Dannevirke: Young Tigers proud to wear jersey

The Dannevirke Tigers under-15 rugby league team is: back, Logan Whaitiri (coach, left), Hannon Perawiti, Tiana Dixon, Jakahn Lilo-Maru, Piritia McGuire, Zephyr Hanuera, Zamaya Lilo-Maru, Puke Ruaporo, Jahnique Whaitiri, Kaya Bartlett and Jacob Lawson. Centre, Reweti Chase (left), Maehe Body-Marsh, Jayden Tumanako, Zair Hussain, Wesley Hoera and Jershon Carberry. Front, Jay-Dee Lilo (left) and Malachi Boyd. Photo / Supplied

The Dannevirke Tigers rugby league club may have gone into recess, but a group of under-15 players are still wearing the Tigers jersey with pride.

With support from Tararua Community Youth Services, an under-15 Dannevirke team is competing in the Manawatu competition and doing well.

"They're doing brilliantly and won their first two games," Jeanne O'Brien, manager of the youth services team said. "We've 22 boys registered and they really want to play so, although the club is in recess, we're happy to have them playing under the Tigers umbrella."

And support from the youth services team in Dannevirke goes beyond handing out jerseys.

"We feed them before they go over the Palmerston North and help out with transport and coaching," Jeanne said. "They played their first game against the strong Marton Bears and won 52-4. These are kids who really want to be out there and you can't shut the doors on opportunities for them."

The Tigers club has gone into recess mainly due to a lack of players. The club's premier team won the Western Alliance competition in 2012 but, last year, were unable to field a premier side and the under-17 squad has gone as well.

A lack of players has always been an ongoing problem for the Tigers during recent years and, in the 2012 season, the premiers joined forces with Otaki Whiti Te Ra, with the combined team taking out the Western Alliance competition. But that union unravelled a year later, leaving the Tigers short of players.