24 September 2025

Finals day at Ngā Puna Wai Park was buzzing with energy and excitement, as supporters packed the main grandstand and lined the sidelines to witness the final matches of the National Boys Youth Tournament. The tamariki tāne left it all out on the field in their last outings, chasing victory and championship titles.

16S BOYS

GRAND FINAL: Akarana Falcons vs Counties Manukau Stingrays

Final score: Akarana Falcons 22-10

Auckland derby clash between the Akarana Falcons and Counties Manukau Stingrays. Akarana came out firing, scoring in just the third minute after a classy show-and-go from their dependable halfback Bronson Fisiiahi. They struck again soon after through a powerful run by second rower Satali Asolelei-Fretton, who beat a number of Counties defenders to cross next to the posts. The Stingrays struggled to maintain possession of the ball and respond with any points of their own, and the Falcons took a 10-0 lead into halftime.

Asolelei-Fretton bagged his second try five minutes into the second half, throwing a dummy and diving over following a break from fullback Kaian Olsen. Counties finally found some momentum through halfback Calvin Harris-Tavita, who weaved through and shrugged off defenders to get his side on the board. They added a second try via winger Leini Fanua, but the Falcons proved too strong, scoring again through Olsen. Bailey Maruariki-Butler was solid off the tee, converting three from four, as Akarana sealed the 16s Boys National Youth Tournament title with a 22-10 victory – successfully defending their 2024 title, going back-to-back.

2025 National 16s Boys Youth Tournament Team

16s Grand Final MVP: Satali Asolelei-Fretton, Akarana

Emerging Talent of the Tournament: Pesamino Elia, Canterbury

Player of the Tournament: Kayce Peresesukroo, Akarana

Kiwi Team of the Tournament: Wellington Orcas

Manager of the Tournament: Ruana Maruariki, Akarana

Trainer of the Tournament: Ula Lopati, Akarana

Coach of the Tournament: Sommer Te Kahu, Canterbury

18S BOYS

GRAND FINAL: Akarana Falcons vs Canterbury Bulls

Final score: Canterbury Bulls 30-18

Similar to their 16s peers, Akarana started strongly, putting points on the board in just the third minute. An early Canterbury error handed the Falcons a scrum 20 metres out from the tryline. They executed a shift to the right, finishing with a backdoor pass to fullback Jeremiah Lemana, who opened the scoring. Canterbury hit back with a effort down their left edge, a backdoor play sending halfback Rico Lemalie over, with Khan Pokere adding an impressive conversion from the touchline. The remainder of the first half was tightly contested, with both sides crossing for another try each, locking the halftime score at 12-all.

A Canterbury mistake from the second-half kickoff gave Akarana early opportunity, and Lemana was nicely set up by his fullback and halfback to score his second try. But the Bulls responded strongly, a solid attacking set put them within scoring distance and Arona Faaiva darted over from dummy half to level the scores once again. Canterbury showed excellent tackling and defence throughout the middle of the field, ultimately forcing an Akarana error which they capitalised from. Delahoia Pakeke-Kakoi made strong yards to set up a try on the left edge. This marked the hosts’ first lead of the game and would shift momentum in their favour, leaving Akarana unable to find their way back into the game. A final try in the 58th minute sealed a memorable victory for Canterbury, claiming their first 18s Boys title at the National Youth Tournament.

2025 National 18s Boys Youth Tournament Team

Emerging Talent of the Tournament: Osaiasi Manu, Wellington

Player of the Tournament: Ronan Byford, Akarana

Manager of the Tournament: Alexia Aoina, Akarana

Trainer of the Tournament: Nathan Jones, Auckland

Coach of the Tournament: Kevin Charlie, Akarana