Girls do Paikea proud at Kōtiro tournament

It was an eye-opening introduction to full-contact league for Paikea Whalers girls’ team at the New Zealand Māori Rugby League Kōtiro tournament in Rotorua. But they learned a lot and are keen to play more games. The Paikea under-13s team who took part are, back row (from left): Bentley Morice-Munro, Tasha Tasmania, Savanna Galloway, Kahlia Keelan-Richards, Riann Galloway, Shiraz Robin, Aroha Kennedy-Hogan, Ngawaoriki Wharehinga, Kayarah Saddlier, Kartièr Hall, Iriha Haenga, Ariana Kennedy-Hogan, Maria Tuwairua, Indie Nikora, Autumn-Hayz Harema.Middle: Cahsyn-Naevia Brown, Summah Smith, Piata Broughton-Duffey and Aahliaj Karikari-Sealey, Front: Maeatera Olsen-Clarke and Rongokino Miller.Picture supplied

Paikea Whalers took two teams to Rotorua to play in the New Zealand Māori Rugby League Kōtiro Tournament at the weekend.

The Whalers entered under-13 and u15 sides in the girls’ tournament which also featured u14 and u17 grades.

It was a learning experience for the u13 side against more seasoned opposition. They lost 46-0 to Ngapuhi Ahi, 78-0 to Raukawa Ki Runga, 40-0 to Waikato Māori and 26-0 to Ngā Hau E Wha o Wainuiomata 26-0.

Shiraz Robin was a stand-out for Paikea, Whalers’ youth development officer Stella Beach said.

“Shiraz displayed beautiful tackling skills and showed her rugby skills out there.”

The Whalers u15s lost 12-0 to Ngāti Maniapoto and 40-0 to Ngā Hau E Wha of Wainuiomata but ended the day on a high with a 20-18 win over Ngāi Tūhoe 20-18.

“This was a very intense game with everyone off their seats and cheering for their team,” Beach said.

“It was try-for-try with Indie Nikora scoring all (Paikea’s) points.”

In their last game, Paikea lost 42-0 to a “well-drilled and colossal” E Tu Hei Tia Uri Ariki (Te Puke).

“They were an amazing team and knew how to play.”

U15s manager Mahinerangi Tawhai, whose daughter Savanna Galloway was in the team, commended the girls for giving it their best.

The first game was a wake-up call as it was the first taste of full-contact league for many of them.

The second game was  a different story.

They showed a lot of courage and that attitude continued through the rest of the tournament.

“Peyton Thomas-Brown stepped up to take the lead . . . she not only talked the talk, she ran it up the guts. She mentally held herself as a great leader.

“Maddisyn Pettu also stood out, pushing herself mentally and physically. What an amazing young lady.”

The maturity and respect shown for their team by Kaaliah Kennedy-Hogan, Rangiora Whati-Haapu, Savanna, (Rangiora’s sister) was another feature.

“These young ladies proved that they were capable of keeping up with their older team players.”

Tairāwhiti has no age group league competition and preparation was difficult  given the weather events in Tairāwhiti, Beach said.

The rain and field closure put paid to training for three weeks but they managed to squeeze in as many training sessionsas possible in the short period before heading away.

“Our first game was an eye-opener for our girls as they got into the feel of being tackled, tackling and the impact that comes with rugby league.”

But they learned quickly and responded wth some “beautiful” displays.

Tawhai was grateful for all the support their teams received and to those who stepped up to help.