League: Two former locals in new Taurahere squad

James Dean Fisher Harris in action for the Northern Swords 17s last year. PHOTO/FILE

James Dean Fisher Harris and Kelani Going have put their hands up as Northlanders to keep an eye out for in the NRL in years to come, after being selected for an inaugural New Zealand representative series.

Fisher Harris and Going were selected in the Taurahere Kiwis side who faced the Kiwi Residents' team in Rotorua in a series which is part of NZRL's strategy to engage and retain Kiwi talent in Australia - with the long term goal of building a World Champion team in 2017.

Fisher Harris was a standout performer for the Northern Swords 17s in the 2013 NZRL National Competition, earning him a contract with Penrith to play under-18s SG Ball this year.

He was instrumental in ensuring the Panthers SG Ball team made the final, narrowly lost to the Sydney Roosters 34-30.

As a result of his performance, Fisher Harris was given the opportunity to make the step up to the under-20s Holden Cup where his performances earned him a contract extension.

"He was damaging in both the SG Ball and Holden Cup, he is quickly developing a reputation as being one of League's hard men with his uncompromising defence," said his manager Daryl Mather.

Going, who moved to Australia at the end of 2012 to chase his rugby league dream, joined the Canberra Raiders Academy system while attending the renowned ACT rugby league nursery Erindale College.

He got a taste for league by playing in Rugby League Northland's NorthTec Adam Blair Trophy while at Kamo High School.

Going is the grandson of former All Black Sid Going and the cousin of Warrior and Kiwi Thomas Leuluai.

He represented the Raiders in the SG Ball and the ACT in the under-18s.

The Taurahere Kiwis are ex-pat Kiwis playing in either the under-18s SG Ball of the under-20s Holden Cup.