Teenagers on Brink of Bigger Things

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Teenagers on Brink of Bigger Things

In the days leading up to the 2015 NZRL Awards on February 4, we take a look at the finalists in each category. Today, we consider the Domestic 16s Player of the Year, won by Southern Zone’s Rory Ferguson in 2014.

These are players on the cusp of NRL and international careers, and although the NZ 16s did not have a fixture this year, many of our top players in this age group were part of the NZ Secondary Schools that defeated NSW Combined High Schools at Papakura in September.

NZ Rugby League provides a wide range of other opportunities for these athletes to display their wares during the season, including the National Performance Camp, Secondary Schools Nationals and Got A Trade? Got It Made! Youth Nationals.

Watch out for these names in the future, as they begin their journey through the NRL junior ranks over the next 12 months.

Soane Hufanga (Akarana Zone)
Hufanga has been a cornerstone of the Richmond Rovers pack for the past two seasons, helping that club win the Auckland RL 16s championship.

He helped guide St Paul’s College to the Auckland Secondary Schools title and was named to the tournament team, as they finished runners-up at the national event.

Hufanga was part of the triumphant NZ Schools team, was named in the NZ 16s “paper” side and, at representative level, led Akarana Falcons to victory at the national youth tournament, earning Outstanding Player honours.

Earlier, in the year, he had taken out the “Courage” prize at the National Performance Camp and has been contracted by the Newcastle Knights.

“He has a high work ethic, and is very respectful, helpful and modest,” says club coach Darren Okesene. “A great young man with outstanding prospects … as big as he is, he is gentle and has a heart of gold off the field.”

Hayze Perham (Upper Central Zone)
Perham has earned a reputation was part of the Rotorua Boys High School first XV rugby side, but has shown just as much promise in rugby league, earning a contract with the Penrith Panthers.

At the National Performance Camp, he was named 16s MVP, after scoring a try and creating another in Team Luke’s 28-20 win over Team Mannering. Perham also took out the “Leadership” award at the camp.

He was named BOP/Coastline Youth Player of the Year, and was named in the national youth tournament team and NZ 16s “paper” side.

“Hayze is an exceptional talent and is climbing the rugby league ranks at a great speed,” says Upper Central Zone general manager Sash Stosic.

“Although Hayze has been playing rugby union, he has maintained his commitment with rugby league as best as he can among his school responsibilities.”

Josh Uta (Counties Manukau Zone)
Uta has also achieved at most levels of the game over the past 12 months, leading the Auckland Vulcans 16s to victory over a NSW Country side as Man of the Match.

At the National Performance Camp, he earned selection in the NZ 16s “paper” side, after a strong showing in the trial game.

Representing Manurewa High School at the secondary schools nationals, he was selected to the tournament team and subsequently turned out for the NZ Schools team, scoring a try in their comeback victory over NSW Combined High Schools.

Uta also stood out for Counties Manukau at the youth nationals, also earning selection for the tournament team on that occasion.

He has also linked with the NRL Penrith Panthers club.

Who will take out the Domestic 16s Player of the Year award?

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