Two of Rotorua's top young footballers have been fast-tracked into the Rotorua United men's premier side this season - and are proving a handful for opposing teams.
Steffano Riley, 15, and Hamish Watt, 16, started in central midfield for Rotorua United's premier team last weekend, and helped them secure a 2-1 win over Katikati in the WaiBOP Premiership.
Steffano even scored the winning goal late in the second half.
United head coach Rich Barter said he was very impressed with the two youngsters this season, and they had proven they could foot it at that level.
"Steffano is a special talent. He played last year a bit from the bench, aged 14. We had no doubts about throwing him in this year and few players have had more starts and more game time," he said.