By PETER JESSUP
The New Zealand Rugby League's new national competition received a thumbs-up from participating clubs at a mid-season meeting this week, with scorelines and budgets on target.
The standard of play in the Bartercard Cup was praised, although the competition seems to be following the English, attacking-based style rather than
the Australian NRL, defensive mode.
Otahuhu's lead is underlined by points-scoring records. Centre Solomon Kiri is top try-scorer with 17, halfback Hare Te Rangi is second on 12 and partner Shane Edwards is on 10, with Canterbury's Scott Woodgate splitting that pair on 11.
Mt Albert's rejected Warrior, Carl Doherty, is the competition's leading points-scorer, with 89 from six tries, 32 goals and a field goal. The Tornadoes' Joe Flavell is second on 86 from five tries and 33 goals.
Warriors half-utility Ben Lythe has switched from Glenora back to his junior club, Mt Albert, and joins centre Peter Lewis there for the Fowlds Park game against Manurewa today.
Henry Perenara has been elevated to captain Marist Richmond away against Porirua, while Clinton Toopi turns out for Otahuhu against Hibiscus Coast
