New Zealand Warriors Under-14 prop Rory Gifford puts the Tonga defence to the test with one of his powerhouse runs in a rugby league clash in Auckland last weekend. The Warriors won 48-12. Photo / SCSports Photography
New Zealand Warriors Under-14 prop Rory Gifford puts the Tonga defence to the test with one of his powerhouse runs in a rugby league clash in Auckland last weekend. The Warriors won 48-12. Photo / SCSports Photography
The future is looking bright for Gisborne Boys’ High School students Rory Gifford and Samuel Fox after making age-group debuts for the New Zealand Warriors against Tonga in Auckland last weekend.
The Warriors fielded teams across their Under-14 and U16 boys’ and girls’ programmes to test themselves against powerful Tonganline-ups at Cornwall Park.
Year 10 student Gifford was in the Warriors U14 side who won 48-12 while Fox was called into the U16 team, who won 38-16.
Gifford has enjoyed a breakthrough year following strong performances at the Wellington and Auckland Warriors trials. His rise also caught the attention of several NRL clubs.
Gisborne Boys’ High School First XIII rugby league team assistant coach Luke Fox said Gifford represented the next wave of top front-row talent.
“Rory is one of the best young props coming through the junior ranks in New Zealand.
“He’s already on the radar of multiple NRL clubs ... the Warriors, Bulldogs, Broncos and South Sydney. His work ethic, dedication and consistency make him a highly sought-after prospect.”
Luke Fox said against Tonga, Gifford delivered a big-minutes performance typical of his playing style.
“He produced double-digit tackles and hit-ups, repeatedly taking tough carries out of yardage and often carting the ball up twice in a single set. His off-the-ball effort was equally impressive, with strong line speed, outstanding cover defence and relentless kick chase.”
Gisborne Boys' High School student Samuel Fox looks to step past a Tongan defender in a representative rugby league match for the New Zealand Warriors Under-16 team at Cornwall Park in Auckland last weekend. Fox's team won 38-16. Photo / SCSports Photography
Samuel Fox was injury cover for the Warriors U16 squad but was called into action at prop and lock after several players were ruled out.
His call-up followed an outstanding 2025 rugby and league season that included selection for the Hurricanes U18 side, a trial invitation for the Warriors and recruitment from NRL club South Sydney.
“Unfortunately, a knee injury sustained during a Poverty Bay rugby tournament sidelined him for eight weeks and forced him to withdraw from key opportunities,” Luke Fox, who is Sam Fox’s father, said.
It was a tough setback but an important part of his development.
“Missing those opportunities really hit him hard. But he did all the right things and took time away from the game, focused on his rehab, reset mentally and came back hungry,” Luke Fox said.
“For young athletes, it’s a reminder that setbacks are part of the game and managing your recovery is just as important as your grind.”
Staying prepared was key.
“You never know who’s watching and when they are watching ... NRL clubs, player agents, representative and academy coaches. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard. Playing well, great attitude, sacrifice, hard work, resilience and consistency are what open doors,” Luke Fox said.
He also highlighted the value of players competing in rugby and rugby league.
“The two codes complement each other. Players develop IQ, skillsets and physicality improvements without even realising it. It produces well-rounded footballers, which is crucial for long-term development.”
Luke Fox said the Gisborne Boys’ pair “looked completely at home” at Warriors training during the week and on the field.
“It shows we can produce top-level rugby league talent right here in Gisborne, talent capable of competing at representative levels.”
Warriors junior coach Louis Andersen, a former Kiwis international with over 300 professional games across the NRL and Super League, praised the calibre of talent emerging from Gisborne and applauded the commitment of the boys to making the most of their opportunity.
