Rylan Tuwairua-Brown
THREE young Paikea Whalers players are only one training camp away from making the under-18 Wai-Coa-Bay (upper central North Island) team to compete in the Ruben Wiki Challenge, and moving a step closer to a career in league.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for all three — Apirana Toheriri-Hallett, Jeremy David and Rylan Tuwairua-Brown — and one that I would have loved to have had,” said Paikea Whalers stalwart Chris Brown, father of Rylan.
“We (Tairawhiti Rugby League Association) were asked if we had any young players here who would be interested in trying to make the under-14, u16 and u18 squads for the Challenge Cup.
“We don’t have competitions in those grades but these three played for the Whalers in the men’s competition.
“I took them over to the first Wai-Coa-Bay training session at the Mount (Maunganui) in November and all three impressed selectors with their skill, fitness and attitude.
“They backed that up with good showings in the second camp in Cambridge in December, and again in Tokoroa last month.
“The final camp is on February 11. After that the selectors will assess all the players before naming the 25-man squad for the Challenge Cup, which starts on February 18.
“Former Kiwi Tony Iro was the guest speaker in Cambridge, and the Broncos are sending over some of their development coaches for the last one. As well as the Broncos, you can be sure other NRL clubs will be sending talent scouts over.
“Every player who makes a squad to compete for the cup will be in with a chance of taking the steps towards a professional career.
“I’m excited for the boys. I get them up early for the car drives over to the camps, they train really hard and then we pile back into the car for the trip home.
“Speaking to some of the selectors and the other coaches at the camps, they all say how impressed they are with our boys’ attitudes.
“There have some no-shows for the camps — which I can’t understand — but Jeremy, Apirana and Rylan can’t wait to attend.
“Some of the boys at the camps have been offered contracts in Australia and even if you don’t get an offer, there is always the chance of joining the Warriors development programme.”
Chris Brown said Toheriri-Hallett was in the top two in the fitness tests while David — who is named after the late Poverty Bay rugby union representative Jeremy David, a close relative — and Rylan were “right up there in the strength test”.
“I’m just stoked they have all stuck at it and hopefully all three will make the team. It’s not just great because they play for the Whalers, it’s great for rugby league here.
“If one, two or all three make the Wai-Coa-Bay team it would show other young league players here there are opportunities for them to maybe chase a dream of playing in the NRL.
“What’s also good about this concept (Wiki Challenge) is that there are first-15 players who can trial. If they don’t make it, they can go back to their schools and play union.
“We (rugby league) don’t want to be competing with union. The two codes can co-exist.”
Wai-Coa-Bay’s first match is against a Warriors Invitation side in Hamilton on February 18. They also play Akarana, Northland, Counties Manukau and Auckland Vulcans.
The top two sides meet in a final scheduled for March 25 at Cornwall Park in Auckland.