International clashes to advertise rising stars

Rugby league fans in Northland are being treated to two international clashes at Toll Stadium on Monday as transtasman rivalry comes to Whangarei.

The New Zealand Residents 16s (kick-off 4.30pm) and 18s (kick-off 6pm) sides step up to the challenge of the Queensland Academy and Australian School Boys sides.

While the initiative is being run separate to Rugby League Northland, general manager Alex Smits said it was a great opportunity for Northlanders to get out and watch some of the sport's future stars.

"These guys are the ones who're on the cusp of careers in rugby league, they've gone through a massive trial process to get into the team and this is an opportunity for them to shine," Smits said.

"If you love sport, youth sport in particular, then this is an event you'd want to go to. There'll be recruitment managers and NRL scouts there [so there will be all to play for]. It'll be a great spectacle."

The bonus for rugby league in Northland is that the occasion gives the sport some extra time in the spotlight, without Rugby League Northland footing the cost.

"Any international football is good to have, it's a good advertisement for the game. We don't have much of a marketing budget to invest in that [advertising] space but this helps get rugby league into that space, so hopefully it creates a bit of excitement."

The event not only has two games of footy, but there is also a youth forum being hosted as part of the day's events.

Youth aged between 12-17 can attend a development day run by New Zealand Rugby League and the Whangarei District Council at Toll Stadium's Refining NZ Lounge at 1.45pm, entry is free.

The day includes short presentations from NZRL, New Zealand Warriors, NZ Police, NZ Defence Force, NZ Fire Services and NorthTec.