Northland footballers line up for CrossWhites at Australian titles

Northland under-16 girls CrossWhites players Teneille Hiki, Paige Ihaka and Abby Wright. Photo / Supplied

Nineteen Northland footballers had the chance to represent their country in an annual Australian competition as part of the NZ CrossWhites.

The NZ CrossWhites sent five teams to this year's Christian Football Federation Australia National Titles in Brisbane between September 30 and October 4.

The tournament at Dolphin Stadium in Redcliffe and was contested by teams representing Australian states and New Zealand.

Northland's Teneille Hiki, Paige Ihaka and Abby Wright were members of the under-16 girls side, while Daniel Whitehead (captain), Thomas Jacobson, Rueben Jones, Rufaro Manjela and Logan King all played in the under-16 boys side.

The under-16 girls finished second, losing the grand final 1-0 to Queensland. The under-16 boys tied for third with Victoria.

Northland was heavily represented in the under-18 boys team with Reef Bainbridge, Ben Foon, Max Robertson, Nathan Ryken, Deon Hales, Daniel Romer (captain), Reuben Nicholl, Andre Luiten, Riley Hooper and Rob Bull (captain) all taking part.

The team came up against tough opposition and came away fifth.

Northlander Matigan Smith played in the women's team, which finished second, losing 4-2 to Victoria in the final.

Wright, Manjela, Foon, Nicholl, Luiten, and Bull all received tournament all star medals.

The men's side, which did not feature any Northlanders, won the men's competition.

The NZ CrossWhites are the NZ Christian Football Representatives under the banner of SoccerPlus NZ and New Zealand Christian Football Ministries.

To be a CrossWhite, players don't need to make a profession of faith, but do need to adhere to the Rules of Play.