It has been a busy season for the two Kaitaia College students, both aged 15, who were last month named amongst the intake for the NZRL National Performance Camp being held at Rotorua International Stadium from July 12-15. Nathan (who usually plays centre) and Tamarua (loose forward/ stand off) represented the Northern Swords 15s team at the NZRL National Tournament last year. This year both have played rugby league for the Kaitaia College 1st XIII, currently train with the Northern Swords under-17s on Monday nights in Ohaeawai, and play for Muriwhenua Falcons in the RLN U16s competition on Friday nights usually contested in Hikurangi.
They duo also play rugby union beside each other for the Kaitaia Pirates in the North Zone IMB U16 competition on Saturdays, and the Kaitaia College 1st XV on Wednesdays, while Tuesdays and Thursdays after school bring strength and conditioning training sessions at a Kaitaia gym under the guidance of personal trainer Lee Larkin.
In travelling with the pair to Rotorua, Larkin noted the pair have been picked to trial out during a four-day camp featuring about 80 of the country's top teenage league prospects seeking to make either the Kiwis 16s or 18s squads. Those selected will also learn what they'll need to know on the field and off in embarking on potential professional and international careers. The crop of players selected to the 18s will chase selection for a series against Australian Schools in Brisbane in September/ October; while for the 16s group, the camp represents a step up from their zone programmes and an early chance to catch the eyes of NRL club scouts desperate to uncover the next great talent before anyone else.
Another major focus of this camp will be preparing players for the increased pressure on them to perform off the field, especially when it comes to signing contracts and relocating from home, with Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney addressing the teenagers when they arrived on Sunday, warning them what to expect as they enter the professional environment.
Other presentations includes careers advice from The Skills Organisation, media guidance from Maori TV presenter Te Arahi Maipi, and what supplements to avoid from Drug Free Sport.
Whangarei's Caleb Aekins (Otaika Eagles/ Hikurangi Stags standoff) was the other Northland player selected for the camp, which will be his second visit having trialled there last year as a 17-year-old for the 18s.
