Player Jason Salalilo

[mt.wellington]

Jason Salalilo

2021 - Southern Scorpians U16s
2022 - NZRL Secondary School Team
2023 - Warriors Pathways U17
2023 - NZRL Secondary School Team

 

[mt.wellington]

View: https://www.facebook.com/SouthernZoneRugbyLeague/posts/pfbid0jqBuRvwHVWaTav5ktZLvZmwKNJhfbCuTKCsyjR5Y4ipCwzgEWGWjzBERQWKHQuGSl
​

We are excited to announce the final squad for the 2021 16s Boys Scorpions team. Well done lads!

Aston Wilson (West Coast)

Bronson Reuben (Canterbury)

Cairo Rangihuna-Ruri(Canterbury)
Dakota Kakoi(Canterbury)
Jackson Stewart(Canterbury)
Jacob Houkamau(Canterbury)
Jason Salalilo(Canterbury)
Jaydyn Hoeta(Canterbury)
Latai Tau (West Coast)
Meihana Pauling(Canterbury)
Mitchell Fitzpatrick (West Coast)
Noah Harmer-Campbell(Canterbury)
Revelation Mumuta(Canterbury)
Silino Fidow(Canterbury)
Sosaia Alatui(Canterbury)
Tarewa August(Canterbury)
Te Kaio Cranwell(Canterbury)
Toby Gibson(Canterbury)
Thomas Irving(Canterbury)
Zeke Ieti(Canterbury)
Standby Players:
1. Korey Pepese(Canterbury)
2. Preston Tait(Canterbury)

 

[mt.wellington]

Rugby League​

Our programme is regarded as one of the strongest in the country, achieving outstanding results at both provincial and national levels in rugby league. Our mission is to support the holistic development of our dual rugby code athletes and enhance pathways to perform across all levels in either code.

In 2023, our 1st XIII Senior Rugby League etched their names in the history books by becoming the first South Island based school to win the National Secondary Schools Tournament in 23 years.

Our kura has a large contingent of students who play club football in the Canterbury Rugby League competitions (Monday & Wednesday nights) and rugby union on a Saturday. At St Thomas our students are developing a foundational understanding of physical, technical, tactical and mental skills through both curriculum based and extra-curricular learning opportunities.

Opportunities to represent the college in rugby league arise at different times of the year through the 9-side and CRL Schools competitions culminating in the National Secondary School Tournament in winter tournament week for our senior students.

National Representative Honours​

Kiwis​

NZ Residents​

James Baxendale (2016, 2017)
Andrew Auimatagi (2004)

Junior Kiwis​

Jordan Riki (2019, 2020)
Andrew Auimatagi (2002)
Stuart Esera (1999)

NZ Universities​

Delane Luke (2019)
Andrew Auimatagi (2005-2006)

New Zealand Secondary Schools​

Noah Harmer-Campbell (2023)
Jason Salalilo (2023)
Maretino Kaloudau (2023)
Jackson Stewart (2023)
Chelden Hayward (2023)
Meihana Pauling (2023)
Ezekiel Paulo (2023)
Zeke Faga-Ieti (2023)
Lennox Tuiloma (2023)
Oliver Lawry (2022)
Ngaheke Nepata (2022)
Cooper Te Hau (2022)
Noah Harmer-Campbell (2022)
Jason Salalilo (2022)
Montel Lisala (2020)
Jordan Riki (2017)
Patrick Elia (2017)
Caius Fa'atili (2017)
James Baxendale (2003)

New Zealand Residents 18's​

Caius Fa'atili (2019)
Patrick Elia (2018)
Seth Tauamiti (2017)
Jordan Riki (2017)
Andrew Auimatagi (2002)

New Zealand Māori 18's​

Cooper Te Hau (2022)
Ngaheke Nepata (2022)

New Zealand Residents 16's​

Felix Fa'atili (2020)
Matthew Logopati (2020)
Caius Fa'atili (2017)
Andrew Auimatagi (2000)

St Thomas Rugby League

www.sporty.co.nz

 

[mt.wellington]

ST THOMAS’ NATIONALS TRIUMPH A LANDMARK MOMENT FOR YOUTH RUGBY LEAGUE​

September 6, 2023 / Will Evans

The euphoria surrounding St Thomas of Canterbury College’s historic New Zealand Secondary Schools Tournament triumph on Sunday is still fresh.

From an epic 12-6 victory over renowned rugby league powerhouse St Paul’s College in the final at Auckland’s Bruce Pulman Park, to emotional post-match celebrations and a stirring haka at Christchurch Airport upon their return home, it’s been a whirlwind.

“It was pretty surreal, but it’s starting to sink in a bit now,” St Thomas’ coach – and the school’s assistant principal – Andrew Auimatagi says.

“It’s awesome to think that 10 years ago we were runners-up in the development grade, so to come away with the title this year is pretty special.”

Auimatagi is no stranger to success on the rugby league paddock, enjoying several watershed victories as a player and a coach for both Linwood Keas and Canterbury Bulls.

But he says despite his St Thomas’ players’ tender years, they have a grasp of how significant becoming the first school from outside Auckland to win the NZSST in 23 years is.

“For the older boys, like our captains Noah Harmer Campbell and Jason Salalilo, they understand how big it is.

“They’ve been up there before and they’ve grown up seeing teams go away for tournaments, understanding how important it is for us as a school that we compete up there.

“Those guys will savour this and I think some of the younger players will take a lot of belief away. Hopefully they’ve inspired some of the other younger ones in the school to follow in their footsteps.”

St Thomas’ carved a dominant path to the NZSST decider, defeating Kelston Boys’ 26-6, Mt Albert Grammar 32-0 and St Paul’s 14-6 in their pool games, before overwhelming Southern Cross 30-6 in the semis.

While racking up points was no issue, the team’s commitment without the ball underpinned their success throughout the competition – and particularly in a tense final, where they built a 10-6 halftime lead with a penalty goal the only addition to the scoreboard in the second stanza.

“In the lead-up to the tournament, we knew we had enough attack in our game,” Auimatagi explains.

“We really prioritised defence and it showed in that final, just the connection the boys had and the willingness to work hard for each other.

“They’re a resilient bunch and it was an outstanding defensive display right across the tournament, only four tries conceded across five games – that was probably the most pleasing part for me. I had no concerns around their attack, I knew that would come pretty natural to the boys.”

St Thomas’ outstanding collective performances garnered individual recognition for nine players who were selected the New Zealand Secondary Schools Boys squad.

“We were stoked with nine in the New Zealand Secondary Schools team, I felt a couple of other boys were probably in the mix as well,” Auimatagi says.

“I thought our halfback, Eli Kakoi, was outstanding all tournament steering the boys around with his kicking game – he’ll have an opportunity coming up at the zonal tournament to make the New Zealand clubs side.

“All the boys that were named thoroughly deserve it and I’m sure they’ll put their best foot forward when they have that representative game around Labour Weekend.”

The capture of the national title has been a lengthy work in progress for St Thomas’, where a top-quality program has been moulded over an extended period and has produced consistently improving results for the schools rugby league and rugby union teams.

“We’ve definitely had a developing league program in the school over the last few years that coincides with our rugby program evolving,” Auimatagi reveals.

“Looking at the success of our first XV and second XV, which works in a partnership with league, that’s been a big factor, the evolution of our rugby codes program.

“And the quality of coaching in our school in rugby and league is another big factor – the people leading the programs, it’s been awesome.”

Auimatagi is confident St Thomas’ momentous win is a stepping stone to ongoing growth in schools rugby league in Canterbury – a microcosm of the positivity and excitement around all levels of the game throughout New Zealand.

“I grew up in the time of the Aranui academy when they were having real success, I remember watching them win in 2000 at the (Addington Show Grounds), so this is a really special time for league.

“I know right across New Zealand there’s a lot of buzz around the game. We’re hoping that continues for many more years to come, and that more secondary schools (from Canterbury) get to compete at this tournament.

“We’ve been really impressed by the work CRL have done to lift the profile in the schools. Getting the Monday night secondary schools competition up and running again is a huge boost for the game.”

As the St Thomas’ team and coaching group deservedly revel in their accomplishments, the local rugby league community is also in celebration mode in the wake of a Canterbury school’s drought-breaking efforts.

“It’s a massive achievement,” CRL Director of Football Jamie Lester says.

“They’ve been getting closer to the top Auckland schools over recent years, but to actually get the job done in the final over a school of St Paul’s’ stature is huge. It’s a testament to their coaching staff, particularly Andrew Auimatagi, who has been working towards this for a number of years.

“Leading into the tournament I was quietly confident that this could be their year. They are a great bunch of boys that love their rugby league. What’s really exciting about it is that I don’t think this will be a one-off. Next year will become even harder, but I don’t think they are content with winning one.”

Echoing Auimatagi’s sentiments, Lester is confident St Thomas’ NZSST win will serve as another launching pad for the code’s growth at youth level in our region.

“It’s a really exciting time for youth rugby league in Canterbury,” he enthuses.

“We have some wonderful coaches involved in the youth space, our South Island rep teams are full of Cantabrians and will go well at Nationals, and we had 16 schools involved in rugby league this year.

“I’m confident we will add to the three Canterbury schools that went to Nationals this year. Perhaps we can bring back some more silverware.”

2023 NZRL NATIONAL SECONDARY SCHOOLS BOYS SQUAD​

1. Sio Kali – St. Paul’s College
2. Maretino Kaloudau – St. Thomas of Canterbury College
3. Chelden Hayward – St. Thomas of Canterbury College
4. Jackson Stewart – St. Thomas of Canterbury College
5. Malakai Cama – Rotorua Boys’ High School
6. Quiann Feterika-Mafoe – St. Paul’s College
7. Meihana Pauling – St. Thomas of Canterbury College
8. Malachi Filipo – St. Paul’s College
9. Noah Harmer-Campbell – St. Thomas of Canterbury College
10. Jason Salalilo – St. Thomas of Canterbury College
11. Tepatasi Laumalili – De La Salle College
12. Mikaele Ilaiu – Rotorua Boys’ High School
13. Junior Sikuvea – De La Salle College
14. Sosaia Latu – Otahuhu College
15. Kalani Peyroux-Donaldson – De La Salle College
16. Jeriko Filipi-Talisau – St. Paul’s College
17. Zeke Faga-Ieti – St Thomas of Canterbury College
18. Ezekiel Paulo – St. Thomas of Canterbury College
19. Lennox Tuiloma – St. Thomas of Canterbury College

ST THOMAS' NATIONALS TRIUMPH A LANDMARK MOMENT FOR YOUTH RUGBY LEAGUE - Canterbury Rugby League – Home to the Canterbury Bulls

The euphoria surrounding St Thomas of Canterbury College’s historic New Zealand Secondary Schools Tournament triumph on Sunday is still fresh. From an epic 12-6 victory over renowned rugby league powerhouse St Paul’s College in the final at Auckland’s Bruce Pulman Park, to emotional post-match...

canterburyrugbyleague.co.nz

 

[mt.wellington]

Potential new talent uncovered for pathways teams​

Richard Becht & photosport.nz
Mon 17 Apr 2023, 04:13 pm

It was the players on show not the outcome that interested Sky Sport Future Warriors staff at Mount Smart Stadium on Saturday.

Pitted against each other in the early game before the NRL contest were teams representing the One New Zealand Warriors and the recently-formed Pasifika Aotearoa Collective.

The two organisations have forged a partnership designed to enhance pathways opportunities for young players dreaming of become One New Zealand Warriors NRL footballers.

The Warriors brought together a squad of under-17 players from their system while the Pasifika Aotearoa Collective selected a line-up of under-18 players.

The sheer size of many of the players was something to behold as were the skills displayed by many of them.

And that’s what enthused Andrew McFadden, the One New Zealand Warriors’ general manager recruitment, pathways and development. As he pointed out afterwards there were many positives to come out of the day including the special thrill the players had of wearing the Warriors’ colours.

It seemed in the opening moments that the Sky Sport Future Warriors, while younger, would be a cut above but the match proved to be more competitive than the early exchanges hinted at.

Indeed the Warriors duly won decisively 34-12 but the score-line told nothing of the resistance the PAC line-up put up in scoring three unconverted tries.

Match details:
Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland

One New Zealand Warriors 17s 34 (Ezkiel Faga-Leti, Jackson Stewart, Francis Tuimauga, Nganatatafu Vake, Rico Ward-Lawrence, Toby Gibson, Te Paeroa Wi Neera tries; Maui Winitana-Patelesio 3 conversions}.
Pasifika Aotearoa Collective 18s 12 (Sione Lisala 2, Malakai Kama tries).
Halftime: 20-4 Warriors.

Teams:

One New Zealand Warriors 17s | Rico Ward-Lawrence; Jackson Stewart, Compton Purcell, Nganatatafu Vake, Lucky Kali; Maui Winitana-Patelesio, Noah Jensen; Jason Salalilo, Atelea Filo, Ezkiel Faga-Leti; Te Paeroa Wi Neera, Te Waaka Popata-Henare (v-c); Augustino Filipo (c). Interchange: Taipari Wikitera, Antonio Ulugia, Paula Lu’ua, Kaleb Neru, Toby Gibson, Francis Tuimauga, Santano Pekepo-Tevaga, Lennox Tuiloma, Adam Lawrence, Asher Norman Te Pou.

Pasifika Aotearoa Collective 18s | Diesel Folau; Sione Lisala, Caelis Samuel, Junior Sikuvea (v-c), Jovilisi Sloan; Rys Manu, Iosia Tuli; Atapana Su'a, David Kama, Bernard Ngungutau; Lyrakai-Layke Posimani (c). Interchange: Rob Ah Chong, Jeremiah Cullen, Malakai Cama, Joey Upoko, Kanaan Magele, Emosi Ravosai, Peter Kengike, Christian Faafoi, Noah Hetutu-Davis.

Potential new talent uncovered for pathways teams

It was the players on show not the outcome that interested Sky Sport Future Warriors staff at Mount Smart Stadium on Saturday.

www.warriors.kiwi

 

[mt.wellington]

Boys Premiership

Grand Final – St. Paul’s College v St. Thomas of Canterbury College

Final score: St. Thomas of Canterbury College 12-6

The final game of the day produced a large turnout of supporters who came down to Bruce Pulman Park to witness this contest for the Boys Premiership title. The young men from Canterbury came firing out of the gates to score first followed quickly by a second. Not to be dominated, St. Paul’s scored one of their own just before the halftime whistle bringing it to 10-6 to the Cantabrians. The second half featured heavy contact, tough carries, and nifty ball-play by both sides however neither were able to score as they both defended their lines fearlessly. A high tackle by St. Paul’s led to a successful St. Thomas penalty kick as the only points scored in the half, with this epic contest ending in a historic win for St. Thomas. The South Island team claimed their first-ever NZSST victory, in their first year of ever making the tournament finals.

2023 NZRL National Secondary Schools Boys Squad:
1. Sio Kali – St. Paul’s College
2. Maretino Kaloudau – St. Thomas of Canterbury College
3. Chelden Hayward – St. Thomas of Canterbury College
4. Jackson Stewart – St. Thomas of Canterbury College
5. Malakai Cama – Rotorua Boys’ High School
6. Quiann Feterika-Mafoe – St. Paul’s College
7. Meihana Pauling – St. Thomas of Canterbury College
8. Malachi Filipo – St. Paul’s College
9. Noah Harmer-Campbell – St. Thomas of Canterbury College
10. Jason Salalilo – St. Thomas of Canterbury College
11. Tepatasi Laumalili – De La Salle College
12. Mikaele Ilaiu – Rotorua Boys’ High School
13. Junior Sikuvea – De La Salle College
14. Sosaia Latu – Otahuhu College
15. Kalani Peyroux-Donaldson – De La Salle College
16. Jeriko Filipi-Talisau – St. Paul’s College
17. Zeke Faga-Ieti – St Thomas of Canterbury College
18. Ezekiel Paulo – St. Thomas of Canterbury College
19. Lennox Tuiloma – St. Thomas of Canterbury College

Emerging Player of the Tournament: Phillip Lavakeiaho – Wesley College
Tournament MVP: Sio Kali – St. Paul’s College

2023 National Secondary Schools Tournament: New Champions Crowned |

2023 National Secondary Schools Tournament: New Champions CrownedNew Zealand Rugby League - Official New Zealand Rugby League website

nzrl.co.nz

 

[mt.wellington]

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[mt.wellington]

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St Thomas of Canterbury College Rugby League​

Pre-season Player Profile #4
Jason Salalilo (Co-Captain)
One NZ Warriors SG Ball Squad

Position: Middle Forward, 2nd Row

Jason had a memorable season across both codes this season securing himself an SG Ball contract with the Warriors after an outstanding NZ Secondary Schools tournament where he led from the front in the unfamiliar position of Prop.

Jason is a player who is always willing to take the tough run or try and shift momentum for his team. He was deservedly awarded his second consecutive NZ Schools jersey and was named MVP of the National Schools final playing 50minutes straight in an epic performance.

We wish Jason all the best for his upcoming season based in Auckland at the Warriors

#Legacy #Manawa

Q1: What are some of the highliggts of pre-season so far?
A: Just getting to know more people and build connections with them.

Q2: What has been the most challenging part of pre-season so far?
A: Fitness

Q3: What is a personal goal you have set for the upcoming season?
A: First of all making the SG Ball team... and then if all goes well cracking Jersey Flegg (U21) would be an ultimate goal.