17s National Youth Tournament Final
5 October
Puketawhero Park, Rotorua
Akarana 30 Counties 26
Applying early pressure on attack must have been the game plan for Akarana who sent a strong message to their opposition from the get go.
A cross field kick from Akarana had their no.2 winger Asoleilei score in the left corner in the first few minutes, a tricky conversion scored by their half to take the score to 6-0 in the opening minutes.
The classy stepping game of Counties’ Paea Fotu had him dodge three players from Akarana on his way to the left hand corner where he levelled the scoreboard after another difficult conversion, this time from the South Aucklanders.
With increasing momentum, the boys in red were back near the try-line, a slick offload sending Counties across the line again for their second four pointer – score 10-6.
Then came another beauty cross field kick from Akarana which sat up just in time for their winger to score in a similar fashion to his first of the match, a successful conversion sending Akarana out to a 12-10 lead.
Counties replied with a try of their own under the posts minutes later regaining the lead with the scoreboard reading 16-12. That was backed up by another try shortly after as the teams headed into halftime, Counties up 22-12.
The second half started much like the first, with a bit of Akarana flare in the shape of two tries in several minutes successfully converted to put the boys in blue out in front, 24-22.
A kick chase from Akarana had spectators on the edge of their seats, catching Counties off guard slapping another six points on the scoreboard after yet another successful conversion, 30-22.
The exemplary defence of Akarana was held on their own line for almost eight minutes before Counties’ countless attempts at crossing the line were shut down.
Counties were then faced with a ‘must score’ set in the dying minutes of the game which they delivered on scoring in the right hand corner, score 30-26. One final miracle was needed if they were going to score in the final minute to overtake Akarana. But back-to-back title wins were not to be for Counties, Akarana enjoying a sweet 30-26 victory taking home the 2018 17s National Youth Tournament title.
Man of the Match – Jyris Glamuzina
Merit Team:
Aso FRETTON AKARANA
Naufahu WHYTE AKARANA
TJ DEVERY AKARANA
Jyris GLAMUZINA AKARANA
Moala GRAHAM-TAUFA AKARANA
Tyson CHASE CENTRAL
Semisi SIKEI COUNTIES
Sione MOALA COUNTIES
Feao TONGIA COUNTIES
Paea FOTU COUNTIES
Caius FA’ATILI SOUTHERN
Griffen NEAME SOUTHERN
Okustino LUI VULCANS
Konrad TU’UA VULCANS
Sean FIELD WAI-COA-BAY
Maui WALLACE WELLINGTON
Dallas McEWAN WELLINGTON
17s Results:
1st/2nd
Akarana 30 Counties 22
3rd/4th
Southern 16 Auckland Vulcans 26
5th/6th
Wellington 14 Wai-Coa-Bay 25
7th/8th
Central 26 Northern 14
We are hitting the road and bringing grassroots livestreams to your backyard showcasing a variety of New Zealand’s regional rugby league talents.
Stay tuned on the New Zealand Rugby League Facebook page each weekend to catch finals actions. First up we will be in New Plymouth for the Paddock to Plate Butchery Taranaki Rugby League Premiership Grand Final.
Keep an eye out for the team from Pirtek who will also be at each game giving away lots of freebies.
There was not a cloud in the sky at St Peters College in Cambridge as the NZRL Development U16s took on the Vodafone Warriors 16s to mark the final day of the CCL: Revera Talent Development Camp for 2020.
The NZRL Development squad kicked off the points scoring with a runaway try down the right edge to Akarana centre Tre Fotu off the back of some dominant meters by the NZRL forward pack.
Handling errors by both teams saw key scoring opportunities go astray with the first quarter siren sounding 4 – 0 to the NZRL Development squad.
The Vodafone Warriors hit back, but good scramble defence by NZRL saved any scoring opportunity. More handling errors by the NZRL Development squad gifted the Warriors another chance on their goal-line; however, NZRL’s Nathaniel Tangitimaiti shutdown the crossfield kick as the score remained 4 – 0.
The NZRL development squads’ goal-line defence was nothing short of impressive saving back to back tries in the second quarter; however, a fourth handling error gifted the Warriors yet another repeat set in which they finally capitalised to bring the score to four apiece.
Wasting no time, Vodafone Warrior Paula Latuila backed up the points crossing over in the corner to make it 8 – 4. Warriors with the momentum and meters, Dorian Lotaki crashed over the try line shortly after to make it 12 – 4 to the Warriors 16s.
The NZRL Development squad then hit straight back off some dominant meters down the middle; winger Jayden Harris crossed over in the corner in the final seconds to make it 12 – 8 at half time.
Second half underway and an unlucky error under the highball gifted the Vodafone Warriors their fourth try pushing their lead out to 16 – 8. Another handling error from the NZRL development squad saw powerhouse prop Ben Peni steamroll over the line to extend the Warriors lead to 20 – 8.
NZRL’s Dallas Hurrell-Jones ran down the left edge to score for the Development squad after a clever intercept lessening the gap to 20 – 12, however, the Vodafone Warriors were quick to hit back with big metres down the middle scoring shortly after, the twelve-point gap remains, 24 – 12.
Warrior winger Paula Latuila ran down the right edge after a clever cut out pass to score his second making it 28 – 12. A good restart kick gave possession back to NZRL in which they earned a repeat set, Khalan Clyde only centimetres away from scoring before the third quarter siren. The score remains 28 – 12.
The NZRL Development squad kicked off the final quarter with a try on their first set to Samuela Vakadula making it 28 – 18. Cantebury’s Felix Fa’atili ran through the middle to score off the back of some good hit-ups from the NZRL forward pack, with teammate Dallas Hurrell-Jones crossing over in the corner shortly after for his second, making it 28 – 24 with ten to go.
NZRL Hooker Joseph O’Leary jumped on a loose ball running into open space; however, the NZRL Development squad couldn’t capitalise on the momentum. An impressive comeback was unfortunately cut short with the Vodafone Warriors U16s taking out the match, 28 – 24.
Players from both teams will be selected for the NZRL U16s wider squad set to be announced in the next three weeks. Our young Kiwi talent was certainly on display here in Cambridge and safe to say after this close-fought battle – selectors will be spoilt for choice.
The NZRL Development U18s took on the Vodafone Warriors 18s to mark the final day of the CCL: Revera Talent Development Camp for 2020 at St Peters College in Cambridge.
Big defensive efforts on display by both teams to kick off the match, but it was the Warriors that got first points on the board as centre Jeremiah Asi dives under the post off the back of a high ball. The Warriors wasted no time following up with back to back to tries to Carl Lolohea and Tea-Rani Woodman-Tuhoro making it 12 – 0 after ten minutes.
NZRL 18s found some momentum after forcing a repeat set, a long ball to winger Jeremiah MarGraff put NZRL on the board with the score 12 – 4 at the end of the first quarter.
Warriors hit straight back in the second quarter with a try down the right edge to winger Zyon Maiu’u. NZRL soon responded as Manaia Ngataki-Matthews set up Ethan Faitaua to cross for NZRL’s second, score 16 – 8.
Rawiri Matthews extended the lead for the Warriors but NZRL quickly hit back with what looked like a spectacular try in the corner but it was not to be as the touch judge called out, the score remains 20 – 8 at half time.
NZRL start the second half was some big defensive efforts but it was the Warriors that managed to cross first taking the score to 24 – 8. Zyon Maiu’u then showed his speed down the left edge crossing over for his second bringing the score to 28 – 8.
The Warriors then extended their lead yet again off another impressive running set, shortly after Zyon Maiu’u steamrolled over for his third for the day making it 34 – 8 at the end of the third quarter, all momentum with the Warriors U18s.
Vaka Sikahele opened the scoring for the Warriors in the fourth quarter bumping off defenders to put it down under the sticks 38 – 8.
NZRL Development squad then found some momentum through the middle after a great offload from Jareny Proctor-Harwood who set up a runaway try to Riley Pascoe, score now 38 – 12.
Soon after Montel Peppard brushed off defenders to give speedster Matua Robinson a 50m run to the try line gifting NZRL their fourth try, however, the Warriors dot it down one last time before the siren making the full-time score 42 – 16.
In the end, the Vodafone Warriors 18s were too good for the NZRL Development 18s, however, players from both teams will be selected for the NZRL U18s wider squad set to be announced in the next three weeks.
With New Zealand moving to Alert Level 2 tonight, New Zealand Rugby League stresses the fact this does not mean a return to rugby league activity yet.
NZRL asks the rugby league community to adhere to a ‘Get Ready’ period for a minimum of two weeks, subject to further government update on numbers permitted for grassroots sport.
This is in light of Sport NZ today confirming that the 10-person gathering limit now applies to all community sport.
With this in mind, there will be NO rugby league activity, training (contact and non-contact) or playing permitted during this ‘Get Ready’ period.
During the ‘Get Ready’ period we recommend clubs take the time to plan the measures that need to be taken to ensure their facility is able to prepare for a safe return to rugby league.
These measures include what ‘must’ be done such as contact tracing, physical distancing & hygiene and sanitation requirements. We will release further information on the mandatory requirements in the next 24 hours.
NZRL is looking at a three-phased approach return to rugby league:
This approach is based off the Government recommendation of a considered return to community sport and is supported by all six winter codes; Basketball, Football, Hockey, Netball and Rugby Union.
We will advise in due course when we can enter the ‘Prepare to Play’ phase and what this looks like in regards to training. Timings will be subject to government updates on numbers permitted for grassroots sport.
Once again, we thank you for your patience and understanding during this time and will provide further information on the phased approach in due course.
Ngariri Nuku Lee Waitokia from Eastern Eagles Rugby League club down in Christchurch has been recognised as a standout volunteer as part of Pirteks’ – Communities through Covid initiative.
Nuku is an invaluable volunteer of the Eastern Eagles rugby league club and a woman of many roles from team manager to committee member to Club Secretary. However, it is her most recent work during this time of uncertainty which deserves some special recognition.
The harsh unemployment realities of a country in lockdown due to Covid-19 were fast approaching, and it was clear the vulnerable families in lower-income areas would be impacted the most.
So Nuku along with the newly appointed Club President (Zion Taumiti) created a Covid-19 response team made up of coaches and managers from across the club. They created a survey for each player and their families asking what their situation and main concerns were during this time.
Nuku took on the responsibility of ensuring all the administration was complete concerning the club survey. She ensured every single player and their family members were included in a database and that their needs were categorised accordingly to allow the club to act efficiently with goods, services and support.
The database totalled 60 families with as least five or more in each family from infant to elderly, about three-quarters of those who responded to the club’s survey said they needed more food and were feeling isolated.
Without her organisation, the club would not have been in a position to do the important family drops that covered all areas of Christchurch. Eastern Eagles rugby league club distributed family packages to about 30 families over 30 over Easter, which included colouring in sets and easter eggs.
“This is what Pirtek loves about Rugby League and the Rugby League community. There are always people that will go out of their way to help others, people that take a selfless approach to life in general,” says Pirtek General Manager Chris Bourke.
“In times like these, its great people like Nuku, along with Zion and the Eastern Eagles Rugby League Club, that stand out to support the community and do this without the expectation of recognition. They are simply there to help others in the Rugby League family and beyond.
“Nuku is a well deserved recipient of the Pirtek Communities Through COVID Award. Congratulations.”
Nominate someone you feel deserves some recognition here – https://nzrl.co.nz/community/ourcommunitiesthroughcovid/
Each person nominated will go in the draw to win a Kiwis merchandise prize package. NZRL in liaison with Pirtek will promote some of the best nominations on NZRL channels.
While the New Zealand Government’s announcement on guidelines for COVID-19 Alert Level 2, for if and when it is announced that the country will move to this level, is a positive step NZRL remains vigilant in the fight against the global pandemic with the health and safety of our communities remaining the number one priority.
As it stands we are still in COVID-19 Alert Level 3, therefore all rugby league activity (training or playing) remains suspended until further notice.
Under COVID-19 Alert Level 2, sporting activity can re-commence but only if strict public health and hygiene measures are in place.
NZRL, like other codes, will take the time to prepare and ensure all measures and systems are in place for a safe and structured return to play for our communities, when appropriate.
It is crucial we take the time to get this right, so New Zealand’s hard work is not at risk of being undone, and our communities feel safe and secure to play our game again.
NZRL will provide further information in due course regarding what rugby league looks like at Alert Level 2 as well as return to play timelines. What is absolutely clear is that will not be immediately following any announcement by the Government to move to Alert Level 2.
We thank you all for your patience and understanding during this time.
Primary focus on clubs and regional organisations with $15m Community Resilience Fund
Sport NZ has created a $25 million package to provide further short-term relief for organisations at all levels of sport and active recreation. The funds have been made available through savings achieved from the reprioritisation of Sport NZ’s work programme in the wake of COVID-19, as well as the drawing down on cash reserves.
Today’s announcement follows an initial package of support for Sport NZ and High-Performance Sport NZ partners announced in early April. This provided financial certainty for National Sport and Recreation Organisations, Regional Sport Trusts others, with funding commitments totalling $70 million per annum. Partners were provided with flexibility on how these funds could be used to reflect the challenging circumstances resulting from COVID-19 through until 30 June 2021.
The second tranche of support announced today has a focus on providing relief for struggling local and regional sport and recreation organisations. This relief will be provided via a $15m Community Resilience Fund.
“Play, active recreation and sport have a key role in maintaining individual health and wellbeing, bringing our communities together and keeping these communities strong,” says Sport NZ CEO Peter Miskimmin.
“It is vital that organisations at all levels of our sector remain viable and are there when play, active recreation and sport can fully resume, and we believe we have structured this relief package in a way that will maximise its benefit at all levels of the sector for the greatest possible good.”
“Clubs and regional organisations are the heartbeat of our sector but have been among the hardest hit by COVID-19, particularly through the loss of Class 4 gaming revenue and membership fees and they need support now more than ever,” says Peter Miskimmin.
The Sport NZ Community Resilience Fund opens on Monday 11 May and will be administered through New Zealand’s 14 regional sports trusts due to the strength of their networks deep into their local sport and recreation communities. Eligible organisations can apply for a maximum of $1,000 for clubs and $40,000 for regional bodies.
Also included in Sport NZ’s $25 million relief package are:
Further details on these three funds will be announced over the coming weeks.
Sport NZ also continues to provide expert business capability support to its partners in areas such as finance, human resources and technology, as well as providing free employee wellbeing services and support in accessing the Government’s COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme.
More information on new $25 million short-term relief package and Sport NZ’s wider response to COVID-19 is available at sportnz.org.nz.
Useful PDFs:
Community Resilience Fund Factsheet
Public FAQ
Alistar Kata talked to Clinical Psychologist Dr Elizabeth Mati about how our Pacific people can stay mentally well during lockdown.
-For more information on Le Va’s #CatchYourself initiative: https://www.leva.co.nz/our-work/catchyourself
-Make sure you’re staying up to date with the Government’s Covid-19 information here: https://covid19.govt.nz/
-For more information on looking after your mental wellbeing: https://www.mentalhealth.org.nz/
Due to the ongoing implications of the Covid-19 outbreak, New Zealand Rugby League regrets to advise that all NZRL run representative competitions and tournaments have been called off for the remainder of the year.
Community and Club competitions and trainings are still currently postponed until May 2 with that date to be reviewed in due course.
Due to the current uncertain revenue lines, these representative competitions would place too big of a financial burden on the Zones. International rugby league has also been cancelled for the foreseeable future, and NZRL has ceased all non-essential expenditure.
Greg Peters, NZRL CEO, “We are extremely disappointed that these competitions will not happen in 2020, but unfortunately, it was a decision that had to be made for the financial longevity of our game.
“Due to the extensive consequences of this pandemic across the code, we have had to make some significant short term sacrifices in order to see the game thrive long after this virus is contained.
“The impact and influence rugby league has is felt widespread both on and off the field. Although unprecedented, this decision was made fully with the longevity of our game in mind and the important role it plays within our communities.”
NZRL will provide a further update on club and community competitions in due course. Once lockdown restrictions are lifted, the focus will be on getting the grassroots game operating as quickly as possible.
Due to the ongoing safety concerns regarding the Covid-19 outbreak, New Zealand Rugby League regrets to advise that all community rugby league competitions, tournaments and trainings run by NZRL Zones, Districts and Clubs have been postponed until Saturday, May 2nd, effective immediately.
Given the fast-changing situation, these guidelines and advice are subject to change.
Fo now, restrictions do not prevent clubs from operating on their facilities, however we urge clubs to adhere to Ministry of Health regulations in this regard; these include:
We are continuously liaising with government agencies and will continue to update you with the latest information.
We appreciate this is an unprecedented step being taken for community rugby league; however, this decision has been made solely with the safety and wellbeing of our players, staff, volunteers, whanau and the wider community in mind.
We understand this is an unfamiliar time for us all, but rest assured we are doing all we can to ensure our communities remain safe so we can return to play as soon as possible. NZRL thank you for your continued support and understanding as we work through this together over the coming weeks.
Thanks to Pirtek, each month we look to celebrate a volunteer who has contributed immensely to Rugby League and their community. This month, we congratulate Alan Utanga from the Pacific Sharks Rugby League Club, Tokoroa, for being our May Pirtek Volunteer of the Month.
Over the last 20-years, Alan has gone above and beyond for his league club. He was nominated by Richard and Gen McNamara who had nothing but good things to say. They described Alan as a humble person with an amazing passion for the game whose impact is felt by many on and off the field.
“Over the past two decades, Alan has worked closely with men he once trained as boys and continues to build their potential. Alan’s involvement may seem to go unnoticed to many, even to himself, being a humble individual. But his dedication to ensuring team safety both on and off the field never goes unseen.” Richard says.
“Even with the players and their post-game antics, Alan is always readily available to sober drive and keep the team safe. I have seen Alan offer exceptional advice, help and support to generations of boys playing under 13’s, to now playing senior league, coaching or better yet currently playing NRL. He’s also a growing ref for our younger age levels and has vast knowledge and passion for the women’s league. It is an ongoing privilege to see Alan give his time, energy and efforts week in, week out, season after season. He has helped shape a lot of boys into amazing men playing rugby league.”
“I hope my son is fortunate enough to be taught by Alan, as my brothers and I were.” Richard concludes.
Chris Bourke, General Manager at Pirtek says “Alan’s commitment to the game of rugby league is outstanding and his ability to transfer and share his knowledge of the game to generations of players is a credit to him.”
“With safety a priority at Pirtek, we appreciate Alan’s commitment to team safety on and off the field. His ability to cross over with support to all aspects of the game within the Pacific Sharks makes Alan an indispensable asset to the game for Tokoroa and for New Zealand.”
Nominations are now open for Pirtek’s June Volunteer of the Month.
Each winner receives $200 worth of vouchers.
#TheKiwiWay #MoreThanAGame
Each month we acknowledge a Pirtek Volunteer who has contributed a great deal to rugby league and this month we congratulate the efforts of Rose Nahu from Central Rugby League Inc. Rotorua. There are few and far who can say they have achieved the things that Rose has achieved in the many years she has dedicated to the game.
“My fondest memory of rugby league was waking up in the early hours of the morning to watch the Kiwis test matches. Players like Gary Freeman, Howie Tamati, the Iro brothers and so many more” she said.
With almost a decade tenure as treasurer, in her time Rose has successfully turned around the financial status of her local club. She has also brought sponsorship into the club on several occasions including providing tracksuits and boots for players.
Aside from her treasurer role Rose also wears several other hats from coach and trainer to administrator.
“Rugby league has been a part of the Nahu whanau as far back as I can remember. My grandparents, father, step father, mum, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and mokos have contributed at club, district and national level as players, coaches, representatives, volunteers and supporters of the game for five generations. You can say it’s in the blood.”
Rose was nominated by Kerry Mason who had nothing but high praises for her work.
“Rose has been a shining light in the community and is a huge benefit to Bay of Plenty Rugby League and Upper Central Zone respectively” he said.
“You have to have a passion for the game to commit the time I and so many volunteers contribute on a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis. I love supporting, participating and contributing to the game of Rugby League” she said.
To nominate a volunteer click here.
