24 September 2025
Ten Zones and Districts touched down in Ōtautahi ready to make their mark in the 2025 NZRL National Girls Youth Tournament. With clear and sunny skies providing ideal playing and spectating conditions, Ngā Puna Wai Park was abuzz for the Boys Grand Finals and Round 1 of the Girls Tournament. Round-robin matches kicked off across both 16s and 18s girls grades, as last year’s champions aimed to defend their titles while new challengers looked to make their mark.
All teams in the combined Section A and B played just one round at 2:30pm today. In the Auckland derby clash between Counties and Akarana, 2024 champions Counties were too strong, coming out on top 18-6 with winger Armelia Isara bagging a double. The Wellington and Waikato match-up was only ten points the difference, with Wellington’s forwards impressing including a Casey Sio try, 18-10 the fulltime score. The third game in the section was the upset of the day, as the Bay of Plenty wāhine stunned the Auckland Vulcans to win 14-4, their skilful hooker Maraea Makiha scoring a double of her own. With Counties leading the pack, day two will be vital to determine section placings and semi-final qualifications.
Over in Section C, the Manawatu Mustangs dominated the South Island Scorpions officially winning 44-0, with the mercy ruling eventually activated. This outstanding performance by Manawatu saw Keighley-Rein Araia cross for two tries and Gabriella Wright kick six conversions. Contrastingly, the Northland vs Canterbury was an even match-up that ended in an 8-all draw. On Day 2, the Mustangs will fight to retain their spot on top of the table, while South Island, Northland, and Canterbury all aim for their first wins.
Over in the 18s grade of five teams, their first round of the day saw 2024 champions Wellington Orcas face the hosting Canterbury wāhine, going down 6-0 after forty minutes of an intense arm-wrestle. Counties Manukau showed their strength and flair in a convincing win against South Island, 36-0. Their tough forwards rolled through the middle of the park with prop Josinah Filisi Tauiliili scoring, and nifty centre Betsy Fifita chalking up a double. In the final round of the day, Canterbury took their second win against South Island, and Akarana played their first game up against the Stingrays. The first half was a close contest going try for try, Counties just leading 10-4 at the half. Although Akarana came close to equalising in the second half, Counties were relentless in their strength and efforts, the game ending 20-12 in their favour, Shanthie Lui and Akarana’s Zoriah Wong See scoring two tries each for their teams. In Round 1 of Day 2 Akarana will take on the Orcas, and what should be an exciting game to watch, will take place between Counties and Canterbury.
For all draw and results updates visit sporty.co.nz
On Day 2, Field 1 and 2 will continue to be live-streamed here pages.nzrl.co.nz/watch-national-youth-tournament-2025
