Far North players feature strongly in the 2012 Northland Swords premier extended squad which was named yesterday and selected from the in form players in the Whangarei and districts premier 2012 club league competition.
The initial 38 players named will be whittled down to 25 in mid-August, Northland Rugby Leaguegeneral manager Alex Smits said. He added the extended squad featured a young crop of past junior Swords 17s players stamping their mark at senior level, along with a number of second year campaigners to provide the requisite mix of youth and experience needed to compete at National Competition level.
"We have a team that will keep building on the performance from the first two years' experience and help grow the Swords brand identity for rugby league in Northland," Smits predicted.
The squad was, Far North players given first: Ricky Toby, Connor O'Sullivan, Hozay Crewther, Te Puhi Rudolph (Muriwhenua Falcons); Anaru Thompson, Jaden Bentley Hape, Tawio Davis (Moerewa Tigers); Richard Koroi (Hokianga Pioneers); Troy Aderton, Vince Joyce, Pouri Hohaia, Simon Nash (Bay Slayers); Innecent Tuamavave, Tyson Wihongi, Caleb Henare, Jack Walker, Jarom Wihongi Henare, Moses Cooper, Eric Abraham, Dylan Wihongi, Imran Wihongi Henare, Koro Manawaiti (Hikurangi Stags); Jordan Hool, Kyle Hool, Hori Tuhoro, Nick Shuster (Takahiwai Warriors); Michael Laiman, Hunia Kingi, Jasper Apoua, Tyler Fiaui (Marist Brothers); Logan Pocklington, Cruise Selkirk, Shelford Edwards, Robbie Paniora, Taaho Kake (Wairoa); Here Edmonds, Alex Salase, Michael Salase (City Knights); coach Joe Rau (Hikurangi), manager Edward Irving, trainer Jon Renes.
The Northern Swords' first home game in the 2012 National Competition is at Toll Stadium on August 26 against Waicoa Bays. To follow the Swords' 2012 campaign, visit www.rln.co.nz
