NORTHLAND'S TOP under-15 rugby league players will start a journey this Sunday that could take them as far as the national schoolboy side and on to a full-time career in the sport. The young players try out for selection in the province's under-15 team at Moerewa's Simson Park, that will competeat this year's national tournament to be hosted by Bay of Plenty from July 13. A national schoolboy team will be selected at the tournament, giving local players the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the last Northlander to be selected in the side, current Parramatta scholarship player Ryan Fish. With Northland's inclusion at national level for the U-16s and U-18s and senior provincial competitions still up in the air, the exposure for the players at this tournament will be important as scouts from NRL clubs are expected to either be present or have representatives there. The quality of Northland players isn't in any doubt after a thrilling game in the Northland U16 competition on Saturday. Hikurangi outlasted Takahiwai to run out 42-28 winners, with many outstanding individual performances marking the match. Hikurangi captain Gavin Causer scored three tries in the match but even that fine feat was bettered by Takahiwai prop Blake Gray, who scored four for his team. Despite scoring the first try, Takahiwai were forced to play catch-up for much of the game and a try to Hikurangi front rower Luke Tuimavave sealed their fate late in the match. Other standouts were Hikurangi's Ian Hendricks, Te Wairati Cassidy, Jordan Rau and Kane Rudolf along with Takahiwai's Errol Lee and Jaylen Tupaea. Management positions for the -15 team are being offered and anyone interested can apply in writing to: Whangarei Junior Rugby League, PO Box 6005. Closing dates for applications for these positions are May 16.
