Talent leads to national selection
Hard work combined with natural talent has led to two Morrinsville College students being selected for national touch rugby teams.
Brooke Koppens (15) has been named in the New Zealand U16 Secondary Schools touch team, while Alison Priestley made the U18 New Zealand Touch Rugby development team.
Both girls played for their respective Waikato rep teams at the nationals.
‘‘I’ve played for two years. I draw inspiration from Matua Potaka and Whaea Mere, the Priestley twins and my parents,’’ Brooke said.
‘‘A girl from the Waikato team messaged me to say congratulations, with a list of the U16 team. I had a rush of exhilaration.’’
Brooke said she felt honoured to play such a beautiful sport for a beautiful country.
‘‘It doesn’t matter where you come from or what school you go to, if you’re rich or poor, you can’t pay for passion. Morrinsville College will always be where my roots are and I’ll always come back.’’
Year 13 student Alison Priestley (17) secured a spot on the U18 New Zealand Touch Rugby development team.
Sport runs through her veins, she has played touch competitively in different touch modules since year nine. She also plays netball and basketball and used to swim competitively.
‘‘My mum and dad were both sporty. I love sport. Watching it and playing, everything.’’
Still on a high after receiving the news that she was also named Morrinsville College’s head girl for 2017, she said being selected for a national touch development squad was the icing on the cake.
‘‘Being my second year in rep touch it was a privilege playing for Waikato, I never thought that I would make it this far,’’ Alison said.
‘‘I’m getting my name out there and I’m so proud to be from Morrinsville College and from Morrinsville.’’
Alison also acknowledged Matua Potaka and Whaea Mere for building her confidence, but above all else said she wanted to make a shout out to her twin sister Alysha.
‘‘My sister is a talented sportsperson who works extremely hard as well,’’ Alison said.
‘‘I wouldn’t be where I am without her. She’s my rock.’’