Auckland’s College Rugby League First XIII competition will have a potent Vodafone Warriors flavour when St Paul’s College and Kelston Boys’ High School clash in the match of the round this afternoon.
The two schools have produced more Vodafone Warriors NRL players than any other schools in the country, some of whom will be on the sideline when the rivals face off at the Marist Rugby League Club’s home ground, Murray Halberg Park in Rangeview Road, Mount Albert (4.00pm kick-off).
The two schools have added a special touch to the top-of-the-table encounter by having a curtain-raiser between St Paul’s College juniors and Kelston Intermediate School (3.20pm kick-off). Vodafone Warriors old boys from both schools have also been encouraged to attend.
Current Vodafone Warriors David Fusitu’a and James Gavet are Kelston Boy’s High School old boys while Agnatius Paasi, Bunty Afoa and Chris Satae are St Paul’s College alumni as well as ISP regular Junior Pauga.
Other Kelston Vodafone Warriors include ex-Kiwi captain Duane Mann, former Kiwis Awen Guttenbeil, Tuimoala Lolohea, Ben Henry, Epalahame Lauaki and Bill Tupou as well as Patrick Ah Van.
St Paul’s College boasts the great Stacey Jones along with Joe Vagana, Nigel Vagana, Francis Meli, Jerome Ropati, Evarn Tuimavave, Elijah Taylor, Sione Lousi, Suaia Matagi, Siliva Havili, Pita Godinet, John Palavi, Sam Lousi, Misi Taulapapa and Shannon Stowers.
In a twist to the plot today, St Paul’s old boy Meli is now on the “other side” coaching Kelston Boys’ High School while Dave McDermott, who previously coached Kelston to title successes, is director of sport at St Paul’s.
