Here is the Starting 13 Line up for Round 7 of the NZRL National Competition – Northern Swords v Rockcote Canterbury Bulls, playing this Saturday 10th October at Toll Stadium, kick off at 1:30pm. The curtain raiser is the Scott Electrical Sparkies v Placemakers Chippies who kick off at 11:30am. Gates will be open at 11:00 – Adults $5, children 12 and under Gold Coin koha.
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.
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.
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.
Round 4 Northern Swords Starting 13. A huge thanks to our Foundation Club Sponsors for your support and contribution towards getting our Northern Swords on the field.
It was a festival of Rugby League in Kaikohe on Saturday. Given the torrential downpour on Friday night and Saturday morning, the weather gods turned on a beautiful day for Rugby League. Masses of kids and Whanau turned up to celebrate a day for youth with a junior festival leading into the game between the Swords Young Guns and the might of the Counties Manukau.
Jon Renes Northern Sword’s young guns showed guts and determination in the opening match of the NZRL National Premiership as they drew the final forty minutes 4 all. The second half results demonstrating that Jon Renes’ young team can match it at National League level. With 11 players under the age of 22 and 3 players aged 18, plus a total of 8 debutants, the team on paper is very inexperienced and in the first forty minutes they certainly showed their inexperience. The Swords received the ball from kick off and looked like they were going to be competitive as they marched up field with power and control to complete their first set. The Vipers then had the football, the Swords looked to control the defense line which they did until the Vipers chanced their arm and ran the ball on the final tackle to the surprise of the Swords defense exposing a vulnerable left edge to score in the corner.
The Northern Swords are team building for the future, with 15 players under the age of 22 in their squad they are looking to build the foundations of a successful team on and off the field. With such a young team, Rugby League Northland are calling out to all Rugby League fans to come along and support the Swords Young Guns as they take on the Counties Manukau Stingrays this Saturday in Kaikohe.
A big weekend of Rugby League for the Northern Swords Premiers this weekend as the Swords take on the Mid Central Vipers. Coach Jon Renes has compiled a solid team that will push the Vipers all the way. Congratulations to Israel Tahere and Te Tuhi Tipene named as co-captains. This is the 3rd season they will both represent. The team is a great mix of experience and youth with 8 debutants. Congratulations to players making their senior Swords debut enjoy the moment – this is the NZRL National Premiership: Tamati Leach, Kawana Marsden, Brodee Palmer, Eli George, Herewini McGregor, Stevie Ray Haenga-Albert, Hoani Tahana, Pana Matiu.
While the dust settles around Rugby League Northland’s historic Grand Final, the Northern Swords have been quietly going about their business as they prepare for the upcoming NZRL National Premiership. Coach, Jon Renes and his management crew are building a new era that will, over time, see the Swords become a competitive unit that will provide an opportunity to National Representative honors, while at the same time building pride and recognition for the Northern Swords brand in Northland.