League: Squads fragment to train

The Northern Swords are taking a double-bladed approach to this year's national rugby league championships.

After naming their 15s and 17s training squads today, Rugby League Northland announced their training would be held in two venues at the same time - at least initially.

"The idea was tried out last year and we're going to give it another go this year," Rugby League Northland's Alex Smits said.

Training starts on June 25 at 6pm, at the Okaihau Rugby Club for players based in the mid to far north, and at Otaika Sports Domain for players based in Whangarei or Dargaville.

Initially training will be in geographic areas, with players from the 15s and 17s training together. When all club competition has finished the 15s and 17s squads will assemble as stand-alone squads, to train twice a week, probably at Moerewa.

The idea is to mitigate the effects of travel on training and keep it to a minimum while the players - who will be all working off the same playbook - are put through their paces in the fitness and technique areas.

"All the coaching staff involved with the three teams went through a planning session with the Warriors' staff in Auckland earlier this year and we think we can pull it off," Smits said.

Swords senior coach Joe Rau, senior trainer John Renes and 17s trainer-manager Michael Shearer will run the Bluegoose trainings, while 17s coach Benson Selwyn, 15s coach Jim Larkin, Willie Cooper, Fish Jones and Chief Yates will run the Okaihau trainings.

Rau will name his initial senior squad within the next few weeks.

Northern Swords 17s squad:

Thomas Smith, Corey Selwyn (Kaikohe), Tumoana Halkyard, Kapene Ripoki, Shaun Rawiri (Kaitaia), Joachim Edmonds, Strauss Mackie, James Dean Fisher-Harris, Ethan Bracey, Ben Munroe, Shae Currie, Itai Wells, Tremaine Hepi, Nathan Leef (Marist), Brodie Palmer, Aaron James, Aaron Wikaire (Moerewa), Corey Naera, Toloto Tanginoa, Piri Croft (Otaua), Hararei Te Whata, Craig Paul, Kadence Christensen, Madysin Kaka, Kelsin Harding (Portland), Rikki Tarau (Takahiwai), David McCollough, Michael McKenzie (Northern Wairoa).

Northern Swords 15s squad:

Sydney Williams, Michael Larkin, Kawana Marsden, Roihoe Manual, Paris Waenga, Taine Johnson (Kaitaia), Antonius Hepi (Kaikohe), Hohua Mutu (Hokianga), Sione Finau, Hopeke Brown, Hauraki Brown (Moerewa), Steel Kake, Tiaki Smith, Jayde Kapa, Caleb Aekins, Dhyrese Walker, Taui Arona (Hikurangi/Horahora), Kevin Grey (Portland), Shaqueal Radovanvich, Kalani Heta (City), Haane Rudolph, Angus McKennon, Billy Ruthford, Kereama Littin, Mako Maumais-Rihari (Marist), Stanley Tukurua, Jack Rangitaawa (Wairoa).

Players can still be added if performing well for their club sides.