School stars eye up Aussies

MEDIA RELEASE

July 1, 2014

School stars eye up Aussies

New Zealand’s schoolboy league stars will have a chance to pull on the national jersey this year, with confirmation of a fixture against a touring Australian state side.

A Kiwi schools side will take the field against New South Wales Combined Schools on Tuesday, September 23.

The Auckland venue is yet to be confirmed.

This game is part of an expanding calendar designed to present more international opportunities to our young talent.

“We already have school coaches telling us their players are targeting selection for this game and we’re hoping to make it an annual event,” says NZRL high performance and football manager Tony Iro.

The NSW side are due to play a second tour game against a South Island selection.

Meanwhile, St Thomas of Canterbury College have nailed down the southern berth for the premiership division at this year’s NZRL Secondary Schools Tournament.

St Thomas finished runners-up in last year’s development competition, but have edged out Aranui High School for a spot in the higher grade at Papakura’s Bruce Pulman Park from September 1-5.

Six teams have now qualified for the event’s premiership, headed by defending champions Kelston Boys High School.

NZ Secondary Schools Nationals Qualifying

Premiers (16 teams)

Defending champions - Kelston BHS

Northland (one team) - Kamo HS

Akarana (four teams)

Counties Manukau (four teams)

Upper Central (one team)

Mid Central (one team) - Tu Toa-Wananga

Wellington (two teams) - Wainuiomata HS & Taita College

Southern (one team) – St Thomas of Canterbury College

Wild card (one team)

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