Results will set path for players

Self-belief will be crucial for Northland's under-19s today when they play the first of three seeding matches in preparation for the Jock Hobbs Memorial National Under-19 Tournament.

Northland face North Harbour on Auckland's North Shore with the goal of being seeded among the top eight for the tournament in Taupo.

Coach Mark Wells feels his team are capable of winning this weekend, however, he says, they need to believe in themselves if they are to execute their gameplan.

"We have learned that if you believe, pretty much anything is possible. Also, we have learned that no matter how big they are, they can't run if you tackle their ankles.

"The players are starting to believe that they can match the Auckland teams if they are in the right physical condition and follow the gameplan."

Falling short by only nine points to Harbour during a pre-season game in Kaiwaka, they are intent on going one better today.

Northland's seeding games are against North Harbour, Auckland A and Auckland B - as teams are grouped within their Super Rugby franchises.

To achieve their goal of finishing inside the top eight, Northland must win two of their seeding games.

This is just the teams' second season and Wells said getting players to realise how big the opportunities in front of them are is difficult at times.

"A huge challenge has been getting the players to realise what a chance they have," he said.

"When I was an age group rep, we didn't have a tournament like this - these guys don't know how lucky they are.

"Pat Stevens, Paul Halverson and I have tried to make it very clear to the group that they have a fantastic opportunity in front of them to represent the Northland Rugby Union, and the chance to go on to the Under-20 World Cup. All they have to do is have three good games and they are in with real shot of making it, and, if you make the Under-20 World Cup for New Zealand, you are pretty much on a ticket to the big show."

Wells said players to impress him so far had been Louie Ward, Tom Smith, Oneal Rongo, Hamish Pomare, Adam Simpson, Tom Stevens and Jevon Halverson.

While the players are creating their own piece of history by being part of the second ever Northland Under-19 team, Wells too was enjoying being the first coach of the team.

"For me, it is a great honour to be given the task of preparing these players for the second time, I have unfinished business at the national tournament and I want to do my best for the union and the players.

"Doing well at the tournament is a major focus, but the main thing for me is that, at the end of the season, all the players can put their hands up and say, 'I am a better player now than I was at the start'."