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.
23 October 2022
NZ Clubs flawless in their victory over NZ Schools at North Harbour’s QBE Stadium.
Both teams got into the wrestle early but a costly penalty allowed left side centre Paris Pickering to open the games account on the next set.
Clubs winger Kyla Lynch Brown then buffed the advantage as Clubs went up 10-0. Youth Tournament MVP and Counties fullback Tamisha Tulua then found herself in some space as she went under the post, Clubs owning all the ascendency in the first half.
Another set on the School’s line saw Akarana’s Tatiana Finau crash over on the right edge before Paris Pickering finished off a left hand shift to dummy the fullback and put the Clubs side up 28-0 going into the sheds.
Tulua continued where they left off scoring from within a minute of the second half and the Clubs side didn’t look back.
Lynch Brown added to her tally as well as Claudia Finau, Ronise Matini and Kimoana Niupalau as they recorded a famous 50-0 victory.
NZ CLUBS 50
Tries: Pickering, Lynch Brown x2, Tulua x2, T Finau, C Finau, Matini, Niupala
Conversions: T Finau 7/9
NZ SCHOOLS 0
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 final game for the U18S NZRL Boy’s Youth Tournament saw Counties Manukau Stingrays face off against South Island Scorpions at Puketawhero park, Rotorua.
The Stingrays dominated possession early as they continued to forced errors in the South Island’s half of the field, resulting in 4 tries in the first half, two of them coming from powerful backrower Rodney Tuipulotu-Vea.
The second half saw Counties Manukau opened the scoring as Rodney Tuipulotu-Vea completed a hat-trick. With their backs against the wall, a spirited Scorpions side tried to mount a comeback and were rewarded with a try however it was too little, too late with Counties Manukau Stingrays claiming the U18’s championship in dominating fashion with the score being 28-12.
Tries:
Counties Manukau – Rodney Tuipulotu-Vea x3, Phranklyn Mano-Le-Mamea x2, Hirini Holmes, Jarome Falemoe, Cameron Tuipulotu
South Island – Makaia Tafua, Alofa Faaiva
Conversions
Counties Manukau – Phranklyn Mano-Le-Mamea 2/8
South Island – Jacob Nyman 2/2
12 October 2022
Counties were too strong as they take the 16s NZRL Youth Tournament for 2022.
Despite the score,, Akarana hit the lead first after multiple errors from the Stingrays side. A fresh set on the Stingrays line saw Akarana centre Taipari Wikitera steamroll through the Counties left edge to open the scoring.
From there it was all Counties-Manukau. Coming from the bench, Sale Tatapu barged over the line to give the Stingays the lead, which they never relinquished going into the sheds up 12-4. From the break, another interchange forward this time Atelea Filo made his way over and Joshua Totara Kopua sealed the win as the Counties outfit ran out 22-3 winners.
COUNTIES MANUKAU 22
Tries: Tatapu, Lolesio, Filo, Totara Kopua
Conversions: Fatani Latu 3/4
AKARANA 4
Tries: Wikitera
Conversions: Marsters 0/1
Counties have repeated their efforts from the Girl’s tournament, seeing both age groups advance to their respective grand finals.
The 16’s match-up was set after dominating victories by the Akarana Falcons and the Counties Manukau Stingrays. The Stingrays outfit put Auckland to the sword, winning 26-4, while the Falcons were able to outlast the South Island Scorpions 20-8. The Auckland derby will be played on field one at 11:00 am
The final in the 18’s grade sees Counties again, this time facing a South Island side hot off a 42-14 drubbing of Auckland. South Island boasts a talented squad, including Te Kaio Cranwell, Tanner Stowers Smith and Makaia Tafua, who were selected in the 2022 NZRL Youth Tournament Team of the Tournament. South Island 20’s half Oliver Lawry and St Thomas fullback Ngaheke Nepata round out a robust Southern outfit.
De La Salle contingent Kayliss Fatialofa, Rodney Tuipulotu and Ieti Samuelu make up a solid and determined Counties outfit. Tournament MVP Ben Peni will look to continue his fine form and help his side capture the Youth Tournament trophy. This side also features wing Jarome Falemoa, Phranklyn Mano Le Mamea and Francis Tuimauga, who were all named in the Tournament Team.
Make sure to tune in on the NZRL Youtube channel to catch all of the finals action live from Rotorua’s Puketawhero Park!
16s Grand Final
Counties Manukau v Akarana Falcons 11:00 am – Puketawhero Park
18s Grand Final
Counties Manukau v South Island Scorpions 01:00 pm – Puketawhero Park
8 October 2022
After the return of the New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) National Secondary Schools Tournament (NSST) and the inaugural NZRL National Girls Youth Tournament, New Zealand Rugby League is proud to announce the first-ever 16’s and 18’s Girls representative fixtures. The two-week-long tournaments displayed the growth in the female game, and these fixtures will be another step in the pathway to becoming the next generation of Kiwi Fern talent.
The 16’s age group will see an Auckland Invitational team take on Aotearoa Whaanui, with the match-up displaying the best young talent from across the motu, Whilst in the 18’s, The girls will play out the Clubs vs Schools fixture that began in 2020.
The 16’s game will showcase the talent and depth in the girl’s 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 her Auckland team 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.
Auckland Rugby League’s Head of Schools and Female Pathways, Mary Passi, commented on the fixture, “With the increase of numbers in our female game here in Auckland, it’s another great opportunity for our Auckland players to test themselves against the best talent from around Aotearoa. It’s great to see several Auckland players selected across all teams.”
The 18 Clubs vs Schools clash has a plethora of talent littered throughout the fixture. NSST MVP Sharnyze Pihema headlines the School’s squad, which possess many players from both tournaments. School’s fullback Braxton Sorensen-McGee was a standout in both tournaments, as she also led the Counties 16’s to a grand final win. Giovanna Suani and NZRL 16’s Youth Tournament MVP and top try scorer Seriah Palepale also round out a strong Schools squad.
The NZ Clubs outfit can also show off star power throughout their 19. Youth Tournament MVP Tamisha Tulua was outstanding out the back for Counties, and the edge back row of Tatiana and Claudia Finau caused havoc on their way to the 18’s title. Locking up the middle is Upper Central’s Alexis Tauaneai, who was a problem for every team in the competition, using her strength, footwork and distribution ability to be dangerous every time she touched the ball.
Head of Women’s Rugby League, Luisa Avaiki, said, “New Zealand Rugby League intends to enhance female participation and opportunities in our youth grades. It has been such a pleasure to see the success of the inaugural NZRL Girls National Youth Tournament. “
“To have teams from all across the motu attend and represent their zones and districts has been an exciting start to the growth and potential of the youth girls space.”
“The talent on display throughout the week was extraordinary and impressive. It maintains how vital these pathways are for any aspiring young girl who wants to reach higher levels of representation. It is an exciting time for the female game.”
Congratulations to all players and staff selected!
Get down to North Harbour Stadium on October 23, or watch all the action live on Sky Sport!
Auckland Invitational 16 Girls versus Aotearoa Whaanui 16 Girls; Sunday 23 October, 12 pm. North Harbour Stadium
6 October 2022
The final game for the girl’s youth tournament at Owen Delaney Park in Taupo saw the Counties Manukau Stingrays face off against the Wellington Orcas for the U16 Girls Championship.
Counties Manukau looked strong early in the game as their defence kept the Wellington Orcas under pressure forcing errors which resulted in Counties striking early in the match. Throughout the game both teams traded blows as they looked to capture the ascending but both teams were evenly matched with ten minutes remaining.
An error made on their own line by the Stingrays went unpunished as the Orca’s fumbled the ball off the scrum. Counties then took control of the match, as MVP Josinah Filisi Tauiliili made her imprint, making two incredible linebreaks to set Counties in great position. With five minutes left Danii-Nicole Gray put the Stingrays ahead with a penalty goal, and not too long after Braxton McGee-Sorensen put the game out of reach with a great effort to score in the left hand corner.
Final score 22-16 to the Counties-Manukau Stingrays.
The action from the girls u18s girl’s tournament finals kicked off on Thursday morning at Owen Delaney Park in Taupo between the Akarana Falcons and Counties Manukau Stingrays.
Counties Manukau drew first blood as their forwards dominated the middles with barnstorming runs to crash over the line to get four points. The Stingrays continued their form as their backs shifted the ball out to the edge for Counties to make a line break that resulted in a 50-metre runaway try.
Down on the scoreboard a determined Akarana side started to build momentum with great defence and a bit of luck to score the first points of the half. Following on from their first try, Akarana wasted no time to score their next to close out the half and even the scores at 10-10 a piece.
Counties started off the second half strong as they dominated the early part of the second half. The backs capitalised off the back of the Stingray forwards hard work, as they drew first blood in the second half to make it 14-10.
However costly errors and a sin bin from Counties allowed Akarana to creep back into the game. A late push from the Falcons saw the Akarana team crash over the line and even the score 14 all. A spirited Counties Manukau team were quickly working up the field however scrambling defence saw the Falcons shut down any attacking threat that the Stingrays had. A late penalty with two minutes to go in front of the Counties Manukau posts saw the Falcons kick a 2-point penalty to close out the game 16-14, with the Falcons being the 2022 U18 girls National Youth champions.
The 2022 Girls Youth Tournament are to be decided at Taupo’s Owen Delaney Park, with Counties Manukau featuring in both clashes.
The conclusion for the 16s Youth Competition features Counties Manukau and the Wellington Orcas. A surprise package of the tournament, Ken Laban’s Wellington side have been well drilled and clinical throughout the five days, taking the competition by storm. The Orca’s dominated the Team of the Tournament with seven players including; Billie Va’a, Jayda Maniapoto, Riana Le’afa-Paki, Te Ngaroahiahi Rimoni, Luca-Bella Ngatuere-Ongley, Trinity Tauaneai and Indiana Ronnie Russell-Via.
Facing the Orca’s are Pool A Winners Counties Manukau. Like Wellington, Counties dominated their pool on their way to the Grand Final. A strong team featuring many stars such as Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Josinah Filisi Tauiliili, Giovanni Suani and Tournament MVP Seriah Palepale. One to watch, Palepale has eight tries in three games and will be looking to score again in the decider.
The 18’s age group has come down to a final showdown between Akarana and Counties Manukau. Both teams have been dominant in the tournament so far with only a points differential of 14 separating the Auckland sides. Both sides accounted for 13 of the 19 players selected in the Team of the Tournament, including Counties fullback Tamisha Tulua, the MVP of the tournament.
Both teams are firing on all cylinders and this will be an exciting clash of some of the best talent in Aotearoa.
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
15s National Youth Tournament Final
Auckland Vulcans 16 South Island Scorpions 14
A firing Auckland Vulcans won the best start with hesitation killing the South Islanders in their first try attempt forced by the pressure of the Vulcans’ defence.
The Vulcans reaped the rewards for their majority possession drawing first blood with a four-pointer along the right side minutes later.
After a back and forth battle, the Aucklanders came up with another four points although unsuccessfully converted hitting the sheds up by 10-0 at halftime.
Back into the second 25 minute half, a line drop out kicked into touch by the Vulcans had the Scorpions in with another chance opting for a penalty goal to take the score to 10-2.
A run from Scorpions prop Jaedon Wellington had the boys in black and white cross for their first try, the scoreline taken to 10-8 after a successful conversion. It was starting to look like the Scorpions had a plan up their sleeve. The Auckland Vulcans then gave their opposition the helping hand they needed kicking the ball out on the full from the restart.
Perpetual motion saw the Scorpions tempo rise, their momentum being too much for the Vulcans who let in their second try in five minutes, 10-12 to the Scorpions. A 100 percent kicking rate from the Scorpions pushed the scoreline out to 10-14.
With seven and a half minutes on the clock, the Vulcans looked dangerous with ball in hand, capitalizing on the tired Scorpions defence scoring just left of the post locking up the scores at 14-all – the boot of Michael Taufa putting the Vulcans in front by two once again (16-14).
The Scorpions needed a miracle in their last set and a last minute try looked possible with an explosive run down the left wing from the Scorpions. But the fairytale ending wasn’t to be, the Vulcans taking home the 15s National Youth Tournament title with a 16-14 win.
Player of the Tournament – Stanley Iongi
Man of the Match – Stanley Iongi
Merit team:
Paaua PAPUNI-ABBOTT AKARANA
Arama KITE CENTRAL
Ali LEIATAUA COUNTIES
Kevan THOMPSON-CAMPBELL COUNTIES
Francis MANULELEUA COUNTIES
Ben PENI COUNTIES
Jaedon WELLINGTON SOUTHERN
Uriah TULI SOUTHERN
Felix FA’ATILI SOUTHERN
Jack CAMPBELL SOUTHERN
Nathaniel CAMA VULCANS
Filipo WHITEHOUSE-OPETAIA TOVIO VULCANS
Stanley IONGI VULCANS
Heneli LUANI VULCANS
Tome POONA WAI-COA-BAY
Manaia NGATAKI-MATTHEWS WAI-COA-BAY
Joshua WILLIAMS WELLINGTON
The Akarana Falcons 15s have begun their national title defence strongly with a commanding 60-4 victory over the Wellington Orcas today. Taylor Raj and Naisa Pahulu scoring two tries each in the one-sided result. They’ll be keeping a close eye on their Pool A rivals Counties Manukau, who ran up an impressive 46-0 victory over the Central Vipers.
In Pool B, The Auckland Vulcans were too good for the Northern Swords winning 40-12, with the South Island Scorpions outplaying Wai-Coa-Bay 30-18. Uriah Tuli scored a double for the Scorpions, who face the Vulcans at midday tomorrow. Wai-Coa-Bay and Northland will both be seeking their first win against each other in the other Pool B match on Tuesday.
In the 17s grade, 2017 champions Counties Manukau came from behind to beat Wellington 26-14. NZ 16s representative players Sione Moala and Taniela Otukolo were standouts for the Stingrays, with Orcas halfback Dallas McEwan performing admirably despite the final result. The Akarana 17s started their campaign well with a 46-0 victory over the Northern Swords; centres Naufahu Whyte and Samuel Kamu both crossing the line for the Falcons.
The South Island Scorpions marched to an important 28-20 victory over the Central Vipers. Griffin Neame and Caius Fa’atili standouts for the southerners, who survived a late charge lead by Tyson Chase and Tyrese Ratahi. The Auckland Vulcans were too good for Wai-Coa-Bay, running out 26-12 victors. Despite being behind at half-time, the Vulcans managed to get around the outside of the local side, with backs Okusitino Lui and L’ia Julius Lafaele bagging doubles for the Aucklanders.
The Vulcans head into a blockbuster match tomorrow with Counties-Manukau Stingrays; with Wai-Coa-Bay facing Wellington in the other match in Pool C. In Pool D, Akarana Falcons take on the Central Vipers, and South Island Scorpions playing the Northern Swords.
Results Monday 1 October:
17s grade:
Counties Manukau Stingrays 26 (Soakai Taufa, Taniela Otukolo, Feao Tongia, Albert Talakai, Tyrone Waipouri; Sione Moala 3 goals) Wellington Orcas 14 (Blaine Betham-Ta’ape, Maui Wallace; Stanley Fiso 3 goals)
Auckland Vulcans 26 (Okusitino Lui 2, L’ia Julius Lafaele 2, Ativalu Lisati; Konrad Tu’ua 4 goals) Wai-Coa-Bay Colts 12 (Sean Field, Ben Fosita; Ceiza James 2 goals)
Akarana Falcons 46 (Naufahu Whyte 2, Seeti Kuresa, Samuel Kamu, Lani Graham-Taufa, TJ Devery, Timothy Vogel, Totive Junior Tuilesu; Samuel Kamu 3 goals, Seeti Kuresa 1 goal, TJ Devery 1 goal) Northern Swords 0
South Island Scorpions 28 (Griffin Neame 2, Sincere Harraway, Leo Petelo, Caius Fa’atili, Jordan Aldridge; Caius Fa’atili 2 goals) Central Vipers 20 (Zamayo Lilo-Mariu, Potene Rolls-Paewai, Hiraka Wanakore, Tyson Chase; Tyrese Ratahi 1 goal, Potene Rolls-Paewai 1 goal)
15s grade:
Akarana Falcons 60 (Taylor Raj 2, Naisa Pahulu 2, Ethan Moughan, Tony Tafa, Benaiah Ioelu, Geneva Tuitupou, Louis Dehar-Webster, Deine Mariner; Sebastyan Jack 4 goals, Keano Kini 4 goals) Wellington Orcas 4 (Joshua Williams)
Counties-Manukau Stingrays 46 (Kavan Thompson-Campbell 2, Carlos Tarawhiti 2, Brayden Easthope-Seu 2; Nui-Alinghi Peni, Ali Leiataua, Nathaniel Skelton; Francis Manuleleua 5 goals) Central Vipers 0
Auckland Vulcans 40 (Nathaniel Cama, Filipo Whitehouse-Opetaia Tovio, Charlie Leaumoana, Michael Angelo Taufa, Stanley Iongi, Heneli Luani, Sione Vaihu, Sioeli Fa’anunu; Tremein Campbell 4 goals) Northern Swords 12 (Jarvaiyas Mangu, Robin Herbert, Haiapai Leef)
South Island Scorpions 30 (Uriah Tuli 2, Unalato Uasi, Ethan Faitaua, Jaedon Wellington; Matthew Logopati 4 goals, Riley Pascoe 1 goal) Wai-Coa-Bay Colts 18 (Manaia Ngataki-Matthews 2, Te Whatiki Childs-Katene; Tome Poona 3 goals)
Last year’s 17s National Youth Tournament winners the Counties Manukau Stingrays and 15s National Youth Tournament winners the Akarana Falcons who beat the Auckland Vulcans in a Golden Point thriller, will take on the Wellington Orcas in their respective age groups (15s & 17s) in the opening matches of the 2018 National Youth Tournament on Monday, October 1 at Puketawhero Park in Rotorua.
Both Auckland-based Zones have dominated the age-group event over the years and again held the upper hand last year, in both the 15s and 17s competitions.
Teams from Wellington, Auckland, Mid-Central, Upper Central, South Island and Northern Zones will compete for the 2018 15s and 17s National Youth Tournament titles, October 1-5 at Puketawhero Park, Rotorua.
Both finals (15s and 17s) will be livestreamed on the @NZLeague Facebook page.
Click here for to view the draw.
National Youth Tournament – 15s & 17s
October 1-5
National Youth Tournament Final – 17s
Counties Manukau Stingrays v Akarana Falcons
2.30pm Friday 6 October
Counties Manukau Stingrays have ended the Akarana Falcons three year reign as 17s National Youth Tournament winners.
Counties Manukau 26 (Penehuro Richard Toai, Paea Fotu, Tyrin Ona-Murphy, Daylee Dutton, Tevita Mikaele, Etuale Lui-Toeava tries; Tevita Mikaele 4 goals ) Akarana Falcons 18 (Caleb Pese, Matagi-Blade Kamulemu tries; Regan McClennan 2 goals)
17s National Youth Tournament Merit Team:
17s National Youth Tournament Awards:
17s Manager of Tournament: Junie Shelford – Northern Swords
17s Trainer of Tournament: John Taula – Central Vipers
17s Coach of Tournament: Tusa Lefale – Counties Manukau Stingrays
17s Fairplay Team of the Tournament: Northern Swords
17s Player of the Tournament: Semisi Tapa – Auckland Vulcans
National Youth Tournament Final – 15s
Akarana Falcons v Auckland Vulcans
12.30pm Friday 6 October
Akarana Falcons may be the top team from the Akarana zone but the Auckland Vulcans development team weren’t afraid to step up to the mark. It wasn’t till golden point extra time when the Falcons scored a victorious try that had them crowned the 15s National Youth Tournament winners.
Auckland Vulcans 8 (Dominic Elliot tries; Sefa Roache goals; Sefa Roache penalty goal) Akarana Falcons 10 (Sione Tapuosi 2 tries; T.J. Devery penalty goal)
15s National Youth Tournament Awards:
15s Manager of Tournament: Dan Pinn – Akarana
15s Trainer of Tournament: John Hansen – Akarana
15s Coach of Tournament: Daniel McEwen – Wellington
15s Fairplay Team of the Tournament: Northern Swords
15s Player of the Tournament: Benjamin Kosi – Auckland Vulcans
15s Merit Team:
