Coach tips Bay as hot prospects going into Rangatahi tourney

Rotorua's Dominic James believes his Bay of Plenty under-17 rugby league team has the talent to go all the way in the New Zealand Maori Rangatahi League Tournament.

More than 300 of New Zealand's top young Maori players will compete at Rotorua's Puketawhero Park as part of the tournament, which starts today and ends tomorrow.

The event includes two competitions, under-15s and under-17s, with players representing their provinces and rohe (area).

The tournament is in its 21st year and has seen some big names come through its registration books in the past including Kiwi hooker Issac Luke, Warrior prop Sam Rapira and All Black Piri Weepu.

Tournament director John Devonshire said the tournament was unique: "The tournament is about Maori celebrating who they are and where they come from while playing a sport they are passionate about.

"It gives them a sense of mana, representing their whanau, hapu and iwi."

NRL club scouts from the Sydney Roosters, Manly Sea Eagles, Newcastle Knights and the Warriors have confirmed their attendance at the sporting event.

However, Devonshire said the tournament was not just about finding talent.

"It's also about the boys being part of something that's special to them, being seen by selectors is a bonus."

Bay of Plenty under-17 coach Dominic James said he spent two months watching potential players every Sunday and copious hours reviewing video footage before he made his final cuts last week.

"I believe the Bay of Plenty has produced some very talented boys which I have been lucky enough to recruit ... they have a really good shot this year and I'm excited for what this tournament and what the future may bring for these boys."

A first-time rep coach, James has stopped coaching his Ngongotaha club to take on the role.

The Bay of Plenty U17 squad includes Brandon Phelan-Kameta, Codey James, Joshua Taylor, Orion Harris, Shaun Werehiko, Dejae Adlam, Dennis Jacobs (Ngongotaha Chiefs), Paige Clendon-Taia (Rotorua Central Lions), Shayde Perham, Noel Te Rangi (Pikiao Warriors), Jaz Flavel, Tony Matautia, Mitchell Pilkington, Anaru Haika (Taupo Phoenix), Charles Amoroa, Izaha Te Amo (Bay Mustangs), Caleb Heke (Putaruru Dragons), Brian Turia, Dane Clarke (c), Tyrone Takao, Israel Vano, Te Waiata Anderson, Weyan Hewett, Regan Fox and Mau Ngavaevae (Pacific Sharks).