Depth Of Talent On Display This Representative Weekend
Wednesday, 19 October 2022, 4:17 pm
Press Release: New Zealand Rugby League
This weekend brings us the return of NZRL’s Clubs vs Schools fixture and the introduction of the 16’s Auckland Invitational vs Aotearoa Whaanui representative matchups.
The Labour weekend brings us the first ever 16’s Auckland Invitational vs Aotearoa Whaanui representative game, where the best talent from across the motu face Auckland’s top 17.
Both sides claim considerable talent across their respective squads in a game that sees the young future stars of the game. The Wellington cohort of Billie Va’a, Jayda Maniapoto and Trinity Tauaneai headline an exciting and balanced Aotearoa Whaanui, which has strike all across the park.
Finals MVP Josinah Filisi Tauiliili leads the Auckland Invitational side out after an outstanding performance in the 16’s grand final. She is joined by teammate Danii-Nicole Gray and the exciting Tayla-Benet Masoe, who played at the back for the Auckland Vulcans.
The 16s Auckland Invitational is headlined by Akarana Falcon and Youth Tournament MVP
Kaawyn Patterson. A team with strike all over, centre Taipari Wikitera and winger Ezekiel Tavita looked dangerous with every touch. Aotearoa Whaanui is one dominated by a solid Southern Scorpions side. Exciting talent Ezekiel Faga’ieti leads the Aotearoa side, whilst Wellington Orca
Maui Winitana-Patelesio directs them around the park.
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Starting in 2020, the NZRL Clubs vs Schools clash features the best 18s talent Aotearoa offers. Although it was unable to take place in 2021 due to covid-19, it has already seen many of its participants go on to sign with NRL Clubs. Players such as Sam McIntyre (Gold Coast Titans), Daeon Amituanai (Penrith Panthers) and Josiah Karapani (South Sydney Rabbitohs) all found homes in the Telstra Premiership after playing in this match.
Secondary Schools and Youth tournament MVPs Wasaike Salabiau and Ben Peni head the boys game that features top talent littered through the sides. South Island’s Oliver Lawry and St Paul’s
Sio Kali also show the depth of ability in this matchup.
16s AUCKLAND INVITATIONAL VS AOTEAROA WHAANUI
AOTEAROA WHAANUI 16 BOYS
- Meihana Pauling (South Island Scorpions)
- Xavier Lynch (South Island Scorpions)
- Chelden Hayward (South Island Scorpions)
- Jackson Stewart (South Island Scorpions)
- Genesis Sherlock (South Island Scorpions)
- Eli Bijl-Kakoi (South Island Scorpions)
- Maui Winitana-Patelesio (Wellington Orcas)
- Ezekiel Fanga’ieti (South Island Scorpions)
- Mangaroa Mark (Upper Central Stallions)
- Jake Rabarts (Upper Central Stallions)
- Ezekiel Paulo (South Island Scorpions)
- Sosaia Alatini (South Island Scorpions)
- Marley Igasan (Upper Central Stallions)
- Kyan Rosie (South Island Scorpions)
- Reihana Timms (Upper Central Stallions)
- Toby Gibson (South Island Scorpions)
- Adam Lawrence (Upper Central Stallions)
- Ryder Crosswell (Upper Central Stallions)
AUCKLAND INVITATIONAL 16 BOYS
- Ernie Mahu-Delamere [Counties Manukau Stingrays]
- Vitaliano-Roache [Counties Manukau Stingrays]
- Taipari Wikitera [Akarana Falcons]
- Sosaia Antony Fatani Latu [Counties Manukau Stingrays]
- Ezekiel Tavita [Auckland Vulcans]
- Tyrone Hurt-Pickering [Akarana Falcons]
- Haami Loza [Counties Manukau Stingrays]
- Noah Hetutu-Davis [Counties Manukau Stingrays]
- Kaawyn Patterson [Akarana Falcons]
- Joshua Totara Kopua [Counties Manukau Stingrays]
- Te Paeroa Wi-Neera [Akarana Falcons]
- Dezman Laban [Akarana Falcons]
- Augustino Filipo [Counties Manukau Stingrays]
- Austyn Ah Toon-Hotene [Counties Manukau Stingrays]
- Joey Upoko [Akarana Falcons]
- Kanaan Talia Magele [Akarana Falcons]
- Eteuate Leilua [Counties Manukau Stingrays]
- Compton Purcell [Akarana Falcons]
This weekend brings us the return of NZRL’s Clubs vs Schools fixture and the introduction of the 16’s Auckland Invitational vs Aotearoa Whaanui representative matchups. The Labour weekend brings us the first ever 16’s Auckland Invitational vs Aotearoa ...
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