News

Northern Swords 14s – RuLA Competition

The Northern Swords U14s travel to Tauranga to play in the RULA Regional Tournament. This is the third year that the Swords have participated in this tournament, previously we have sent an U13s team, but this year the structure has changed to focus on the U14s Grade. The Swords 14s are coached by Jimmy Croft with Mike Hetaraka the Team Manager. They will face Nationals (toa Samoa), Auckland Maori, Counties Manukau, Bay of Plenty and Coastline. The Swords 14s have five players who will be backing up from the U15s Nationals so are fairly confident that they will be competitive at this tournament.

Northern Swords Premiers – Round 6 v Akarana Falcons

Premiers Swords Coach, Jon Renes, has built a youthful squad that has seen vast improvements throughout the campaign and although the score line remains on the negative side of the ledger the squad remains upbeat and is committed to improving performance after performance. In the weekend they trailed 16 – 6 at half time against an Akarana team that was desperate to prove to critics that they are the force that they have been in previous years. In the past the Swords would have capitulated and conceded a heavy score line against their Auckland counterparts – however they were able to hold onto a very respectable 40 – 12 loss.

Woden Rams Tour

Rugby League Northland again welcomes our Australian Brothers from the Woden Rams in Canberra to Northland. This is the third year they have come to the wonderful Northland. Originally, the link was established via Kalani Going, who started playing Junior League for the Rams while a part of the Canberra Raiders Academy. Going is the Grandson of Northland Great Union player Sid Going and the nephew of League Stars Thomas and Kylie Leuluai.

RLN Competition, Communication and Admin Manager – Vacancy

The role of RLN Competition, Communication and Administration Manager is shortly to become vacant. Toni Haldane has been with RLN for three years and has made a huge difference to the organisation. Unfortunately Toni has decided to leave RLN which presents an opportunity for someone new to come and stamp their mark. If you wish to apply for the role please send your CV and a Cover Letter to alex.smits@nzrl.co.nz. Applications close 21 October 2015.

Edward Irving Wins NZRL Pirtek Volunteer of the Month

It is with great pleasure that we congratulate Edward Irving, the Northern Swords Premiers’ Manager, for winning this month’s NZRL Pirtek Volunteer of the Month Award. Ed has been integral to the Swords Premiers this season. His commitment to the team to the whole of the Swords Reps (including the 14s, 15s and 17s), has exceeded beyond the day to day Team Manager requirements.

Northern Swords 2015 Merchandise Available

2015 Swords Supporters Merchandise is now available, get in quick as limited stock only. Contact rln@nzrl.co.nz to place your order. YES – Orders can be couriered but additional charges will apply.

Northern Swords 15s and 17s Squad – NZRL Got a Trade Got It Made National Tournament

The final squads named for the Northern Swords 15s and 17s to participate in the NZRL Got A Trade Got It Made National Tournament, hosted at Puketawhero Park, Rotorua between Monday 28th September and Friday 2nd October.

Swords 15s and 17s – NZRL Nationals – Draw

Swords 15s and 17s Draw for the 2015 NZRL Got a Trade Got it Made National competition, hosted in Rotorua between Monday 28th September and Friday 2nd October.

Barney Wharerau Memorial 9s

In the Barney Wharerau Memorial Nines (BW9s) Tournament the Hikurangi Stags made it a clean sweep of Premier Trophies as they defeated the Otangarei Knights in a Golden Try winner 16 – 12. Eight teams contested the bi-annual tournament that was started to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of Barney Wharerau who tragically passed away while playing for the Otahuhu Gazelles.

Final Second Thriller Ends Swords Dreams

The Northern Swords almost created the biggest upset in the history of the NZRL National Premiership on Saturday at Lindvart Park, in Kaikohe, as they led 28 – 24 with less than a minute left on the clock. The Swords were deep into the Orcas half on attack when on 5th and final tackle their attempted drop goal got charged down. Orca winger, Patrick Ahnau was first on the scene from the charge down toeing it ahead to commence a footrace with the Swords covering defence. He was fortunate that the ball popped up cleanly into his hands 5 metres away from the try line to score under the posts as the Swords defence tried desperately to hold him up. Orca’s standoff, Bronson Marino, calmly slotted the 2 points to snatch victory 30 – 28.