League: Rising talent has bright future

TRL chairman Dave Bristow bids bon voyage to Brody Tamarua (left) who has accepted an invitation to play for the Coogee Wombats in the South Sydney U18 competition.

Another talented local rugby league player heads across the ditch today to play for the Coogee Wombats in the South Sydney under-18 competition.

The opportunity means Brody Tamarua is the second player from the Far North to make the transition through newly opened pathways provided through the fledging Taitokerau Rugby League organisation.

TRL chairman Dave Bristow believed the 17-year-old Kaitaia College student had a bright future.

"He'll go a long way if he sticks at it," said Bristow.

Tamarua was another product from the Lowie Foundation (Kick for the Seagulls) sporting academy in Kaitaia under well-known league exponent Jim Larkin.

He described Tamarua as a natural athlete who excelled in many sports but one who had been particularly impressive playing for provincial rep league sides at national age grade tournaments in the past.

Bristow said Tamarua will likely end up playing alongside Kaikohe's Xavier Johnson, who was last month picked up by the Wombats outfit, widely regarded as a feeder club to the South Sydney Roosters NRL side.

"[Brody will be a] tremendous ambassador for Kaitaia youth ... He's a vision of the talent that's there up in that part of the world. This pathway will allow him to pursue his dreams.

"We are really happy to have these pathways open to our kids. And we are looking at more going too."