New Zealand Rugby League have named their New Zealand Resident 18s and Taurahere wider squads for their September 23 match-up.
The two sides will face off against each other in hopes of earning a spot in the New Zealand 18s team who will take on the Australian Schoolboys in late September.
The last time a NZ 18s fixture took place in 2015 the NZ Resident 18s were defeated by the Australian Schoolboys in both encounters.
This year presents the first opportunity for players at 18s level to wear the black jersey. The selection for this team will include not only the best of those residing in New Zealand (NZ Residents 18s), but also New Zealanders currently playing in Australia (Taurahere) to create a New Zealand 18s side that represents the best of New Zealand.
New Zealand 18s Head Coach Ezra Howe says the fixtures will further strengthen the NZRL pathways for those wanting to reach the pinnacle of rugby league in New Zealand.
“This is a great opportunity for the boys to put their best foot forward playing against Australia while enjoying being in an elite environment.
“Players like James Fisher-Harris who was part of the Taurahere programme when it first started back in 2014, show that these pathways provide a good foundation to then go on and represent New Zealand at the highest level.
“I know this fixture will see a good standard of football being played from both teams with many talented boys to take the field.
“Being a part of these programmes is just as rewarding for the coaching staff as it is for the players so I am thankful to NZRL for this opportunity,” he says.
Both sides will be cut down to 18-man squads by September 12 ahead of the fixture.
New Zealand Resident 18s v Taurahere Saturday 23 September Bruce Pulman Park, Auckland New Zealand Resident 18s wider squad: *last zone represented as per LeagueNet
Akarana: Chanel Harris-Tevita, Elijah Sufia, Emanuel Gerard Tuimavave, Javvier Pitovao, Lewis Afeaki, Lewis Sio, Matt Timoko, Reagan Mclennan, Soane Hufanga, Starford Toa, Tyler Slade, Vito Tevaga; Auckland Development: Tutuki Kamana-Pou; Counties: Asu Kepaoa, Dredin Sorenson-McGee, Israel Ogden, Keanu Laumati-Paki; Mid Central: Awatere Kiwara, Wesley Veikoso; Northland: Paul Turner; Southern: Daniel Sakisi, Jordan Riki, Seth Tauamiti; Upper Central: Hayze Perham, Sheldon Rogers.
Head Coach – Moehewa Armstrong Assistant Coach – Alan Ettles Manager – Ben Vaipaata Trainer – Marrin Haggie Physio – Ulima Tofi
Taurahere wider squad: Brisbane Broncos: Dre Ngatui-Woe; Canberra Raiders: Sebastian Kris; Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs: Lauchlan Talau, Tommy Talau; Cronulla Sharks: Cruise Topai-Aveai; Gold Coast Titans: Moeaki Fotuaika, Darius Farmer, Jackson Paulo, Reihana Marsh; Manly Sea Eagles: Semisi Kioa, Zaane Weatherall, Keith Titums, Mark Tepu-Smith; Newcastle Knights: Will Finau; North Queensland Cowboys: Murray Taulagi, Sean Mullany, Peter Hola; Parramatta Eels: Haze Dunster, Joseph Taipari, Oregan Kaufusi, Vallance Harris, John Fonua, Tui Afuola; Penrith Panthers: Sean Blore; South Sydney Rabbitohs: Mawene Hiroti, Tyrone Taukamo; St. George Illawarra Dragons: Steven Marsters ; Sydney Roosters: Baylee Bentley-Hape.
Head Coach – Rangi Hiroti Assistant Coach – Tim McIntyre Manager – Antony Bosley Trainer – Lee Paru Physio – David Close
Rugby league players and their supporters are in for an action packed season of fixtures ahead of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.
NZRL Fixtures include: National Secondary Schools Tournament, National Competition (Premiership & Championship), NZ Youth Teams, NZ Men’s Teams – details below
National Secondary Schools Tournament, Bruce Pulman Park, Auckland Monday 4 – Friday 8 September
New Zealand Secondary Schools v New South Wales Combined High Schools, Puketewhero Park, Rotorua, Wednesday October 4
New Zealand Secondary Schools v New South Wales Combined High Schools, Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland, Saturday, October 7
NZ Youth Teams
New Zealand Resident 18s v Taurahere Auckland Saturday 23 September
New Zealand 18s v Australian Schoolboys Puketwhero Park, Rotorua Tuesday 26 September
New Zealand 18s v Australian Schoolboys Trust Arena, Auckland Saturday 30 September
National Youth Tournament Rotorua Monday 2 – Friday 6 October
NZ Men’s Teams
National Premiership Round one Canterbury v Counties AMI Stadium, Christchurch Sunday 17 September 2pm
Waikato v Akarana FMG Stadium, Hamilton Sunday 17 September 4pm
Round two Waikato v Canterbury FMG Stadium, Hamilton Sunday 24 September 2pm
Counties v Akarana Mt Smart, Auckland Sunday 24 September 4pm
Round three Akarana v Canterbury Trust Stadium, Auckland Saturday 30 September 1.15pm
Counties v Waikato Trust Stadium, Auckland Saturday 30 September 3pm
Promotion/Relegation Game Fourth Placed Premiership Team v National Championship Winner Mt Smart, Auckland Saturday 7 October 5.30pm
Grand Final First in Premiership v Second in Premiership Mt Smart, Auckland Saturday 7 October 7.30pm
National Championship Round one Central Winner v Northern Winner Location: TBC Saturday, 16 September
Round two Southland Winner v Central Winner Location: TBC Saturday, 23 September
Round three Southland Winner v Northern Winner Location: TBC Saturday, 30 September
NZ Residents v NZ Maori Auckland Saturday, October 14
Saturday 22 July, 2017
Puketawhero Park, Rotorua
Rain, hail and tornados were predicted for the Bay of Plenty but the stormy weather pressed pause at Rotorua’s Puketawhero Park for the NZ Resident 16s v NZ Maori 17s clash on Saturday.
Three years on from the NZ Resident 16s win against Samoa, the side picked up exactly where their predecessors left off with another win to add to the collection.
Despite playing up an age group, the NZ Resident 16s stole a 32-28 victory over the NZ Maori 17s, providing a thrilling game of footy for spectators.
With NZ 16s half Nathaneal Sasagi opening the scoring with a try in the first 30 seconds, the NZ 16s sent a message to their opposition that they meant business. This was backed up with a conversion from fullback Tuinamo Tepulolo who finished the game with a 100 percent success rate at goal.
NZ 16s hooker Temple Kalepo was rewarded for his hard work 10 minutes later when he crossed the line for his side’s second try of the game taking the score to 12-0 after another successful conversion.
Just as the 16s were getting comfortable the NZ Maori 17s hit back with a try to Tyrin Ona-Murphy. Their captain Jordan Riki joined the action shortly after with another converted try to the NZ Maori 17s levelling the score at 12 all.
It looked like they would head to the changing rooms equal at halftime but the NZ Maori 17s had other ideas – the halftime score was 18-12 to the NZ Maori 17s.
The second half saw the Maoris come out firing as they gained a 24-12 lead with an aggressive attacking game and tight defence that halted the 16s’ momentum from the first half. Caleb Pese and South Islander Caius Fa’atili came to the rescue for the 16s managing to level the score 24 all with two converted tries and only 15 minutes left on the clock.
Supporters were on the edge of their seats as both teams scrambled to string together set plays. Composure and strength in the forwards paid off for the NZ 16s who sent Nathaneal Sasagi over the line for his second try of the game. Ten minutes out from the full time whistle NZ 16s were leading 30-24, in front for the first time since the first half.
A successful penalty kick from the classy Tuinamo Tepulolo extended their lead to 32-24 with only minutes to play. A last minute try from the NZ Maori 17s wasn’t enough to overtake the victorious NZ 16s who took home a 32-28 win.
For video interviews and to watch a replay of the livestream, click here
New Zealand Resident 16s 32 (Nathaneal Sasagi 2, Temple Kalepo, Caius Fa’atili, Caleb Pese tries; Tuinamo Tepulolo 5 goals; Tuinamo Tepulolo penalty) New Zealand Maori 17s 28 (Te Mana Te Maari, Wipere Takitumu, Tyrin Ona Murphy, Jordan Riki, Tane Wiki tries; Samuel Kamu, Leighman Hohaia Katene 3 goals)
NZRL Awards:
New Zealand 16s MVP: Leroy Ferguson
New Zealand Maori 17s MVP: Wipere Takitumu
NZ 16s team:
We want everyone to have a fun and positive league experience and to achieve this, New Zealand Rugby League has developed the nationwide ‘Be a sport’ programme.
Aimed at encouraging supporters to get behind their players and match officials in a positive way, each team takes responsibility for their own supporters’ behaviour.
Before every game they nominate a sideline champion (for their team), who wears a hi-visibility vest, and backed by sandwich boards featuring the ‘Be a sport’ messaging, circulates amongst their parents and supporters.
If needed the Team Champion will provide supporters’ with the code of conduct, reminding them about alcohol-free and smokefree sidelines, the use of positive language and encouraging behaviour, along with the NZRL values.
The aim is to resolve any issues before they escalate and NZRL’s Legacy Manager Kirsty Sharp says the initiative “is all about making sure the kids are enjoying themselves.”
“The ultimate goal is to create an environment where our Mini and Mod players can learn the basic skills of rugby league while socialising and having fun with their friends.
“In turn, this will encourage kids to continue playing the game and perhaps go onto a more competitive level of play,” she says.
The West Coast were the first to roll out the programme at their junior competition last weekend and NZRL Development Officer, Paddy Bryne, says the programme is off to a great start.
“The campaign has definitely been well-received by all down here in the South Island – it’s great to see such a positive uptake.
“It’s not hard to spot the sandwich boards, they’re bright and prominent promoting great messages,” he says.
The ‘Be a sport’ campaign will be implemented in each Zone throughout New Zealand and NZRL expects this to improve sideline conduct at all levels as the messages reach parents and fans of the game.
For more information – click here.
(Programme adapted from Auckland Rugby League)
