Awards kudos for young Kaitaia trio
Awards recognising outstanding performances in this year’s Northland Rugby U16 programme were given out earlier this month to three Kaitaia rugby players who went on to represent the Far North in the Northland rugby U16 side.
The team played a five-game series vs the Harlequins, Thames Valley, Counties Manukau, Auckland west and Auckland central.
Here’s what the coaches said about their efforts, courtesy of Kaitaia Rugby’s Clayton Murray.
Izaiah Dunmore — Most Valuable Player Award
He came into the team off the back of a fantastic club season and rose to the representative challenge by taking his game to another level. He was our go to lineout winner, often stealing opposition ball too. A talented loose forward who can play all three positions very well, he cemented his spot in the No 8 jersey for most of our campaign.
Another player with all the attributes to take him much further in the game, strong in the contact zones, especially if he gets a sniff of the tryline , his hardworking nature will ensure he continues to succeed.
The highlight, though, had to be his natural leadership, he’s obviously very humble too because he was surprised to be named as captain
following Jimmy’s injury. He did the job extremely well, even if he needed a little help with his aftermatch speech. He’ll get plenty of practice in the years to come we’re sure.
An absolute honour to have coached him and we couldn’t be prouder of his achievements in this team.
Bradley Knight — Best Forward Award
This award goes to a true workhorse. Not only does he nail his core roles at scrum and lineout time, but he carries the ball hard and hits like a freight train. He has a natural aggression when on the field that’ll take him far in rugby. His take no prisoners attitude quite often results in him having “words” with opposition players after they’ve taken exception to how hard he’s hit them.
The highlight had to be his 50m run against Thames Valley, his glorious mullet flowing behind him as he tore up the field. Truly a sight to behold, and one we were lucky enough to capture on film. Another highlight was his first jersey presentation in Hamilton, his facial expression told the story of how stoked he was with the jersey sizes.
Another of our quiet achievers, but definitely someone we’re certain will have plenty more years ahead of him in a Cambridge blue jersey.
This award goes to our lethal finisher. This young man has it all, size, a strong fend, solid in the tackle and blistering pace.
Equally confident on the wing or at fullback, his speed and evasive running style led to him scoring plenty of tries at club level and that
Callum Jones — Best Back Award
didn’t stop when he put the blue jersey on. We’re sure Thames Valley are still having nightmares about him!
Seems to be a trend with these Far North boys, but he’s possibly the quietest member of the team (around the coaches anyway), as the campaign went on he opened up and by the end was very quick with a cheeky comment when the opportunity arose.
Another player with a very bright future ahead of him, we can’t wait to see this young man tear it up for the Taniwha in the years to come.