Internationals List of Kiwi eligible players in the NRL & NYC 2017

[Selector]

A list of players from all 16 teams teams in the NRL and NYC that I have found to be eligible for Kiwi representative teams.

Have included players who are eligible for the Cook Islands and are therefore technically eligible for New Zealand e.g. Dylan Napa, Tepai Moeroa.

Please post if I have wrongfully listed or not listed players. All players listed have been taken from club websites and the NZRL website and newspaper articles e.g stuff. If you have any questions in regards to how a player is eligible for Kiwi representative teams let me know.

List includes Kiwi players who have played for Tier 2 Nations e.g. Samoa , Tonga and the Junior Kangaroos as under the current rules they are still eligilble for future Kiwis selection but not Tier 1 Nations e.g. Australia . Have also included players who have declared for State of Origin but have yet to represent NSW or Queensland.

NRL
Adam Blair
Herman Ese'ese
Alex Glenn
Jamayne Isaako
Jordan Kahu
Sam Lavea
Matiu Love-Henry
Benji Marshall
Francis Molo
Kodi Nikorima
Joe Ofahengaue
Jaydn Su'A
Nikau Terupe


NYC
Corey Allan
Keenan Palasia
Rory Ferguson
Dray Ngatuere-Wroe
Kegan Tuhuega
Joseph McGuire

NRL
Brad Abbey
Greg Eastwood
Raymond Faitala-Mariner
Sam Kasiano
Richard Kennar
Remis Smith
Chase Stanley
Renouf To'omaga
Francis Tualau

NYC
Morgan Harper
Lopeti Mafi
Reuben Te Kani-Taylor
Giordan Patea
Ofa Finau
Kiko Manu

SG Ball
Johnty Timoti
Thomas Anderson
Mosese Faeamani
Lachlan Talau
Tommy Talau

HAROLD MATTHEWS
Keenan Abbey

NRL
Javid Bowen
Patrick Kaufusi
Kalyn Ponga
Jason Taumalolo
Braden Uele
Anotnio Winterstein
Te Maire Martin
Patrick Mago


NYC
Hiale Roycroft
Kaleb Fuimaono
Emry Pere
Wiremu Greig
Peter Hola
Sean Mullany
Jayden Stevens
Murray Taulagi
Solomon Vasuvulagi

NRL
Lesson Ah Mau
Levi Dodd
Kalifa Faifai Loa
Siliva Havili
Tim Lafai
Luciano Leilua
Mose Masoe
Taane Milne
Jason Nightingale
Russell Packer
Isaac Thompson
Jordan Periera

NYC
Steve Marsters
Rudi Sifa
Patrick Herbert
Walter Fifita

SG BALL
Eniasi Tokelau
Joshua Uta

NRL
Kirisome Auva'a
Kenny Edwards
Bureta Faraimo
Josh Hoffman
Manu Ma'u
Suaia Matagi
Tepai Moeroa
Marata Niukore
Corey Norman
Rory O'Brien
Frank Pritchard
Kaysa Pritchard
Brad Takairangi
Peni Terepo

NYC
Greg Leleisiuso
Beni Valu
Oregon Kaufusi
Frank Salu
Tangi Hokai
Haze Dunster
Emosi Alamoti
Dane Aukafolau
Noel Aukafolau
Tuimavave Afualo
Austin Dias
John Fonua

SG BALL
Dylan Brown
Joe Tapiri
Taufa Afu
Mark Tepu-Smith
Valance Harris

NRL
Danny Levi
David Bhana
Sam Mataora

NYC
Kainoa Gudgeon
Dean Kouka-Smith
Henry Penn
Eddy Tuilotolava
Keanu Dawson
Dylan Clark

SG BALL
Ofa Manuofetoa
William Finau


Harold Matthews
Christian Maanaima

NRL
Sitaleki Akauola
James Fisher-Harris
Peta Hiku
Moses Leota
Sam McKendry
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
Dean Whare
Corey Harawira-Naera
Sione Katoa
Jarome Luai

NYC
Caleb Aekins
Quinn Ma'ealopa
Dean Blore

SG BALL
Shawn Blore
Spencer Leniu

NRL
Anthony Cherrington
Bryson Goodwin
Hymel Hunt
Zane Musgrove
Siosifa Talakai


NYC
Rangi-Paoa Boyce
Tarquinn Butler
Beau cordtz
Mawene Hiroti
Phoenix Hunt
Kalani Ili
Cruz Topai-Aveai
Tyrone William langi Taukamo
Lucky Taavale
Jalen Reweti

SG BALL
Wesley Veikeso
Dalton Armstrong
Hitaua Butler
Jacob Stephenson
Joey Los'e
Harry Larkin
Trevor-Joseph (TJ) Sionetali

NRL
Jeff Lima
Makahesi Makatoa
Junior Paulo
Jordan Rapana
Iosia Soliola
Scott Sorensen
Joseph Tapine
BJ Leilua
Eddie Aiono


NYC
Sione Afemui
Kalani Going
Sato Ketia-Opo
Paul Roache
William Samuel
Logan Spaander
Fabien Paletua-Kiri
Komiti Via Tuilagi
Wesley Tameifuna

SG BALL
Gideon Afemui
Jahlon Governor
Montelle Le'afa
Ranapiri Tau
Zane Wallace
Aublix Tawha

NRL
Poasa Faamausili
Shaun Kenny-Dowall
Isaac Liu
Joseph Manu
Jayden Nikorima
Sio Siua Taukeiaho
Zane Tetevano
Johnny Tuivasa-Sheck
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves


NYC
Adam Pompey
Reuben Porter
Sitili Tupouniua
Tristan Alvarado

SG BALL
Sheldon Rogers
Phillip Makatoa
Bayleigh Bentley-Hape
Awatere Kiwara
Reece Tapine
Miller Leilua
Jonah Theyers
Tyrone Metusela-Su'apaia

NRL
Nelson Asofa-solomona
Jesse Bromwich
Kenneath Bromwich
Slade Griffin
Tohu Harris
Jeremy Hawkins
Jahrome Hughes
Brandon Smith
Shem Tatupu

NYC
Jesse Arthars
Tamutu Afemi-Nohotima
Harlan Collins
Te Rangiatea McDonald
Jirah Momoisea
Augustus Rangihuna
Carlos Swasbrook Murray
Chol Chol
Isaak Pedersen
Kea Pere

NRL
Lewis Brown
Addin Fonua-Blake
Pita Godinet
Lloyd Perrett
Peter Schuster
Martin Taupu
Matthew Wright
Taniela Paseka

NYC
Marvin Curry
Manase Fainu
Alfred Smalley
Amoni Tufui
Eddie Wulf
George Francis
Tevita Funa
Falcon peni
John tuivaiti
Semisi Kioa

SG BALL
Livingston Chee-Kam
Zaan Weatherall
Keith Titmuss

HAROLD MATTHEWS
Riaihe Jacobs
Kaeo Weekes
Armani Biddle

NRL
Gerard Beale
Fa'amanu Brown
Manaia Cherrington
Sosaia Feki
Malakai Houma
Joseph Paulo
Sam Tagatese
Jack Williams

NYC
Joshua Tuilagi
Bessie Aufaga-Tomaga
Jesse Savage
Sione Katoa
Kaisa Tony Apelu Matautia
Jackson Ferris
Donovan Briggs
Kalani Pewhairangi-Charlie
Jonathan Tufuga
Briton Nikora

SG BALL
Jensen Taumoepeau
Fine Kula
Frankie Pele
Ronaldo Mulitalo

NRL
Josh Aloai
Michael Chee-Kam
Watson Heleta
Ryland Jacobs
Wesley Lolo
Esan Marsters
Matt Mcllwrick
Ava Seumanufagai
Sauaso Sue
Elijah Taylor
Tuimoala Lolohea
Malakai Watene-Zelezniak

NYC
Connelly Lemuelu
Kelepi Lui
Thomas Mikaele
Siaosi Toti Fatafehi Nasilai
Oscar Tui

SG BALL
Kiani Marshall
Rua Ngati
Raymond Taumalolo

NRL
Kurt Bernard
Konrad Hurrell
Agnatius Paasi
Nathaniel Peteru
Eddy Pettybourne
Kevin Proctor
Leivaha Pulu
Paterika Vaivai

NYC
Jordan Birch
Kelepi Faukafa
Bostyn Hakaraia
Kobe Tararo
Reihanna Marsh
Zae Wallace
Ethan Paikea
Api Noema-Matenga
Moeaki Fotuaiki
Xavier Johansson
Darius Farmer
Jaxson Pualo

NRL
Simon Mannering
Bunty Afoa
James Bell
Erin Clark
Kieran Foran
David Fusitua
James Gavet
Charlie Gubb
Ata Hingano
Shuan Johnson
Solomone Kata
Mason Lino
Sam Lisone
Isaac Luke
Ben Matulino
Ken Maumalo
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
Ofahiki Ogden
Isaiah Papali'i
Junior Pauga
Nathaniel Roache
Ligi Sao
Patrick Sipley
Toafofoa Sipley
Jazz Tevaga
Bodene Thompson
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
Manu Vatuvei
Albert Vete

NYC
Eiden Ackland
Matt Faitotoa
Melino Fineanganofo
Mark Graham
Chanel Harris-Tavita
Kenese Kenese
Keanu Laumatia-Paki
Jerome Mamea
Anthony Murray
Etene Nanai-Seturo
Nathan Newton
Jordan Pinnock
Soane Hufanga
Preston Riki
Chris Sio
Lewis Soosemea
Elijah Sufia
Dylan Tavita
Kane Telea
Joseph Vuna


Kiwi eligible players whom have played State of Origin or represented Australia/England.
James Tamou
Dan Sarginson
Josh Papalii
Dane Gagai
Ben Hunt
Josh McGuire
Jonathan Thurston
Tony Williams
Valentine Holmes
Dylan Napa
Jordan McLean
Felise Kaufusi
Dylan Walker

 

[Selector]

19 Kiwi eligible players made their NRL debut in 2015.

Felise Kaufusi
Lamar Liolevave
Delouise Hoeter
Manaia Cherrington
Richard Kennar
Raymond Faitala-Mariner
Nelson Asofa-Solomona
Herman Ese'ese
Ken Maumalo
Solomone Kata
Joe Ofahengaue
Kodi Nikorima
Rory O'Brien
Danny Levi
Patrick Kaufusi
Nathaniel Peteru
Mason Lino
Albert Vete
Sam Lisone

24 Kiwi eligible players made their NRL debut in 2016.

David Bhana
Nathaniel Roache
Zane Musgrove
Jayden Nikorima
Josh Aloiai
Leivaha Pulu
James Fisher-Harris
Te Maire Martin
Jazz Tevaga
Abraham Papalii
Javid Bowen
Addin Fonua-Blake
Taane Milne
Toafofoa Sipley
Jaydn Su'A
Remis Smith
Siosifa Talakai
Bunty Afoa
Moses Leota
Joseph Manu
Ma'afoaeata Hingano
Luciano Leilua
Kalyn Ponga
Tautalatasi Tasi

 

[Selector]

Out of humble beginnings, Kiwi-born players are making their mark in the NRL

Source: https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/leagu...born-players-are-making-their-mark-in-the-nrl

When the Warriors debuted in the Australian national rugby league competition, there were just 51 Kiwi-born players in the league. In 2017, there will be over 100. Stuff sports reporter Christopher Reive looks at how the Warriors inaugural season has led to the expansion of the game in New Zealand.'

Through walls of fire, Dean Bell led the Auckland Warriors onto the green pasture of Mt Smart Stadium for their first match in the Australian rugby league competition on March 10, 1995.

"And here they come," the unmistakable twang of Australian rugby league commentator Ray Warren called as the 30,000-strong crowd roared to life.

"Dean Bell will cherish and remember this magic moment in his rugby league career like none other, and Dean Bell has had some magic moments."

Stephen Kearney took his place in the second row with Tony Tuimavave at lock. Bell in the centres, Sean Hoppe on the wing. Australian Greg Alexander and his heavily-taped left thigh slotting in at halfback.



At the other end of the pitch, the likes of Brad Thorn, Wendell Sailor, Allan Langer and Kevin Walters stood stoic with their Brisbane Broncos teammates for the emotional storm they would soon endure.

The hosts might have gone down 25-22 on that night, but since the Warriors' introduction in the league, rugby league in New Zealand has been on the rise at every level.

From their debut in the ARL, to the formation of two national league due to the Super League war in 1997, to the formation of the NRL in 1998, Kiwis have continued to make thier mark on the competition.



New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) Chief Executive Alex Hayton says the increased coverage of the NRL competition since the Warriors' establishment and the Kiwis winning major tournaments in 2005, 2008, 2010 and 2014 has seen the game flourish.

"It has allowed people to see good quality rugby league at home on a week to week basis, provided a pathway for New Zealand born players to aspire to, and given more visibility to Kiwi players competing in the NRL both on TV and at Mt Smart during the season."

And it shows. In 1995, there were just 51 New Zealand-born players in the Australian Rugby League competitions out of a total 663, equalling just 7.7 per cent.

This year, 110 Kiwi-born players are among the 533 total players listed in NRL squads, as according to the teams' websites - just over a fifth of the league.

"New Zealand Rugby League is continuously working to improve the game at all levels from the community to the Kiwis. We have a range of programmes designed to help our players succeed on and off the field.

"We aim to support them to stay at home in New Zealand as long as possible to complete their education, and along with camps and trans-Tasman game opportunities at elite youth level we also have a wellbeing and education programme in partnership with the NRL."


NZRL established operations in seven zones around the country in 2009/10 on the back of the success the Warriors had in initially building interest in the game to help rugby league develop in the regions.

This saw the formation of the Northland, Akarana, Counties Manukau, Upper Central, Mid Central, Wellington and Southern zones, with competitions run between them.

"NZRL is also focusing on growing the women's game, having brought the Kiwi Ferns in under their auspices and are working to establish a women's pathway alongside the men."

The rise of Kiwis in the NRL has been noticed across the ditch as well, and NRL Head of Football Brian Canavan says there is significant talent in New Zealand.

The talent finding their way across the ditch isn't just good from a Kiwi standpoint. It makes the game itself better by providing a better level of competition for spots in the 16 first grade squads.

The Kiwis aren't just there to make up the numbers. The North Queensland Cowboys' Auckland-born lock Jason Taumalolo was named best lock and player-of-the-year in the competition in 2016, while the Melbourne Storm's Auckland-born prop was named best prop in the league.

"We now have many Kiwi-born players not only in the Warriors side but across the competition which we can only believe will lead to more people watching the game and more people playing the game."

Despite the ongoing growth of the game in Australia, New Zealand and further abroad, Canavan would not comment on if there would ever be a possibility for a second New Zealand NRL franchise, saying the league was not looking to expand.

"Clearly it's a goal to ensure the game is played by as many people as possible across a variety of nations. It is certainly encouraging that we are seeing more players from New Zealand and the Pacific Islands in the NRL competition. We hope that trend continues."

At a glance

Reive's Auckland-born 17: 1. Tuimoala Lolohea, 2. Sosaia Feki, 3. Iosia Soliola, 4. Ken Maumalo, 5. Manu Vatuvei, 6. Kieran Foran, 7. Shaun Johnson, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Nathaniel Roache, 10. Martin Taupau, 11. Josh Papalii, 12. Manu Ma'u, 13. Jason Taumalolo. Interchange: 14. Kenneath Bromwich, 15. Sam Kasiano, 16. Greg Eastwood, 17. Sio Siua Taukeiaho.

Reive's Rest of NZ-born 17: 1. Jordan Kahu, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Dean Whare, 4. Peta Hiku, 5. Jordan Rapana, 6. Te Marie Martin, 7. Benji Marshall, 8. James Tamou, 9. Issac Luke, 10. Ben Matulino, 11. Kevin Proctor, 12. Tohu Harris, 13. Simon Mannering. Interchange: 14. Lewis Brown, 15. Bodene Thompson, 16. Elijah Taylor, 17. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.

Kiwi-born NRL players by region

Northland
Adam Blair - second row/front row - Brisbane Broncos
Manaia Cherrington - hooker - Cronulla Sharks

Auckland
Herman Ese'ese - front row - Brisbane Broncos
Alex Glenn - second row/centre - Brisbane Broncos
Francis Molo - front row - Brisbane Broncos
Joe Ofahengaue - front row - Brisbane Broncos
Jeff Lima - front row - Canberra Raiders
Josh Papalii - second row/front row - Canberra Raiders
Iosia Soliola - second row/centre/lock - Canberra Raiders
Junior Paulo - front row - Canberra Raiders
Brad Abbey - fullback - Canterbury Bulldogs
Greg Eastwood - second row/front row/lock - Canterbury Bulldogs
Raymond Faitala-Mariner - second row - Canterbury Bulldogs
Sam Kasiano - front row - Canterbury Bulldogs
Sosaia Feki - wing/centre - Cronulla Sharks
Joseph Paulo - second row/half - Cronulla Sharks
Nathaniel Peteru - front row - Gold Coast Titans
Leivaha Pulu - front row - Gold Coast Titans
Martin Taupau - front row/second row - Manly Sea Eagles
Matthew Wright - wing/centre - Manly Sea Eagles
Jesse Bromwich - front row - Melbourne Storm
Kenneath Bromwich - second row - Melbourne Storm
Felise Kaufusi - front row - Melbourne Storm
Shem Tatupu - centre - Melbourne Storm
Brandon Smith - hooker - Melbourne Storm
David Bhana - second row - Newcastle Knights
Patrick Kaufusi - front row - North Queensland Cowboys
Jason Taumalolo - second row/lock - North Queensland Cowboys
Braden Uele - front row - North Queensland Cowboys
Antonio Winterstein - wing - North Queensland Cowboys
Josh Aloiai - second row - Wests Tigers
Esan Marsters - second row - Wests Tigers
Manu Ma'u - second row - Parramatta Eels
Suaia Matagi - front row - Parramatta Eels
Marata Niukore - second row/centre - Parramatta Eels
Peni Terepo - second row/front row - Parramatta Eels
Sitaleki Akauola - second row/front row - Penrith Panthers
Hymel Hunt - centre - South Sydney Rabbitohs
Zane Musgrove - front row - South Sydney Rabbitohs
Leeson Ah Mau - front row - St. George Illawarra Dragons
Siliva Havili - hooker - St. George Illawarra Dragons
Taane Milne - centre - St. George Illawarra Dragons
Isaac Liu - front row - Sydney Roosters
Sio Siua Taukeiaho - second row/lock - Sydney Roosters
Bunty Afoa - front row/second row - New Zealand Warriors
David Fusitua - wing - New Zealand Warriors
Erin Clark - half/hooker - New Zealand Warriors
James Gavet - front row - New Zealand Warriors
Ata Hingano - half - New Zealand Warriors
Shaun Johnson - half - New Zealand Warriors
Sam Lisone - front row/second row - New Zealand Warriors
Tuimoala Lolohea - half/wing/centre/fullback - New Zealand Warriors
Ken Maumalo - centre/wing - New Zealand Warriors
Isaiah Papalii - front row - New Zealand Warriors
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad - wing/centre/fullback - New Zealand Warriors
Nathaniel Roache - hooker - New Zealand Warriors
Ligi Sao - front row - New Zealand Warriors
Toafofoa Sipley - front row/second row - New Zealand Warriors
Patrick Sipley - front row/second row - New Zealand Warriors
Manu Vatuvei - wing - New Zealand Warriors
Albert Vete - front row - New Zealand Warriors
Kieran Foran - half - New Zealand Warriors
Ofahiki Ogden - front row/second row - New Zealand Warriors
Poasa Faamausili - front row - Sydney Roosters
Izaac Thompson - centre/wing/fullback - St. George Illawarra Dragons
Honeti Tuha - wing - Parramatta Eels
Kurt Bernard - front row - Gold Coast Titans
Malakai Houma - front row - Cronulla Sharks

Bay of Plenty
Benji Marshall - half - Brisbane Broncos
Dean Whare - centre - Penrith Panthers
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves - front row - Sydney Roosters
Bodene Thompson - second row - New Zealand Warriors

Waikato
Matiu Love-Henry - second row - Brisbane Broncos
Kevin Proctor - second row - Gold Coast Titans
Lloyd Perrett - front row - Manly Sea Eagles
Te Marie Martin - half - Penrith Panthers
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak - wing/fullback - Penrith Panthers
Joseph Manu - wing - Sydney Roosters
Zane Tetevano - second row/front row - Sydney Roosters

Taranaki
Makahesi Makatoa - second row - Canberra Raiders
Elijah Taylor - second row/hooker/lock - Penrith Panthers
Issac Luke - hooker - New Zealand Warriors

Manawatu
Kodi Nikorima - half/hooker - Brisbane Broncos
James Tamou - front row - Penrith Panthers
Russell Packer - front row - St. George Illawarra Dragons
Jayden Nikorima - half/hooker- Sydney Roosters

Hawke's Bay/Gisborne
Tohu Harris - second row/lock/centre/half - Melbourne Storm
Simon Mannering - second row/centre/lock - New Zealand Warriors
Peta Hiku - centre - Penrith Panthers

Wellington
Jordan Kahu - wing/centre/fullback - Brisbane Broncos
Jordan Rapana - wing/fullback - Canberra Raiders
Joseph Tapine - second row - Canberra Raiders
Sam Tagataese - second row/front row - Cronulla Sharks
Danny Levi - hooker - Newcastle Knights
Jahrome Hughes - wing/fullback - Melbourne Storm
Jeremy Hawkins - centre - Melbourne Storm
Nelson Asofa-Solomona - second row - Melbourne Storm
Bureta Faraimo - wing - Parramatta Eels
Kenny Edwards - second row - Parramatta Eels
Kalifa Faifai Loa - wing - St. George Illawarra Dragons
Mose Masoe - front row - St. George Illawarra Dragons
Ben Matulino - front row - New Zealand Warriors
Charlie Gubb - front row - New Zealand Warriors

Canterbury
Fa'amanu Brown - half - Cronulla Sharks
Jamayne Isaako - centre/wing - Brisbane Broncos
Eddy Pettybourne - second row/front row - Gold Coast Titans
Lewis Brown - second row/centre/hooker - Manly Sea Eagles
Pita Godinet - half/hooker - Manly Sea Eagles
Matt McIlwrick - hooker - Wests Tigers
Jazz Tevaga - hooker - New Zealand Warriors

 

[Trugoy]

Brilliant work Selector.

The Panthers have Zach Dockar-Clay, Corey Harawira-Naera, Sione Katoa and Malakai Watene-Zelezniak who I believe are all eligible also.

 

[Selector]

Brilliant work Selector.

The Panthers have Zach Dockar-Clay, Corey Harawira-Naera, Sione Katoa and Malakai Watene-Zelezniak who I believe are all eligible also.

Didn't include MWZ and ZDC as they are listed as NSW cup players. Will add the other two.

Will add update the list over the season to include NSW cup, SG Ball and Harold Matthews players.

 

[adelaide rams]

This is great! It would be good to have a list of kiwis in the super league. Not that the kiwis pick any players from there anymore.

 

[mt.wellington]

Amazing work Selector! You are the man.

​

This graphic perfectly illustrates why the Warriors and the NRL invest so much resources into the Auckland area. Simple economics. You get way more bang for your buck. People who moan about this apparent disparity really have no idea whats going on with genuine grassroots Rugby League...

 

[Selector]

Isaiah Papali'i making his NRL debut for the Warriors against Newcastle.

 

[Selector]

TOO-YOUNG RABBIT GUN TURNING HEADS

Source: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...s/news-story/c319c8cd1f4053ed0578904772263826

Meet the 17-year-old turning heads at South Sydney training.

Mawene Hiroti is a Holden Cup centre who has joined the fulltime squad for pre-season training.

Able to play on the wing and fullback, Hiroti has emerged as one of the club’s fittest players.

“He’s unreal. His speed off the mark is something I’ve picked out,” Cody Walker toldPrivate Ryan.

“His physique for a 17-year-old, he’s strong in the gym and very fit. I don’t want to put too much pressure on the kid but he’s got what it takes.”

Celebrating his 18th next month, Private Ryan understands the Kiwi product would have been in line for a place in the Rabbitohs’ Auckland Nines squad if it wasn’t for age restrictions.

Hiroti was also supposed to feature on the wing in the Rabbitohs’ trial game against Manly on the weekend before the NRL intervened.

Last week the club announced the retention of Hiroti until the end of 2019.

Originally from Taranaki, but moved to Australia in 2015 if i'm not mistaken. Represented Australian schoolboys last year.

 

[Selector]

Rayna Whakaari has signed with Sydney Roosters till the end of 2018. Played for Wai-Coa Bay Colts last year.

 

[Selector]

Erin Clark making his NRL debut for the Warriors against Melbourne..

 

[Selector]

NRL: Rotorua student signs with Sydney Roosters

Source: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11817810

Rayna Whakaari, 15, has officially been given a two year contract with the NRL club last week. He came to the club's attention following a training development camp in Australia last year.

The Year 11 student of Tainui and Ngapuhi descent is a centre and has been playing rugby league for three years.

"I was excited when I was told, it's something I've always wanted," Whakaari said.

"The (Sydney Rooster) coaches were helpful, the whole team was pretty close and I really liked the culture," he said.

Whakaari plays for Pikiao Rugby League Club and is in the NZ Maori U16 Rugby League team. He was selected to play in the Pasifika Youth Cup in January and has a scholarship to attend the NZRL National High Performance Club next month.

He also plays rugby union and is part of the Rotorua Boys' High School 1st XV team which represented New Zealand at the Sanix World 1st XV Tournament in Japan last year.

His NRL contract will allow him to finish his education in Rotorua and and travel to Sydney for league commitments during the holidays.

Whakaari follows in the footsteps of former Boys' High student, Reuben Te Kani who moved to Australia last year to play for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs under 20s squad.

 

[Selector]

Brad Abbey named to make his NRL debut for the Bulldogs against the Warriors, this weekend.

 

[Selector]

Kiwis coach David Kidwell cagey on Kalyn Ponga's representativ

Source: https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/spor...y-on-kalyn-ponga-s-representative-future.html

Despite being one of the NRL's best and brightest stars in 2016, Kiwis coach David Kidwell admits he hasn't been in touch with Kalyn Ponga over his rep future.

Last season, the teen prodigy was plucked from the North Queensland Cowboys wider squad to become just the sixth player to make his debut in a finals match.

Born in Western Australia, Ponga qualifies for both the Kangaroos and the Kiwis with his dad being from New Zealand.

While not publicly pledging his allegiance to either Australia or New Zealand, a cryptic Kidwell suggested Ponga had already made his mind up.

"One thing I learnt about last year is I want players who want to play in the Kiwis jersey and that's how I'll be picking the team," Kidwell said.

"I haven't had any communication with Kalyn… I'm looking at all Kiwi players, as far as I know Kalyn hasn't played first grade yet so we have to make sure we have committed people in that Kiwis team that really want to play for the Kiwis."

The utility back would clearly be a great acquisition for either country but at the announcement of new Kiwis assistant coach Steve McNamara, Kidwell seemed intent on making sure players and coaches already in the Kiwis set-up were fully committed to the side.

"We need to move forward, we need to show more commitment there with the players equally the staff as well.

"We need to be fully committed, reset our values and standards in the Kiwi team and make sure we're all aligned to move forward.

Surprised that Kidwell hasn't at least contacted Ponga and spoken to him.

 

[Selector]

Simi Sasagi has signed with Newcastle Knights till the end of 2019. Played for Samoa u16s at the Pasifika Youth held earlier in the year. Is from the Ellerslie Eagles club.

 

[Selector]

Corey Harawira-Naera named on an extended bench for the Panthers to play the Knights.

Braden Uele named on an extended bench for the Cowboys to play the Knights.

 

[Jay M]

Surprised that Kidwell hasn't at least contacted Ponga and spoken to him.

Thought Ponga made his debut and played a couple of games last year... If Kidwell doesn't know that - I'd be surprised/disappointed!

 

[Selector]

Corey Harawira-Naera making his NRL debut for Penrith against Newcastle.

Four Kiwi eligible NRL players have so far made their debut this year.

 

[Selector]

Three Kiwi eligible players have been named to possibly make their NRL debut in round 5.

Renouf To'omaga and Francis Tualau have been named on an extended bench for the Bulldogs against Brisbane.

Jacob Gagai brother of Dane Gagai has been named on an extended bench for the Knights against Cronulla.

 

[Selector]

Naufahu Whyte from Kelston Boys High has signed with Sydney Roosters till the end of 2019.