Vodafone Warriors players dominate the New Zealand Residents 18s set to face Taurahere at Bruce Pullman Park in Papakura on Saturday (2.00pm kick-off).
Of the 18-man squad named, no fewer than 11 are with the Vodafone Warriors this year or are signed to join the club in 2018 while another player in the side also has links.
Eight of them played for the Vodafone Junior Warriors in the NYC this year – halfback Paul Turner, prop Soane Hufanga, hooker Lewis Sio, back rowers Javvier Pitovao and Tyler Slade, hooker-halfback Dylan Tavita, hooker Sheldon Rogers and wing Kayal Iro.
The others included are back rower Dredin Sorensen-McGee and 2018 signings Seth Tauamiti and Hayze Perham.
Prop Tauamiti has been playing for St Thomas of Canterbury College while utility Perham was playing rugby union for the Rotorua Boys’ High School First XV.
Four of the players have also been named in the New Zealand Secondary Schools team – Iro, Sio, Pitovao and Perham.
NEW ZEALAND RESIDENTS 18s
Upper Central: Hayze Perham, Sheldon Rogers
Akarana: Mikey Williams, Matt Timoko, Emmanuel Tuimavave-Gerrard, Soane Hufanga, Lewis Sio, Javvier Pitovao, Tyler Slade, Kayal Iro
Mid Central: Awatere Kiwara, Wesley Veikoso
Counties Manukau: Dylan Tavita, Dredin Sorenson-McGee
Southern: Seth Tauamiti, Jordan Riki, Daniel Sakisi
Northland: Paul Turner
- Vodafone Warriors players in bold
TAURAHERE 18s
Brisbane Broncos: Dre Ngatui-Woe
Cronulla Sharks: Fine Kula
Gold Coast Titans: Darius Farmer, Jackson Paulo
Manly Sea Eagles: Zaane Weatherall, Mark Tepu-Smith
North Queensland Cowboys: Peter Hola, Sean Mullany
Parramatta Eels: Joseph Taipari, Vallance Harris
South Sydney Rabbitohs: Mawene Hiroti
St George Illawarra Dragons: Steven Marsters
Melbourne Storm: Kelma Tuilagi, Kea Pere
Sydney Roosters: Baylee Bentley-Hape, Phillip Makatoa
Canberra Raiders: Ranapiri Baker, Aublix Kaharoa-Tawha
