League: Pioneers stay with Northland

Hokianga Pioneers

Momentum IS building for a Far North breakaway rugby league competition, however, one Far North club has confirmed it is staying loyal to the Rugby League Northland governing body.

The Hokianga Pioneers Rugby League Club voted against joining the newly formed Taitokerau Rugby League (formerly Far North Districts Rugby League) acting body at a meeting held recently despite the status quo in the Far North being completely the opposite, with the likes of the Moerewa Tigers and the Muriwhenua Falcons opting for change.

Speaking on behalf of the Hokianga Pioneers Rugby League Club, interim chairperson Yvonne Repiha said Hokianga's decision to stay put was based on the future of the club's younger players, and that the club's decision did not indicate a lack of support for Taitokerau Rugby League.

"It was all around our young boys coming through and playing for the Swords [Northern Swords]," Repiha said.

"We had a good gathering. We expressed our opinions and everyone wanted what was good for the club."

Adding that Hokianga would re-evaluate their standpoint at the end of the 2016 season, Repiha said: "We are happy with our decision. That's what we are focusing on for 2016."

Holding a hui at the weekend, supporters and officials of the Far North breakaway competition officially rebranded it 'Taitokerau Rugby League' as well as delegating positions for their board.

"We chose the name "Taitokerau" because it reflects the overwhelming number of Maori players and administrators (including Pakeha and Pacific whanau) in our region, and also because it acknowledges the great support we've had from the New Zealand Maori Rugby League," the newly appointed TRL CEO Hone Harawira said.

Additionally, Dave Bristow of the Moerewa Tigers was unanimously elected chairman, Lena Adams of Otaua Valley Toa was named secretary, and Veronica Tamati of the Pawarenga Broncos was named treasurer.

"We're in it for love of the game, love of the community, and a commitment to provide a better competition for 2016 and beyond," Harawira added.

"We do what we do because our region deserve the right to run things which will benefit our area, and our kids deserve the best future that we can give them."