League: Marist kids put in good effort after short prep time

The Whangarei Marist under-10 league team pose after their week at the NZMRL Teina Tournament.

Limited preparation time didn't diminish the spirit and effort of the Whangarei Marist under-10s league team.

The side recently competed in the New Zealand Maori Rugby League Teina Tournament, battling valiantly in five hard-fought matches.

Taking on strong sides from Waikato, Auckland-Manukau, Auckland-Counties, Pikiao and Counties Manukau, Whangarei Marist were far from outclassed but learned some valuable lessons.

Manager Gayel Macdonald said they were stoked with the boys' efforts.

"Though our boys lost all games, they played their best and we were all very proud," she said.

"We couldn't really ask for much more out of the boys to be honest, given they only had three weeks of preparation."

"They were the smallest and youngest team out there, but they played hard and earned a lot of respect from every team they came up against. The fans and other teams couldn't believe the amazing talent these beautiful kids put on the field."

The side had an extensive list of sponsors that helped them get to the tournament: Tui Butchery, Charlies' Bakery Kamo, Chop Shop Barbers, Patel Dairy, Otangarei Superette, Ngati Hine FM, Houghton Whanau, Peita Whanau, Botet-Manning Whanau, Marissa & Leon Houghton-Peita, Lance Bax, Jodie Thorpe and Matai Whetu Marae.

"If it weren't for all the help we got from everyone, we definitely wouldn't have gotten to where we were," Macdonald said.

"We are very much looking forward to 2017's NZMRL Teina Tournament, which we will start preparing for in February."

Lorenz Bristowe was rewarded for his starring role for Whangarei Marist with selection for the NZ Maori Under-10s squad.