Nikau Graham
RLN Juniors
Otangarei Knights 0 Muriwhenua 120: Muriwhenua running in a record score in round 6 of the RLN under-15 competition at the Blue Goose Rugby League Park in Whangarei on Sunday. In his report on the match, Muriwhenua's Paul Harris noted the Knights, although slightly smaller in size, put
up a good 'joust' against the Far North boys but like the previous game (see below), the opposition was not able to put a point on the board, as Muriwhenua's Bradley Lanigan ran in the hundreth point.
The previous weekend saw Muriwhenua take on and thrash Whanau Rugby League from Kaikohe 88-0 at the Kaitaia A&P Showgrounds. In front of a good crowd, Muriwhenu kept to its gameplan to hold out the opposition from scoring and this was achieved right up to the final blow of the whistle. The side was able to complete the round robin unbeaten and starting to hit their straps, Harris noted.
On behalf of the Muriwhenua RLC, Harris wished all the best to those selected to trial out for the Northern Swords at Kensington Stadium this Sunday, and promised to keep Age readers informed of the successful players who make the cut for the Swords U15s being coached this year by Jim Larkin.
Other results from round 6 of the 15s competitions on Sunday were, Hikurangi Stags 46 Otaika Eagles 8, Kaikohe/ Kerikeri default to Otaua Valleys, Whanau 10, Northern Wairoa Bull 48. Standings: Muriwhenua (won 6 from 6) 12 points, Otaua Valleys 8, Northern Wairoa 8, Hikurangi 6, Whanau 6, Otangarei 4, Otaika 2, Kerikohe 0 (now withdrawn).
Sunday's results from the 18s were, Muriwhenua 44 Otaua Valleys 6, Otaia Eagles 66 Moerewa Tigers 22. Standings: Otaika Eagles 12, Marist/ WBHS 10, Muriwhenua 5, Moerewa 5, Otaua Valleys 4, Northern Wairoa Bulls 0.
Note, there are no 15s or 18s club games being played this weekend, because of the above-mentioned trials.
Swords trials
The Northern Swords 2014 campaign kicks off this Sunday, June 22, with the holding of the annual RLN NZRL Performance Camp at Kensington Park. A total of 80 of Northland's best youth players will trial for a place in the two Swords age grade squads, 40 in each camp for the 15s and 17s sides.
The camp which starts at 8.30am, requiring an early departure for the northern most selections, will involve a mix of fitness testing, skill development, NRL workshops and a a trial. The camp will be managed by NZRL High Performance manager Tony Iro and there may be some representation from the Vodafone Warriors.
The following are the Far North players selected to trial for the Northern Swords sides at Kensington Park this Sunday. In the 15s are, Keanu Cook-Savage, Sadius Cook-Savage, Nikau Graham, Bradley Lanigan, Te Kahi Nathan, Ethan Russell-Bridge, Jackson Sparksman-Brott, Brody Tamarua, Rewi Windlebourne-Rawiri, Dalton Armstrong, Marlon Harris, Harry Larkin and Trenity Peters (Muriwhenua), Teahikaa Harris, Phoenix Henare Clarke, Wiremu Herewini Hona, Xavier Johnson, Tamati Neho, Iraia Paerau, Kingi Rakete Tane, Roger Ward (Otaua Valleys), Te Ariki Ashby, Te Auoturoa Reihana, Zioyn Maaka Kiro, Jaycob Poa Terei (Whanau).
17s: Matiu Cowles, Jharden Davis, Chazz Palmer, Daniel Tanenui, Dion Tautari (Moerewa), Luke Erihe Naicovi, Kawana Marsden, Walter Lee Pomare, Cale Te Paa, Te Haerenga Mai Walker, Brett Wright (Muriwhenua), Kingston Croft Haenga, Keanau Davis Andrews, Stevie Ray Haenga Albert, Antonious Hepi, Tamati Leach, Neville Shelford and Poutama Toto (Otaua Valleys).
See back page for senior Northern Swords selection.