We are pleased to announced that New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) is now taking Expression of Interest for entries for the 2024 National Secondary Schools Tournament. To register your interest please use the following link: New Zealand Rugby League-New Zealand Rugby League (sporty.co.nz)
The 2024 National Secondary Schools tournament will be held at Bruce Pulman Park, Auckland. The tournament will be spread over three days, from Friday 6th – Sunday 8th September. Schools are to qualify through Zonal and regional events to reach the qualify. Each team entering the National Secondary Schools Tournament must have a referral from their respective Zone contact. The entry fee for all teams and grades will be $150 + gst.
National Secondary Schools Tournament. Grades to include:
Junior / U15 Boys Carnival (Yrs. 9 & 10)
– Composite schools permitted.
Senior Boys Premiership
Senior Boys Championship
Girls Championship
If you have multiple teams across the grades; Junior and Senior Boys Premiership for example, please complete this form individually for each team entry.
If you do not know of the Regional or Zone qualifying dates, please contact David McMeekan to connect you with local Zone staff.
David McMeekan
National Football Operations Manager
david.m@nzrl.co.nz
24 October 2023
The 18s Clubs vs Schools did not disappoint as they put on a stellar afternoon of rugby league.
Clubs were the first to strike as Kayliss Fatialofa created a half chance for Phranklyn Mano-Le-Mamea to finish off.
Schools however hit right back through lock Elijah Leaumoana as he crashed over from dummy half to even the scores. Both teams hung in the wrestle before winger Raphael Sio gave the Clubs side the advantage again, going into the sheds up ten points to six.
Sio carried his scoring form into the second half as he crossed over two minutes into the stanza. The teal outfit then went on a tear, as Mano-Le-Mamea put his edge rower into a hole and backing up to score under the posts.
With Schools under the pumped Rotorua Boys winger Malakai Cama popped up with the ball, beat two defenders and set up centre Kesaia Su’a to reduce the margin to eight. An obstruction by Fatialofa gave the Schools some attacking position and St Paul’s Sio Kali made his way over to put the game within two.
Sensing the moment, a looping pass from MVP Phranklyn Mano-Le-Mamea connected with Kayliss Fatialofa to once again extend the Clubs lead. Although Rodney Tuipulotu-Vea crossed late it wasn’t enough as Clubs ran out 26-22 winners.
19 October 2022
This weekend brings us the return of NZRL’s Clubs vs Schools fixture and the introduction of the 16’s Auckland Invitational vs Aotearoa Whaanui representative matchups.
The Labour weekend brings us the first ever 16’s Auckland Invitational vs Aotearoa Whaanui representative game, where the best talent from across the motu face Auckland’s top 17.
Both sides claim considerable talent across their respective squads in a game that sees the young future stars of the game. The Wellington cohort of Billie Va’a, Jayda Maniapoto and Trinity Tauaneai headline an exciting and balanced Aotearoa Whaanui, which has strike all across the park.
Finals MVP Josinah Filisi Tauiliili leads the Auckland Invitational side out after an outstanding performance in the 16’s grand final. She is joined by teammate Danii-Nicole Gray and the exciting Tayla-Benet Masoe, who played at the back for the Auckland Vulcans.
The 16s Auckland Invitational is headlined by Akarana Falcon and Youth Tournament MVP Kaawyn Patterson. A team with strike all over, centre Taipari Wikitera and winger Ezekiel Tavita looked dangerous with every touch. Aotearoa Whaanui is one dominated by a solid Southern Scorpions side. Exciting talent Ezekiel Faga’ieti leads the Aotearoa side, whilst Wellington Orca Maui Winitana-Patelesio directs them around the park.
The 16s Auckland Invitation is headlined by Akarana Falcon and Youth Tournament MVP Kaawyn Patterson. A team that possesses strike across the park, centre Taipari Wikitera and winger Ezekiel Tavita were electric for their sides in the Youth Tournament. The Aotearoa Whaanui outfit is one dominated by the South Island Scorpions. Exciting young talent Ezekiel Fanga’ieti leads the Southern side, whilst Wellington Orca Maui Winitana-Patelesio directs them around the park.
Starting in 2020, the NZRL Clubs vs Schools clash features the best 18s talent Aotearoa offers. Although it was unable to take place in 2021 due to covid-19, it has already seen many of its participants go on to sign with NRL Clubs. Players such as Sam McIntyre (Gold Coast Titans), Daeon Amituanai (Penrith Panthers) and Josiah Karapani (South Sydney Rabbitohs) all found homes in the Telstra Premiership after playing in this match.
The 2022 game will feature an inaugural girl’s clash displaying the depth of the women’s game. NZRL Secondary Schools MVP Sharnyze Pihema headlines the match with Seriah Palepale and Giovanna Suani, also ones to watch for the Schools. The Clubs squad is led by Youth Tournament MVP Tamisha Tulua and Upper Central’s Alexis Tauaneai, who were electric in the girl’s competition.
Secondary Schools and Youth tournament MVPs Wasaike Salabiau and Ben Peni head the boys game that features top talent littered through the sides. South Island’s Oliver Lawry and St Paul’s Sio Kali also show the depth of ability in this matchup.
Squads can be subject to change due to injury*
All games are free to attend and live on Sky Sport!
SQUADS
16s AUCKLAND INVITATIONAL VS AOTEAROA WHAANUI
Auckland Invitational 16 Girls versus Rest of Aotearoa 16 Girls; Sunday 23 October, 12 pm. North Harbour Stadium
AOTEAROA WHAANUI 16 GIRLS
AUCKLAND INVITATIONAL 16 GIRLS
18S CLUBS V SCHOOLS
New Zealand Schools Girls versus New Zealand Clubs Girls; Sunday 23 October, 2 pm. North Harbour Stadium
18 GIRLS NZ CLUBS SQUAD:
18 GIRLS NZ SCHOOLS SQUAD:
Auckland Invitational Boys 16s versus Aotearoa Whaanui Boys 16s; Monday 24 October, 2 pm. North Harbour Stadium
AOTEAROA WHAANUI 16 BOYS
AUCKLAND INVITATIONAL 16 BOYS
New Zealand Schools Boys versus New Zealand Clubs Boys; Monday 24 October, 4 pm. North Harbour Stadium
18 BOYS NZ CLUBS SQUAD:
18 BOYS NZ SCHOOLS SQUAD:
NZRL would like to acknowledge the selection of Leti Jeff Samuela (De La Salle College) who, after an awesome Secondary Schools tournament was named in the NZ Schools team but has unfortunately been to withdraw due to injury.
October 14 2022
The 2022 Boys representative fixtures boast an extreme amount of top talent from across the motu. New Zealand Rugby League is proud to announce the return of the Clubs vs Schools match-up and the inaugural 16s Boys Auckland Invitational vs Aotearoa Whaanui. This 16s clash puts the top talent from around Aotearoa up against the melting pot that is Tāmaki Makaurau, whilst the 18s Clubs vs Schools fixture is a combination of the best players in both the NZRL Secondary Schools (SS) and Youth (YT) Tournaments.
The 16s Auckland Invitation is headlined by Akarana Falcon and Youth Tournament MVP Kaawyn Patterson. A team that possesses strike across the park, centre Taipari Wikitera and winger Ezekiel Tavita were electric for their sides in the Youth Tournament. The Aotearoa Whaanui outfit is one dominated by the South Island Scorpions. Exciting young talent Ezekiel Faga’ieti leads the Southern side, whilst Wellington Orca Maui Winitana-Patelesio directs them around the park.
Auckland Rugby League’s Thaine Ashford said, “The quality of rugby league across the Secondary Schools and Youth Tournaments has been exceptional.
Plenty of players outside the Auckland Invitational 18 were unlucky to miss out, but that shows the quality of talent in the ARL competitions and pathways.”
The Clubs vs Schools fixture is littered with outstanding talent across both teams. NZRL SS MVP Waisake Salabiau returns to the rugby league field alongside teammate Malakai Cama; they are joined by St Paul’s Sio Kali and South Island half Oliver Lawry. Not to be outdone, the School’s pack includes Malachi Tony, Elijah Salesa Leaumoana and YT Final MVP Rodney Tuipulotu-Vea. After a strong Youth Tournament, Counties contingent Kayliss Fatialofa, Phranklyn Mano-Le-Mamea, Jarome Falemoe and Ben Peni lead a versatile Clubs side. Scorpion Makaia Taufa slots in at dummy-half, and Team of the Tournament half Afaese Fa’avae leads the squad around the park.
NZRL General Manager of Football & High-Performance Motu Tony stated, “The return of the National Secondary Schools and NZRL National Youth Tournaments, after a Covid-19 enforced hiatus, gave our rangatahi and rugby league community a fantastic opportunity to come together.
“The tournaments showcased the enormous talent we have playing and participating in rugby league, and our inaugural female National Youth Tournament showed that the future of the Kiwi Ferns is bright and exciting.
“The efforts of those who performed exceptionally well in our tournaments have been recognised. They will get another opportunity to connect and compete with the rugby league talent throughout the motu.
I am excited about the talent we have that will compete in these fixtures and also proud that we can offer our young female players a representative opportunity for the first time.”
The NZRL Secondary Schools finals saw South Auckland’s De La Salle College crowned as Aotearoa’s champions, convincingly defeating Rotorua Boys 42-6. De La Salle raced to an early lead through left centre Kaylise Fatialofa, who scored two quick tries in the opening minutes. After finding success on the left edge, La Salle kept up the pressure which resulted in Rodney Tuipulotu-Vea scoring a double for himself as La Salle started to pile on the points. In the second stanza, the right edge of Rotorua Boys led to points as MJ Sa’olele Tavae, and Haami Herbert-Loza found success down that channel. A late consolation try for Rotorua Boys saw them on the score sheet as De La Salle scored 42-6 winners.
DE LA SALLE 42
TRIES: Haami HERBERT-LOZA, MJ SA’OLELE TAVAE x2, Kaylise FATIALOFA x2, Rodney TUIPULOTU-VEA x2, Jeshua MAA-NELSON
GOALS: Phranklyn MANO LEMAMEA
ROTORUA BOYS 6
TRIES: Darryl WALKER
GOALS: Maraki AUMUA
MVP – Kaylise FATIALOFA
In the Girls Championship, Auckland Girls Grammar and Manurewa played out a nail-biter, with the South Auckland school holding on to win 8-4. Tries from competition MVP Sharnyze Pihema and Team of the Tournament second rower June Westerland allowed Manurewa to get out to an 8-0 lead that they never relinquished. Seriah Palepale scored for Auckland Girls to make it a game in the second half, but the Manurewa outfit held on to secure the Championship Title.
MANUREWA HIGH SCHOOL 8
TRIES: Sharnyze PIHEMA, June WESTERLAND
GOALS:
AUCKLAND GIRLS GRAMMAR 4
TRIES: Seriah PALEPALE
MVP – June WESTERLAND
The Boys Championship saw a rematch of yesterday’s fixture as Manurewa high school took on Te Whanau a Noa. The Composite side started quickly out of the blocks but their inability to turn pressure into points returned to haunt them. Two quick tries from the South Auckland school saw them go up 10-0 towards the mid-point of the first half. The second half saw much of the same as Manurewa were first to score and never let up their advantage, taking out the competition 18 points to four.
MANUREWA HIGH SCHOOL 18
TRIES: Colwyn KAUMAVAE, Frankie PAYNE, Padilla LEMOE, Tiu LEILUA TAMALEAOA
GOALS: Leon RICHARD x1
TE WHANAU A NOA 4
TRIES: Callum WARD
MVP – Christian AUVAA
3 September 2022
Rotorua Boys Waisake Salabiau and Manurewa’s Sharnyze Pihema spear head the secondary school team of the tournaments for 2022.
A standout in each game for the Rotorua side, Salabiau has been instrumental in his side’s journey to the Premiership final. Tall and quick with nimble feet, the Fijian winger has been a handful for any side he has come up against.
Manurewa half Sharnyze Pihema has taken the competition by storm throughout the week. The running five-eight is tall and robust with deft footwork, which she uses to damage defensive lines. Pihema is not only a wicked talent but is a leader for a Manurewa side looking to capture the Girls Championship title.
Waisake Salabiau is joined by an extremely talented pool of players, including his opposite wing Malakai Cama, St Pauls fullback Sio Kali, St Thomas and South Island 20s half Oliver Lawry, second-rower Rodney Tuipuloto-Vea from De La Salle and Southern Cross’ Elijah Salesa Leaumoana.
The Girls Championship side in 2022 has been dominated by finalists Manurewa High and Auckland Girl’s Grammar. AGGS fullback Braxton Sorensen-McGee is joined by the emerging talent award winner and teammate Giovanni Suani, while Southern Cross’ Shanthie Lui enters the side as the only player not from AGGS or Manurewa.
Congratulations to the following selected for the 2022 NZRL Secondary Schools Tournament Teams.
*Additional inclusions for NZ Schools V NZ Clubs fixture
(Subject to change)
*LS – Livestreamed on nzrl.co.nz
Day 1 to 3
DAY 1: TUESDAY 30 AUGUST 2022
DAY 2: WEDNESDAY 31 AUGUST 2022
DAY 3: THURSDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2022
PLEASE NOTE: POOLS AND DRAWS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
DAY 5: SATURDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2022
5th – 6th
1st – 2nd
1:00pm
10:00am
3rd – 4th
May 20, 2022
New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) is proud to announce that 2022 will see the much-awaited return of the National Secondary Schools Tournament, one of the most significant events in the rugby league calendar.
After a three year hiatus, schools from around the motu will be able to again showcase their rugby league talent as the best young players in Aotearoa battle it out in the Bay of Plenty. Puketawhero Park and the International Stadium in Rotorua will host the competition for the first time.
The 2022 National Secondary Schools tournament will also introduce two new grades, with the U15 Boys Carnival and the inaugural Girls Championship adding more exciting rugby league to an already blockbuster event.
The competition will be spread over eight days, with the U15 Boys Carnival kicking off on Saturday, 27 August, from Bay of Plenty’s Puketawhero Park. The Senior Boys and Girls grades will conclude the tournament, playing their finals on Saturday the 3rd of September.
Senior Secondary Schools qualify through Zonal and regional qualifiers to reach the Rotorua-based competition. Each team entering the National Secondary Schools Tournament must have a referral from their respective Zone contact.
If you would like to receive more information, please register your interest here: https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/198093
National Secondary Schools Tournament
U15 Boys Carnival, Saturday 27 – Monday 29 August 2022
Venue; Puketawhero Park, Rotorua
– Up to 16 teams
Senior Boys, Tuesday 30 August – Saturday 3 September 2022
– Up to 12 teams
Girls, Tuesday 30 August – Saturday 3 September 2022
Venue; International Stadium, Rotorua
Team Accommodation in Rotorua
New Zealand Rugby League work alongside and recommend Rotorua Information Site to assist with team accommodation for teams travelling to Rotorua.
If teams are needing assistance in finding accommodation please contact Kyle Kydd.
Kyle Kydd, Visitor Experience Manager; M +64 217 600 52 | e: Kyle.Kydd@rotoruaNZ.com
13 May 2021
New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) will be selecting a New Zealand Girls Schools (18s) team off the back of the inaugural NZRL Girls Secondary Schools Tournament in August this year.
NZRL recently announced the return of its National Secondary Schools Tournament for 2021 after a two-year hiatus coupled with the inclusion of the inaugural Girls Secondary School division.
The NZ Girls Schools team will play a fixture against either a domestic or international opponent, subject to COVID restrictions. More detail on the NZ Girls School fixture will be announced in the coming months.
NZRL GM of Football and High Performance, Motu Tony, says: “This is an exciting milestone for our women’s game that’s only continuing to grow in strength.”
“We saw the success of the NZ Schools v Clubs 18s fixture for the boys last year, and we always had the intention of emulating this for the girls.
The NZ Girls School team will involve the top performers in the inaugural Girls Tournament, just as the NZ Schools 18s team makes up the best of the NZRL Boys Secondary Schools Tournament.
“Being able to host this fixture adds an extra layer of incentive for our players and we hope to see the Secondary School Girls Tournament grow in strength each year.”
Auckland’s Pulman Park will play host to the 2021 NZRL Secondary School Tournament(s) from Monday, August 30, with all finals expected to take place Friday, September 3.
NZRL is still taking registrations for both Girls and Boys Tournaments. To register your interest in the NZRL Secondary School Competition, please click here.
It was a third-time lucky fairy-tale ending for Kelston Boys’ High School who were crowned National Secondary Schools title winners today at Pulman Park. The boys in red finally put the heartache of 2016 and 2017’s finals losses behind them, sealing a sweet 16-14 victory over St. Paul’s College.
Kelston Boys’ High School captain, Kadiyae Ioka was named MVP of the Permiership final and was pleased his team could get the win to round-off his final year at the tournament as a year 13 student.
“For two years now we’ve come up against Southern Cross Campus in the final and been runners-up. This year we can finally take the shield home,”
“It’s been one of the best weeks of my life. Our team have really bonded and this tournament is always an amazing experience but this one has to be the best yet,” he said.
However, Ioka was the first to admit the match was no easy win.
After several minutes of back and forth, St Paul’s College put first points on the board, a reward for their composure and power up front in the first 10 minutes of the game. Their promising start was matched by Kelston when half Konrad Tu’a dummied to take a try for himself, which unlike St Paul’s first try, was converted successfully.
Kelston drew strength from their two-point lead which was bad news for their opposition whose energy tanks were depleting by the minute. The score remained unchanged, Kelston going into the halftime break up 6-4.
The second half seemed to deal blow after blow to St Paul’s as their metres gained were more often than not, doubled back by the skillful maneuvers of Kelston’s halves and wingers.
St Paul’s looked set for a change in momentum only three tackles into their set when Kelston’s left winger, Raymon Tuaimalo Vaega intercepted the ball running 50 metres to touch down near the posts.
A heavy percentage of possession had Kelston get across the line minutes later too, the scoreboard reading 16-4 after a successful conversion.
But, St Paul’s weren’t down and out yet. The footwork of Sione Moala punched a hole in the Kelston defence to send his teammate Jonah Polota-Kopa over the chalk. Moala then converted taking the score to 16-6.
Minutes away from the final whistle, the Polota-Kopa try proved to be the spark they needed. Powerhouse Antonio Aufai bulldozed through the Kelston defence to send his supporters into hysterics, all they needed now was a successful conversion to take Kelston to golden point.
The unthinkable happened though – the ball bounced off the post with a sigh of relief heard from the Kelston camp. At 16-14 on the final whistle, Kelston were finally victorious.
A new winner also rose to the top in the Development Grade final with Howick College defeating Onehunga High School in their final, 16-10.
Premiership Final MVP: Kadiyae Ioka
Development Final MVP: Dray Roberts
Premiership Results:
1st/2nd Kelston Boys’ High School 16 St Paul’s College 14
3rd/4th Rotorua Boys’ High School 4 Mt Albert Grammar School 26
5th/6th Wesley College 20 Manurewa High School 18
7th/8th Manukura School 16 St Thomas of Canterbury 20
9th/10th Southern Cross Campus 28 Westlake Boys’ High School 20
11th/12th Otahuhu College 24 Tokoroa High School 22
13th/14th Whangarei Boys’ High School 16 James Cook High School 30
Development Results:
15th/16th Howick College 16 Onehunga High School 10
17th/18th Whangaparaoa College 20 Papakura High School 26
19th/20th Manawatu College 24 Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate 26
21st/22nd Naenae College 44 Haeata Community Campus 21
It’ll be a Kelston Boys’ High School v St Paul’s College Premiership National Secondary Schools Final at Pulman Park tomorrow.
Thanks to a 22-6 win over Mt Albert Grammar School today, a repeat result of the Auckland Rugby League College final earlier this year, Kelston will progress to the final where they’ll take on St Paul’s College who overcame Rotorua Boys’ High School 26-10 in their semi-final.
For the past two years, Kelston Boys’ High School have met Southern Cross Campus in the premiership final, where Southern Cross were triumphant on both occasions. However, this year could see a new champion crowned if St Paul’s come out on top.
Although Whangaparaoa College showed promise running in the first four points of the match against Howick College in their Development Grade semi-final, Howick College powered past them to bring home a 26-6 win.
The other Development semi-final brought about the nail-biter of the day with last year’s finalists Onehunga High School pipping Papakura High School, 24-22.
Manukura started the week off with a bang beating defending champions Southern Cross Campus but today found themselves at the mercy of Wesley College, defeated 18-14. Manukura will come up against South Islanders, St Thomas of Canterbury playing off for seventh and eighth while Wesley College will face Manurewa in a bid to finish fifth.
Otahuhu returned to the tournament this year for the first time since their Premiership victory in 2015 blooding new talent – the school Roger Tuivasa-Sheck was playing for when he was first scouted at National Secondary Schools.
At the Awards night held at Mt Smart, Whangarei Boys’ High School picked up one of the most prestigious awards, ‘MIT More than just a game Team of the Tournament’ for their attitude, performance and respect on and off the field.
New Zealand 16s representative and St Paul’s College student, Sione Moala also claimed the Player of the Tournament award following an outstanding week in the halves for his team.
Click here to view the Finals draw for Friday, 7 September
National Secondary Schools Tournament Awards
Match Official of the Year Development Grade – Kevin Ah-Ken
Match Official of the Year Premier Grade – Joseph Green
Trainer of the Tournament – Dallas Courtney (Whangaparaoa College)
Manager of the Tournament – Katie Spraggon (Manurewa High School)
Coach of the Tournament – Dave McDermoott (St Paul’s College)
MTJAG Team of the Tournament – Whangarei Boys High School
Best Cultural Salute – Manukura
Best & Fairest Development – Shae Grey (Manawatu College)
Player of the Tournament (Premiership) – Sione Moala (St Paul’s College)
New Zealand Secondary Schools Tournament Team
Premiership
Manukura 14 Wesley College 18
Southern Cross Campus 22 Otahuhu College 2
St Paul’s College 26 Rotorua Boys’ High School 10
Whangarei Boys’ High School 4 James Cook High School 22
Kelston Boys’ High School 22 Mt Albert Grammar School 6
Manurewa High School 24 St Thomas of Canterbury 18
Tokoroa High School 6 Westlake Boys’ High School 22
Development
Whangaparaoa College 6 Howick Collee 26
Manawatu College 26 Naenae College 20
Haeata Community Campus 10 Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate 52
Papakura High School 22 Onehunga High School 24
NZRL NATIONAL SECONDARY SCHOOLS TOURNAMENT DAY 3 Bruce Pulman Park, Papakura Wednesday, September 5
The contenders for both the Premiership and Development titles emerged on day three of the NZRL National Secondary Schools Tournament in Auckland, with the top qualifiers now confirmed ahead of the play-offs starting on Thursday.
In the top tier, St Paul’s fended off a fast-finishing Southern Cross Campus to pick up their third win, 20-16, after leading 14-0 at the break, while fellow Auckland heavyweights Kelston Boys’ High School assured themselves of topping Pool B by producing a shutout 32-0 victory over Manurewa High School.
St Paul’s and Kelston both advance as top qualifiers of their pools.
St Thomas of Canterbury College and Westlake Boys’ High School traded tries through the first half and were locked at 12 points apiece early in the second half, before the Canterbury side piled on the points late, with wingers Levani Rova and Cormack Tarrant bagging doubles, to win 36-16.
St Thomas coach Andrew Auimatagi said he was pleased with the way his side came through to finish second in a tough Pool D, which included top Auckland sides Mt Albert Grammar and Westlake Boys’ High School.
“We’ve showed a lot of fight,” he said.
“It’s definitely been pleasing to hold our own and beat two Auckland teams. It was a bit of an unknown for us coming up here and playing against high-level opposition.”
In other action, Wesley College bounced back from a two-point loss to Otahuhu on Tuesday, running out 56-6 winners over Whangarei Boys’ High School, with fleet-footed back Tuhi Pompey and hooker Vaka Sikahele both registering hat-tricks.
Two late tries weren’t enough to save Tokoroa High School from a 28-22 loss to Manukura, who led 22-6 at the break and had centre Arapere Ratima score a double.
Mt Albert Grammar School overcame a sluggish start to down James Cook High School 22-6 thanks to 14 unanswered points in the second half, winning Pool D in the process, while centre Selesitino Ravutaumada bagged a double to make it seven tries in two games, helping Rotorua Boys’ High School top Pool C with a gritty 22-12 win over former national champions, Otahuhu College.
In the Development Grade, a 22-point individual effort from hooker Ilisoni Rauhihi – which included a hat-trick of tries and five conversions – did much of the damage for Manawatu College as they powered past Haeata Community Campus 38-10.
A strong defensive showing late in the match got Howick College home 26-16 against Wellington’s Naenae College, while two unanswered tries in the second stanza lifted Whangaparoa College past Papakura High School 24-12, after scores were tied at half-time.
Whangaparoa qualify through Pool E with an undefeated record.
Onehunga eased past Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate 26-4 in the final Development match of day three, for a win which assured them of topping Pool F.
Premiership St Paul’s College 20 Southern Cross Campus 16, Kelston Boys’ High School 32 Manurewa High School 0, Wesley College 56 Whangarei Boys’ High School 6, St Thomas of Canterbury College 36 Westlake Boys’ High School 16, Tokoroa High School 22 Manukura 28, Mt Albert Grammar School 22 James Cook High School 6, Rotorua Boys’ High School 22 Otahuhu College 12
Development Haeata Community Campus 10 Manawatu College 38, Naenae College 16 Howick College 26, Papakura High School 24 Whangaparoa College 24, Onehunga High School 26 Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate 4
A number of schools flexed their muscle on day two of the NZRL National Secondary Schools Tournament on Tuesday, clocking up big victories under the Auckland sun at Pulman Park.
Perhaps most emphatic was the statement made by Rotorua Boys’ High School, who led by a five-try haul from rangy centre Selesitino Ravutaumada, and 18 points via the accurate boot of halfback Ceiza James, ran in more than a point a minute to beat Whangarei Boys’ High School 58-0.
Mt Albert Grammar were also convincing winners, getting up 44-0 over fellow Aucklanders Westlake Boys’ High School, with the win establishing them as outright leaders of Pool D, while St Thomas of Canterbury beat James Cook High School 40-20 in the group’s other game.
Otahuhu College edged out a valuable 18-16 victory over Wesley College to go clear at the top of Pool C, with centre Keenan Joe’s perfect converting the difference in a game where both sides scored three tries.
Manurewa raced out to an early 24-0 lead over Tokoroa, and despite the Waikato school hitting back with a pair of tries to winger Leevon Uili, Manurewa held on to pick up their first win of the campaign 36-10.
Southern Cross Campus showed a marked improvement on their day one effort, which finished in a 28-6 loss to Manukura, to secure a valuable 22-all draw against Auckland champions Kelston Boys’ High School.
Both halfbacks were standouts for their sides, with Konrad Tu’ua scoring 14 of Kelston’s points and Southern Cross’s William Fakatoumafi crossing for a try and kicking three goals.
After trailing St Paul’s 16-0 at the break, Manukura staged a brave second-half comeback, scoring three tries but ultimately falling just short in a 24-18 loss, with the victory leaving St Paul’s as the only undefeated team in Pool A.
In the Development Grade, a big second half from Papakura saw them overcome Manawatu College 44-14, after leading by just six at the break.
Whangaparoa College picked up their second win, downing Haeata Community Campus 30-16, with Whangaparoa halfback Notana Snowden extending his impressive goalkicking streak to a perfect nine from nine over the opening two games.
Goalkicking proved the difference in the third Development Grade game of the day as well, with Howick and Onehunga both scoring three tries, but the latter getting home for a 16-12 victory thanks to a pair of successful conversions.
A three-try showing from centre Rayden Fotu got Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate the win against a determined Naenae College, 26-16.
NZRL NATIONAL SECONDARY SCHOOLS TOURNAMENT DAY 2 Bruce Pulman Park, Papakura Tuesday, September 4
Premiership Wesley College 16 Otahuhu 18, Rotorua Boys’ High School 58 Whangarei Boys’ High School 0, Tokoroa High School 10 Manurewa High School 36, Mt Albert Grammar School 44 Westlake Boys’ High School 0, St Thomas of Canterbury College 40 James Cook High School 20, Kelston Boys’ High School 22 Southern Cross Campus 22, St Paul’s College 24 Manukura 18
Development Papakura High School 44 Manawatu College 14, Haeata Community Campus 16 Whangaparoa College 30, Onehunga High School 16 Howick College 12, Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate 26 Naenae College 16
Manukura made an emphatic statement to kick off the 2018 NZRL National Secondary Schools Tournament at Auckland’s Pulman Park, powering past defending champions Southern Cross Campus 28-6 in the first game of the day.
Things looked ominous when Southern Cross opened the scoring on five minutes, but from that point on the Palmerston North outfit were completely dominant, scoring five unanswered tries to blow the scoreline out.
There were no such teething issues for Southern Cross’ Auckland counterparts Kelston Boys’ High School, who less than two weeks after winning their Auckland competition, struck twice in the second stanza to beat Tokoroa High School 14-6, after scores had been locked up at six apiece at the break.
A blistering first half, which yielded 28 points, set St Paul’s College up for victory over Manurewa High School 32-18. Matthew Savelio and 2017 New Zealand 16s Player of the Year Christian Tuipolotu both scored doubles for St Paul’s.
Mt Albert Grammar School edged past St Thomas of Canterbury College 24-18, with 2018 New Zealand Residents 16s player Moala Graham-Taufa scoring a key try from fullback, while at the same time on the main field Otahuhu College produced a shutout 32-0 victory over Whangarei Boys’ High School to jump to the top of the four-team Pool C.
Doubles to Cayle Maxwell and Cody Tolua helped lift Westlake Boys’ High School to a comfortable 28-6 win over James Cook High School, which gives them the early lead in Pool D.
Haeata Community Campus and Papakura High School played out a thriller to open the Development Grade side of the draw, with Haeata scoring a converted try inside the final 10 minutes to snatch a 12-all draw.
Whangaparoa College got off to a winning start, downing Manawatu College 24-12, with halfback Notana Snowden’s perfect boot a key difference for the Aucklanders, while Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate were too strong for fellow Aucklanders Howick College winning 22-10, and Onehunga High School ran out 34-12 victors over Naenae College.
Motu Tony, the recently-appointed New Zealand Rugby League General Manager of High Performance, said he had been impressed by the overall quality of the opening day.
“I’ve liked what I’ve seen. Today the rain and wind meant they were testing conditions for the young men, but they stood up to it well,” Tony said.
“I’m encouraged by what I see, and for me this is really exciting to see as I move into this new role.
“It’s a great chance to get a look at the players from different regions, and this tournament really is about showcasing New Zealand league”
NZRL NATIONAL SECONDARY SCHOOLS TOURNAMENT DAY 1 Bruce Pulman Park, Papakura Monday, September 3
Premiership St Paul’s College 32 Manurewa High School 18, Manukura 28 Southern Cross Campus 6, Wesley College 10 Rotorua Boys’ High School 4, Kelston Boys’ High School 14 Tokoroa High School 6, Otahuhu College 32 Whangarei Boys’ High School 0, Mt Albert Grammar School 24 St Thomas of Canterbury College 18, Westlake Boys’ High School 28 James Cook High School 6
Development Haeata Community Campus 12 Papakura High School 12, Whangaparoa College 24 Manawatu College 12, Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate 22 Howick College 10, Onehunga High School 34 Naenae College 12
The 2018 National Secondary Schools Tournament kicks off on Monday 3 September with 22 teams (8 Development grade and 14 Premiership grade) who will descend upon Papakura’s Pulman Park. With representation from all seven zones around New Zealand including Akarana, Counties Manukau, Wellington, Mid Central, Upper Central, Southern and Northland, each school will battle it out for the ultimate boasting rights.
Development Grade: Haeata Community Campus, Howick College, Naenae College, Onehunga High School, Papakura High School, Sir Edmund Hillary College, Whangaparaoa College, Manawatu College.
Premiership Grade: James Cook High School, Kelston Boys High School, Manukura School, Manurewa High School, Mt Albert Grammar School, Otahuhu College, Rotorua Boys High School, Southern Cross Campus, St Paul’s College, St Thomas Of Canterbury College, Tokoroa High School, Wesley College, Westlake Boys High School, Whangarei Boys High School.
https://www.facebook.com/NZLeague/photos/a.102005069859664/2009518572441628/?type=3&theater
You can watch the Development and Premiership finals on Friday on Sky Sport while the Exhibition girls game between Auckland Rugby League finalists, Sir Edmund Hillary College and Aorere College will be livestreamed on the New Zealand Rugby League Facebook page.
The below games throughout the week will also be livestreamed on the New Zealand Rugby League Facebook page:
Southern Cross Campus
(1.00pm)
Whangarei Boys
(10.00am)
(10.15am)
(10.25am)
We flashback to when Southern Cross Campus took out the 2017 National Secondary Schools Tournament beating Kelston Boys’ High School in the final, 44-0 at Pulman Park.
https://www.facebook.com/NZLeague/videos/1593019150758241/
We’re five weeks out from the National Secondary Schools Tournament – to see how preparations are going we caught up with last year’s Champions, Southern Cross Campus and the current Auckland comp top of the table team, St Paul’s College ahead of their clash on Wednesday night.
