AGE group representative rugby league was kicked off in style on Sunday with the trial for selection of the Tai Tokerau Maori under-16 side in Moerewa.
It will be the first time that the Tai Tokerau Whanui have sent rangatahi to a national tournament; previous age group Maori sides have represented
under the Nga Puhi banner.
The National New Zealand Maori Under-16s and 18s rugby league tournament will be held on the weekend of April 26-27 in Hopu Hopu.
More than 35 players trialled on Sunday, with many players already registered at clubs for the yet-to-be-named Northland 16s comp to commence on April 5.
There's a lot on the line for the players at the tournament because a team will be picked to play a representative selection from the Australian Aboriginal Rugby League.
Stand out players in the trial included hard running centres Haylin Rodgers, Errol Lee and Blake Gray.
Te Puhi Rudolph and Gavin Causer again showed that they are the players to organise their team around the field in the quest for more powerful performances from forwards Joshua Poasa, Jascia Cooper, Setima Paraha and Sean Covich.
The standard of play was of a high standard for early in the season and that will improve with training and the bonding sessions planned for the squads.
Tai Tokerau under-16 squad is: Blake Gray, Blaze Stevens, Denzel McGregor, Errol Lee, Gavin Causer, Haylin Rodgers, Hohepa Mete, Ian Hendricks, Jarrod Williams, Jascia Copper, Jo Maxwell, Jordan Rau, Joshua Poasa, Justin Tau, Kane Rudolph, Michael Takai, Monty Tikena, Ra Thompson, Sean Covich, Setima Paraha, Shane Steadman, Te Puhi Rudolph, Trey Subritsky, Troy Agar, William Yates, Wiremu McCarthy. Coaching staff: Joe Rau (coach), Vince Rudolph (assistant coach), Jenny Causer (manager).
The team is to assemble at Simson Park in Moerewa at 11am on March 30. Management will contact players to confirm the training schedule.
