TRL sets up new junior competition
The Taitokerau Rugby League organisation has continued endeavours to promote the 13-man game at age grade level by kick-starting its first official youth competition in the Mid North last night.
The seven clubs taking part in the eight week module at Lindvart Park include the Te Iringa Chiefs, Kaikohe Lions, Taiamai Taniwha (Ohaeawai), Moerewa Tigers, Kerikeri Makos, Uta Te Whanga Giants (Horeke) and United Valleys Crushers (Taheke). The divisions are under-5s (playing Rippa league), 7s, 9s, 11s and 13s.
Tournament spokesman Jay Hepi noted the event was being run as part of a new partnership with Rugby League Northland, and will help “break down the walls” and dispel the perception the two organisations were in a cold war with each other; a rivalry which began when TRL separated from the governing body five years ago.
“Both of us are partnering up together to work with our children in the Mid North,” he said of the collaboration.
“[We are] Doing it to promote new pathways and open up a new space for our youth.”
The concept is to run the competition over the remaining weeks of daylight saving and then convert to Sundays whereupon, at the conclusion of the domestic season, the top teams from the TRL will advance to play off
"[We are] Doing it to promote new pathways and open up a new space for our youth."
Mid North tournament spokesman Jay Hepi
against their RLN counterparts from Whangarei.
It was understood similar attempts were underway to get a similar junior competition under way in the Muriwhenua/ Mangonui area. At edition time, no further details were available.
The TRL/ RLN collaboration will also allow both groups to place an emphasis on the Mana Whenua programme and kaupapa, Hepi said.
“Working with men on the field, working with their families. Trying to break down the [negative] stereotypes...”
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In other news, Hepi announced he will coach the Kaikohe Lions in the side’s return to the TRL Premiership this year after it had folded early in the 2019 season.
Having been involved with the Taiamai Ohaeawai club in 2019, Hepi said that now the neighbouring club had its own momentum, he wanted to help Kaikohe get back on its feet.
The 2020 TRL Premiership is set to start on March 28.