The annual challenge for the Srhoj Cup contested between Northland and Auckland Croatian selections from Northland and Auckland will take place this Saturday at Arnold Rae Park in Kaitaia.
While Auckland are the current holders, after winning the challenge last year in Henderson, the Northland selection will be looking to repeat their win in Kaitaia from 2011.
Northland selector Dave Jurlina noted the challenge was rekindled two years ago after the cup was located in Auckland and every effort had been made to play an annual game each year since then.
The Northland team will be made up of players from Whangarei, Dargaville, Kerikeri and the Far North, joining up with other expats who have since moved away.
"The long-term goal is to reform a New Zealand Croatian team to take away on a tour as was previously done in the 70s, 80s and 90s to keep hold of a proud heritage of Croatian descendants living in New Zealand."
