Auckland enjoy comeback win over Koori U16s

nswrlmedia — Sat, 25 Jan 2025 00:47:35 +0000

Auckland enjoy comeback win over Koori U16s

Author : NSWRL

Auckland enjoy comeback win over Koori U16s

The NSW Koori Under 16s team have gone down 26-16 to an Auckland Development Under 16s team in an entertaining match to end their week-long tour in New Zealand.

After winning the opening game 36-8 against Maori Under 16s on Tuesday the Koori players took a lot of confidence heading into today’s match at the Auckland Rugby League home ground at Cornwall Park in suburban Epsom.

NSW led 12-0 after the first 20 minutes. The 60-minute game was played across three 20-minute quarters.

“But the Auckland boys came out strongly in the second 20 (minutes) to lead 18-12 going into the final quarter,” said NSW Koori team manager, Scott Mieni.

“They continued the momentum they had built to score twice more to our one try.”

NSW points came from two tries to halfback Morgan Carter and one to winger Bailey Pickvance, while No.6 Jaylin Moran kicked two goals. Lock forward Jack Asplett was voted NSW Koori Players’ Player.

Players from the Auckland Development and NSW Koori U16s come together after full-time (Photo – NSWRL)

Conditions were far superior to the wind and rain that plagued Tuesday’s game.

“It was great for Rugby League today with a slight breeze for both sides, running left to right,” Mieni said.

“There was also a good crowd to watch the boys.

“We started the game well but obviously they got the better of us in the second quarter.

“They made a lot of yards up the middle as our marker-defence was well below par. The coach (Jake Foster) spoke about that during the break but the Auckland players continued to steamroll us a bit.

“They were a very physical side with a few bigger bodies in their pack but that’s no excuse.

“It was a really hard-hitting game and pretty electric too, as both sides had speed out wide when the ball got out there.”

The NSW side flies back to Sydney tomorrow (Friday) with conversations already happening around plans for next year’s fixtures.

The 19-member team was selected after the annual Talented Aboriginal Athletic Program (TAAP) camp at the NSWRL Centre of Excellence last December.

In previous years the NSW Koori have played a Queensland Murri side but this time an opportunity arose to play two games in New Zealand.

“It was really good to see the Auckland Development side with great talent and depth,” Mieni said.

“That made this game and Tuesday’s such great tests for us.

“The Koori coaching and support staff are already talking about the possibility of making this an annual event to keep building on the experience and benefits this tour has brought.”

National Finals Action Photo Galleries

NSW U16s Koori team named ahead of Queensland clash

ourfooty — Fri, 16 Dec 2022 03:33:44 +0000

NSW U16s Koori team named ahead of Queensland clash

Author : NSWRL

NSW U16s Koori team named ahead of Queensland clash

The NSW Under 16s Koori team has been named to face the Queensland Murri Carnival Under 16s next month, reviving a contest that has been absent in recent years due to scheduling issues and then the COVID pandemic.

The match is now set for Saturday 28 January at Bill Norris Oval in Beenleigh, on Brisbane’s southern outskirts.

Fittler impressed by skills on show at Indigenous camp (Photo : NSWRL)

This highly-anticipated game between some of the best Indigenous talent in Rugby League has its roots in work done by Steve “Bear” Hall, who passed away in March 2019.

He held positions within the NSWRL in a career spanning 26 years in coaching, development and mentoring roles with Western Suburbs and the Wests Tigers, as well as the state body.

Hall started the Under 16s Indigenous program in 2003 and was the original NSW team manager.

“Steve’s influence on the growth and development of Indigenous Rugby League players of all ages, cannot be overstated,” NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden said.

“He was tenacious and dedicated to his culture as well as to the game.

“It is such a good thing to see this significant game up and running again because it means a great deal to many people.”

The 22-strong NSW team was named via an independent selection process including former Indigenous NRL players, current Indigenous pathway managers from across the game including the NSWRL, regional representative teams, and the NRL.

NSW Under 16s Koori Squad

Tashiem Abbott, Tyler Abbott, Jace Baker, Jaylen Bishop, Joe Bull, Lori Cosgrove, Tyrell Edwards, Kyson Freer, Glassie Glassie, Riley Hamilton, Brayden Hughes, Matari Kelly, Lochi Moses, Jonah Moss, Brayden Nean, Hayden Nye, Antwone Quinlan-Randall, Nate Simpson, Preston Smallwood, Darcy Smith, Soul, Tuiletufuga, Xavier Williams-Byers.

NSW u16 Koories Archives - OurFootyTeam

Auckland enjoy comeback win over Koori U16s