Unbeaten Rotorua Boys' High go on to win league title

THE BEST: The Rotorua Boys' High School team also won best haka at the Auckland tournament. PHOTO/SUPPLIED 060913WIN

Rotorua Boys' High School have begun a new legacy at the school, winning their first rugby league title.

The traditional rugby union school entered their first rugby league competition this week, winning the grand final of the developing schools competition at the New Zealand Rugby League National Secondary Schools Tournament in Auckland yesterday.

Rotorua Boys' High School team manager Kimiora Webster said the school played a good mix of league and rugby to win the title.

"Most teams were just running it straight up the middle but we were throwing it out wide," he said. "So there was a taste of rugby mixed in with a good bit of rugby league as well."

Boys' High won all five of their games this week, defeating St Thomas of Canterbury College 24-18 in the final.

However, Webster said they made it hard on themselves during the final. "It was 24-0 at half time and [Canterbury] slowly clawed their way back."

He said the boys were elated to get there in the end and the school would look to enter the main division of the tournament next year.

"I think it just goes to show that there is a lot of talent in Rotorua with rugby and rugby league."

The team was co-coached by Ralph Filipo and Thomas Wharerau.

Two Rotorua Boys' High School players - Latu Vaeno and Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi - were named in the tournament team, which included players from both the premiership competition and the developing schools competition.

The premiership competition was won by Auckland's Kelston Boys' High School, who defeated Mt Albert Grammar School in the final.

Rotorua Boys' High School were also awarded the Best Cultural Salute Award on Thursday night for best haka at the tournament.

New Zealand Rugby League football and community general manager Dain Guttenbeil said it was good having the Rotorua school at the tournament.

"New Zealand Rugby League wishes the boys and the school every success in their rugby league journey and we're proud to have been with them for the start of it."

Developing grade final:

Rotorua Boys High School 24 (Bravou 2, Kingi-Murray, Vaeno tries; Tahuriorangi 4 goals) defeated St Thomas of Canterbury College 18 (Van der Velde 2, Falaniko tries; Tatupu 3 goals). H/T: 24-0.