Northland league teens taste top level

New Zealand Rugby League Hearts Camp held at Kawakawa's Bay of Islands College was a huge success with Northland's 15 and 17 age grade players.
Rugby League Northland general manager Rob Wakelin said Sunday's camp was a hugely positive experience for the 90 teenagers who attended. Hearts camps were held around the country in a NZRL initiative to educate players on pathways in rugby league.
The Northland camp also doubled as trials for the Northern Swords 15 and 17 age grade sides to contest the national competition in August.
"There were 55 15-year-olds and 34 17-year-olds at the camp. There was fitness testing in the morning and one of our boys, Tumoana Halkyard, set the record for the beep test out of all the camps held around the country," Wakelin said.
Players also sat in on drug and alcohol awareness seminars presented by local police.
"There are so many opportunities in this game, but it is important kids choose a healthy lifestyle if they want to play at a top level."
Warriors scouts Dean Bell and Nigel Rattray were also at the camp to watch the Northern Swords trials and were impressed with the standard.
"The difference in kids' physique and conditioning and the standard of football is massive compared to 12 months ago."
The 15s Northern Swords squad, which will be coached by Jim Larkin, and the 17s Northern Swords squad, to be coached by Les Howe, will be named later this week.
Northern Swords premier trials will be held at Moerewa on Sunday, from 2.30pm.