wider squad, also 19-years-old is Manase Fainu who has been impressive as starting hooker for the Manly Sea Eagles in his first year in first grade.

The Kiwis, Junior Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns (announced earlier in May following the National Women’s Tournament – view here) wider squads will be narrowed down next month ahead of the Test matches on 13 October.

Tickets are on sale now from Ticketek – Adult ticket prices from $35 and children from $15. Special family and multi-ticket deals are available. Click here to view ticket deals. 

Kiwis wider squad:

Brisbane Broncos: Jamayne Isaako, Jordan Kahu, Kodi Nikorima; Canberra Raiders: Jordan Rapana, Joseph Tapine; Canterbury Bulldogs: Raymond Faitala-Mariner, Reimis Smith; Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks: Sosaia Feki; Gold Coast Titans: Kevin Proctor; Manly Sea Eagles: Martin Taupau; Melbourne Storm: Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Jesse Bromwich, Kenneath Bromwich, Jahrome Hughes, Brandon Smith; Newcastle Knights: Herman Ese’ese, Danny Levi; North Queensland Cowboys: Te Maire Martin; Penrith Panthers: James Fisher-Harris, Corey Harawira-Naera, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Dean Whare; St George Illawarra Dragons: Leeson Ah Mau; Sydney Roosters: Isaac Liu, Joseph Manu, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves; New Zealand Warriors: Gerard Beale, Adam Blair, Tohu Harris, Peta Hiku, Shaun Johnson, Issac Luke, Ken Maumalo, Isaiah Papali’i, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck; Wests Tigers: Esan Marsters.

 

 

Junior Kiwis wider squad:

 

Brisbane Broncos: Rory Ferguson, Jordan Riki; Canberra Raiders: Paul Roache; Canterbury Bulldogs: Morgan Harper; Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks: Jackson Ferris, Cruz Topaz-Aveai; Gold Coast Titans: Darius Farmer, Moeaki Fotuaika, Jaxson Paulo, Kea Pere; Manly Sea Eagles: Manase Fainu, Tevita Funa, Moses Suli; Melbourne Storm: Kayleb Milne, Junior Rutava, Kelma Tuilagi; Newcastle Knights: Pasame Saulo; North Queensland Cowboys: Peter Hola, Sean Mullany, Emry Pere, Murray Taulagi; Parramattah Eels: Tui Afualo, Dylan Brown, Haze Dunstar, Oregon Kaufusi; Penrith Panthers: Dean Blore; St George Illawarra Dragons: Steven Marsters; Sydney Roosters: Bailey Bentley-Harper; South Sydney Rabbitohs: Jesse Arthars, Mawene Hiroti, Lucky Ta’avale; New Zealand Warriors: Tom Ale, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Hayze Perham, Preston Riki, Tyler Slade, Lewis Soosemea, Paul Turner, Joseph Vuna.

 

Rugby league superstars from New Zealand and Australia will face-off in a classic Trans-Tasman showdown of three back-to-back Test matches at Mt Smart stadium.

On Saturday 13 October, the Junior Kiwis will take on the Junior Kangaroos followed by the mighty Kiwi Ferns up against World Cup champions, the Jillaroos. The final clash of the night sees the Kiwis battle the Kangaroos for the first time on New Zealand soil since 2014.

This will be the first time new Kiwis Coach Michael Maguire will be at the helm in front of a home crowd and says it’s sure to be an unforgettable night.

“This is the start of a new journey with the Kiwi Rugby League team and we are looking forward to showing our families, the fans and our teammates what it means to represent the Kiwi jersey.  Plus the fans have been waiting a long time to see this match-up on their home soil.”

For the Kiwi Ferns, the prospect of some fresh faces to compliment the several seasoned veterans is giving Head Coach Kelvin Wright plenty to ponder ahead of the final team selection.

“It’s a new beginning for the Kiwi Ferns and Women’s Rugby League, and what better way to start than at home in front of family, friends and future Ferns.

“It’s a great opportunity to bring our elite women players together after experiencing their first taste of the WNRL, where we will have some tremendous talent competing to wear the black jersey,” says Kiwi Ferns Head Coach Kelvin Wright.

“Sporting supremacy between neighbours is something both New Zealand and Australian sports fans thrive on. In one night at Mt Smart, the very best of men’s and women’s international rugby league is on offer between two great league nations for the first time in a long time,” says NZRL CEO, Greg Peters.

Six teams, three Test matches, one place – Mt Smart, the home of rugby league.

All three matches will be on Sky Sport: Junior Kiwis v Junior Kangaroos 3pm, Kiwi Ferns v Jillaroos 5pm and Kiwis v Kangaroos 7.45pm.

Tickets are on sale now from Ticketek – Adult ticket prices from $35 and children from $15. Special family and multi-ticket deals are available. Click here to view ticket deals. 

 

NZRL are now open to receiving applications of interest for the role of Team Manager for the Junior Kiwis.

Applications close at 5pm on Tuesday 17 July, 2018.

Junior Kiwis Team Manager Job Description – Click here. 

If you are interested in the role please send your covering letter and coaching CV to: admin@nzrl.co.nz before the allocated time and date.

If you have any questions or queries please contact Gary Peacham: 021 274 6975 or email: gary.p@nzrl.co.nz

NZRL are now open to receiving applications of interest for the roles of Head Coach for the New Zealand Resident 18s and the Junior Kiwis.

Applications close for the NZ RESIDENT 18S HEAD COACH & JUNIOR KIWIS HEAD COACH roles at 5pm on Friday 29 June 2018.

Successful shortlisted applicants must be available to interview on Thursday 5 July or Friday 6 July 2018

Junior Kiwis Head Coach Job Description, click here

NZ Resident 18s Head Coach Job Description, click here

If you are interested in the roles please send your covering letter and coaching CV to: admin@nzrl.co.nz before the allocated time and date.

If you have any questions or queries please contact Gary Peacham: 021 274 6975 or email: gary.p@nzrl.co.nz