Selectors notice teen's talent

Northern Swords 15s representative Kadince Christensen capped off a stellar year with his selection in the New Zealand Residents 16s side to play Queensland Academy of Sport 16s on October 18.

The Whangarei Boys' High School student, who plays club football for his hometown Kaitaia, was selected from 22 squad members for the 18-strong side to play the Australians, kicking off next month, at Massey Park, Papakura.

The New Zealand Residents 16s and the NZ 18s contingent, also named earlier this week, were chosen following a residential camp, trial matches held in Rotorua in late July, the Secondary Schools Nationals and the first rounds of the NZRL national competition.

Christensen, 15, who plays mainly loose forward but also covers prop, stood out at the trial matches, and at the high- performance camp and is an integral part of the Northern Swords 15s.

"I was stoked when I found out I had made the team. It's pretty special to make a New Zealand team, especially in only my second year playing league," Christensen said.

Christensen represented Northland at swimming and also played rugby before taking up league.

It is not a surprise Christensen is a natural at league - his dad is Eric Abraham, who played for the Junior Kiwis in the 1990s, as well as rugby for Hikurangi and Northland. Christensen is excited about the NZ Resident 15s match against Queensland Academy, who he said had never been beaten.

"They will be tough but our strength will be our size. We have some big guys from Counties and Auckland," he said.

Coach of the 16s team Jeff Whittaker said he and his staff were excited about the potential of the side.

"After watching the NZRL national competition for 15 and 17 years, we have a great depth of quality players in New Zealand. This is a great pathway for these players and gives them a wonderful opportunity to show off their rugby league talent.

"It's a great privilege to coach these elite players and I'm looking forward to working with them in camp and bringing them together as a team," Whittaker said.

Meanwhile, Portland's Turanga Shelford-Morrell, who was included in the NZ Resident 18s squad was unlucky to miss out on the game day 18 for his age grade.

The NZ Resident 18s will play two matches against the Australian Secondary Schools, both at Bruce Pulman Park, Papakura.

The first is on Sunday at 3pm, following the Counties Manukau Stingrays versus Auckland Pride national competition games.

The second on October 8, also at 3pm, will follow the Auckland Pride versus Waicoa Bays games, which have been moved from Cornwall Park.

The clash between the NZ Residents 16s and the Queensland Academy of Sport 16s kicks off at 3.30pm, at Papakura's Massey Park on October 18.

- NZ Resident 16s: Jared McIlwrick, Joshua Minhinnick, Jules Webley, Kadince Christensen, Kenneth Lafaele, Lafu Feagaiga, Paul Faga, Peter-James Los'e, Pita Dillen (vc), Reubenn Rennie (c), Rhys Poingdestre, Semisi Tyrell, Tauturu Hapuku, Tony Tumusa, Tuimoala Lolohea, Tulsa Saumamao, Watson Heleta.

- NZ Resident 18s: David Fusitu'a, Eko Malu, Eric Newbigging, Esera Esera, Honeti Tuha, James Taylor, Jaylen Tupaea, Kouma Samson, Makahesi Makatoa, Mason Lino, Michael Sio (c), Samuel Lisone, Siliva Havili, Sione Feao, Tama Koopu (vc), Trent Bishop, Viliami Lolohea, Visesio Setefano.