Blues help keep youngsters up to mark

Paula Lomu, 15, (left) helps Joe Rokocoko in a game of Bullrush at Unitec Auckland. Photo / Richard Robinson

There seemed to be more laughing and joking going on than rugby as some deserving teens got to test their skills against their sporting idols.

The group of 26 boys from South Auckland were selected for the Prime Minister's Youth Programme as a reward for getting their lives back on track and yesterday they took part in a special training session with the Auckland Blues in Mt Albert.

Barrett Ruakere, general manager of training organisation SENZ, was responsible for the boys' busy week.

Manukau City mayor Len Brown opened the programme on Monday and they went straight to a tour and sailing trip with the America's Cup team. Tuesday was a training session with the Warriors and laps with NZ V8 racing.

"They're loving it, it's a lot of first-time experiences," said Mr Ruakere.

The Blues ran the boys through training drills - the punishment for any mistakes was press ups.

Jesse Mager, 14, was nominated by his social worker for making a series of positive changes in his life. The Papatoetoe High student said his favourite part so far was training with the Warriors.

"It was fun as," said Jesse.

His family were happy he was chosen and he said his little sister wanted to tag along.

Graham Henry was asked by Prime Minister John Key to become a mentor to the boys.

"It's great, it's a reward for these guys who have had a few challenges and chose to make a positive change," said Mr Henry.

He said the Blues were used to working with youngsters and were very natural with the children.

The programme is part of the Break Away Package for School Holidays funded by the Ministry of Social Development, which also includes the Holiday Activity Programmes for 30,000 11- to 17-year-olds and the Residential Holiday Respite Camps for 500 5- to 12-year-olds in foster care.

One hundred teens from Waitakere and Manukau, who have moved away from low levels of offending, truancy or poor academic performance and made positive changes in their lives, were selected by community leaders to take part.