General 2016 NYC trials in Auckland & Whanganui

[mt.wellington]

NYC trials in Auckland & Whanganui
Thu 17th September, 02:53PM

The Vodafone Warriors have expanded their open NYC trials programme this year by staging a second event in Whanganui in their search for more untapped talent to join the club’s development system.

The Whanganui event has been confirmed for Cooks Gardens on Sunday, October 18 a week after the traditional Auckland trial run over two days at Cornwall Park on October 10 and 11.

“We’ve always attracted a lot of interest from out of Auckland especially from the lower North Island,” said Vodafone Warriors academy and pathways manager Duane Mann.

“By holding a trial in Whanganui it will be a lot easier for people from the lower half of the North Island and also the top of the South Island to be involved.

“It’s hugely exciting for us to be able to take a trial to Whanganui and we’re really grateful for the enthusiasm shown by the Mid Central Zone.

“Our aim is to give as many athletes as possible the opportunity to trial. While we have a scouting network which identifies most of talent, our open trial concept has also been hugely beneficial in giving us a look at other contenders.”

Three of this year’s NYC regulars – wings Tomas Aoake and Paul Ulberg plus loose forward Jazz Tevaga – ultimately gained contracts through their performances at the club’s NYC trial.

Mann said the athletes in focus for this year’s Auckland and Whanganui events would be high-achieving rugby league and rugby union players born in 1996, 1997 and 1998, making them potentially eligible for the Vodafone Junior Warriors’ 2016 squad.

“Last year we had a massive level of interest with more than 500 registrations which we then reduced to a manageable level,” said Mann.

“By having two trials we’ll be able to offer an opportunity to a wider group of players.”

Mann said the Vodafone Warriors were working closely with Mid Central Zone general manager Lisa Rewiti and her team on the Whanganui trial. The Mid Central Zone takes in the Hawke’s Bay, Taranaki and Manawatu districts as well as Whanganui.

Vodafone Warriors-bound hooker Issac Luke hails from Hawera, fellow Kiwi international Tohu Harris from Hawke’s Bay and Russell Packer from Foxton while Brisbane’s Kodi and Jayden Nikorima were born in Palmerston North.

Players from Taupo south are encouraged to register for the Whanganui trial; this includes Taupo, Whanganui, Taranaki, Manawatu, Hawke’s Bay, Poverty Bay, Horowhenua, Wairarapa, Wellington, Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast, Canterbury, Otago and Southland.

For the Auckland trial, players registering should principally come from north of Taupo (Bay of Plenty, Waikato, King Country, Thames Valley, the greater Auckland area and Northland.

Key points:

• Registrations of interest are open now for players wishing to trial in Whanganui and on the first day of the Auckland trial; those selected will be notified whether they have been given an opportunity to trial.
• Selected players from Saturday’s games in Auckland will be invited back to a closed trial on Sunday (along with some pre-selected players).
• Nine-a-side games will be used in the trial in Whanganui and on the first day in Auckland.

AUCKLAND OPEN TRIAL
Cornwall Park, Auckland

Saturday, October 10

Registration: From 9.00am

Games: From 10.00am

Some players will be selected to play again Sunday

Sunday, October 11

Selected players from Saturday and pre-selected players

Assemble: 10.00am

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE AUCKLAND-BASED TRIALS


WHANGANUI OPEN TRIAL
Cooks Gardens, Whanganui

Sunday, October 18

Registration: From 9.00am

Games: From 10.00am

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE WHANGANUI-BASED TRIALS

https://www.warriors.kiwi/news/2015/09/17/nyc_trials_in_auckla.html

 

[mt.wellington]

Some of the successes of open trials...

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[Blain]

Whanganui is one of the hardest places to get to if you're in the South Island.. I don't understand why it's there. They should do it in palmy, they have produced a good group of all blacks the last few years. I know it's not that far away, but at least you can fly there, and if it's down the road to the top talent playing rugby, I bet you would get more guys giving it a go.

Anyone know why they restrict the trials? A Wellington trial would be off the chains, also Christchurch. Is that stepping on the storms toes? Who gives a fuck IMO..

 

[matiunz]

Whanganui is one of the hardest places to get to if you're in the South Island.. I don't understand why it's there. They should do it in palmy, they have produced a good group of all blacks the last few years. I know it's not that far away, but at least you can fly there, and if it's down the road to the top talent playing rugby, I bet you would get more guys giving it a go.

Anyone know why they restrict the trials? A Wellington trial would be off the chains, also Christchurch. Is that stepping on the storms toes? Who gives a fuck IMO..

Found Whanganui an odd choice too, logistically wise palmy is right in the middle 2ish hours travel from most of the mid/lower north island, would have thought this was a better option?

 

[kiwi's 13-6]

typical of warriors junior development program whanganui easy to get to from south Island?WTF! Thats like saying Kaikoura is easier for Aucklanders to get to than Christchurch. If games registration at 9am even people from wellington would have to leave at 5.30am to make it there on time... does Warriors organisation serious think that an open trial in whanganui covers all of lower north island & the whole south island? know wonder warriors have some players who cant tackle the people running the recruitment process are geograhically retarded

 

[Freddie Futler]

Whanganui is one of the hardest places to get to if you're in the South Island.. I don't understand why it's there. They should do it in palmy, they have produced a good group of all blacks the last few years. I know it's not that far away, but at least you can fly there, and if it's down the road to the top talent playing rugby, I bet you would get more guys giving it a go.

Anyone know why they restrict the trials? A Wellington trial would be off the chains, also Christchurch. Is that stepping on the storms toes? Who gives a fuck IMO..

Have to agree with you, Hawkes bay and the East Coast will find it way too hard to get to Wanganui. Just a few hours to Palmy.

 

[kiwi's 13-6]

hope the warriors will only be looking at players who can tackle and position themselves well and communicate on D with team mates.

speaking of the storm there under 18's played wellington 18's today 48-4 to storm at halftime according to wtgn facebook page

 

[drake83]

I commute every day between Palmy and Whanganui 45 minutes between. Titans had an open trial in palmy last year. Whanganui is a different base might get some different players.
If the kid really wants it they will travel as they all have to for sport around here.

 

[mt.wellington]

If the kid really wants it they will travel as they all have to for sport around here.

Thats what I reckon. If its a kids dream to play for the Warriors or NRL than it doesnt matter where it is. Plenty of kids jump the ditch for that very dream. Whanganui is closer than Sydney.

When the Warriors held it Auckland only you had families from all over the country and even from Australia come out to try out.

The other thing to bear in mind is that if the players get selected they'll be moving to Auckland. Whanganui isnt looking so far really...

 

[OMG]

Thats what I reckon. If its a kids dream to play for the Warriors or NRL than it doesnt matter where it is. Plenty of kids jump the ditch for that very dream. Whanganui is closer than Sydney.

When the Warriors held it Auckland only you had families from all over the country and even from Australia come out to try out.

The other thing to bear in mind is that if the players get selected they'll be moving to Auckland. Whanganui isnt looking so far really...

Personally I think they are still hitting the wrong market.
They obviously have no issue with trying to turn a borderline Yawnion player in Aucks.
By continually ignoring Wellington and Christchurch it is a bit of a smack in the face to the struggling League communities that have seen many League families convert to the borefest code which could provide many aspiring AB converts.
You'd have to spend an afternoon at a Chch Yawnion ground to really appreciate what Im talking about.

 

[kiwi's 13-6]

Wanganui is good for people from manawatu & taranaki halfway between them. Can be done with an early start by those from Hawkes bay & Wellington. But the Warriors press release about trial in Wanganui mentioning it being good for the south Island is the biggest load of horseshit ever written... air links from Tasman, West Coast, Canterbury, Otago & Southland to Wanganui directly are almost non existent and ferry from coming from Motueka, greymouth even christchurch thats several hours drive to picton, several hours on ferry and several more hours drive to Wanganui and driving from Dunedin or Invergargill well you get the picture.... heck of an expense and eat up so much time for an open trial id be suprised if not many if any attend from south Island

 

[mt.wellington]

You'd have to spend an afternoon at a Chch Yawnion ground to really appreciate what Im talking about.

Spent many weekends watching both codes in Chch. The saturation of Rugby Union in Chch was a real eye opener. I knew they loved their Ruggers there but didnt think they loved it that much...

 

[OMG]

Spent many weekends watching both codes in Chch. The saturation of Rugby Union in Chch was a real eye opener. I knew they loved their Ruggers there but didnt think they loved it that much...

I was mid 30s before I had the chance to see 1st hand and it really makes you go WTF, I never realised how many giant whiteboys there was down there and my brother inlaw(yawnion lover) reckons South of there is pretty much the same.
I have seen many League families convert in Chch, particularly once that Academy got set up.

 

[mt.wellington]

Rugby league: Warriors interested in Otago u-19 trio
By Adrian Seconi on Thu, 15 Oct 2015

Otago is rugby country, right? Well, perhaps not.

Three young lads from the Otago under-19 team have been invited to attend the Warriors under-20 open trials in Wanganui this weekend.

The trio of Reece Te Pairi, Tyler Ford and Jordie Bungard all impressed during the South Island under-19 tournament in Christchurch last month.

Unfortunately, Te Pairi, who was named player of the tournament, has broken his jaw and will not be able to attend.

It is a shame for the versatile hooker. He is regarded as a fine distributor, he kicks goals, tackles like a demon and plays well above his weight.

He appears to have a bright future and was instrumental in Otago's surprisingly good tournament.

League barely has a toehold in the province and there is not a great deal of junior rugby league played in Otago.

Some of the young men in the team had not played the sport before.

But despite the challenges, Otago managed to beat Tasman, had a close loss to the West Coast and held Canterbury, the eventual winner, to a draw.

The tournament is a pathway for players. The Warriors viewed video footage of the games and liked what they saw in the Otago trio.

Tyler and Bungard are both South Otago lads and have a rugby background.

Bungard plays in the second row and has clocked up only five games of league.

Otago under-19 coach Dave Broughton said Bungard had made tremendous progress.

He had got the offload almost mastered and had wonderful ball-handling skills for a forward.

Ford plays standoff and, like Bungard, is new to the game, also with just five games under his belt.

But he had clicked on to what was required and had a natural eye for a gap. He stepped well, had good pace and his support play was a strong feature of his game, Broughton said.

https://www.odt.co.nz/sport/league/359438/rugby-league-warriors-interested-otago-u-19-trio

 

[mt.wellington]

NYC open trial big success
Richard Becht
Tue 13th October, 09:18AM

A group of 10-15 players is expected to be offered the chance to train with the Vodafone Warriors’ wider NYC squad in November-December following the club’s annual open trial at Cornwall Park in Auckland on Saturday and Sunday.

More players will be in line for the same opportunity when the Vodafone Warriors stage a one-day open trial at Cooks Gardens in Whanganui this Sunday (October 18), the first time the club has taken its NYC trial concept outside Auckland.

The two-day trial in Auckland began with a group of about 150 hopefuls who travelled from as far afield as Queensland and Christchurch as well as Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Northland.

Some players progressed from the first day to join a group of pre-selected players for the final series of trial matches on Sunday.

Vodafone Warriors academy and pathways manager Duane Mann, Vodafone Junior Warriors coach Kelvin Wright and Vodafone Warriors recruitment and development manager Tony Iro were impressed with quality of the players assembled and also hailed the new format.

“From our point of view, the format worked really well playing nine-a-side games on the first day to give us a better indication of the relative abilities of players,” said Mann.

“The standard of the trial games on Sunday was a big step up from what we’ve seen before.

“We started the last day with 40-plus players, trimmed that down to about 20 after the final game and will look to select around 10 players who will be offered the chance to train pre-Christmas with the NYC squad.

“We were really pleased to see so many players making the trip from Queensland and the rest of the country including the group (scout) Te Iwi Ngaro brought up from Christchurch.”

Players included sons or relatives of ex-Kiwi and former Vodafone Junior Warriors coach John Ackland, former Vodafone Junior Warrior and ex-South Sydney NRL forward Neccrom Areaiiti, 2015 Vodafone Junior Warrior Isaiah Cooper-Tetevano, former Vodafone Junior Warriors prop Visesio Setefano, ex-Kiwi trialist Paul Nahu and 2015 Vodafone Warriors rookie prop Albert Vete.

While players featuring had predominantly come through the rugby league system, many were from secondary schools rugby union and a group of players also returned home from Australia to trial.

Mann said registrations were still open for Sunday’s trial in Whanganui where the Vodafone Warriors were keen to provide an opportunity to rugby league and rugby union players from the central North Island region as well as others from the South Island.

Mann said the Vodafone Warriors were grateful to Mid Central Zone general manager Lisa Rewiti for helping to co-ordinate the trial and volunteers and Wellington Zone general manager Jason Hemson for assisting Wellington players to attend the trials.

COOKS GARDENS, WHANGANUI

Sunday, October 17

Open Trial

Registration | From 9.00am

Games | From 10.00am

https://www.warriors.kiwi/news/2015/10/13/nyc_open_trial_big_s.html

​

 

[mt.wellington]

Whanganui NYC trial all set
Richard Becht
Fri 16th October, 01:22PM

Up to 130 players are expected to push their claims at the Vodafone Warriors’ open NYC trial at Cooks Gardens in Whanganui on Sunday.

While registrations will remain open until the day of the trial well over 100 players from both rugby league and rugby union backgrounds have already signed up to take part.

“We have players coming from Wellington, Manawatu, Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay, Bay of Plenty, Poverty Bay, Wairarapa and Horowhenua plus Whanganui and we even have some making the trip from Otago,” said Vodafone Warriors academy and pathways manager Duane Mann.

“We’ve had great support for this trial, the first we’ve ever staged outside Auckland, especially from (general manager) Lisa Rewiti and staff from the Mid Central Zone as well as Wellington.

“This is also about involving local coaches and referees as we continue to search for talent. We certainly hope to be able to select some players from those we see on Sunday to join our NYC squad for offseason training in November and December.”

Former Vodafone Warrior Herewini Rangi is bringing players from Gisborne while Vodafone Warriors scouts and Wellington zone general manager Jason Hemson have been instrumental in pulling together a group of contenders from the Capital.

The Whanganui trial follows the highly-successful annual two-day trial in Auckland last week. A group of 10-15 players from the Cornwall Park event are to be offered the chance to train with the NYC squad next month.

A group of about 150 hopefuls travelled from as far afield as Queensland and Christchurch as well as Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Northland. While players featuring had predominantly come through the rugby league system, many were from secondary schools rugby union.

The trials have proved successful in providing contract opportunities over the last few years.

Three of this year’s NYC regulars – wings Tomas Aoake and Paul Ulberg plus loose forward Jazz Tevaga – were ultimately signed through their performances at the NYC trials.

COOKS GARDENS, WHANGANUI

Sunday, October 18

Open Trial

Registration | From 9.00am

Games | From 10.00am

https://www.warriors.kiwi/news/2015/10/16/whanganui_nyc_trial_.html

 

[mt.wellington]

Warriors run eye over local talent
By Jared Smith
6:22 AM Monday Oct 19, 2015

THROUGH THE GAP: Wanganui's Haze Reweti spots an opening and goes through to score during the Warriors trials at Cooks Gardens yesterday.PHOTOS/BEVAN CONLEY

AROUND 90 teenagers had plenty of open ground to show the Vodafone Warriors development coaches that they are worthy of a contract at Cooks Gardens yesterday.

The first National Youth Competition (NYC) trial held by the club outside Auckland had a few less attendees than anticipated, but all the talent known to the club from the lower North Island was there to press their claims.

After registering what positions they preferred at the start of the morning, the players were split into teams for nine-a-side matches, with the wet weather adding to the challenge.

Football events co-ordinator Jordan Friend, the son of former Kiwi Clayton Friend, said during the second match that they had already earmarked 10 players showing potential, for another session at the end of the day.

Many of this current crop, born between 1996-98, were relatives of players who have gone on to play in the NRL, with surnames like Luke and Taylor being prominent.

Friend said with several of the current Junior Warriors Under 20s squad moving on, there are openings for bolters to earn consideration.

The club recently purchased a home stay in Auckland for players from outside the big city to be able to stay while they are with the wider Under 20s squad.

"For some guys, they don't have family up there so Auckland is like Sydney in many ways," said Friend.

Also patrolling the sidelines with his clipboard was Duane Mann, the Warriors academy and pathways manager who played 29 games for the Kiwis and captained both the New Zealand and Tongan test teams.

Mann said the nines format allowed all the players to touch the ball regularly, rather than being out of sight in a 13-man game, while getting more space to run and having to show "effort to defend".

"Some kids may grab us just by speed and size.

"A lot of these guys we hear about through the zone competitions.

"The trial is about trying to step up as much as they can."

Any prospects spotlighted yesterday will join around 10 others from the other NYC trial held in Auckland last week to train with the current Under 20s squad and perhaps earn a contract.

"It's definitely easier for these boys - us coming to them rather than them coming to us," said Mann.

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/wanganui-chronicle/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503424&objectid=11531320

 

[mt.wellington]

On trial in Whanganui
Mon 19th October, 11:34AM

Players gathered from far afield for the Vodafone Warriors' open NYC trial in Whanganui. Image | www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

Players turned up from far and wide for their chance to impress as the Vodafone Warriors’ open NYC trial at Whanganui’s famed Cooks Gardens on Sunday.

It was the first time the club had held an NYC trial outside Auckland.

Vodafone Warriors academy and pathways manager Duane Mann said there was strong regional representation with players gathering from as far afield as Australia, Invercargill, Dunedin and West Coast as well as Wellington, Palmerston North, New Plymouth, Hawera, Levin and Whanganui.

He also said the Mid Central Zone and local volunteers had provided excellent support in helping to run a full day of trials.

The Wanganui Chronicle attended to cover the trial.

https://www.warriors.kiwi/news/2015/10/19/on_trial_in_whanganu.html

 

[Wellington Warrior]

Anyone know what happened to Tiaan Wilkins?? Came across with a bit of promise yet doesn't seem to have played at all. Judging by his Facebook posts from August last year about how unprofessional the Warriors are I'm guessing he won't feature at all this year...