Stadium set to host u20 matches

RUGBY LEAGUE

THE 13man game will be back at Forsyth Barr Stadium next month.

New Zealand Rugby League has launched a national under20 national competition comprising six teams, including a South Island side.

Northland, Waicoa Bay (Waikato and Bay of Plenty), Central Districts (the bottom of the North Island) and two teams from Auckland — Auckland Blue and Auckland White— will also compete.

The South Island squad includes Otago players Ben Worthington, Christian Pese, Eli Ellison and Max Brown. Semisi Tupou Taeiloa, a hardrunning No 8 for Otago Boys’ High School First XV, has since withdrawn for personal reasons.

Southern zone rugby league general manager Steve Martin said he was sure the Otago players would equip themselves well. The players had all played for Otago agegroup sides growing up.

Brown is the son of former All Black Olo Brown and played for the Harbour premier rugby side last season.

Martin said it was a good stepping stone for players and would help display their skills and speed.

The matches are expected to be televised. The home games for the South Island side will be in Christchurch and Dunedin.

The South Island will play Waicoa Bay at Forsyth Barr Stadium on March 20.

Martin said he was working hard to get a meaningful competition going in the spring for younger players.