The Northern Swords 2014 – 15s and 17s campaign – kicked off on June 22nd when they held their annual RLN – NZRL Performance Camp at Kensington Park. 80 (40 at each age) of Northland’s best 15s and 17s trialed for a place in the 15s and 17s Northern Swords squads.
Click on the links below to see the selected Train On Squads:
Seniors Train On Squad – also view article from the Northern Advocate
This Saturday will see the first of the Bi-Annual Barney Wharerau 9s Tournament. The Senior 9s Tournament will be part of a festival of Rugby League with the Northern Swords playing against the Wellington Orcas at Lindvart Park in Kaikohe. The day will see rounds played between 10am and 12noon, then the Swords game at 12 with the 9s tournament concluding in the afternoon.
The Barney Wharerau 9s is a memorial tournament celebrating the life of Bernard (Barney) James Wharerau, Barney descended from Waima and Moehau in the Hokianga, he was the youngest of ten children. Barney tragically died on Sunday 17 September 1995 aged 29 on the field playing Rugby League for the Otahuhu Gazelles. Barney left behind four children, Ina, Teau, Otene and Anthony.
The Tournament is being driven by the Wharerau whanau and is launched this year to commemorate the 20th year of his passing. The Kaupapa behind the tournament is to remember the family man, to contribute back to his community, but most importantly giving back to the game he loved, Rugby League.
The day forms part of RLN’s strategy to bring the Swords to the community, we have a young team that we are working with for the future, by bringing a festival in to surround the day will help bring in extra supporters. The NZRL National Competition is hugely competitive and of an incredibley high standard. Come down to Kaikohe and enjoy some high class Rugby League. Bring your Whanau (free entry), support the Swords and be a part of the first ever Barney Wharerau 9s Tournament. Also forming part of the day will be the Swords 15s and 17s who will down to support the premier team. The Swords 15s and 17s are in a training camp in preparation for their National Tournament which starts on September 28th in Rotorua.
