Rugby League Nationals

Over the three-day Rugby League Nationals Competition, St Paul's 1st XIII team displayed tremendous spirit and resilience. Day 1 was a promising start, with the team securing impressive victories in both of their matches. Firstly a great win over MAGS winning 24-0, followed by a 26-0 win over Southern Cross Campus. Their teamwork, skill, and determination shone through, giving them a strong position heading into the second day.

Day 2, however, proved to be a challenge. The boys faced tough opposition and, despite their best efforts, lost both of their matches, including the all-important semi-final. The young men lost their third game against Rotorua Boys 18-22 and then the semi-final 4-24 against St Thomas of Canterbury. It was a disappointing outcome, especially after such a dominant start, but this did not dampen the team's resolve.

In true St Paul's brotherhood, the young men rallied around one another, showing solidarity and pride even in the face of adversity. Their unity and character stood out, as they finished the competition in 3rd place overall, winning the 3rd/4th game against Rotorua Boys 12-6—an achievement to be proud of, highlighting not just their skills on the field but their strength as a team.

From this competition, a few young men were chosen for representative honours. Six players in total were chosen from St Paul’s 1st XIII to represent New Zealand for their respective grades. Congratulations to the following young men.

NZ 16s:

• Justice Alexander Pua

NZ 18s:

• Tyrone Hurt-Pickering
• Noah Hetutu-Davis
• Atapana Su'a
• Waka Tate
• Compton Purcell

Thank you to our coaching and management team for their efforts throughout the competition. Thank you to Alan Ettles, Sefo Fuimaono, Ben Collins, Blade Collins-Kamuhemu, Phil Sargent, Thomas, Mr Sharma, and Mr Ryan.

Finally, a huge thank you to our parents and caregivers for your continued support throughout the competition.

God bless.

U15 Rugby League Nationals 

SPL U15 Rugby League Team Celebrates Gold at the New Zealand Secondary Schools National Tournament!

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that our U15 Rugby League Team has achieved a stunning victory at the New Zealand Secondary Schools Rugby League National Tournament, bringing home the gold medal…once again!  

Friday 6 September
Our campaign kicked off with an impressive performance against Tokoroa High School. The boys were in top form, with Lorenzo Ekeroma standing out as a key player. The scoring was led by Lorenzo Ekeroma, William Fotu, Marko Pauli (two tries), George Alatini, Michael Te'o, Daniel Kali, and Bronson Fisiiahi adding five conversions. Tokoroa High School, unable to keep up with our relentless attack, had to invoke the Mercy Rule at halftime with the score at 42-0, and the game ending early.

Later that day, we faced Tamaki College and the team delivered another stellar performance. Tries were scored by Lorenzo Ekeroma, Mita Tate, Michael Te'o, Frehdlo Tupai Porter, and Daniel Kali, with three conversions by Bronson Fisiiahi. The final score was a commanding 26-0, showcasing our team's skill and determination.

Saturday 7 September 
The intensity of the tournament escalated as we encountered two highly physical teams. First, we battled James Cook High School. This match was crucial for those who had not yet had the opportunity to play. Despite a hard-fought game, we ended with a 10-10 draw. Tries were made from George Alatini and Daniel Kali and a conversion kicked by Manaia Hetutu-Davis.

Our semi-final against Putaruru College was our toughest challenge yet, featuring intense physical play and strong defensive efforts. The game was a test of our team's cohesion and composure, and we came through with a convincing 20-0 win. Tries were scored by Marko Pauli, Daniel Kali (two tries), and Michael Te'o, with two conversions made from Bronson Fisiiahi and Manaia Hetutu-Davis.

Sunday 8 September - The Grand Final
The grand final at Bruce Pulman Park was a day to remember. The atmosphere was charged with excitement, and our boys were ready to give their all. The defensive effort, led by Lorenzo Ekeroma, Uli Toki Fisiifetau, Compton Vaka, and Mita Tate, was exceptional, setting the foundation for our win. Bronson Fisiiahi's tactical kicking pinned Southern Cross in their own half, while Daniel Kali, George Alatini, Michael Te'o, and Billy Faifua made strong runs out of our red zone.

The final score of 14-0 was a testament to our team's discipline, teamwork, and composure. Tries were scored by Lorenzo Ekeroma and George Alatini, with one conversion by Bronson Fisiiahi. William Fotu added the only try in the second half. Despite the score not fully reflecting their tireless efforts, our boys left everything on the field.

Remarkably, our team conceded only 10 points throughout the entire tournament, an incredible achievement that underscores their defensive prowess and determination.

Tournament Achievements:

• Player of the Match: George Alatini
• Player of the Tournament (u15): Daniel Kali
• New Zealand Secondary Schools U16 Boys team: George Alatini
• Coach of the Tournament: Junior Fiu 
• Trainer of the Tournament: Taisyn Williams 

This victory caps off an incredible season, where the majority of our players have won 3-4 championships this year, which is a testament to the boys managing their workloads.

• SPL Auckland Rugby League Schools Champs
• SPL U15 Rugby B Section Champs
• NZ Secondary U15 School Champs
• Auckland Rugby League Grass Roots Champs (Bronson (Ellerslie), Marko, Siale Piutau and Ati (Mangere East).  

A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated coaches Maryn Murray-Tiava’asu’e (who guided the team throughout the season but missed the Nationals due to his wedding - congratulations Coach), Coach Junior Fiu (who led the team at the Nationals), Taisyn Williams (who was Assistant Coach), Tammi Wilson Uluinayau (Physio), Mrs Fiu (Manager and teacher in charge), and Ms Eniata (Manager). 

A very special thank you goes to our sponsor ‘On Target Drill Limited’ for their contribution towards this campaign.  Also to all the families and supporters whose backing made this success possible.

Congratulations once again to our SPL Rugby League Under-15 team for their outstanding achievement! Your hard work, unity, and perseverance have set a new standard of excellence and left a lasting legacy!

Confortare Esto Vir!