Homecoming hero set for double header

There's a huge Far North interest in the league double-header in Kaikohe this Saturday with plenty of local focus being placed on both the main game, a replay of last year's grand final between defending prems Hikurangi Stags, and Moerewa Tigers, and the curtain raiser which pits the Adam Blair XIII against a Warriors Development team with the latter coached by former Warriors and Kiwi league luminary, Stacey Jones.

Hailing from the Far North, Jones said he will be keeping his eye out for future Kiwi league stars.

"I'm looking forward to coming to Northland to see the talent on display. My grandparents come from Awanui and my parents have recently moved back to Waipapakauri, so for me it would be great if we could find some Northland talent and bring them to the Warriors," said Jones, who singled out one of the Warriors development's Far North players, Corey Naera, for priase.

"He has a great attitude and work ethic and I can't wait to see his playing potential."

Naera, who played in the Northern Swords U17s squad last year and from his performances there, was selected for the NZRL 17s Merit Team, will run from centre and was regarded as a standout with his elusive running and ability to break the line and create opportunities out of nothing.

Coming up against Corey will be a few of his 2012 Swords teammates including James Dean, Fisher Harris, Tumoana Halkyard and Piri Croft; along with the potential heralded in the likes Kaitaia's Mana Barry-Taylor and Sean Rawiri and Kamo's Swayne Rakete and Caleb Houtham.

Adam Blair XIII coach Joe Henare said his side was definitely heading to this match as the underdog, having had its one and only training camp in Kawakawa last weekend, and featured a number of boys new to the 13-man game at this level, with only seven having played rep league for the Swords in 2012.

"It's a pity we don't have more time to train and prepare for this match but the boys have come together and bonded quickly by their common goal of impressing Stacey Jones," Henare said.

The main game will see the Northland senior club league season get under way officially, a replay of the 2012 grand final - albeit in Kaikohe rather than Okara Park - between the Moerewa Tigers and back-to-back premier winners, the Hikurangi Stags. The Tigers will be led by Tawio Davis and featuring Jayden Bentley-Hape who impressed as a 18-year-old playing for the Swords Premiers in 2012; while players to watch out for in the Stags' line-up include Steven Rau leading from the front along with premier debutants, Joachim Edmonds and David McCullough, both making the step up after playing for the Swords 17s last year.

The kick-off times for the RLN Premiership double-header are, Adam Blair XIII (Northland Secondary Schools) vs Warriors Development at 1pm, Hikurangi Stags vs Moerewa Tigers at 2.30pm. Entry fee is $5 adults, gold coin 'koha' for children under 15.

For further updates on Saturday's double-header and other news, visit the Rugby League Northland website.