Muriwhenua U13s impress
A team of Far North players made the most of the opportunity of being the first team to represent Te Taitokerau at the Maori Rugby League Teina Tournament in Rotorua last weekend.
Playing under the Taitokerau Rugby League banner, the Muriwhenua under-13 side’s inaugural campaign in the agegrade nationals ended with two wins and a draw.
First up on the Saturday was a loss against tough Auckland side, Nga¯ Taonga o Tamaki Makaurau, followed by another defeat against Raukawa, who made it to the grand final.
Muriwhenua’s third and final game on Sunday morning against Taranaki finished as a 22-all stalemate.
Muriwhenua spokeswoman Chanel Roberts said all the boys acquitted themselves extremely well at the annual two-day tournament — which saw teams representing their respective iwi in Kotiro and Tama sections in both under 13 and under 14 divisions — despite being new to the 13-man game.
“Most of this winter season these boys were in opposite teams playing rugby in the [Mangonui] JMB competition,” she said, adding that the players had come together to represent their wha¯nau and iwi from Nga¯ti Kur¯ı, Te Aupouri, Ngaitakoto, Nga¯ti Kahu, Te Rarawa, Te Paatu and Nga¯puhi.
“It was good to see the uniting power of sport bringing the players and their families together under the league kaupapa,” she said.
The junior rep unit’s performance was even more impressive considering team building and training had to be conducted in a short period under the guidance of coach Whare Christie, assistant coach Steve Marsden and trainer Kaiaua Te Wara.
“Our boys had three weeks to learn a different code but were still able to wreak havoc on teams whose boys play league all year round!
“They did Te Taitokerau proud by displaying amazing talent on the field and great sportsmanship/behaviour off the field.”
Roberts emphasised the main focus of attending the event was to create more exposure and pathways for local rangatahi, particularly at a national level. The plan was to return to the Maori nationals next year and apply the knowledge and experience gained from the inaugural campaign.
“We look forward to giving this opportunity to our young people wanting a chance to impress scouts from the various NRL clubs, or those that want to give this code a go.”
The Muriwhenua players also got in behind the Ngapuhi U14s (featuring several Kaitaia College boys), who made it to the grand finals of their division where they went down to the formidable Awa from Wellington. Players from both teams were also treated to afternoon’s entertainment courtesy of a very well known Kaitaia identity.
“It was a nice surprise to have Dr Lance O’Sullivan and his family join us in Rotorua. We really appreciated his gesture of support and kindness to our boys and those in the Ngapuhi U14 team by taking them all to the luge.”
On behalf of the Muriwhenua team, she also thanked all the local businesses and individuals who pitched in with sponsorship deals and helped the boys prepare and get to the nationals.
“We are truly grateful for all your support. Last but not least, thanks so much to all our boys’ wha¯nau for your time, dedication and commitment for the love of sport for our kids,” Roberts said.
"They did Te Taitokerau proud by displaying amazing talent on the field and great sportsmanship and behaviour off it." Chanel Roberts Muriwhenua spokeswoman