TRL competition now to kick off on March 17

The Taitokerau Rugby League board of control decided to take a step back and start the 2018 season on Saturday, March 17, rather than this Saturday as initially planned.

The third TRL campaign will kick off in emphatic fashion with a trio of doubleheaders taking place around the district.

The draw for week 1 games follows, with new teams in italics and curtainraisers listed first. At Taheke Stadium: Aupouri Repo vs Kerikeri Makos, Waima Valley Crushers vs Ngati Wai Sea Hawks (from Whangaruru); at Ohaeawai: Otaua Toa vs Moerewa Tigers, Taiamai Taniwha (Ohaeawai) vs Waipapakauri Bombers; and, at Taipa: Te Hiku o Te Ika Mavericks (Kaitaia) vs Pawarenga Broncos, Ngati Kahu Sharks vs Kaikohe Lions.

It was noted four new teams registered to join the competition this year, which would have made for an awkward field of 13 sides before the Horeke Stallions application was eventually declined. The Sharks are the current champions, after beating the Lions in last year’s grand final at Taipa.